Thanksgiving is a whirlwind, isn't it? You’re juggling mashed potatoes, relatives, and that one kid who’s suspiciously quiet (probably up to something). Between the turkey roasting and Uncle Bob’s stories that you’ve heard a million times, finding a way to keep everyone entertained is no small feat.

Enter: the Thanksgiving Left Right Game. It’s a silly, low-effort game that’s perfect for the holiday chaos and keeps everyone, from your littlest cousins to the grandparents smiling.

Let me walk you through how this game works, how to set it up, and a few tips to make it a Thanksgiving tradition.

What Is the Thanksgiving Left Right Game?

The Left Right Game is a storytelling game that involves passing an item, like a small gift, candy, or even a turkey-shaped trinket, around the table as you read a story filled with the words left and right.

Each time someone hears the word left or right, they pass the item in that direction. By the end of the story, whoever is holding the item gets to keep it.

It’s super simple, requires almost no prep, and leads to some hilarious moments, especially when people get overly enthusiastic and start passing the wrong way.

Why It’s Perfect for Thanksgiving

1. It’s Inclusive: Everyone can play, kids, adults, even that one teenager who’s glued to their phone.
2. Minimal Supplies Needed: You need a story and an item to pass. That’s it!
3. Perfect Between Courses: This game is a lifesaver when you’re waiting for the turkey to finish cooking or giving everyone time to digest before dessert.
4. It’s Full of Giggles: The chaotic passing and occasional mix-ups make it a guaranteed laugh.

How to Play

1. Gather Your Supplies

• A Thanksgiving-themed story with lots of lefts and rights. (Don’t worry, I’ve got a sample story for you below!)
• A small prize to pass around. It could be a mini pumpkin or a bag of candy.

2. Choose a Storyteller
Pick someone with a loud, clear voice to read the story. Bonus points if they can ham it up with dramatic pauses or funny voices!

3. Start Passing
Everyone sits in a circle (or around the table), and the item starts in someone’s hand. Each time they hear left or right, they pass the item in that direction.

4. Crown the Winner
Whoever is holding the item at the end of the story gets to keep it! If you’re feeling generous, you can throw in a small consolation prize for everyone else, like candy or those extra Thanksgiving cookies you baked “just in case.”

Thanksgiving Left Right Story

Here’s a story you can use! Feel free to tweak it to include inside jokes or family traditions, it makes it even more fun.

The Thanksgiving Left Right Adventure

It was Thanksgiving morning, and Grandma Left woke up right on time to start cooking. She left her bed and headed straight to the kitchen, where she realized she had forgotten the right amount of butter. “Oh no!” she said. “I better go to the store right now!”

Grandma grabbed her keys and left for the grocery store. On her way, she turned left at the stop sign and then left at the big oak tree. She found the right parking spot and left her car to grab a cart.

Inside the store, she ran into her neighbor Mr. Wright. “Isn’t this the right time to buy cranberries?” he asked. Grandma nodded and said, “I left my list at home, but I think I’ll get some anyway!”

When Grandma got home, she realized she had left the butter in the car! She turned right around to fetch it. Then she got right to work on the turkey, stuffing, and pie.

Meanwhile, Grandpa was busy fixing the wobbly chair that Aunt Sally always complained about. “I’ll get it right this time!” he said. “I shouldn’t have left it broken for so long.”

Finally, dinner was right on schedule. The family gathered around the table, with everyone sitting in just the right spot. Grandma smiled and said, “I’m so thankful nothing was left anything out of our meal today!”

Tips to Make It Extra Fun

1. Add Multiple Items
   Want to up the chaos? Use two or three items instead of one. People will be scrambling to keep up!

2. Make It Personalized
   Throw in family names or funny Thanksgiving mishaps in your story. Aunt Linda accidentally dropping the gravy boat? That’s comedy gold.

3. Choose a Good Prize
   Make the prize something fun and festive, like a little pumpkin-scented candle or a silly Thanksgiving hat. For kids, candy works like a charm.

4. Use It as an Icebreaker
   If you’ve got new faces at the table this year (looking at you, Cousin Joe’s new girlfriend), this game is a great way to break the ice and get everyone laughing.

 Gift Ideas for Left Right Game

Here’s a list of fun and festive gift ideas for your Thanksgiving Left Right Game. These ideas work for all ages and add a touch of surprise to the game. Remember you will be passing around this gift so don't make it too large.

Small and Affordable Gifts

1. Thanksgiving-Themed Items

   • Cute Mini pumpkins
   • Turkey-shaped cookie cutters
   • Thanksgiving-themed dish towels or oven mitts
   • Fall-scented candles (pumpkin spice, cinnamon, or apple pie)

2. Sweet Treats

   • A bag of seasonal candy (like candy corn or chocolate turkeys)
   • A small box of chocolates or fudge
   • A mason jar of homemade or store-bought hot cocoa mix

3. Fun Trinkets

   • A keychain with a turkey or pumpkin charm
   • Festive socks with fall designs
   • A small puzzle or game

For Kids

1. Toys

   • A small stuffed turkey or plushie
   • Mini coloring books with crayons
   • Thanksgiving-themed stickers

2. Snacks

   • A small bag of gummy bears or other favorite candies
   • Mini popcorn packs

3. Craft Kits

   • DIY Thanksgiving craft kits
   • Beads and string to make necklaces or bracelets

For Adults

1. Kitchen Gadgets

   • Mini spatula or whisk with fall designs
   • A cute wooden spoon with a festive saying like "Gobble 'til you wobble"

2. Self-Care Treats

   • Travel-size lotions or hand creams (pumpkin spice, anyone?)
   • A small box of tea bags or coffee sachets

3. Wine or Beverage

   • Mini bottles of wine or cider
   • A fancy soda or sparkling water bottle

For Teens

1. Cool Gadgets

   • A phone pop socket with a cute turkey design
   • A fun pair of earbuds or headphone covers

2. Gift Cards

   • $5 gift cards for places like Starbucks, Target, or a local ice cream shop

3. Trendy Accessories

   • A fall-themed scrunchie or bracelet
   • A cute notebook or journal

DIY Gifts

If you’re feeling crafty, try one of these homemade ideas:

• Mini Gift Jar: Fill a mason jar with candy, tiny trinkets, or a handwritten note.
• Gratitude Jar: Include small slips of paper with kind messages or affirmations.
• Homemade Baked Goods: Wrap up cookies, brownies, or muffins in festive packaging.

Splurge-Worthy Options

If you want to go all out, these make fantastic options:

• A cozy blanket or throw in autumn colors
• A board game or card game for family fun
• A small turkey or pumpkin figurine for seasonal decorating

The key is to keep it lighthearted and festive. Whether it’s a bag of candy or a cute little trinket, the fun of the game is in the laughs and the memories.

Make It a Tradition

The Left Right Game is more than just a way to pass the time, it’s a memory maker. The laughter, the little mix-ups, and the shared fun become part of your family’s Thanksgiving story.

So, this year, give it a try. Grab a story, pick a prize, and watch as your family turns into a chaotic but lovable mess of passing, giggling, and probably arguing over who went the wrong way. Because honestly, isn’t that what Thanksgiving is all about?

Still wanting more Thanksgiving Fun? Try this Thanksgiving pass the parcel game.