Turkey bingo has been a Thanksgiving tradition in our family for many years. My mother is always looking for fun things to do at family gatherings, and she especially likes games that offer small prizes to foster some good natured competition among family members. –Guest post by Christine of Pies and Aprons
Play a Game of Turkey Bingo
I especially love this game because it involves cute little prizes wrapped up in adorable packages. Prizes are not elaborate or expensive-usually around 1.00 each-but you never know what could be inside! The number of prizes should equal the number of players, plus a couple of extra ones just for fun. You can vary the items depending on the ages at your Thanksgiving table. We generally have some pretty things, a few useful guy things, and some fun candy or food items. Traditionally, there is always a white elephant as well. We still chuckle about the year that two of my nieces battled over one particular package, only to find out at the end that it was a tin of sardines. Now, of course, it has become tradition to always include a tin of sardines in the mix. (Our ladder ball tourney at the 4th of July can get pretty heated. You would think we were playing for a trip to Disneyland rather than the whopping $10 prize offered.)
Turkey Bingo rules:
(and yes, I know that name really makes no sense)
- Pile prizes into the middle of a table, with everyone playing seated around the table.
- Set the kitchen timer for 5 minutes (the time may vary with the number of players; generally calculate about 30-40 seconds for each player)
- Taking turns, each player rolls a pair of dice.
- If they roll doubles, they get to choose a prize
- If they do not roll doubles, they pass the dice to the next player.
- This should take place quickly to allow for as many turns as possible, and also to create a frenzy!
- Once all of the prizes are gone from the middle, players are allowed to “steal” prizes from each other….this is where it really gets fun. IF you still have time on the timer – keep rolling the dice and if you roll a double, you get to steal anyone’s present from the table. You keep rolling dice until the time runs out.
- When time is up, players get to open their prizes.
- (We always allow and encourage trading and sharing at the end)
On Thanksgiving, after the table has been cleared, and before everyone has a chance to flop down on the couch in front of the television, gather the guests and break out the dice. This game will get all ages involved, and though it’s not exactly aerobic, the excitement may burn off enough calories to make room for an extra slice of pie.
Christine is a former vintage shop owner, retail merchandiser and HGTV stylist. Currently, a designer working under the self-proclaimed title “at home expert”, she blogs about homekeeping and everyday joys at Pies and Aprons.
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How does the stealing part work???
Thanks for asking this clarifying question. I just updated #7 on the rules…
Once all of the prizes are gone from the middle, players are allowed to “steal” prizes from each other….this is where it really gets fun. IF you still have time on the timer – keep rolling the dice and if you roll a double, you get to steal anyone’s present from the table. You keep rolling dice until the time runs out.
what a fun idea! I am wondering how you determine the “stealing” part—who can steal from who and how do you actually get the item?
thanks!!
Thanks all for checking out my guest post….hope you play a round of turkey bingo next week!
diy day…..your leaf game sounds like a great variation; glad I could help out with the details!
Happy Thanksgiving all.
teeehee, what a fun game! i may have to try it out this thanksgiving!
It’s funny you should write about this kind of game, Ms. Christine. I was thinking about a similar game involving Thanksgiving Leaves of Appreciation in a kids video that I recently uploaded to my site. The children would all start with a pile of the leaves in the middle of the table, and by some manner (which was yet to be determined until you brought up the double dice roll idea) acquire all of the leaves.
A great way to be thankful, indeed…
Very cute idea. So many possibilities with this one:)
Turkey and bingo, where do I sign up?!
What a fun idea. My kids aren’t really into Thanksgiving. I bet they would be with something like this! Thanks for sharing :-)
What a fun idea….a great way to relax after eating dinner. Plus a good way to kill time until dessert!