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Digital Marketing Strategy

Create a Content Feast: Hands-On Influencer Marketing Strategies, Trends and Campaign Ideas for Thanksgiving 2025

by Cam Khaski Graglia
Nov 27, 2025
Nov 27, 2025
Digital Marketing Strategy

If you’re anything like the agencies and brands I speak with daily, you already know that Thanksgiving isn’t just turkey day anymore. It’s the emotional kickoff to Q4, a perfect storm where family, travel, gratitude, and shopping all collide in one intensely active week.

It’s also one of the most scroll-heavy weeks of the entire year. People are:

  • Traveling (aka glued to their phones)

  • Searching for recipes, outfits, décor, and hosting hacks

  • Shopping early deals from the sofa

  • Sharing content about food, family, friends, and traditions

And smack in the center of all that behavior? Influencers.

Thanksgiving is the opening chapter of the full holiday marketing season. Once the Halloween décor is packed away, brands immediately shift into November mode: Thanksgiving content, Black Friday hype, Cyber Monday launches, and the slow on-ramp into Christmas.

This is why, in this piece, I want to give you a hands-on, practical playbook for Thanksgiving 2025 influencer marketing, built specifically for agencies and brands who want more than “holiday vibes.” You want real results, reach, engagement, conversions, and content that actually moves people.

 

Thanksgiving in Numbers: What 2025 Is Shaping Up to Look Like

Here’s the thing most brands underestimate, Thanksgiving isn’t just the warm-up act for Black Friday anymore, it’s a marketing moment of its own. And a big one.

Thanksgiving hits a very specific emotional and behavioral sweet spot that brands can’t afford to ignore:

 

Emotional Connection

Gratitude. Family. Nostalgia. Comfort. Togetherness.  No other holiday gives you such a perfect doorway into heart-first storytelling.This is where influencers excel, showing the real, imperfect, human moments that ad campaigns  can’t fake.

 

@taylor.mart We did our thanksgiving early since we will be traveling, the meal was a group effort 😅 #thanksgiving #thanksgivingdinner #food #family #fyp ♬ original sound - Taylor

 

A Pre-Holiday Spending Window

Shoppers are already in buying mode, but still open to inspiration. Food, decor, travel, fashion, gifting, they’re browsing everything with intention, not impulse.

 

@abbiekonnick She came…she saw…she bought every drink in a can imaginable & @Costco Wholesale blocks of cheese the size of her head IN THE NAME OF THANKSGIVING 🫡🍂 next year…new plan 🥴 #costcofinds #thanksgiving #thanksgivingprep #hostingthanksgiving #costcohaul @drinkpoppi @OLIPOP @Clorox @LaCroix Sparkling Water @canadadry ♬ original sound - Abbie

 

Screen-Time Spikes 

Thanksgiving week is one of the highest-scrolling periods of the year. People are traveling (hello, airport TikTok marathons), killing time between meals, looking up recipes, outfits, décor, hosting tips and shopping early deals from their couch.

 

@ryannordheimer friendsgiving pt 1 🍁🦃🍂 on the menu with @Emerald Chan : 🦃 sherry-glazed turkey 🥩 red-wine braised short ribs 🥔 caramelized shallot mashed potatoes 🔥 cherry pistachio baked Alaska . . . . #dinnerparty #friendsgiving #thanksgiving #turkey #fallrecipe ♬ original sound - 𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐚❄️

 

Storytelling Themes People Care About

Gratitude, giving back, community, home, tradition. These themes make campaigns feel meaningful rather than salesy, especially when delivered by creators instead of brands. During Thanksgiving, people trust creators more than they trust brands.

 

 

In a nutshell, during a week built on emotion and belonging, creator recommendations carry even more weight. Thanks to early Adobe 2025 projections and national travel data, here’s the snapshot brands need to understand the opportunity.

 

 

80 million Americans will travel 50+ miles

71M by car, 5.6M by air. You can imagine they’re all scrolling, all searching, all posting. Meaning? Travel equals captive attention.

 

Average holiday spend: $890 per household

Surveys forecast a slight dip from 2024,  meaning shoppers are intentional, not impulsive.The brands that win are the ones that feel helpful, not pushy.

 

Turkey prices climbing to $1.71/lb 

Meal costs inching toward $65–70 for a family of 10. Consumers want smarter meal planning, budget-friendly swaps, and creative recipe content the perfect space for food influencers.

 

316 million pounds of food wasted 

This opens doors for sustainability messaging, portion-planning content, leftover recipe partnerships and eco-friendly brands.

89–91% of Americans still celebrate Thanksgiving

 No matter the economy, the tradition is strong. People want connection, comfort, and good food.

 

The Big Shift: From “Holiday Ads” to Holiday Storytelling

Holiday campaigns hit differently. From Starbucks’ iconic red cups to Macy’s emotional holiday ads, the strongest campaigns of the season always share one thing, authentic storytelling powered by influencers.

 

 

Influencers do more than just post cute Thanksgiving content,  they influence what families cook, how they decorate, what they buy, where they travel, and which brands they trust during the busiest shopping window of the year.

Creators bring three powerful ingredients brands can’t duplicate in-house:

  1. Relatability: They feel like “someone like me,” not a logo.

  2. Context: Your product appears in a real kitchen, real living room, real suitcase.

  3. Continuity: Their audience has watched them for months or years; trust compounds.

So instead of asking What’s our Thanksgiving discount?, you might want to start with something like, What’s the Thanksgiving story our brand has permission to tell, and who are the right creators to tell it?

 

Trend Snapshot: What’s Different About Thanksgiving 2025?

Thanksgiving 2025 is shaping up to be a blend of tradition + innovation, where comfort food meets global influence, décor becomes a design flex, and consumers look for experiences that feel both nostalgic and new.

 

@chloeysri ++ the texas roadhouse roll guest appearance #friendsgiving #thanksgiving #dinnerparty #hosting #potluck ♬ So Easy (To Fall In Love) - Olivia Dean

 

According to Adobe Holiday Insights (2025), Thanksgiving spending is expected to surpass $6.3B, with consumers shifting toward smarter cooking, immersive hosting, and more intentional purchasing choices. And because 89–91% of Americans still celebrate Thanksgiving, brands have a massive opportunity to tap into evolving tastes, habits, and aesthetics.

Before we go tactical, let’s break down the trends, starting with the star of the holiday: food.

 

1. Food Trends for Thanksgiving 2025

Food is the emotional core of Thanksgiving, and in 2025, consumers are approaching it with a mix of nostalgia, creativity, and culinary curiosity. While turkey and mashed potatoes remain non-negotiables, according to Wholefoods 2025 survey, over 63% of surveyed home cooks say they plan to upgrade classic dishes with modern or global twists.

