15 Ways To Celebrate Baby’s First Thanksgiving

There are loads of adorable Thanksgiving picture books out there. Some are intended especially for babies, like this very cute board book featuring black and white illustrations. Or you could opt for some toddler Thanksgiving books that you can then read to your child every year, summoning up cozy memories of sitting on Dad’s lap post-pumpkin pie.

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There is no shortage of incredibly sweet “first Thanksgiving” outfits available for purchase. Etsy has everything from bibs to bonnets to booties. I also really love this fun, retro looking onesie. Or if you’re looking for something more colorful, this gobble-themed romper might be more up your alley.

If you’re from a big family, Thanksgiving may be an incredibly hectic day for you, and you might be like “dude, I have no time for board books or special outfits. I’m just trying to find a polite way to keep Aunt Sandy from blowing her cigarette smoke into my kid’s face.” If so, then this may be the least labor intensive option for you. Wait for someone to bring out the turkey, then you hold the baby up next to the bird. Snap photo. Later, print the pic and put it in a special, Thanksgiving photo album that is solely used for this purpose. Repeat this ritual every year going forward, and you will be able to look back and marvel at how your little one goes from being the same size as the turkey, all the way to being big enough to carve the bird himself.

Depending on your child’s age, they might be old enough to have their first sampling of some Thanksgiving delicacies. Shoot a little video of them taking their very first bite of stuffing or turkey, or their face upon tasting Grandma’s special chipped beef salad. Then be sure to reward them with a big bowl of Cool Whip they can put their face into. (Safety note: As with any new foods, if you aren’t yet aware of your child’s allergy status, be careful what you let them try.)

Traditions all start somewhere, and this is an opportunity to establish something special your family does every year. Maybe you take a walk together through the woods or a park before or after the meal. Maybe you measure and mark everyone’s height on the door facing. Maybe you write down one thing you’re grateful for and put it in special jar. (Baby can leave a handprint or make a scribble.) Whatever you do, make it about family, and time together.

If you’re a crafty kind of fam, now is a great time to bust out the construction paper and glue. Every year, you can try a different craft. (Or do the same one.) Bonus: They can all can be saved and used as decorations for the next year. Trust me, way better than an inflatable pilgrim in your front yard. A Little Pinch of Perfect has a very cute design for a handprint turkey, FYI.

OK, this is perhaps a bit over the top, but I can’t resist. However, if dressing your child like the actual meal feels a bit wrong, well, you could always go for dressing your baby like the meal in happier times? There are loads of hilarious turkey costumes out there to choose from.

Maybe you’d like to surprise your little one with a special Turkey Day toy? Well, then might I suggest this felt pumpkin pie? Or this plush doll and bag set? Or this little crocheted gobbler?

Yes, your kid is too small to understand the idea of charity. But if it’s something you do every year, you establish not only a tradition, but a lifelong association of Thanksgiving as being a time to not only be grateful, but a time to give back. Maybe you can do a family ‘Fun Run’ for a local fundraiser. Or visit someone who is homebound, and unable to get out to see family or friends. Or maybe you drop off some groceries at a local food bank. Whatever it is, make it about family, time together, and helping those in need.

Make a little video of moments from baby’s first Thanksgiving, including messages from friends and family members. Maybe even ask friends and family what their favorite Thanksgiving memory is. This is something that can be enjoyed for years to come, long after baby is grown.

Why not pick a special song that your family sings or listens to together every Thanksgiving? It can be silly or sweet, whatever feels right. Or, you can go for a song just for kids. Or something by Billy Joel. Or BTS. (Might I suggest “Butter” for a true Thanksgiving theme?) The song itself doesn’t matter, really. What matters is that it’s something that you always sing before pie, or listen to when you’re making the pie, or whenever feels right. The idea is to establish the tune as your special family Thanksgiving song, in honor of your new family.

Get crafty, and make a little ornament to add to that year’s Christmas tree. This can be a yearly Thanksgiving activity, until you’ve accrued a whole set of special ornaments. Be sure to write the year on each one!

I mean, why not? This plush gobbler is not only cute, it actually asks holiday questions or suggests Thanksgiving activities when you press on its stomach. Be sure to keep this guy under wraps during the rest of the year,, which will make his appearance every Thanksgiving extra fun!

This sweet game will inspire gratitude as well as some giggles. Simply pass the wooden pie around the table, and ask each person to select a piece, then answer the question on the back. Questions are things like: “What are you most grateful for?” and “What food are you thankful for?”

Get your new family one of these lovely Thanksgiving journals. Every year you can add a photo of that year’s Thanksgiving, as well as what you, your partner, and baby are grateful for. (Baby can leave a scribble or handprint until she’s able to talk.)