51 Unique & Fun Spirit Week Ideas For Thanksgiving

Are you responsible for picking out spirit week ideas for thanksgiving? Feeling overwhelmed by what creative ideas to do? This list has the best creative & unique spirit week themes!

Fun & Creative Spirit Week Ideas for Thanksgiving

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Don’t settle for the same spirit week themes year after year. Change it up!

With four elementary age kids, school spirit week is a big deal. I hear from my own kids whether they like the spirit week ideas, or think they are lame. So picking good themes for students is a big deal!

Kids love to show off their school pride and creativity through themed outfits. It’s an exciting opportunity to break out of the daily routine and dress up in something fun and unique. 

And the best time to do this is the week leading up to Thanksgiving.

This isn’t limited to just schools and kids, companies often encourage spirit week & dress-up days to build company culture & employee morale. Invite employees to join in on the fun in a friendly competition amongst team members and staff.  

Work can feel serious and momentous, so a fun spirit week idea to kick off the holiday season is such a great idea. 

So whether you are a PTC President at your child’s elementary school, or your company’s Event Coordinator, here’s the best list of creative themes that will not suck and everyone will love! 

All About Spirit Week

It’s a designated week where students dress up based on specific daily themes, usually leading up to a big event such as homecoming, a sports game or a holiday, like Thanksgiving. It’s an important tradition that promotes school spirit, team building, and brings groups together.

Spirit Week Ideas For Thanksgiving

With so many different themes, it can be overwhelming trying to come up with outfit ideas for each day.  Pick one of these fun & unique themes for thanksgiving spirit week. 

classic decades day is a fun spirit week theme

1. Decades Day

Throw it back to the past with a decade-themed day. Choose your favorite era such as the 80s or 90s and dress up in their iconic fashion trends. Think neon colors, leg warmers, and scrunchies for the 80s or flannel shirts and ripped jeans for the grunge-inspired 90s look.

2. Twin Day

Grab your best friend or a group of friends and coordinate matching outfits for twin day. You can go all out with identical costumes or simply wear similar colors and styles to show off your bond.

3. Dynamic Duo Day

Everyone loves a good dynamic duo and this theme lets you pair up with a friend and dress as a famous pair, like peanut butter and jelly, Batman and Robin, or Mario and Luigi. It’s a fun way to showcase your creativity and teamwork. 

dressing up in pajamas is a fan favorite among kids and adults

4. Pajama Day

Embrace your cozy side with a pajama day. Wear your favorite set of PJs, fluffy slippers, and even a robe, if you’d like. Just remember, the key is to balance comfort with school-appropriate attire. 

Superhero day is a creative and fun them for spirit week

5. Superhero Day

Unleash your inner superhero for a day! Dress up as your favorite comic book or movie character. If you’re feeling creative, you can even invent your own superhero complete with a unique costume. 

6. International Day

Celebrate cultural diversity by dressing up in a traditional outfit from a different country. It’s a great opportunity to learn about and honor various cultures from around the world. 

7. Crazy Hat Day

This is a fun and easy theme where you can wear the craziest hat you can find or even make one yourself. From oversized sombreros to homemade creations, the possibilities are endless. 

Remember, the most important thing about Spirit Week is to have fun and express your school spirit. So, choose the theme that speaks to you and get creative! Don’t be afraid to mix and match different ideas or add your own unique twist. Just make sure to follow the school’s dress code and have a great time with your fellow students. Happy dressing!  

8. Wild West Day

Giddy up and ride into the Wild West. Dress up in cowboy boots, checkered shirts, and don’t forget the cowboy hat. You could even add a bandana and some jeans to complete the look.

animal print is one of the cutest and most creative spirit week ideas for thanksgiving

9. Animal Print Day

Embrace the wild side with an animal print theme. Whether you prefer the stripes of a zebra or the spots of a leopard, there’s an array of patterns to choose from. Just remember, the idea is to celebrate the beauty of nature, not to use actual animal skin.

How cute is my son in his animal print for a school spirit week he had!

10. Cartoon Character Day

From the classics like Mickey Mouse and Bugs Bunny to the new-age characters like Elsa and Paw Patrol, Cartoon Character Day is a real hoot. It’s a fun-filled opportunity to relive your childhood.

11. Mismatch Day

Mismatch Day is all about clashing patterns and colors. Pair stripes with polka dots, wear two different socks, or sport a tie with a casual t-shirt. The more mismatched, the better!