 

Trend #1: Old Favorites With a New Twist

Consumers want comfort plus novelty. Classic dishes aren’t disappearing, they’re being modernised, warmingly modified or being tested by changing core ingredients. Some examples dominating social include:

 

  • Spicy maple–glazed turkey

 

@allthingsbbq This MAPLE ORANGE GLAZED TURKEY is the perfect choice if you're looking for a show-stopping centerpiece for your holiday table! Ingredients 15 lb turkey, spatchcocked Sweetwater Spice Classic Holiday Turkey Bath 1/2 cup Jacobsen Salt Co. Kosher Sea Salt 1 gallon water 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into 8 pats Cattleman's Grill Ranchero Seasoning Maple Orange Glaze: 1/2 cup fresh orange juice (juice of 1.5 oranges) 1/2 cup Tapped Maple Syrup 1/2 cup chicken stock 1 tbsp Texas Olive Ranch Balsamic Vinegar 1 tbsp Kozlik's Dijon Classique 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves Want to simplify this recipe? Try our Traditional Thanksgiving SPATCHCOCKED TURKEY KIT! Visit ATBBQ.COM/Recipes for video and instructions. #ATBBQ #MapleGlazedTurkey #HolidayRecipes #ThanksgivingTurkey #FestiveFlavors #HolidayCooking #TurkeyTime #ThanksgivingDinner ♬ original sound - All Things Barbecue

 

  • Gruyère & herb mashed potatoes

 

@catalinamyy You need to try these delicious cheesy mashed potatoes using @Boursin Cheese Garlic and fine herb 🌿 🧄 🥔 Recipe: 7-8 yukon gold potatoes 1 stick room temperature butter 1 cup warm milk 1/2 tsp garlic salt Salt + pepper to taste 1 pack boursin garlic and herb cheese Fresh chives - simmer your yukon gold potatoes 15 minutes or until fork tender - drain and begin to mash or if you have a potato ricer even better - season with garlic salt, salt, and pepper - add 1 stick or room temperature butter (or you can melt the butter with your milk) - warm up your milk and and begin by pour half the milk with half your boursin cheeese and mix well - add the other half of your cheese and the rest of your milk and mix until you have a fluffy and velvety consistency - adjust salt to taste and finish with fresh chives #boursin #mashedpotatoes #sidedish #easyrecipe ♬ Heaven Can Wait - Dean Martin



  • Truffle mac & cheese (up 42% in TikTok recipe searches)

 

@jaaliyahs Thanksgiving is right around the corner & this white cheddar truffle mac & cheese is a SHOWSTOPPER😮‍💨😍 #macandcheese #macaroni #fyp #cheesy #truffle ♬ original sound - Kardashian clips 🎬

 

 

  • Pumpkin pie brûlée

 

@spicytomatohq Got leftover pumpkin pie filling? Don't toss it, turn it into a rich and creamy Pumpkin Pie Crème Brûlée that's perfect for Thanksgiving or any fall night. This easy dessert has all the cozy pumpkin spice flavor you love, topped with that signature caramelized sugar crust. It's elegant, surprisingly simple, and makes the most of your leftovers. #thanksgiving #pumpkinpie #cremebrulee #pumpkinspice #thanksgivingdessert ♬ So into you - vibinsoundsss



  • Smoked stuffing with rosemary & garlic

 

@pitboss187 Smoked Prime Rib Stuffed with Garlic and Rosemary #pitmaster #livelearnsurvivecanada #saskatchewan #beef #primerib #food ♬ original sound - Cooper


On TikTok, hashtags like #ThanksgivingUpgrade and #GourmetAtHome reached 190M+ views in 2024, expect this to rise.

 

@chriscastellanos No reservations needed for this at home steakhouse dinner! 🥩 #SteakLovers #HomeChef #DinnerGoals #FoodieTok #FoodLovers #HomeCooked #GourmetAtHome #EatWithMe #CookingInspo ♬ sonido original - SONIDOS LARGOS

 

Some ideas for you to exploit this trend are:

  • Launching classic + modern limited edition ingredient bundles.

  • Partnering with creators to upgrade your Thanksgiving classics recipe series.

  • Selling spice blends, gourmet sauces, or flavor kits.

  • Sharing short-form recipe videos using trending audio.

Trend #2: Healthier or Plant-Based Menu Options

Plant-based cooking is part of mainstream holiday cooking. As a matter of fact, 38% of households plan to include at least one plant-based main or side dish. Flexitarians are driving this growth, not strict vegans.

For inspo, here are some of the viral plant-based Thanksgiving dishes in 2024:

  • Mushroom Wellington (Lynja-inspired recipes crushed TikTok)

 

@veganabitofall

BIG DAY WELLINGTON INGREDIENTS: Veg mix: * 2 tbsp olive oil * 1 small onion, diced * 2 carrots, diced * 2 celery stalks, diced * 3 large garlic cloves, minced * 1 tsp fresh thyme, roughly chopped * 1 tsp fresh sage, roughly chopped * 1 tsp fresh rosemary, roughly chopped * Good pinch salt and pepper * 220g mushrooms, blitzed * 90g walnuts, blitzed * 2 tbsp tomato paste * 1 tbsp soy sauce * 1 meat free "beef" stock cube Bowl mix: * 400g chickpeas, drained and mashed * 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs * 2 flax eggs (2 tbsp flax seeds + 5 tbsp water) Spinach mix: * 1 tbsp vg butter, melted * 350g baby spinach * 1 shallots * 1 garlic clove * 1 tbsp olive oil * 1/4 tsp nutmeg Pastry: * 1 puff pasty log * 1-2 tbsp vg butter, melted METHOD: 1. Heat up a pan on medium heat, add the oil, onion, celery, carrots, garlic and sweat down for 8 minutes. 2. Pour the diced mushroom and walnuts into the pan, sauté until they release their water approx 10 minutes. 3. Add the fresh herbs to the pan and sauté for 1-2 minutes. 4. Add the soy sauce, puree and fry for a minute or so. Remove from heat and allow to cool. 5. Once the veg mixture has cooled, add them to a large bowl with chickpeas, breadcrumbs, flax egg, salt and pepper. Mix together (add more breadcrumbs if too wet). 6. Using some cling film roll into a log then pop into the fridge until ready to use. 7. Cook the spinach until wilted then squeeze out the excess moisture. 8. Place the pasty onto the surface, add the spinach then the log. Roll tightly then trim the ends before sealing then seal the ends. 9. Brush over some melted butter then do whatever design comes to the heart. 10. Place in the oven for 35 mins until golden brown. Remove from the oven, set aside for 5-10 mins then serve up and enjoy! by @veganezer #vegan #mushroomwellington #christmasrecipes #plantbased #wellington

♬ original sound - Vegan food - Vegan a bit of all

 

  • Stuffed acorn squash

 

@mallorythedietitian

turkey stuffed acorn squash is my new fave dinner for fall👌🏻 delicious, easy, nutrient-rich…the filling comes together in a skillet while the acorn squash roasts in the oven. I hope y'all enjoy! 🧡 Full recipe below ⬇️ or grab it at https://mallorythedietitian.com/stuffed-acorn-squash-with-ground-turkey/ INGREDIENTS • 3 small acorn squash or 2 large • 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil • 1 lb lean ground turkey • ½ a yellow onion • 2 stalks celery • 1 small apple,  or ½ large apple • 3 cloves garlic, minced • 1 tsp each: fresh rosemary & fresh thyme chopped • ½ c chicken broth • ¼ c dried cranberries or chopped dates • ½ c shredded mozzarella or parmesan • ½ tsp salt • ¼ tsp black pepper HOW TO MAKE IT • Preheat oven to 400℉ (200°C) Line a baking sheet w parchment paper. Cut the acorn squash in half from tip to stem. Remove seeds. Drizzle a little olive oil, salt + pepper and rub it into the squash. Place it on the baking sheet, flesh side up. Roast 40 min - 1 hour, until easily pierced with a fork. • While the squash roasts, chop the onion, apple, and celery. Heat olive oil in a skillet on medium heat. Add the onions, apple & celery. cook until softened, ab 5 min. • Add the garlic, thyme, & rosemary until fragrant, ab 30 seconds. • Add turkey, salt, & pepper and a break apart the meat. Cook until turkey is done, 8-10 min. • Add the broth. simmer 1-2 min to let the liquid absorb. • Turn off heat and add half the cheese & the cranberries. Mix to combine until cheese is melted. • Fill the squash bowls w the turkey stuffing. Top with rest of cheese. • Put back in oven for 5 min or until cheese is melted. If you want to brown the cheese, broil 2-3 min. Storage • store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days Nutrition per serving (1 squash half, filled, makes 6 servings) 300 cal, 24g protein, 32g carb, 5g fiber, 11g fat Dietitian tip 👉🏼 chop the onion, apple, celery, thyme, and rosemary & garlic ahead of time. You can also roast the acorn squash ahead of time. Follow @mallorythedietitian for more recipes! Celebrate the small wins.

