Why your little ones deserve a Kid’s Friendsgiving this year

We all know that kids have had a tough time this year. With limited contact with friends since March, they’ve had as tough a time as we have missing friends and longing for the normal social contact we took for granted.

In recent years, Friendsgiving became super popular with adults. It meant a day that included lots of wine, adult conversations, and a relaxed atmosphere, which is a nice contrast from the pressure of a traditional Thanksgiving meal.

Why not give the kiddos something special to look forward to this year too? Whether it’s with just a couple of friends that you feel comfortable having over, some close cousins, or their own siblings, planning a special day just for them can be just the thing that makes them feel normal again.

Here are four fun tips from event planners to host a memorable kid’s Friendsgiving, as shared by event planners Anaise and Lupe of DACAL events, who created this scene for Festively’s Holiday events and gift guide styled shoot.

4. Set the scene

So they can feel special and all grown up, make sure to set up a special table just for them. Find a vendor to make a balloon arch or balloon wall, or make one of your own. Balloons can make the space feel fun and kid-friendly. Cute extras like balloon animals are fun for the kids to play with.

Whether indoors or outdoors, Teepees definitely say Thanksgiving! Kids love playing inside their teepees and lets their imaginations run wild. You can rent teepees or have the kids make their own tents (forts) with some sheets, add some string lights, and let them loose.

This is also a great way to create a space just for them to talk, play games, and just enjoy each other’s company.

3. Cutest turkeys at the table

A great way to make kids feel connected with each other is with matching outfits. If they aren’t already, they will become instant besties!

You can buy matching t-shirts, or order custom aprons so they all look like little chefs. Even matching bows or hats can make them feel extra special.

2. Keep them entertained

When we plan an event with kids in mind, it’s all about keeping them off their phones! Set up activities like a coloring station and DIY cookie decorating station that they can do on their own or together. You can even have a mini competition to see who decorates them best.

Rent fun extras like giant jenga and giant connect 4 to keep them playing outdoors. If you don’t have a big space or yard, head to the park or other outdoor space for the event.

1. Let them eat cake! Or whatever they want!

Eating picnic style is a great option. Set up low tables, put pillows down, and let them sit on the ground instead of on chairs. This makes it feel like a picnic, plus since it’s hard to keep them still, they can get up whenever they want.

A charcuterie board on top of the table is a great option because kids love grabbing what’s in front of them.

For the main food station, have a lot of finger food already put into individual plates and cups. They don’t really eat full plates of food, so small snacks here and there, like mini hot dogs, fries, etc. are just the right size.

A dessert table with Thanksgiving-themed desserts is a must! Customize the treats with fun sayings, shapes, and even their names.

Create a fun interactive dessert, like a smores station. Let them (safely) make their own smores and watch them get excited about adding their favorite topics.