12. School Colors Day

Show your school spirit by adorning your school colors. Drape yourself from head-to-toe in your school’s colors and show off your pride.

In conclusion, Spirit Week is an excellent opportunity to express your creativity and school spirit. Remember, the key is to enjoy yourself and share in the camaraderie with fellow students. So, let your imagination run wild, and most importantly, have fun!  So, which spirit week theme will you choose? Share your ideas and outfit plans in the comments below. Let’s make this spirit week one to remember!

13. Crazy Socks Day

Don’t underestimate the power of a fun pair of socks! From ones with funky patterns to mismatched pairs, Crazy Socks Day is all about standing out from head to toe. You can even get creative and create your own unique pair using fabric markers or iron-on patches.

14. Hollywood Day

Roll out the red carpet for this glamorous theme. Dress up as your favorite celebrity or movie character, complete with props and accessories. It’s a chance to bring some glitz and glamour to your school day.

15. Color War Day

This theme is all about showing off your class spirit. Each grade or class can choose their own color and dress up in it from head to toe. You can also add face paint, temporary hair dye, and other fun accessories to really make your team stand out.

16. Gender Bender Day

Challenge traditional gender norms with a Gender Bender Day. Swap clothes with friends of the opposite gender or create your own unique gender-bending outfit. It’s a great opportunity to promote inclusivity and celebrate individuality.

17. Blast from the Past Day

This theme lets you go back in time and dress up in an era of choice. You can choose from the classic 1920s flapper style or the funky disco look of the 1970s. Get creative with hair and makeup to really transport yourself to a different time.

18. Celebrity Look-Alike Day

Have you ever been told you resemble a certain celebrity? Well, this is your chance to show off your doppelganger. Dress up as your celebrity look-alike and see if anyone can guess who you’re trying to imitate.

19. School Spirit Day

End spirit week strong with a day dedicated to showing off your love for your school. Wear your school’s colors, dress up in spirit wear, and show off your pride and enthusiasm for your school community. It’s a great way to come together as one strong and unified student body.  So, which theme will you choose? Share your ideas and outfit plans in the comments below. Let’s make this spirit week one to remember! Go team!  So, which theme will you choose? Share your ideas and outfit plans in the comments below. Let’s make this spirit week one to remember! Go team! 

sports jersey spirit week ideas for thanksgiving

20. Sports Jersey Day

Show support for your favorite sports team by wearing their jersey. Whether it’s football, basketball, baseball, or soccer, Sports Jersey Day is a fun way to represent your favorite team.

My daughter rocking sports jersey day!

21. Future Career Day

Dress up as your dream job. Whether it’s a firefighter, doctor, astronaut, or artist, Future Career Day allows you to envision and represent your future career goals.

22. DIY T-shirt Day

Unleash your creativity and design your own t-shirt. It can be anything from a beautiful painting to a funny quote. DIY T-shirt Day is all about expressing yourself through your creations. 

dress up in bright fun colors of pink, yellow, green and orange for Neon day

23. Neon Spirit Day

Brighten up the campus with a burst of colors on Neon Spirit Day. Don your most vibrant neon clothing and accessories, in electrifying shades of pinks, yellows, greens, and oranges. Whether it’s a neon t-shirt, bright leggings, glow-in-the-dark bracelets, or even a neon wig, the aim is to stand out and glow. Be creative and let your bright spirit shine!  So, which theme will you choose? Share your ideas and outfit plans in the comments below. Let’s make this spirit week one to remember! Go team! 

Don’t forget the accessories for Neon Day, which can make the outfit!

24. Star Wars Day

May the force be with you on Star Wars Day. Dress up as your favorite character from a galaxy far, far away and embrace the sci-fi universe. From Jedi robes to Stormtrooper gear, the possibilities are endless.

25. Disney Day

Who doesn’t love Disney? Dress up as your favorite Disney character, whether it’s a classic like Cinderella or a newer addition like Moana. It’s a fun way to bring some magic and nostalgia to spirit week.

70's day spirit week ideas for thanksgiving

26. 70’s Day

Groove your way back to the 1970s with this theme. Don your best retro fashion, from bell-bottom jeans and platform shoes to funky tie-dye shirts and oversized sunglasses. It’s a blast from the past that will surely be a hit.