♬ Everybody Wants To Rule The World X Electric Love - darcy stokes



  • Tofu roast with cranberry glaze

 

@fitgreenmind Might your your thoughts about tofu… 😌 #vegan #veganrecipes #tofu #glazedtofu #vegancooking ♬ Originalton - Maya Leinenbach

 

 

  • Lentil & walnut “meatloaf”

 

@that.veganbabe Show stoppaaa 🎄 #veganchristmas #veganholiday #veganrecipes #veganmeatloaf #beyondmeat #plantbasedchristmas #plantbased #vegan ♬ All I Want For Christmas Is You - Mariah Carey

 

Brands like Impossible and Beyond saw double-digit YoY spikes in late-November sales.

 

Ways for you to leverage this shift:

  • Promoting plant-based versions of classic Thanksgiving foods.

  • Running collabs with wellness creators like @rachlmansfield or @fitmencook.

  • Build plant-based Thanksgiving bundles.

  • Share plant-forward entertaining ideas.

Trend #3: Flavour Fusion

Thanksgiving is becoming more multicultural, reflecting the diversity of American households. 58% of Gen Z say they’re adding a global-inspired dish to their holiday meal. Trending cross-cultural dishes:

  • Indian-spiced turkey or mac and cheese

 

@brooklyndelhi This Masala Mac & Cheese deserves its own seat at the table! 🌶️😋🧀 #macandcheese #friendsgiving #thanksgivingrecipes #desitiktok #indiantitktok ♬ original sound - BrooklynDelhi

 

 

  • Greek lemon potatoes

 

@vessys_gourmet_kitchen Lemon Greek Potatoes are a just notch above, they simply melt in your mouth Ingredients: 2 lbs yellow gold potatoes 1 1/2 lemon, juiced 1/3 cup @ olive oil 2 cups chicken stock 2 tsp oregano 2 garlic cloves, grated 2 tsp salt Black pepper Method: 1. Preheat oven to 400 F 2. Mix chicken stock with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic. salt, pepper and oregano; 3. Peel and cut potatoes into wedges and drench them into the marinate; roast for an hour as you flip once half way through and devour! 🫠🤤 #potatoes #lemongreekpotatoes #potatorecipe #recipeshare ♬ original sound - GreekTok

 

 

  • Korean BBQ turkey

 

@cooklikeimbook Korean BBQ Thanksgiving Turkey. Turning the main attraction of the show into a huge hit! Make it into a ssamm and youll have a KBBQ inspired thanksigiving. Classic with a modern twist. Weight Watchers clocks this in at 10 points and 45g of protein. So even while youre enjoying all your favorite foods, you're still committed to your goals and fitness are still on the table. Health and fitness isnt an all or nothing mindset nor does it have to be abandoned Brine Ingredients: 300g apple cider vinegar 6 cups water black peppercorn 1 onion 10 garlic Cloves KBBQ Marinade: 20lb turkey 100g soy sauce 30g sesame oil 8cloves garlic 50g brown sugar 1 onion 1 Korean Pear or Apple Tip: when making the compoud butter, use a korean bbq marinade from a jar. Its more concentrated and better for glazing as well STEP BY STEP: Brine your turkey for 10-24 hours Pat it dry Seperate the skin from the flesh and put in a generous amount of KBBQ compound butter under the skin Oven at 350 for 4-5 hours Baste every hour and put the cover back on For the last hour, glaze the whole turkey with KBBQ sauce and in the oven for an additional 45min to 1 hour Let is rest for 20 minutes Enjoy! #weightwatchersparter #turkey ♬ original sound - Calvin

 

  • Trifle with gulab jamun

 

@bakewithayesha Gulab Jamun Trifle cause gulab jamuns are great but sometimes you want something a little different, right?? This trifle gives the perfect combination of sweet, creamy and crispy with the bruleed top and it's SO quick and easy to make, there are no excuses 🙅🏻‍♀️ full recipe including the recipe for the custard is on my we-bsite in my b-io 💗 #gulabjamun #trifle #fusiondesserts ♬ original sound - Ayesha Nemat Khan



  • Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread

 

@katchaomeow Cheddar Jalapeño Corn Bread Casserole 💛 I cant believe I've never tried this before! So delicious and easy. Definitely making the kids make this every year from now on 😇 Recipe is from @Google ! The AI search result was this recipe 👏 good job @googlegemini 🤭 Ingredients: 1 can of whole sweet corn (drained) 1 can of creamed corn 1 box of Jiffy cornbread mix 1 cup sour cream 1 (4oz) stick melted unsalted butter 2 whole eggs 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 4oz diced jalapeños Optional: honey Instructions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a bowl, combine whole corn, creamed corn, jiffy mix, sour cream, melted butter, eggs, shredded cheese, and diced jalapeños. Mix well. Grease 8"x8" baking dish with oil or butter. Pour batter into baking dish. Bake for 50-60 minutes. #thanksgivingfood #sidedish #cornbread #casserole #cornbreadcasserole ♬ Carefree Days - Peaceful Reveries



Influencers like @thegoldenbalance and @feelgoodfoodie are already leading this shift with Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Asian-inspired holiday menus.

 

@thegoldenbalance

This Turkey Recipe >>>> INGREDIENTS 12lb turkey Kosher salt Turkey Compound Butter: ¼ cup fresh sage leaves 2 Tbsp fresh thyme leaves 2 Tbsp fresh rosemary leaves 6 cloves garlic 2 sticks (1 cup) softened butter 2 Tbsp honey ¼ cup hot pepper paste 1 tsp black pepper 1 tsp chili powder 1 tsp paprika 1tsp onion powder 1 Tbsp lemon zest (from about 1 lemon) 2 Tbsp orange zest (from about 1 orange)

♬ Salsa Party 1 - Intermede Music

 

You can activate this trend by:

  • Releasing global-inspired Thanksgiving cooking kits.

  • Highlighting multicultural creators for recipe collabs.

  • Creating content that shows how traditional meals can blend global flavors.

Trend #4: Desserts Are More Than Just Desserts

Thanksgiving desserts are no longer just a nice closure of a copious meal, in the social media scene, they now take an important seat and earned the label of worthy content material.

Some of the most popular ones on social media are:

  • DIY hot chocolate bars

 

@kristinnicolemiller_ Hot cocoa bar for christmas🎄Find everything i used in my Amazon!! Save this hot cocoa station for all your festivities this holiday! Full hot chocolate recipe below: • SLOW COOKER HOT COCOA Ingredients: * 2 cups heavy whipping cream * 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder * 2 cups whole milk * 7 ounces sweetened condensed milk * 8 ounces chopped semi-sweet chocolate * 1.5 tablespoon vanilla DIRECTIONS: 1. Add heavy whipping cream & cocoa powder to a slow cooker. Stir well. 2. Add in the milk, sweet condensed milk, chocolate and vanilla. Stir & cover and set on low for 2-3 hours. 3. Stir every 30-45 minutes to avoid burning. Serve hot with whipped cream, marshmallows and other festive toppings! • • #easyrecipe #hotcocoabar #christmasfood #easydessert #christmasideas ♬ i smell snow - ashley 💋🛍️



  • Decorate-your-own-cookie kits

 

@thepinkcrumbb

Bakers, all products are on my website at www.thepinkcrumbb.shop This greaseproof paper print is NEW and will likely sell fast so please order early. Hope you are having a wonderful day!

