Play the Thanksgiving Gratitude Game with M&Ms (Free Printable)
If you’re tired of the same old Thanksgiving traditions that make you want to fall asleep faster than after eating a triple helping of turkey, I’ve got a sweet surprise for you.
It’s time to shake things up with the Thanksgiving M&M Gratitude Game.
This game is just a more colorful way to spread some thanks and maybe even keep Uncle Bob from bringing up politics this year.
What You Need (Besides a Sense of Humor and Hand Sanitizer)
Alright, let’s get this gratitude party started.
Here’s what you need:
- A big ol’ bag of M&Ms (because who doesn’t love an excuse to buy candy?)
- Small cups or containers (one for each person, to avoid the dreaded communal bowl)
- Some people unafraid to expose their heart’s desires in a big group…ahem, I mean, players
- A comfy spot to gather (no, the bathroom doesn’t count)
- My FREE Thanksgiving Gratitude Game Printable (you can snag that bad boy down below!)
If you’re feeling fancy, grab some paper and crayons for the kiddos. They can draw their gratitude if words fail them – which, let’s be honest, happens to the best of us after that third slice of pie.
And hey, if M&Ms aren’t your thing (no judgement), fee free to check out my Skittles version of this game. I’m sure you’ll love it!
Setting the Stage for Gratitude Glory (Germ-Free Edition)
Before you dive into this sugar-coated appreciation fest, you’ll need to set the scene. Here’s how:
- Find a spot where everyone can sit without elbowing each other (I’m looking at you, cousin Jenny)
- Divvy up those M&Ms into individual cups – one for each player (no more worrying about someone’s questionable hand-washing habits)
- Print out our FREE Thanksgiving Gratitude Game card for each player (they’re so pretty, you’ll want to frame them)
Remember, this setup works great for virtual play too.
It’s like a regular Zoom call, but with more candy and less “Can you hear me now?”
The Rules (Because Every Game Needs ‘Em)
Alright, time to lay down the law. Here’s how this colorful madness works:
- Pick a lucky soul to go first (may the odds be ever in their favor)
- That person grabs an M&M from their personal stash without peeking (no cheating, Karen!)
- The color determines what they’re grateful for:
- Red: Family member (even that weird second cousin)
- Blue: A memory (preferably not the time you face-planted at prom)
- Green: Something in nature (yes, your cat counts)
- Yellow: Something that makes you smile (like this awesome game)
- Orange: A personal achievement (getting out of bed counts, no judgment)
- Brown: Anything that you’re thankful for (like Netflix binges)
- Share your gratitude, then eat that candy (finally!)
- Keep going until your cup is empty or everyone’s in a sugar coma
Remember, there are no wrong answers in gratitude.
Unless you say you’re grateful for pineapple on pizza – then we might have to talk.
Once the kiddos are in a sugar coma from all those M&Ms, it’s time for some adult playtime. Sneak away and check out some fun fall date ideas at Dream Date Nights that’ll have you feeling thankful for being old enough to stay up past bedtime.
Mix It Up for the Whole Fam
Let’s face it, not everyone at your Thanksgiving table has the same level of emotional maturity (I’m not naming names, but we all know who I’m talking about).
Here’s how to keep everyone engaged:
| Age Group | Gratitude Prompts |
|---|---|
| Kids | Favorite toys, foods, or imaginary friends |
| Teens | Personal growth, future dreams, or TikTok dances they’re grateful didn’t go viral |
| Adults | Career wins, life milestones, or surviving another year of adulting |
When you download my M&M Gratitude Game Printable below, you’ll have an option to write in whatever prompts you want.
So, just make it work for your family.
Time Management for the Impatient
Worried about this game dragging on longer than Aunt Edna’s stories about her cats?
Don’t sweat it.
A typical round of the M&M Gratitude Game lasts about 10-15 minutes, or until someone starts falling asleep at the table.
You can always adjust the time to fit your group’s attention span – or the oven timer for that turkey.
Inclusivity Is the Name of the Game
Got family members with dietary restrictions or allergies? No problem! This game is more flexible than your yoga-obsessed sister-in-law.
Use colored tokens or cards instead of candy. The goal is gratitude, not a sugar high (though that’s a nice bonus).
Let’s face it, folks – not everyone can dive into a bowl of M&Ms like it’s an Olympic sport.
Maybe you’ve got a vegan cousin, a nut-allergic niece, or that one friend who swears sugar is the devil’s dandruff. Fear not! This game is more flexible than your yoga-obsessed sister-in-law.
Here’s how to make sure everyone can join in on the gratitude goodness:
- Dietary Restrictions: Swap out M&Ms for allergen-free candies or even colorful fruits. Blueberries, strawberries, and green grapes make a great (and slightly healthier) alternative.
- Non-Edible Options: Use colored tokens, buttons, or even those weird tiny erasers shaped like animals. The goal is gratitude, not a sugar high (though that’s a nice bonus).
- Visual Impairments: Create a tactile version using different textured items for each prompt. Think smooth stones, fuzzy pompoms, or those stress balls you’ve been squeezing all year.
- Language Barriers: Translate the prompts or use simple pictures for each category. Gratitude is universal, even if Uncle Bob’s jokes aren’t.
Check out this handy-dandy table for some inclusive alternatives:
| Restriction | Alternative Option | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Nut Allergy | Skittles or Starburst | Red = Family, Yellow = Happiness, etc. |
| Vegan | Colorful fruits | Blueberry = Memory, Strawberry = Nature, etc. |
| Sugar-Free | Colored pencils or markers | Green = Favorite Thing About the Outdoors |
| Visually Impaired | Textured items | Smooth stone = Family, Fuzzy pompom = Happiness |
| Young Children | Large buttons or foam shapes | Round = Family, Star = Favorite thing, etc. |
Remember, the essence of the game isn’t about the candy – it’s about sharing gratitude.
So whether you’re using gourmet jelly beans or pebbles from your driveway, the warm fuzzies will be just as potent.
It never hurts to keep a list of everyone’s dietary needs and preferences. It’ll make you look like a thoughtful host and save you from the dreaded “Oh, I can’t eat that” moment. Plus, it’s a great way to remember that Aunt Mildred isn’t actually allergic to Brussels sprouts – she just hates them.
Why This Game Is More Than Just a Sugar Rush
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Great, another cheesy activity to make us feel warm and fuzzy.”
But hear me out – this game is actually good for you. It’s like kale, but fun and delicious.
Playing gratitude games can:
- Boost your mood (better than any Black Friday deal)
- Strengthen relationships (even with that relative you only see once a year)
- Teach kids about appreciation (without boring them to tears)
- Improve your emotional intelligence (because we could all use a little help there)
Plus, it’s a great way to avoid awkward silences or heated debates about whether Die Hard is a Christmas movie. (It is, by the way. Fight me.)
Throw in some prizes like gift cards or the right to pick the next movie. The real prize is the gratitude we feel along the way, but let’s be honest – a little competition never hurt anybody.
Grab Your FREE “Thanksgiving Gratitude Game” Guide (Sweeter Than Grandma’s Pie!)
Ready to be the hero of Thanksgiving? Click the link below to download your FREE Thanksgiving Gratitude Game printable.
It’s got everything you need to run this sugar-coated thankfulness extravaganza, minus the inevitable food coma.
Trust me, it’s easier to follow than Aunt Mildred’s secret stuffing recipe!
Your Turn!
Now’s time to spill the cranberry sauce! What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever been grateful for?
Drop your most bizarre gratitude confessions in the comments below.
Don’t worry, this is a judgment-free zone… unless you say you’re grateful for black licorice. Then all bets are off!