A game while the turkey rests
Thanksgiving brings together people of every age who don’t all play the same games. The imposter game needs nothing but one phone, explains itself in a sentence and plays in a few minutes, so it fits the gaps of the day: while the turkey rests, between dinner and pie, or during halftime.
You start with the Thanksgiving pack (36 words), 8 players, one imposter who gets a hint word, and three minutes on the clock. Add the real number of guests and their names, and you’re ready.
Clues that work
Thanksgiving words share a lot of obvious clues, which is good news for the imposter. For “Gravy”, saying “brown” or “dinner” fits half the pack; “lumpy” or “ladle” proves you know the word. If you’re the imposter, wait for two or three clues, then say something that fits all of them, like “Grandma” or “table”.
Ideas for the day
- Kids’ table: the Kids pack has shorter, easier words for the youngest guests.
- Big family: with 12 or more people, add a second imposter, or split into two groups with a phone each.
- Gratitude round: after the reveal, the caught imposter says one thing they’re thankful for.
- Plan the meal too: our turkey calculator works out the size to buy, thawing and cooking times, and a timeline back from dinner.
All 36 words in the Thanksgiving pack
Each word with the hint the imposter sees when “Imposter sees” is set to “A hint word”. Reading the list spoils the game for whoever reads it, so let the person who reads it sit out the first round, or add your own words.
Show the word list
| Secret word | Imposter's hint |
|---|---|
| Turkey | oven |
| Pumpkin pie | slice |
| Cranberry sauce | tart |
| Stuffing | bread |
| Mashed potatoes | butter |
| Gravy | boat |
| Corn | harvest |
| Sweet potatoes | marshmallow |
| Green bean casserole | crispy |
| Pilgrim hat | buckle |
| Parade | floats |
| Football game | kickoff |
| Leftovers | fridge |
| Wishbone | pull |
| Gratitude | thankful |
| Harvest | fields |
| Cornucopia | horn |
| Autumn leaves | crunchy |
| Apple cider | warm |
| Pecan pie | nuts |
| Dinner rolls | basket |
| Acorn | squirrel |
| Scarecrow | field |
| Hayride | tractor |
| Corn maze | lost |
| Black Friday | shopping |
| Nap | couch |
| Gobble | sound |
| Cozy sweater | knit |
| Centerpiece | table |
| Feast | plenty |
| Potluck | dishes |
| Squash | gourd |
| Oven mitts | hot |
| Grandma's recipe | card |
| Family photo | smile |