♬ Chrismas - Upbeat Music

 

  • Interactive dessert boards (charcuterie-style)

 

@chasingtinytoes 🍫 DIY S'mores Board = the perfect mix of baking, playing, and snacking! This activity was such a win with my kids. They built their own s'mores combos and stayed entertained the entire time. Definitely adding this to our repeat list! Save this for your next cozy night or sweet celebration! #BakingWithKids #SmoresBoard #FunFoodForKids #ScreenFreeFun #CharcuterieBoardIdeas #ChasingTinyToes #MomLife #EasyKidIdeas #FamilyTreatTime ♬ Calm background music with acoustic guitar and saxophone(1288148) - ame



  • Mini dessert flights

 

@brookeortiz_ Mini Cheesecake Flights 🤩😋 Flavors are strawberry crunch, chocolate cookie crumble, cookie butter, & plain with fresh fruit 🍓🍪🍫🫐 #cheesecake #dessert #sweettreat #fyp #fypシ #fypシ゚viral #sahm #sahmlife ♬ original sound - Paul Robinson



On TikTok, #ThanksgivingDesserts hit 300M+ views in 2024, and UGC around drinks grew 68% YoY, especially among Millennials.

 

@aceofspoons If your thanksgiving dessert table doesn't have a space for this easy no bake tiramisu cheesecake, you're simply doing it wrong! ❤️✨ Recipe is on my site or search "tiramisu cheesecake ace of spoons" enjoy!! 👩‍🍳 #tiramisu #cheesecake #thanksgivingdesserts #nobakecheesecake #dessert ♬ original sound - Francesca

 

You can can capitalize on this trend by:

  • Selling dessert or drink-making kits as hosting essentials.

  • Collaborating with creators for visually rich dessert reels.

  • Creating limited-edition seasonal flavors (salted maple, chai pumpkin, cranberry orange).

  • Posting party-ready setups for Pinterest, TikTok, and IG Reels.


For brands, this is prime positioning territory. For agencies, it’s an enormous sandbox for storytelling. And for creators… it’s the most delicious, scroll-heavy week of the year.

 

2. Home & Decor Trends: How Americans Are Styling Thanksgiving 2025

Thanksgiving décor used to be simple, pumpkins, leaves, browns, more browns, and maybe a turkey-shaped candle if someone felt adventurous. But in 2025? The aesthetic has changed dramatically.

 

@vickiwitucki Easy Thanksgiving Tablsecape 🤎 Let me know if you're hosting this week! 👇🏼🍁 #tablescape #tablescapestyling #falltablescape #hosting #thanksgivingvibes ♬ growth - Gede Yudis

 

Consumers are treating Thanksgiving décor the same way they treat Christmas décor, instagrammable, intentional, whole-home,  sustainable, and designed to be shared online.

This shift is being driven heavily by social media inspiration (Pinterest, TikTok, Instagram Reels) and creators who set the tone for what a “modern Thanksgiving home” looks like. Pinterest’s 2025 seasonal report found that searches for “Thanksgiving tablescape ideas” jumped 136% YoY, and TikTok views for #ThanksgivingDecor surpassed 450M last November.

Let’s break down the décor trends reshaping the holiday and how you can turn them into strategic content, product bundles, and influencer briefs.

 

Trend #1: Sustainable Decor Is King

Sustainability, as mentioned previously, is a mainstream expectation.

In 2025, aesthetic plus sustainability equals the winning combo.

 

(Source Accenture Holiday Study, 2025).

 

Consumers are embracing bamboo and wooden décor, recycled-glass vases, linen tablecloths, dried florals, ceramic serveware, reusable cloth napkins and natural centerpieces with foliage, branches, seasonal produce.

 

@krystalynngier In honor of Thanksgiving coming up: here is my fall garland craft that will be used as our table centerpiece this year! 🍂🦃🥧 It was such an easy craft (the full tutorial is on my page), so let me know if you try it! We chat all things mind body & planet on this corner of the internet so I hope you stick around 🌿 . . . #fallcraft #thanksgivingtable #sustainableliving #mindfulliving #consiousconsumer ♬ The holiday theme - Siyana <3

 

You can tap into this trend by:

  • Highlighting eco-friendly materials in product descriptions and creative assets.

  • Releasing zero-waste hosting kits (cloth napkins + bamboo cutlery + ceramic serveware).

  • Partner with sustainability creators for low-waste Thanksgiving content.

  • Using packaging as a storytelling moment: compostable, recyclable, refillable, etc.

Eco-focused creators like @sustainablykristin and @the_eco_stylist routinely drive high engagement with “low-waste holiday hosting tips,” making them prime partners for Thanksgiving campaigns.

 

@kristin_athome Thanksgiving Meal for 4 Cost Less Than $10 #mealprep #budgetfriendly #mealplanning #recipes #thanksgiving ♬ original sound - kristin_athome

 

 

Trend #2: Brown Takes the Backseat, Hello New Modern Color Schemes

Bye to the dark brown orange combos!!! You won’t be missed. Thanksgiving 2025 is all about elevated warmth, with palettes borrowed from interior design trends dominating Pinterest boards.

The hottest colors this season are dusty gold and rose, sage green, shades of navy, rust,  and beige here and there to coordinate.

 

@sine_services Appreciation party #thanksgiving #appreciated #sagegreen #partydecor #intimate ♬ original sound - Dominic Zaca - Gay Thanos

 

These palettes feel modern, calm, and “Pinterest-pretty,” which matters because 70% of shoppers say aesthetics influence their purchasing decisions during the holidays, according to Etsy Trend Report, 2025.

What this means for brands & agencies in terms of opportunity is:

  • Selling color-coordinated tableware (napkins, chargers, linens, plates) will pay off!

  • Launching Thanksgiving style kits featuring curated décor in trending colors.

  • Creating moodboards, Reels, and TikTok-style inspiration showing aesthetic combinations.

  • Working with creators known for home, décor, and DIY aesthetics to set the tone.


Brands like Crate & Barrel and Target saw huge engagement last year by leaning into “earthy minimalism” holiday palettes promoted by creators like @thenester and @homewithkelsey.

 

Trend #3: Whole-Home Cohesion

Thanksgiving used to be a dining-room-only holiday. Not anymore. This year families are decorating multiple spaces, such as entryways, mantels, coffee tables, kitchens, living room corners and yes! Even bathrooms (hello, themed hand towels).

 

@oxford.cape.cod Affordable and easy to throw together, this thanksgiving garland is a great "in between" holiday decoration, as it works for both thanksgiving and Christmas. I love these Joann Craft and Fabric garlands as a base, currently 60% off so $20 each! Everything else was foraged or something I had on hand. #thanksgivingdecor #manteldecor #garlandtutorial #garland #christmasdecor #traditionalhome #fireplace #cozyhome ♬ White Winter Hymnal - Fleet Foxes

 

 

And the centerpiece of Thanksgiving décor? The tablescape.

Searches for Thanksgiving table décor ideas have increased 168% over the past two years (Pinterest Predicts, 2025). TikTok content like How I decorated my Thanksgiving table for under $150 routinely goes viral.

 

@lonefoxhome Let's set a thanksgiving table together! 🎃 🍂 #thanskgiving #tablescape #tablesetting #fall #thanksgivingdinner ♬ Send Me on My Way - Guy Meets Girl

 

A 2025 consumer survey found that 47% of Gen Z and Millennials plan a matching décor theme for the entire home,  not just the table.

What shoppers love:

  • Layered plates + textured linens

  • Candle clusters

  • Personalized place cards

  • Mixed materials (ceramic, linen, glass, wood)

  • Subtle lighting moments

  • Centerpieces that feel organic, not formal

Activate this trend by:

  • Selling matched collections spanning multiple rooms (tablescape → entryway → kitchen).

