Most people know Thanksgiving as a simple day of family, food, and gratitude. But its real history runs deeper than that. This piece looks at where Thanksgiving actually comes from. It also covers how host gifting works today. And it shares a few handcrafted gift ideas for the occasion. These ideas work especially well for Indian-origin families celebrating Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving in the diaspora.
The Real History Behind Thanksgiving
Most people learn the same story: in 1621, Plymouth colonists shared a harvest feast with the Wampanoag people after a good harvest season. But Thanksgiving didn’t become a fixed, national holiday until two centuries later. President Abraham Lincoln declared it a national holiday in 1863, during the Civil War, as a day of “thanksgiving and praise.”
There’s another side to this story that the popular version often leaves out. For the Wampanoag and other Native American communities, this history carries a heavier legacy. It’s tied to colonization, land loss, and broken treaties. Many Indigenous communities in the US mark the day as a National Day of Mourning instead of a celebration. Understanding both sides gives you the fuller picture of this holiday.
Over time, the day shifted from a religious observance to the version families know now: a shared meal, gratitude rituals, and a Friday after that’s become one of the busiest shopping days of the year.
How Host Gifting Works at Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving doesn’t follow a strict, universal gift-giving rule like some other US holidays. Instead, one custom has stuck: the host or hostess gift. A guest brings this for whoever is hosting the meal, as a thank-you for the cooking and the effort of putting the gathering together.
A few unwritten rules hold across most American households:
- The gift goes to the host. Guests don’t exchange gifts with each other, unlike at Christmas or a birthday.
- It’s usually smaller and more personal than a holiday gift. The point is appreciation, not obligation.
- Hosts tend to appreciate items they can use right away during the gathering, like a serving piece, a candle, or a decorative item.
- Guests often bring consumables like wine, baked goods, or specialty foods. But non-consumable keepsakes are gaining ground, especially for hosts who already have plenty of food on hand.
Friendsgiving and Diaspora Celebrations
“Friendsgiving” has grown into its own tradition in recent years. It’s a Thanksgiving-style gathering among friends instead of family, usually held before or after the actual holiday. Indian-origin families and international students in the US have also picked up this tradition. Many blend it with their own cultural traditions rather than treating it as a purely American occasion.
At these gatherings, host gifts with cultural meaning tend to stand out more than generic options. A handcrafted item from home works well on two levels: it thanks the host, and it shares a small piece of culture at a table that often blends traditions.
Host Gift Ideas With Cultural Meaning
Here are a few handcrafted options from Boontoon that work well as Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving host gifts. Each one earns its place at the table or in the home, not just on a shelf:
The Set of 6 Silver Colored Diyas in Velvet Box (₹1,000) mirrors the candle gifts common in American host-gifting, but brings a distinct handcrafted, Indian character. Hosts can use them as table lighting during the gathering itself.
The German Silver Elephant Leg Bowl and Tray Set (₹1,025) does double duty.
Hosts can use it to serve the meal, then keep it out as a centerpiece afterward, much like a decorative serving platter gifted at Thanksgiving.
For something smaller and more personal, try the Wooden Hexagonal Jewellery Box (₹400)
or the Handcrafted Wooden Photo Frame (₹620). Both make thoughtful keepsakes, especially for a host who’ll want to remember the gathering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Thanksgiving only celebrated in the US?
No. Canada celebrates Thanksgiving too, but on a different date (the second Monday of October, versus the fourth Thursday of November in the US) and with a different historical origin.
Do you have to bring a gift to Thanksgiving dinner?
It’s not mandatory. But bringing a small host or hostess gift is a widely followed courtesy in the US, especially when someone else cooks and hosts the meal.
What’s the difference between Thanksgiving and Friendsgiving?
Thanksgiving is the official national holiday, usually spent with family. Friendsgiving is an informal version with friends, often held on a different day. It’s especially popular among younger people and those living away from family.
Why do some communities not celebrate Thanksgiving as a happy holiday?
For many Native American communities, especially the Wampanoag, Thanksgiving’s origins tie back to colonization and loss rather than celebration. That’s why some communities mark the day as a National Day of Mourning instead.