28. Wacky Tacky Day

Go all out with your wackiest, tackiest outfit for this theme. From colorful plaid and mismatched patterns to crazy hats and socks, the goal is to be as outrageous as possible. Don’t hold back on the creativity!  So, which theme will you choose? Share your ideas and outfit plans in the comments below. Let’s make this spirit week one to remember! Go team! 

29. High School Days

Take a trip down memory lane and dress up as your favorite high school stereotype – the jock, the cheerleader, the nerd, or the goth. It’s a fun way to poke fun at common high school stereotypes and relive some memories from our teenage years.

30. Cartoon Characters

Who says cartoons are just for kids? Relive your childhood by dressing up as your favorite cartoon character. Whether it’s Spongebob Squarepants or Mickey Mouse, it’s a fun and playful way to show off your creativity.

31. Board Games

Bring your favorite board games to life by dressing up as the characters or pieces. From Monopoly and Clue to Scrabble and Candy Land, it’s a fun and interactive way to show off your love for these classic games.

thanksgiving themed spirit week ideas

Thanksgiving Themed Spirit Week Ideas

Looking to have each day be a “Thanksgiving” themed day? Use this creative list!

  1. Pilgrim Day: Dress up as a pilgrim to celebrate the first Thanksgiving.
  2. Native American Day: Honor the Native Americans who were at the first Thanksgiving.
  3. Turkey Day: Wear an outfit inspired by Thanksgiving’s famous bird.
  4. Cornucopia Colors: Dress in the colors of the autumn harvest.
  5. Football Fanatic: Represent your favorite football team, a nod to the tradition of Thanksgiving football games.
  6. Feast Fashion: Dress as your favorite Thanksgiving food item.
  7. Pumpkin Patch Day: Wear orange and green, inspired by pumpkin patches.
  8. Harvest Day: Dress in outfits inspired by the fall harvest.
  9. Flannel Friday: Wear cozy flannel, perfect for the fall season.
  10. Family Photo Day: Dress in matching outfits with friends, like a family holiday card.
  11. Mayflower Day: Dress as a sailor or ship captain, in honor of the Mayflower voyage.
  12. Thankful Thursday: Wear a shirt with a message about what you’re thankful for.
  13. Sweater Weather: Show off your favorite fall sweater.
  14. Parade Day: Dress up as a character from the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
  15. Colonial Day: Dress in colonial attire to commemorate the era of the first Thanksgiving.
  16. Autumn Animal Day: Dress as an animal associated with autumn, such as a squirrel or a fox.
  17. Pie Day: Dress inspired by your favorite Thanksgiving pie.
  18. Harvest Moon Day: Wear outfits inspired by the moon and stars.
  19. Cranberry Craze: Dress in cranberry red from head to toe.
  20. Black Friday: Wear all black, a nod to the shopping holiday that follows Thanksgiving. 

A Pep Rally 

Let’s not forget one of the most important parts of spirit week – the pep rally! It’s a chance to come together as a school and show off our school pride. From cheerleaders leading chants to performances by the dance team and band, it’s an energetic event that will get everyone pumped for game day.

Happy Hour

End spirit week on a high note with a Happy Hour. This can be a fun gathering where co-workers can dance, socialize, and enjoy refreshments. It’s a great way to celebrate the end of spirit week and all the memories made during this exciting time. So let loose, have some fun, and cheers to an amazing spirit week!

Remember, Spirit Week is all about creativity, spirit and having so much fun! Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and make these ideas your own! Have fun and enjoy the festive atmosphere!  Don’t forget to share your outfits on social media! With team spirit, especially at a company, the best ways are to encourage a little competition. Bonus points, give out fun prizes to the best dressed! Have fun and enjoy the week!

have an entire week dedicated to a thanksgiving theme for spirit week

Spirit Week Ideas for Thanksgiving Recap

Spirit week is an exciting time to showcase your creativity and school spirit through themed outfits. From decades day to crazy hat day, there are endless possibilities for fun and unique outfit ideas. And for the Thanksgiving season, we’ve also included 20 themed ideas to help you celebrate in style. So go ahead and start planning your outfits now! Remember to follow your school’s and companies dress code and have a great time.

Need more Thanksgiving themed activities? Check out:

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This post was all about spirit week ideas for Thanksgiving.

I would love to hear from you, leave a comment, and share your favorite spirit week ideas below.

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