  • Offering complete décor bundles for Instant Thanksgiving Atmosphere.

  • Sharing step-by-step styling videos with creators walking through their décor setup.

  • Using creators to show “before vs after” transformations, easy virality.

Brands like Anthropologie and Pottery Barn excel at showing fully styled spaces online, influencers often recreate these looks, giving brands a multiplier effect.

 

@ashley.annathome These @potterybarn plates are everything 😍🦃 🧡 #thanksgivingdinner #thanksgivingvibes #potterybarn #over40mom ♬ original sound - AshleyAnn•Home•Life•Style

 

3. Meetups, Gatherings & Celebrations New Ways

Thanksgiving is no longer a one-size-fits-all holiday. In 2025, how people gather and who they gather with is shifting dramatically.

Yes, family dinners still matter. But the classic 20 people around a huge table setup is getting replaced with something more… 2025. Smaller, more intentional, more flexible, more human. And these changes are shaping the way consumers cook, travel, decorate, buy,  and discover brands.

 

 

According to Deloitte’s 2025 Holiday Outlook, 67% of Americans now say they prefer “smaller, more meaningful gatherings” over large, traditional ones. And TikTok is filled with content like How to host Thanksgiving in a tiny apartment or Friendsgiving for 6 on a budget.

Let’s break down the biggest shifts and the creative opportunities they open for marketers.

 

Trend #1: Travel-Friendly Thanksgiving Celebrations

Thanksgiving is becoming a travel holiday, not just a home holiday.

 

 

Even multi-family destination gatherings are becoming more common. This implies changes in what people buy, what they cook, and how they set the table. Now people want portable décor, simple ingredients, travel-friendly cookware, easy-to-pack games, lightweight utensils, boards, and linens.
 

Creators are sharing:

  • Airbnb kitchen hacks

 

@restyleliving Let's talk kitchen essentials 🍽 👩🏾‍🍳#airbnb #kitchen #kitchenessentials #airbnbtips #airbnbdesign #stylingtips #musthaves #tips #interiordesign ♬ When I Ride - Ashley Mehta

 

  • Cabin Thanksgiving vlogs

 

@yazminerenee_ 12 bedroom 13 bathroom mansion/cabin for Thanksgiving🦃🧡 #foryou ♬ Paradise - TELL YOUR STORY music by Ikson™



  • Road-trip-friendly recipes

 

@clairehodginss Part 3/3 of making food for a 10hr road trip! These protein bars are 🔥 #proteinbar #proteinbarrecipe #healthysnack #fitrecipe ♬ original sound - Claire Hodgins



  • Thanksgiving in a tiny rental kitchen

 

@genevivelaurenn The year I decided to cook a turkey in a small condo oven!!!! #friendsgiving #thanksgivingdinner #hostingideas #dinnerparty #hostingtips ♬ Cozy Autumn Days - Cafe Music BGM channel



  • Picnic Thanksgiving in warm states (Florida, California, Arizona)

 

@sheridan___taylor Do you want to come to the next one!? Share this with a momma who would love this club 💝✨ #momclub #momgroup #azmom #arizonamom #momsoftiktok #toddlermom #scottsdalemom #momfriends #arizona @Valley Mom Meetup Club AZ ♬ spin u round - Nafeesisboujee & kkanji

 

You can leverage this trend by:

  • Creating portable Thanksgiving kits (foldable tables, compact décor, mini serveware).

  • Promoting travel-sized spices, sauces, and meal-prep items.

  • Working with creators traveling home, to cabins, or to new destinations.

  • Sponsoring content around airport snacks, road-trip food, what to pack to host Thanksgiving in a rental or rental-friendly décor.

  • Offering holiday travel bundles, such as cooking tools, blankets, games, candles.

Airbnb’s “Hostsgiving” creator push in 2024 generated massive traction as renters documented how they transformed rentals into holiday-ready spaces.

 

Trend #2: Less Crowded, More Intimate Reunions

The rise of intimate hosting is massive. People want less stress, more connection, better food (not just “more” food), personalized details and if possible, a cosy, curated atmosphere.

 

(Source:  2025 YouGov survey)

 

This is a behavior shift which reflects on content as well. Influencers are posting “micro Thanksgiving” content featuring small dining spaces, minimalist tablescapes, thoughtful menu-planning and even mini pies, single-sheet casseroles, or Thanksgiving for two.

Think of capitalizing on this trend by:

  • Creating meal kits designed for 2–6 people (think Whole Foods, Blue Apron, Trader Joe’s).

  • Launch cozy hosting collections with candles, linens, and compact serveware.

  • Use influencers to show Small Table, Big Moment décor,  budget-friendly menus and small-apartment hosting hacks.

  • Promoting mini dessert bundles, sampler packs, or individual-sized portions.

 

 

HomeGoods saw strong traction last year partnering with micro-lifestyle creators who showcased compact tablescape ideas using small spaces, some posts hit over 1M views because they felt doable.

 

Trend #3: Friendsgiving Goes Fully Mainstream

Friendsgiving is now a cultural event. Data shows:

 

 

Searches for Friendsgiving ideas peak earlier than standard Thanksgiving content. And Friendsgiving content is fun. It's colorful, chaotic, humorous, relatable,  exactly the kind of UGC that performs well on TikTok.

Creators post themes like:

  • Everyone brings a dish from their culture
     
@jerryjellolin21 So much fun would do again 100%🙌🙌🙌 #fyp #friendsgiving #thanksgiving #cultural #india #china #iran #france #italian #ireland #vietnam #fypシ ♬ original sound - jerryjellolin21



  • $10 dessert challenges

 

@aussiemumcooks Tonight's $10 meal challenge is a dessert! This old school flummery is a cheap and easy dessert that takes me back to my childhood. What's even better is if you don't want to garnish with cream and strawberries it's only a $3.10 recipe for 8 servings. #aeroplanejelly #jellygoodtimes #ad ♬ original sound - Brooke Schrempf-Dixon

 

  • Giant charcuterie boards

 

@the_chic_charcuterie 🧀🥩 SHOWSTOPPER ALERT! 🥩🧀
You guessed it… this isn't just a big board — it's a 22-inch masterpiece. More like HUGE. Loaded with:
✨ 4+ types of cheese
✨ 3-4 kinds of premium meats
✨ Enough deliciousness to feed a crowd of 15+ hungry guests Perfect for parties, celebrations, or any event that calls for a serious WOW moment. 📸: Because no one's forgetting this one.
💬: make sure you click that follow button and Tag someone who needs to see this! #CharcuterieGoals #XLBoard #GrazingTableVibes #CheeseLoversUnite #BigBoardEnergy ♬ Morning Bossa Nova - Bossa Nova Terrace

 

  • Group costume Friendsgiving

 

@elisenyffeler 1st pilgriendsgiving in the books #thanksgiving #1621 #amish #tradwives #friendsgiving ♬ Elegant and gentle, Boccellini's Menuet - Kohrogi



  • Chaos-in-the-kitchen comedy

 

@suziepositivity If you wanted to know how to cook something, you're in the wrong place. #comedy #cooking #food ♬ original sound - The female David Mitchell

 

You  can activate Friendsgiving by:

  • Launching Friendsgiving hosting bundles (snacks, drinks, tableware, decorations).

  • Creating TikTok-friendly challenges (best stuffing twist, budget dish competition, etc.).

  • Partnering with creators in food, lifestyle, humor, and fashion Friendsgiving spans multiple verticals.

  • Offering group discounts, multi-buy promos, or snack party kits.

