40 Thanksgiving Conversation Starters (Not Politics)

By Cedar & Ledger

A good question at the table can turn a quiet, awkward dinner into the part everyone remembers. These Thanksgiving conversation starters are friendly for mixed ages and mixed opinions. Pick a few, put them on slips in a bowl, or have the youngest person at the table read them out.

Easy warm-ups (good for kids)

What food could you eat every single Thanksgiving forever?
If you could invite any character from a book or movie to dinner, who would it be?
What's the best thing that happened to you this year?
Pie, stuffing or mashed potatoes: which one wins?
What's something you learned this year that surprised you?
If our family had a mascot, what would it be?
What's your favorite thing about fall?
What would you cook if you were in charge of dinner next year?
What's the funniest thing that happened at school or work this year?
If you could have any superpower just for today, what would it be?

Gratitude questions

Who is someone outside our family you're thankful for this year?
What's a small, everyday thing you're grateful for?
What's something hard this year that turned out OK?
Who taught you something important, and what was it?
What's a place you're thankful exists?
What's a kindness someone did for you that you still think about?
What's something about our home you're thankful for?
What's one thing you're looking forward to next year?

Family history and memories

What's your earliest Thanksgiving memory?
What was Thanksgiving like when you were a kid?
Which family recipe should never disappear?
What's a family story you think everyone should know?
What's the worst Thanksgiving kitchen disaster you remember?
Where did our family live before here?
What was your first job, and what did you learn?
What tradition did your family have that we don't do anymore?
What's the best advice a grandparent ever gave you?
Which holiday photo would you save in a fire?

Fun and a little silly

If the turkey could talk, what would it say right now?
What's the most overrated Thanksgiving food?
If you had to replace the turkey with any other food, what would it be?
What would your perfect day off look like, from start to finish?
What song should be the official Thanksgiving song?
If you could live in any decade, which would you pick?
What's a skill you'd learn if you had a free month?
What's the best gift you've ever given someone?
What's on your bucket list for next year?
If our family had a reality show, what would it be called?
What's one thing everyone at this table doesn't know about you?
What should we add to Thanksgiving next year?

How to keep the conversation going

Ask "why?" The follow-up is where the good stories are.
Let kids ask the questions. Adults answer more honestly when a seven-year-old is asking.
Skip anyone who wants to pass. It should feel like a game, not an interview.
Change the subject with a question. If talk heads somewhere tense, pull a new card.

Printable cards

Our Thanksgiving Table Talk & Gratitude Game puts questions like these on printable cards, ready to cut and drop in a bowl. For the kids' table, try Thanksgiving Bingo.

See all Cedar & Ledger templates

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Frequently asked questions

What does this guide cover?

40 Thanksgiving conversation starters for mixed ages: warm-ups for kids, gratitude questions, family memories and silly ones, plus tips.

Do I need a template to do this?

No. A notebook or a sheet you build yourself works fine. Cedar & Ledger also sells spreadsheet templates (I'd earn from a purchase); see the template box at the top of this page.

Is this financial advice?

No. It's general information with example numbers only, not financial, tax, legal or medical advice. Use your own numbers and check anything important with a qualified professional or the official source.