10 Creative Friendsgiving Ideas to Celebrate with Your Crew Before the Holidays
Friendsgiving doesn’t have to mean cooking all day or setting a perfect table. It’s about celebrating your friendships before everyone disappears for Thanksgiving travel and family plans. Here are 10 simple, creative Friendsgiving ideas that make it easy to gather your people and make memories—without the stress.
1. Friendsgiving Doubles
Play a few rounds of tennis or pickleball, then celebrate with cider and snacks courtside. Active, easy, and no dishes to wash.
2. Fore & Feast
Hit the golf course for a relaxed round, then follow it up with a potluck brunch or dinner.
3. Rally & Refuel
Play a quick game, then set out a picnic with everyone’s favorite fall treats. Keep it casual—store-bought is totally fine.
4. Match & Mingle
Coordinate outfits, plan a friendly competition, or host a mini “Friendsgiving Olympics.” Winner gets bragging rights (and pie).
5. Serve & Share
Invite a new friend and use the time to swap stories or fun facts between games. Great for mixing groups and building new traditions.
6. Court-to-Brunch
Start your morning with an early game or walk, then go straight to brunch. No outfit change needed—just show up and eat.
7. Gratitude Games
Between turns or rounds, take a moment to share one thing you’re thankful for this year. It’s quick, easy, and keeps the focus on what matters.
8. Coffee & Catch-Up
Grab lattes and meet for a short match, walk, or hangout before work. Call it a mini Friendsgiving reset.
9. Picnic Club
Skip the dinner table—bring everyone’s favorite snacks, a blanket, and hang out outdoors. Perfect for parks, backyards, or your local court.
10. The Fall Classic
Make it an annual tradition. Each year, rotate who hosts and what activity you do—sports, game night, cooking challenge, or creative craft night.
Tips for Hosting a Low-Stress Friendsgiving
Keep it simple. Focus on time together, not perfection.
Make it active. A short walk, game, or round of tennis keeps energy up.
Divide the dishes. Assign sides, snacks, and drinks so one person isn’t stuck doing it all.
Start early. Hosting in late October or early November gives everyone breathing room before the holidays.
Quick Friendsgiving FAQ
When should you host Friendsgiving?
Usually the weekend or week before Thanksgiving—but there are no rules.
What do you do at Friendsgiving?
Eat, play games, share gratitude, and relax. You can host a meal, brunch, picnic, or casual hangout.
Do you have to cook?
Not at all. Store-bought food, potlucks, or outdoor snacks are totally fine. It’s about spending time together, not perfection.
Friendsgiving doesn’t have to mean hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re playing, brunching, or just catching up, the best tradition is the one you actually do. Send this to your group chat and start planning now.