  • Tapping into alcohol, beverage, grocery, décor, delivery, and meal-prep categories.

Truly Hard Seltzer’s 2024 Friendsgiving TikTok campaign using micro-creators generated 8.2M views across 40+ creator posts, all showcasing authentic, fun gatherings.

 

4. Consumer Behavior Trends

If there’s one thing every marketer knows is that Thanksgiving is about frictionless shopping, early deals, and high-intent scrolling.

By the time the turkey hits the oven, consumers are already researching, comparing, saving, and impulse-adding-to-cart.

 

(Source:Adobe 2025 Digital Economy Index)

 

If you’re a brand or agency planning campaigns, this is prime territory,and creators are one of the strongest levers you have. Let’s break down the four biggest shopping shifts shaping Thanksgiving 2025.

 

Trend #1: AI Becomes Your Personal Shopping Assistant

AI is how more and more consumers shop these days. In 2025 1 in 3 holiday shoppers use some form of AI assistance. Gen Z is 2.5x more likely to use AI to compare deals and “Shop for me” tools in Google and Amazon are exploding Curiously, product quizzes, AI gift finders, and personalized bundles outperform static catalogs

No wonder that influencers are embracing this too, think TikTok videos like:

  • I asked AI what to buy my boyfriend

 

@gabriela.superchat Need gift ideas? Watch this video! ‼️✨‼️✨‼️✨‼️✨‼️ #giftideas #aiapp #techtok #vira #lifesaver ♬ Unicorn frappe - Elias

 

  • AI built my Thanksgiving grocery list

 

@calmhousehold Can AI really help me plan my Thanksgiving food shop? 🦃 I gave ChatGPT my entire menu and asked it to split my shopping list over 4 weeks so I'm not panic-buying everything at once. This is Part 3 of getting AI to help me pull off Thanksgiving in the UK #chatgptprompts #tipsformoms #chatgpttips #thanksgivingprep ♬ Home sped up full song - .

 

  • AI-generated Friendsgiving menu

 

@nora007480 Friendsgiving planning but make it effortless 😌✨ Galaxy AI on my Galaxy Z Fold7 helped me pull together the vibe, the menu, and the banana bread muffins with zero stress. Hosting mode = activated ✌️ #SamsungPartner #TeamSamsung #WithGalaxy #GalaxyAI #GalaxyZFold7 @Samsung US ♬ Bubble - Official Sound Studio

 

You can also leverage AI behavior by:

  • Using AI-powered product finders or quizzes on your site

  • Personalizing your email flows: dynamic products, tailored recommendations

  • Asking creators to demo your AI tools

  • Building AI-generated gift builder landing pages

  • Suggesting bundles based on browsing or purchase history

 

@uncommongoods The perfect gift for anyone who's not afraid to get their hands dirty (or floured) in the kitchen. #TheHarderTheyFall #pasta #christmasgiftsideas ♬ Stories 2 - Danilo Stankovic

 

Uncommon Goods saw a 17% increase in AOV using an AI gift quiz amplified by creators showing their results in Reels and TikTok.

 

Trend #2: Thanksgiving & Black Friday Are Almost One

Black Friday is no longer Friday.It’s… November. By 2025, major retailers,, like Target, Walmart, Amazon or Sephora, have turned Thanksgiving Week into a full shopping corridor. Discounts begin as early as November 10th, and consumers have adapted.

Data shows:

 

 

Consumers expect early access, gratitude week themes, soft launches, bundle drops and creator-exclusive codes.



 

Activate this trend by:

  • Running hybrid campaigns: Thanksgiving + early Black Friday messaging

  • Collaborating with creators on Early Buy Lists or What I’m grabbing before Black Friday starts

  • Creating gratitude-themed promos (“Thankful for You Deals”)

  • Keeping inventory stocked across the entire week, not just Friday

@chloejwmakeup Black Friday at Sephora 😍 the link to shop is in my bio my angels & my discount code "ChloeSephora" gets you 20% off 💕 Brands included in the sale ⬇️ @Sephora Collection up to 20% off @Fenty Beauty 30% off selected @Kiehl's Since 1851 20% off selected @tarte cosmetics 25% off @Benefit Cosmetics UK 15% off selected @LANEIGE Europe 25% off selected @Olaplex 25% off Free gifts with purchase on @Drunk Elephant @Tower 28 Beauty @Paula's Choice UK @Glossier @Color Wow Hair @Laura Mercier #sephorauk #sephorasale #sephorablackfriday ♬ original sound - chloejwmakeup

 

In 2024, Sephora’s early-access creator codes drove 22% of their Thanksgiving Week online conversions, before Black Friday officially began.

 

Trend #3: IRL Store Are Thriving With Digital Expectations

The store isn’t dead, as many thought, it’s just a hybrid now.Holiday retail foot traffic has been rising for three years, and Thanksgiving weekend is no exception. But consumers expect digital conveniences baked into these visits.

 

@madvetzz don't get me wrong, I love Zara but I do not love their self checkouts 😅 #zara #zaraselfcheckout #shopping #haul ♬ original sound - ShawnWalka

 

Shoppers now expect BOPIS (Buy Online, Pick Up In Store), QR code price checks, seamless returns, mobile checkout, interactive displays and in-store creator events or pop-ups.

 

 

How brands can use this:

  • Create in-store influencer experiences

  • Add QR codes to displays linking to creator tutorials or reviews

  • Use micro-creators to film “Come shop with me” content

  • Partner with retailers on co-branded in-store promos

  • Spotlight BOPIS through creators (“I picked this up in 10 minutes — no lines!”)

@nyc.la.girl2 Target Thanksgiving run. Did you get your Thanksgiving shopping done? @target #targetfinds #target #targetmusthaves #groceries #fyp ♬ You Can't Hurry Love - Live At Jools' Annual Hootenanny - Olivia Dean & Jools Holland and His Rhythm & Blues Orchestra

 

Target’s “shop with me” creator content drove 34% higher engagement than their branded holiday ads in 2024.

 

Trend #4: Affordability Should Equal Value These Days

With budgets tightening, value is the new luxury. Consumers are much more intentional, they compare more brands, they look for clear pricing, they distrust ambiguous “70% off” claims and they want transparency on ingredients, sizing, sustainability, shipping.

 

 

Influencers are leaning heavily into content with themes such as:

  • Affordable Thanksgiving tablescapes

 

@iamrosasanchez_ 3rd year Hosting thanksgiving. These are some affordable stuff I got to create a nice thanksgiving table scape. @Marshalls @target @Amazon I'm going for a warm but greenery type of look #thanksgiving #tablescape #tabledecor #holidayfinds #marshallsfinds ♬ Stompin At The Savoy - Benny Goodman

 

  • Budget grocery hauls

 

@julia_wanders Been a while but here's another budget Trader Joe's grocery haul 🥰🍂 #traderjoes #groceryhaul #postgrad #postgradlife ♬ Wes Anderson-esque Cute Acoustic - Kenji Ueda

 

  • Thanksgiving outfits under $50

 

@bynicolemaddie Walmart outfits under $50 that are perfect for fall or winter #walmartfinds #outfitinspo #walmartfashion #midsizefashion #thanksgivingoutfit ♬ original sound - Nicole Maddie

 

  • Where to actually get the best Black Friday deals
@realzack_ Some of my favorite places to shop for this Black Friday 2025 👌🔥 Tons more brands so making a part 2 if y'all want it🫡 @abercrombie @UNIQLO USA @ZARA @Seventh #blackfriday #sale #fashiontiktok #blackfridaydeals ♬ Negócios Milionários - Marco Antonio

​​

  • Don’t buy this, buy THIS swaps

 

@chelciejomay The secret to feeling good during the holidays isn't restriction. It's smart swaps!! Here are the ones I'll be making for Thanksgiving 🦃 #healthyswaps #holidaymealideas #thanksgivingrecipes #groceryhaul #healthymealideas ♬ original sound - Chelcie May

 

You  can tap into value-first behavior by:

  • Offering clear pricing, not misleading markdowns

  • Building value bundles (family packs, hosting kits, décor bundles)

  • Highlighting ingredient quality or longevity

  • Using creators to compare your products to pricier competitors

  • Promoting honest reviews, not over-produced ads

 

@callmebelly Replying to @MamaJoYo i am so impressed #thanksgiving #thanksgivingdinner #costco #costcofinds #turkey ♬ original sound - elliott

 

Walmart’s micro-creator Thanksgiving Under $50 challenge (2024) went viral, generating 68M organic views.

