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9 Thanksgiving Book Club Ideas That Are Either Free Or Cheap
Thanksgiving is the perfect time to bring a little extra warmth and creativity into your book club gatherings! Whether you’re looking to save money or just want to add a festive flair without spending a lot, I’ve put together 9 fun and easy Thanksgiving Book Club Ideas that are either totally free or budget-friendly.
From exciting activities to thoughtful discussion prompts, these ideas will help make your book club meeting feel extra special without breaking the bank. So, grab your favorite cozy blanket, a cup of tea, and let’s dive into some festive ideas to make your next book club meeting one to remember!
Play Book Club BINGO
Looking for a fun way to kick off your Thanksgiving book club meeting? You have to check out this cute and fun Book Club BINGO game!
It’s a total hit and will have everyone laughing and chatting in no time.
The game is filled with bookish items like coffee mugs, stacks of books, reading glasses, and more.
It’s super easy—just print out the cards and callouts, and you’re ready to play.
With 20 unique bingo cards, it’s perfect whether you’re hosting a small, cozy gathering or a bigger event.
Trust me, this game is the perfect way to get everyone engaged while still keeping things light and fun!
Host a Thanksgiving Potluck Inspired by the Book
Food brings people together—especially on Thanksgiving!
Why not have each member bring a dish inspired by the setting, theme, or characters from your current book?
It gives everyone a chance to share their culinary skills while bonding over great food and conversation.
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Play Pass The Prize
Next, this super fun Pass the Prize game is one of the best games for any occasion! It’s a simple and engaging activity that works for any group of almost any size!
All you need is a small gift and this printed poem, and you’re ready to go.
Attendees will read the poem and pass the present around the room based on the instructions in the poem. Whoever holds it at the end gets to keep it!
This method is perfect for adding a festive twist to your gathering without much effort.
If you need prize ideas, here are some fun Thanksgiving and fall-themed options that are affordable and perfect for different ages:
- Fall-Scented Candles (I have this one and can’t wait to use it as soon as the weather begins to cool!)
- Thanksgiving Oven Mitts or Kitchen Towels
- Pumpkin Spice Body Care (this smells amazing and leaves skin incredibly soft and smooth to the touch!)
- A Thanksgiving-themed bookmark (this one is made of sturdier material than you’d usually find but is still affordable – so cute!)
- Pumpkin Spice Tea Set
- Cute n’ Cozy Fall Socks
- Vintage Journal (my husband bought me this one as a surprise and I get compliments on it all the time at Starbucks!)
Thanksgiving Book Exchange
One of the best Thanksgiving book club ideas I like is a Thanksgiving book exchange!
Each person can bring a wrapped book—old or new, a favorite or a fun find—and swap it with someone else.
With this, everyone leaves with something new to read. It’s an easy way to add a fun surprise to the meeting.
RELATED: 13 Fun High School Book Club Activities That’ll Make Every Meeting Unforgettable!
Thanksgiving-Themed Discussion Questions
While discussing your current book, why not ask some Thanksgiving-themed questions to mix things up?
Regardless of the topic of the book, asking these questions could spark interesting and fun conversations!
Here are a few Thanksgiving-themed discussion questions you can ask about your group’s current book:
- If the main character hosted a Thanksgiving dinner, who would be invited, and what kind of chaos (or peace) might ensue?
- What Thanksgiving dish best represents the protagonist’s personality and why?
- Does the book have a theme of gratitude or family? How would those themes play out during a Thanksgiving celebration?
- If you could invite one character from the book to your Thanksgiving dinner, who would it be, and what would you talk about?
- What is one tradition from the book’s setting or culture that would pair well with a Thanksgiving celebration?
- How would the relationships in the story change if the characters were forced to spend Thanksgiving together?
- What role does food play in the story? Could any of the meals or gatherings be compared to a Thanksgiving feast?
- If the book’s setting changed to a Thanksgiving holiday, how would that impact the story? Would the tone, actions, or relationships shift?
- Which character would you trust to cook Thanksgiving dinner, and who should absolutely not be allowed near the kitchen?
- If the author included a Thanksgiving scene, what conversations or conflicts do you think would arise during the meal?
RELATED: How To Start A TBR Jar And Unlock Your Next Great Read
Thanksgiving-Themed Decorations & Dress Code
Transform your space with some Thanksgiving decor!
Think of cozy blankets, pumpkins, and fall leaves.
You can even ask your members to wear their favorite fall sweaters or something Thanksgiving-themed to add to the festive atmosphere!
It’s a simple touch but can make the meeting feel extra special and seasonal.
Host A “Thankful for Books” Roundtable
Before diving into your usual book discussion, have everyone share a book they are thankful for and why it holds a special place in their heart.
It could be a childhood favorite, a book that changed their perspective, or something that brought joy during a tough time.
This is a great way to foster deeper connections and kick off your meeting on a grateful note.
Fall Or Thanksgiving Trivia
Prepare a fall or Thanksgiving-themed trivia game based on the book you’re reading, or mix general book trivia with fall or Thanksgiving facts.
Split the group into teams and see who wins!
Check out this fun autumn trivia quiz set (it comes with four games!)
And that’s about it!
That wraps up my favorite Thanksgiving Book Club Ideas to make your next gathering festive and fun (without spending a ton!)
Whether you’re adding a game, sharing a meal, or sparking deep discussions, these ideas will surely bring a little extra joy and creativity to your book club this holiday season.
I hope you found some inspiration for your meeting!
Oh, and by the way…
If you’re looking for more fun and easy ways to jazz up your book club, don’t forget to check out my growing collection of book club games and activities!
Here you will find interactive games that will take your book discussions to the next level.
It’s perfect for book clubs that love to laugh, chat, and dive deep into their reads. You can grab it here!
Happy Thanksgiving, and happy reading!
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