13 Fun Ways to Celebrate Your Baby’s First Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving - a time for friends, family, delicious food, and endless expressions of gratitude. But this year is special. Why? Because you’ve got a new little turkey in the family! Your baby’s first Thanksgiving is a milestone worth celebrating - even if your little one won’t eat the turkey or gobble down mashed potatoes quite yet. Still, that doesn’t mean you can’t make it memorable.

Here are some creative and meaningful ways to celebrate your baby’s first Thanksgiving.

1. Dress Your Baby in Thanksgiving-themed Outfits

Let’s be honest – dressing up your baby in an adorable Thanksgiving outfit is an absolute must. Think turkey onesies, little pumpkin hats, or cute bibs that say “Little Butterball.” This is the perfect opportunity to take heart-melting photos that you’ll cherish for years to come. Just remember to have a backup outfit ready for when (not if) your baby has a bottle-spilling or diaper-leak incident.

Our Gentle Suggestion: If you feel extra crafty with your Thanksgiving ideas, consider a DIY onesie decorating project using fabric markers or iron-on decals. This could be a fun activity for the whole family, and you’ll have a personalized outfit for your baby.

2. Capture the Moment with a Thanksgiving Photo Shoot

Babies grow so fast, and you’ll want to remember every little detail from their first Thanksgiving. Set up a mini photo shoot with a fall-themed backdrop - pumpkins, autumn leaves, and maybe a cozy blanket. You don’t need a professional photographer - a phone camera and some good lighting work wonders. Add in some playful props, like a tiny stuffed turkey, and watch the cuteness unfold.

Don’t forget to take a family picture! Sure, it might take 50 attempts to get a semi-decent shot where the baby isn’t crying, but the effort will be worth it. You can even make it a tradition to take a family Thanksgiving photo every year.

3. Create a “Thankful For” Keepsake

Thanksgiving is all about gratitude. Even though your baby might be too young to understand what it really means, it’s never too early to start family traditions. Create a “Thankful For” board or scrapbook where family members can write down what they’re grateful for, including sweet notes about your baby. Years from now, your child will be able to look back and read all the heartfelt messages.

Our Gentle Suggestion: If you’re more into DIY crafts, make handprint or footprint art with your baby. A painted handprint turkey or a tiny footprint transformed into a pumpkin can make for adorable keepsakes. Trust me, you’ll love these.

4. Introduce Your Baby to Family Traditions

Think about your family’s favorite Thanksgiving traditions and consider how you can include your baby in them. Maybe it’s watching the Thanksgiving Day Parade together or taking a family walk after dinner. Even something as simple as reading a Thanksgiving-themed children’s book can become a meaningful ritual.

Not everything needs to revolve around food, which is great since your baby isn’t quite ready for a Thanksgiving feast. However, introduce them to family traditions in a small, age-appropriate way. It can make the day extra special.

5. Plan a Baby-Friendly Feast

No, your little one won’t eat stuffing and cranberry sauce just yet, but you can have fun creating a mini “feast” for them. If your baby has started solids, think puréed versions of Thanksgiving classics, like butternut squash or sweet potatoes. For younger babies who are still bottle-fed, there’s always the classic option - a cozy cuddle while they enjoy their bottle.

Our Gentle Suggestion: Use your baby’s feeding schedule to your advantage. Feed them while everyone else is eating so that you can enjoy your meal with fewer interruptions - because we all know a hungry baby waits for no one.

6. Watch the Thanksgiving Day Parade Together

Watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a time-honored tradition for many families, and your baby will probably be fascinated by the bright colors and larger-than-life floats. While your little one may not appreciate the marching bands or celebrity performances, they’ll likely be mesmerized by the action. Snuggle up on the couch, a warm bottle nearby, and enjoy this festive experience as a family during your baby’s first Thanksgiving.

Our Gentle Suggestion: If your baby has a favorite stuffed animal or blanket, be sure to keep it close by. A little comfort item can work wonders if the excitement becomes too much.

7. Incorporate Baby-Friendly Décor

Thanksgiving décor doesn’t have to be all breakable ceramic turkeys and candles. Consider adding some baby-friendly decorations like soft plush pumpkins or a sensory corner with autumn-themed toys. A playmat with fall colors or leaf-shaped teethers can add to the festive spirit while keeping your baby entertained.

You can even create a “baby’s first Thanksgiving” sign to hang up or use as a photo prop. The key is to make your home feel festive and safe.

8. Host a Virtual Family Meet-Up

If you have relatives who can’t make it to your family Thanksgiving celebration, consider a virtual meet-up. It’s a great way for everyone to see your baby’s adorable Thanksgiving outfit and for family members to share what they’re thankful for. You might not be able to pass the mashed potatoes through the screen, but the shared smiles and laughs are priceless.

Our Gentle Suggestion: Make sure your device is charged and ready to go. And don’t stress if your baby decides to steal the show by screaming or falling asleep mid-call. Everyone understands!

9. Set Up a Baby-Friendly Play Area

With all the Thanksgiving hustle and bustle, it’s a good idea to set up a safe, cozy space where your baby can play and relax. Use a playpen or a cushioned mat, and fill it with their favorite toys. This way, your little one has a place to hang out while you (attempt to) have an adult conversation or enjoy your meal. Although you should watch your little turkey like a hawk, this setup can provide a few precious moments of peace.

And if all else fails and your baby ends up glued to your hip, remember: you’re creating memories together, one way or another!

10. Take a Gratitude Walk

If the weather cooperates, take your baby out for a Thanksgiving Day walk. Fresh air can be a welcome break for everyone, especially if the house is full of cooking smells and relatives. As you stroll, point out things to your baby, like leaves, trees, or squirrels. Sure, they might not understand, but the sensory experience is wonderful for them, and it gives you a moment to reflect on everything you’re thankful for.

Plus, if your baby is feeling fussy, a walk often does wonders to calm them down. It’s a win-win!

11. Relax and Savor the Moment

It’s easy to get caught up in making everything picture-perfect but remember: it’s your baby’s first Thanksgiving. This day is as much about you as it is about them. Being a new parent is hard, and the fact that you’ve made it to this milestone deserves a round of applause (and maybe a slice of pie, too).

If things don’t go exactly as planned, give yourself some grace. Babies don’t care if the table setting is Instagram-worthy or if you managed to cook a flawless turkey. They care about being loved, fed, and comforted. So, take a deep breath, savor the chaos, and know that you’re doing an incredible job.

12. Make a Time Capsule

If you’re thinking of Thanksgiving activities for kids, consider creating a time capsule. It is a unique and meaningful way to capture memories of your baby’s first holiday celebration. Gather small items that are special to your family at this moment in