 

5. Using Technology to Build Up Thanksgiving’s Thrill

Technology is now part of the holiday tradition.From AI meal planning to smart appliances to virtual family gatherings, tech is enhancing Thanksgiving. Consumers are hungry for convenience, creativity, connection and a little bit of wow.

 

(Source: The New York Times)

Let’s break down the tech trends shaping the holiday  and how brands can turn them into hands-on campaign opportunities.

 

Trend #1: Digital Meetings & Storytelling

Even though more people plan to travel in 2025, virtual Thanksgiving isn’t going anywhere. Families are spread out. Travel is expensive. Schedules clash. Digital connection fills the gap.

People are using Zoom or FaceTime dinner tables, virtual cooking together sessions, shared family photo albums, digital gratitude journals, “Pass the phone” and storytelling TikToks and remote Friendsgiving watch parties.

35% of long-distance families plan to include virtual participation in their Thanksgiving plans (New York Times, 2025).

 

Use this trend by:

  • Running creator-led virtual hosting guides
  • Creating virtual celebration kits with recipes, decor printables, or games
  • Launching hashtags like #ThanksgivingTogether to encourage user-generated content
  • Hosting live community events such as Cook with us livestream, virtual wine tastings or thanksgiving prep challenges
  • Spotlighting consumer stories in your content

@hallmarkchannel A chipper teen, a sus mom, & a loving grandma = typical #familydynamic 💖 Who's ready to watch another all new episode of #TheWayHome this Sunday at 9/8c? #FYP #HallmarkSeries #AndieMacDowell #ChylerLeigh @sadiesadiesnow #Family #HallmarkTok #HallmarkShow ♬ original sound - Hallmark Channel

 

Hallmark’s “Virtual Family Moments” UGC campaign in 2024 generated over 12M.

 

Trend #2: AI Dinner Prep

Thanksgiving prep can be chaos, timers, oven rotations, forgotten ingredients, dry turkey trauma… you know the drill. But in 2025? Consumers are using AI recipe generators, smart fridges that track ingredients, voice-controlled ovens, app-connected air fryers and kitchen scales that auto-measure and calorie-count

42% of Gen Z and Millennials prefer AI to plan their Thanksgiving menu (New York Times, 2025). Smart tech is turning the holiday into a streamlined, set it and forget it production.

 

Activate this trend by:

  • Promoting smart kitchen gadgets designed for hosting (air fryers, multi-cookers, smart ovens)
  • Creating AI-powered recipe planners featuring your brand’s products
  • Partnering with creators to film “AI planned my Thanksgiving dinner” videos (these go viral every year)
  •  Building downloadable guides like: A tech-assisted Thanksgiving in 3 steps or Zero-stress Thanksgiving with AI shopping lists

Brands like GE and Samsung saw a 38% uplift in Thanksgiving-week engagement when creators demonstrated smart appliances mid-cook, using trending audio like this changes everything.

 

Trend #3: Dinner & Hybrid Cooking

Hybrid cooking is the new normal. People want homemade but not from scratch. Think pre-brined turkey, pre-chopped veggies, semi-prepped sides, ready-to-bake pies or pre-measured spice kits.

Meal kits make Thanksgiving feel manageable especially for busy families, first-time hosts, travel-bound guests and young professionals hosting Friendsgiving.

 

@dollartreedinners Thanksgiving in a Box Project After two weeks of planning, shopping, and testing recipes, I finally finished packing up all the Thanksgiving meal kits I'm donating to a local organization that supports families and individuals with disabilities. I put together 12 full dinner boxes, 8 smaller casserole kits, and 8 single-serve meals. Each one packed with care, comfort, and everything needed for a warm holiday meal. I'm so grateful I had the ability and support to make this happen, and I hope these boxes bring a little extra joy to the people receiving them. Wishing everyone a season filled with kindness, gratitude, and giving. #thanksgivinginabox #giveback #holidaygiving #thanksgiving2025 #communitylove #spreadkindness #actsOfKindness #donations #holidayseason #grateful #payitforward ♬ original sound - Dollar Tree Dinners

 

In 2024, meal kit sales hit $1.7B during Thanksgiving month (NPD Group), and 2025 will only push that higher.

 

Leverage this trend by:

  • Offering limited-edition or seasonal Thanksgiving meal kits
  • Collaborating with recipe influencers to show How I made Thanksgiving in 45 minutes
  • Creating hybrid-cooking bundles like side dish kits, pie ingredient sets, hostess gift bundles, etc
  • Teaching consumers how to combine store-bought + homemade creatively

The 4-Stage Timeline for Thanksgiving Campaign Execution

Thanksgiving is a strategy window. Not just for sales, but for storytelling, emotional connection, and creator-led discovery.

And the brands who win Thanksgiving? They don’t “wing it.” They ride the wave,intentionally, early, and with creators at the center.

Here’s your practical, step-by-step roadmap to make Thanksgiving 2025 work harder for you (and let you actually enjoy the holiday instead of panic-posting between courses).

 

Stage 1: Build Your Strategy Around Real Thanksgiving Moments

Let’s talk now about strategy and use cases. Here are some highly practical campaign angles you can pitch to clients or build into your own planning.

 

1. Turn Creators into Your Brand’s “Thanksgiving Guides”

Instead of a vague holiday collab, brief creators to become guides around a specific Thanksgiving context that fits your product. Something like these:

A grocery or food brand → “Thanksgiving Made Easy”

 

@costcobuzz Thanksgiving made EASY at Costco 🦃 From turkey to gravy, mashed potatoes, sides & more… your whole feast is in one cart! Which Thanksgiving must-have are you grabbing first – turkey, mashed potatoes, or dessert? 😋👇 Follow for more Costco finds & share this with someone who's on turkey duty this year 🧡#costcofinds #thanksgivingdinner #costcodeals #thanksgiving #costcobuys ♬ Thanksgiving Songs - Thanksgiving Holiday Music



  • Recipe Reels: “My 3-ingredient side dish with [Brand]”

  • “Day in the life” cooking content

  • Meal kit unboxings featuring your products

A home decor or tableware brand → “From Bare Table to Thanksgiving-Ready”

 

@sweetandtidy_ #ad setting the table for Thanksgiving with our @Transformer Table dining set 🍽️ it makes it possible for us to fit all our guest at the table for the holiday! code: ANNIKA100 gets you $100 off orders of $2000 or more #transformertable #settingthetable #moderndiningtable #tablescape #homeinspo ♬ original sound - sweetandtidy


  • Tablescape styling videos with your plates, candles, linens

  • Whole-home decor transitions: entryway, living room, dining table

A fashion or beauty brand → “What I’m Wearing for Thanksgiving/Friendsgiving”

@deniseduran05 It's November so I can really post all the holiday outfit inspo now 🤭 everything is on LTK+ let me know what y'all want more of! #thanksgiving2025 #thanksgivingoutfits #friendsgiving #thanksgivingoutfitideas #falloutfits ♬ original sound - Denise Duran

 

  • Travel outfit try-ons

  • GRWM (Get Ready With Me) for Thanksgiving dinner

A pet brand → “Friendsgiving… for Dogs”

 

@bradygraffiti_corgis Brady said "Friendsgiving manners? Never heard of her." 😭🍽️ #EdgardCooperPartner #ad Fresh ingredients = zero self-control. 50% off your first purchase at PetSmart.com with code EDCOOP50! @Edgard & Cooper US *Offer valid online at PetSmart.com from 11/9/25–1/10/26. 50% off first purchase of dry products only. One redemption per customer. No basket size requirement. Enter code at checkout. Must be a PetSmart Treats Rewards Member to redeem. #EdgardCooperFoodUS ♬ original sound - Brady & Graffiti the Corgis

 

  • Pet-friendly “feast” ideas

  • Matching outfits for owners + pets

These aren’t just ads, they’re useful content people would save, share, and actually watch while they’re planning.

