5 Ways to Keep Kids Happy During Thanksgiving Dinner

We’ve all experienced a chaotic Thanksgiving with family, especially where children are concerned. Despite your best intentions, children have a mind of their own, and they’re not always willing to be on their best behavior, even around family. Luckily, there are methods that help keep kids happy throughout Thanksgiving dinner. Whether you’re hosting the big dinner or a guest, use these 10 ways to keep kids happy during Thanksgiving dinner–including some adorable friends from Pambu.

1. Set Up a Kids Corner with Cozy Plush Toys

Set up a kids corner with cozy plush toys, games, and fun activities to make kids feel comfortable during Thanksgiving dinner. Thanksgiving is a time when families come together, but let’s be honest, it’s usually a bunch of adults catching up or watching sports together. Kids feel left out, especially when they don’t have any other kids to play with. The solution is to create a space solely for them, so they’re able to have fun without relying on the adults for entertainment.

Choose cozy plush toys for kids to play with and feel comfortable around to keep them happy during Thanksgiving dinner. Plush toys are familiar friends that make kids feel comfortable, which helps reduce any sort of anxiety they’re feeling around relatives or friends they don’t see often. Plush toys come in all sizes, so they make ideal Thanksgiving table ideas. Pambu has cozy, soft, and adorable plush toys that make every kid's corner feel safe and fun. Consider adopting the following friends to make Thanksgiving dinner a more enjoyable place for the kids.

• Marshmallow Cat: A fluffy and adorable cat ideal for kids who love all things squishy and soft.

• Drowsy Sloth: A sleepy and calming sloth ready to join kids for nap time and calming activities.

• Cupcake Bear: A bear ready to join Thanksgiving dinner and his new friends with his cupcake.

Set up games in the kids’ corner to help get some of that restless energy out of the children. Keeping kids happy during Thanksgiving dinner is a lot easier when they don’t have as much energy. Certain games such as tag, hide-and-seek, and scavenger hunts keep the kids occupied while helping them get out all that nervous and restless energy. You’ll discover that after a few hours of active games in their kids’ corner, they’ll be ready to eat food calmly.

Provide fun activities in the kids’ corner to help keep kids happy during Thanksgiving dinner. Fun activities focus on keeping the kids mentally occupied rather than releasing their physical energy. Activities such as coloring books, puzzle books, and even story books help keep children focused and entertained while eating dinner or when the adults are catching up.

2. Give Children A Dinner Buddy

Give children a plush toy dinner buddy during Thanksgiving dinner to make the experience more fun. Dinner at the adult table is boring for children, since the topics are typically adult-oriented and not things kids want to talk about. As they become bored, they start to act up just to keep themselves entertained. A solution is to give children a dinner buddy, such as a plush toy.

A plush toy is an effective dinner buddy because it’s interactive. Children are able to talk to it, care for it, and pretend with it. While the adults engage in their boring conversations, the kids are able to play with their plush toys at dinner without causing a big fuss. An advantage of allowing plush toys at the dinner table is that they don’t take up a lot of space, especially when placed on the kid’s lap or in a small chair beside them. Consider some of the following dinner buddies from Pambu to join your child at Thanksgiving dinner.

• Goldie Bear: Honey is always needed during Thanksgiving, and Goldie Bear comes with a pot ready to share, making her an ideal dinner buddy.

• Maisie Rabbit: For families that love to dress up for Thanksgiving dinner, Maisie is the ideal dinner buddy since she comes dressed to impress.

• Bandit Raccoon: For a bit of fun, include Bandit the raccoon since he’s always trying to steal delicious snacks.

3. Keep Kids Occupied with a Plush Toy Parade Before Thanksgiving Dinner

Keep kids occupied with a plush toy parade before Thanksgiving Dinner to give them something to focus on before dinner, and then something to talk about during dinner. Waiting for Thanksgiving dinner sometimes feels as though it’s taking forever, especially for children. A way to keep them occupied and help them measure time is by having them set up a plush toy parade. Allow them to bring their favorite plush toys, then create a parade for them just like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade. 

