Print these fun Scattergories lists and play the categories game, AKA Thanksgiving Scattergories, with family and friends!
Hello friends! One of our favorite games to play with our family is Categories (AKA Scattergories.) Well, I thought it would be really fun to make a Thanksgiving version of the categories game. These lists are full of Thanksgiving Scattergories prompts and will definitely add to the fun on Turkey Day! We also have other holiday Scattergories lists. You could print Halloween, Christmas, and Valentine's Daycategories lists right now as well!
If you want to print more fun Thanksgiving games, check out these Thanksgiving coloring pages, our Thanksgiving word search, or Thanksgiving bingo! Check out ALL of the sweet ideas on our Thanksgiving page.
*This post contains affiliate links.
Thanksgiving Categories Game
What is the categories game?
Categories is a creative-thinking word game where players try to list words that fit into particular categories, all starting with the same letter, in an allotted amount of time. The objective is to come up with the most unique answers that no one else has written down.
I had a lot of fun coming up with the Thanksgiving Scattergories lists for this game!
How to set up the game
- Print the game (download instructions can be found below.)
- Cut the letters of the alphabet out.
- Give each player their own answer sheet and pen or pencil. For the categories sheets, each person can have their own, or you can share - just as long as everyone can see it clearly.
How to Play
- You choose a letter of the alphabet out of a bowl and set a timer. During the three minutes, each player writes down something that fits in the corresponding category found on the list.
- For example, if the letter is 'L' and the first category on the list is 'famous actresses' I might write 'Lucille Ball.'
- Players go down the categories sheets and write a new answer on their answer sheet for each number, all starting with that same letter.
- If a player can't think of anything, they can skip and move on to the next line. If there's time, they can go back to skipped categories before the 3 minutes is up.
Pro tip: answers with alliteration get you extra points. Using the actress example, if you answer 'Lucy Liu' you get two points for that category instead of one!
How to get the free Thanksgiving Scattergories lists
Download our Thanksgiving categories game by filling out the form below, then head to your email inbox. Once you confirm your subscription, you will receive the download.
We love offering printables at no cost to you. This printable is free for personal use only. This is copyrighted. Do not share the PDF file. Instead, please send the link to this blog post to friends or family who would also like to print it!
Please review our free printable terms of use.
I have this laser printer (totally worth it if you print a lot. I never have to replace the ink!)
We use a paper cutter like this one to cut the Scattergories lists. Even my little kids can use it!
We love this game and it's great for groups, which makes it ideal for special holidays like Thanksgiving! Last year we played this between dinner and dessert and everyone enjoyed it.
If you play this game we'd love it if you could leave a comment and a positive review! They mean a lot to us!
Thanksgiving Categories Game
Video
Equipment
- Color Printer
- pencils or pens
- Paper Cutter or a pair of scissors
Materials
- 1 printed game
Instructions
How to print the game
- Find the subscription form in the blog post and enter your name and email address.
- Go to your email inbox and confirm subscription to our newsletter. When you click the confirm button, the game will open in a new window and you will be able to print it.
How to set up the Thanksgiving game
- Cut the letters of the alphabet out.
- Give each player their own answer sheet. For the categories sheets, each person can have their own, or you can share - just as long as everyone can see it clearly.
How to Play
- You choose a letter of the alphabet out of a bowl and set a timer. During the three minutes, each player writes down something that fits in the corresponding category found on the list.
- For example, if the letter is 'A' and the first category on the list is 'famous actresses' I might write 'Anne Hathaway.'
- Players go down the categories sheets and write a new answer on their answer sheet for each number, all starting with that same letter.
- If a player can't think of anything, they can skip and move on to the next line. If there's time, they can go back to skipped categories before the 3 minutes is up.
Notes
Kim H
I am already receiving emails. How can I print off without signing up for them again?
Sarah
The way it is set up, you need to enter your email address again, but don't worry, you won't be subscribed twice! The email software will realize you are already subscribed so you will continue getting just the emails you would normally get.
Journa Liz Ramirez
My family loves this game! This is a sure addition to our Thanksgiving celebration. Exciting!
Jessica
We do too! So glad you will be using it :)
Allyssa
These are really helpful games! Will surely use this and share with friends! Loved it!
Jessica
We're so glad! Thanks Allyssa.
Rebecca Hubbell
Just printed this off and can't wait to play it with the family this year!
Jessica
Woo! So glad you liked it.