 

2. Lean Into Short-Form Storytelling (Not Just Pretty Pictures)

Static shots of roasted turkey are nice. But short-form video is where the real storytelling lives.

 

  • The story behind my family’s stuffing recipe featuring [Brand Ingredient]

  • The chaos of cooking Thanksgiving in a tiny apartment kitchen (and how I survive it with [Product]

  • Our first blended family Thanksgiving  and what’s on our table

If you’re a food brand, amazing. But even if you’re not:

  • Travel brand → Flying home for Thanksgiving with [Brand]: what’s in my carry-on

  • Fintech → How I hosted Thanksgiving on a budget using [App] to plan & split costs

  • DTC home brand → How I set my table for 8 in under 20 minutes with [Brand’s] essentials

The key is to attach yourself to a narrative, not just a short list.

 

3. Align with Travel Time: Peak Scroll Windows

One of my favorite underused tactics, time your influencer posts for when people are traveling. This expands reach due to their airport waits, long train rides and backseat doom-scrolling on the way to grandma’s. This is when people are bored, relaxed, and receptive.

 

pexels-vovkapanda-12131545

 

If you want to give this technique ago, you can just coordinate publishing times (Thanksgiving Eve, Thanksgiving morning, Sunday return travel) and brief creators to reference travel, Watching this while you’re on your way home? Here’s…

This approach is best for snack brands, entertainment apps, travel products, ebooks, beauty minis and comfy clothing.

 

4. Use Creators to Talk About Gratitude, Not Just Discounts

You don’t need to get overly sentimental, but you can absolutely brief creators around:

  • What I’m grateful for this year, featuring [Brand/Experience/Product]

  • Why I’m grateful for [brand’s community/quality/mission]

  • How I’m giving back this Thanksgiving with [Brand’s initiative]

If you’re running charity tie-ins, donations per purchase, or community initiatives, creators are the perfect bridge between corporate message and human story.



Stage 2: A 4-Phase Thanksgiving Influencer Timeline for 2025

Here’s the part you can literally drop into a deck or planning doc.

 

Stage 2: A 4-Phase Thanksgiving Influencer Timeline for 2025

In this phase you can have goals like securing talent, structuring the story or preparing assets.

Your to-do list:

  • Analyze last year’s performance: which posts, products, or creators drove results.

  • Decide your Thanksgiving angle this year: food, decor, gratitude, travel, Friendsgiving, sustainability…

  • Shortlist creators based on past holiday content, audience location (US-heavy) and brand safety and values alignment.

 

 

 

  • Plan your owned content calendar (email, social, landing pages) to match creator messaging.

 

 

Phase 2 – Warm-Up (2–3 Weeks Before)

In this phase you need to build anticipation, inspire, and get into people’s saved for later.

Your to-do list:

  • Launch creator-led gift guides, recipe content, decor inspiration, etc.

  • Seed early deals or bundle offers.

  • Emphasize delivery cut-offs, limited editions and early-bird perks.

This is where creators become the research phase of your funnel.

 

Phase 3 – Peak Week (Thanksgiving → Black Friday → Cyber Monday)

Phase three is all about conversion, retargeting, and staying top-of-feed.

Your to-do list:

  • Schedule posts around travel windows, Thanksgiving morning prep and post-dinner lounging

  • Promote quick-ship items, digital products and last-minute hosting solutions

  • Identify your top-performing creator posts in real time and whitelist/boost them as Creator Ads, turn them into paid social creatives and feature them in email and on landing pages

Think of creators here as both media partners and UGC engines.

 

Phase 4 – Post-Holiday Follow-Up

Now it’s time to maintain momentum into December and build loyalty.

Your to-do list:

  • Send thank you and recap content (this is a perfect place for heartfelt creator posts).

  • Share leftover recipes, decor reuse ideas and How I’m transitioning my home from Thanksgiving to winter holidays

  • Use creators to encourage reviews (tease upcoming gifting campaigns and how real use of your products beyond the holiday)

 

Stage 3: Tools & Tactics That Make Thanksgiving Campaigns Actually Work

You don’t need to reinvent your entire stack for Thanksgiving, but a few things make life a LOT easier.

 

For brands & agencies

  • Influencer platforms & search tools like Influencity to find brand-safe, on-brief creators fast.

  • Content tracking to ensure every contracted creator actually posts what they promised, when they promised.

  • Centralized negotiations & messaging to keep terms, approvals, and changes in one thread instead of 40 email chains.

Learn more


  • Reporting dashboards to quickly see:

    • Which creators are driving most reach/engagement

    • Which content types (recipes, GRWM, vlogs) perform best

    • How your CPM stacks across creators



 

Stage 4: Don’t Forget the Human Side

Thanksgiving influencer marketing works best when you let creators be… human. A few principles I’d encourage you to bake into every campaign:

  • Authenticity over polish: Your audience can feel the difference between “scripted family dinner stock shot” and a creator laughing because their pie burnt.

  • Emotion over features: Yes, your product is useful. But what does it enable? Less stress? More time with kids? A prettier table? Talk about that.

  • Inclusivity over assumptions: Not everyone celebrates the same way. Include single households, chosen family, friends, pets, cultural variations. That’s what makes campaigns feel modern.

  • Gratitude over noise: At some point in your campaign — make it genuinely about thanks. To your customers, your community, your creators.

Final Thoughts: Make Your Brand Part of the Memory, Not Just the Menu

Thanksgiving 2025 is going to be a mix of old traditions, new habits, tighter budgets, high expectations and a LOT of content. If all you bring to the table is “20% off this weekend,” you’ll disappear in the noise.

But if you partner with the right creators to tell real, specific, emotional stories, about food, family, travel, gratitude, decor, or simply surviving hosting, your brand becomes part of the memory, not just the marketing.

And that’s where the long-term value is.

 

TEMPLATE

 

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Tags: Thanksgiving

Cam Khaski Graglia

Cam Khaski Graglia is the Content Manager at Influencity, where she blends creativity, strategy, and storytelling to craft impactful content. A passionate researcher and lifelong book lover, she thrives on exploring new narratives and shaping engaging brand messaging. Beyond content strategies, briefs, and articles,...

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Everything About TikTok + Influencer Marketing Study & Statistics

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KOLs vs Influencers: What They Are & What Differentiates Them

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How to Find Niche Influencers for Your Brand

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Build a Brand Ambassador Program in 3 Steps

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How to Write an Effective Influencer Brief: A Step-by-Step Guide

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How to Contact Instagram Influencers in 2024

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Influencer Onboarding Template

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Resources to Healp You Drive More Value from Your Influencer Marketing Efforts

Explore eBooks, guides, and more content to help you make the most of your campaings and maximize the return on your investment with influencer marketing.

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