The plush toy parade not only keeps kids occupied before dinner, but it also gives them a conversation topic during dinner. While the adults talk about boring life stuff, the kids are able to talk about their parade and their toys, making them a part of the experience. Now, while all plushes make for an excellent choice in a parade, here are some favorites from Pambu.

• Bramble Moose: A soft and fuzzy moose that makes an ideal leader for any plush toy Thanksgiving parade.

• Fashionable Bear with ‘I <3 U’ Shirt: Parades need nicely-dressed plush toys, too, and this bear fits the bill with its loving shirt and fashionable dress.

• Tiny Dog with Flowers: Most parades have people throwing candy, but this tiny dog throws flowers instead. 

4. Offer a Mini Photo Booth

Offer a mini photo booth for kids to enjoy with their plush toys and friends. A mini photo booth must include a camera that’s easy for kids to use, and a few props that allow them to get creative with their photos. Kids are able to take photos with each other and their plush toys, then share them at dinner with everyone else. The benefit of a mini photo booth is that kids are able to remain focused and occupied with all the photos they took during dinner, making them far happier than if they were just sitting there and bored. 

Take a look at some of the friends from Pambu who make perfect photo booth buddies.

• Benny Bunny: A soft and neutral-colored bunny that goes well with any type of photo theme or crazy photo idea.

• Pilot Jax Bunny: A mischievous-looking bunny who is already grinning for the camera.

• Mimi Elephant: A fluffy elephant that has a big grin ready for the camera and her friends.

5. Schedule a Post-Dinner Movie Night

Schedule a post-dinner movie night that includes plush toys to give kids something to look forward to after Thanksgiving dinner. Since Thanksgiving dinner feels as though it’s a slog to get through for kids, they need something exciting to focus on after the dinner. Parents are able to use this method as a reward for good behavior, too. Choose a movie that the kids love, and then set up a comfortable space for them to enjoy it. Since the kids need some friends, bring in the plush toys to make them comfortable and give them something to interact with.

Choose some of the plush toys from Pambu below that make the perfect movie night companion.

• Patches Cat: Patches is already lying down and ready to watch any movie, and with his big eyes, he’s not going to miss a thing.

• Honeywood Bear: The best type of movie companion is one that provides excellent cuddles, and Honeywood Bear’s furry exterior provides just that.

• Biscuit Dog: Biscuit dog is a big 14-inch movie night buddy that is perfect for snuggles and staying warm during a movie night.

FAQ

Are plush toys safe for toddlers?

Yes — all of our plush toys are made with soft, hypoallergenic materials and securely stitched features. They’re designed to be loved, hugged, and shared safely with kids of all ages.

How can I include plush toys in Thanksgiving traditions?

Let each child choose a plush to “join” Thanksgiving dinner! They can sit at the kids’ table, be part of storytime, or even appear in your family photo booth. It helps create comfort and gives kids something familiar to hold onto in a busy environment.

What are some calm activities for after dinner?

A post-dinner “plush movie time” is perfect — dim the lights, bring out cozy blankets, and let kids cuddle up with their plush pals. Reading a bedtime story featuring their toy is also a sweet way to wind down.

How can I keep my kids entertained during Thanksgiving dinner?

Try creating a mini “kids’ corner” with cozy seating, coloring pages, and a few of their favorite plush toys. Soft companions help keep little ones calm and occupied, especially during long meals. You can even make it special by letting them “adopt” a plush buddy for the day.

Make Every Thanksgiving Moment a Little Cuddlier

The best memories are made between laughter, full bellies, and soft snuggles. Whether it’s a dinner-table buddy, a bedtime story companion, or a travel friend for the holidays — our plush pals are here to make every family gathering warmer. Check out our full selection today to make your Thanksgiving dinner one for the years.