Aside from the food that never seems to run out, one of the best things about Thanksgiving dinner is getting to spend time with relatives. It doesn't matter if it's family that you see every day, family that you see every few months, or family that you only see on major holidays — the fact that you get to spend quality time with your loved ones is reason enough alone to love a day like Thanksgiving.
But while you may be looking forward to seeing your immediate and extended family, we know that getting everyone together can be quite a show when personalities collide! Which of the following family members do you expect to encounter this year? We'll add reasons for them to feel thankful, with stunning gift ideas that match their personality.
The chatterbox
Quite the opposite of the quiet one is the chatterbox — the relative who just can't seem to stop talking, even if only to take a bite of turkey (yes, this is also the one that talks while chewing, giving you the lovely sight of the inside of their mouth). How do they possibly have anything left to say?
Best gift match: One way to hush a gabber is with chocolate covered strawberries. They'll be so focused on the interplay of fruity sweetness and decadent chocolate tastes that you may miss their conversation.
The quiet one
You know this one — the one that shyly says hello (you may even only get a wave) and heads to the table to claim their seat before the festivities begin. In fact, chances are once they're down, they won't ever get up, even if the rest of the clan is congregating elsewhere. Oh, and don't expect them to utter a word during dinner either.
Best gift match: They say that pets often look like their owners, but the same concept can be applied to personality types and plants. For those who always appear to be deep in thought, the artful bonsai tree espouses a pearl of quiet wisdom to inspire.
The jokester
Need a good laugh? This relative is by far the best one to turn to! In addition to cracking jokes over your Thanksgiving toast, this is the relative you'll see everyone crowding around when there's a break in the action. Not to mention, if anything gets too serious, they'll find a way to lighten things up. We all need a good laugh now and then, don't we?
Best gift match: From tossing popcorn in their mouth to finding ways to prank with tasty treats, bite-size snacks are a great way to encourage a jokester's fun streak.
The cheek pincher
Even if you saw them just a few months ago, and even if you're in or past your 20s (aren't we a little old for this?), you can always count on one family member to pinch your cheeks and go off about how you look. Having a relative like this in the family is pretty much inevitable, so you might as well get used to it.
Best gift match: Cheek pinchers like all things cute, and pooches made of carnations from the a-DOG-able collection are pretty dog-gone adorable. Though you may want to add a warning label that pinching their floral cheeks is not recommended.
The extrovert
We bet you already have someone in mind for this one. This is the family member who's pretty much all over the place from the moment they walk in the door, and you may even consider them to be the life of the party so long as they don't get too out of hand.
Best gift match: Entertaining and extroverts go hand in hand, which is why entertaining and barware gifts will be appreciated. Perhaps they may even have the idea to host next year's Thanksgiving dinner?
The Debbie Downer
Let's face it, every family has a member who will find something negative to say whenever they get the chance. Arrive at Thanksgiving dinner with no traffic? You just got lucky — you'll hit it on the way home. Food smells great? It probably doesn't taste as good as it looks. When this one's around, you need to call in the jokester for sure.
Best gift match: Is it possible to cure the family downer? Zen gifts for relaxation are a great way to start. Otherwise, just find amusement in the negativity...this is the holiday of thankfulness, after all.
The selfie taker
Picture time! Whether you like it or not, you'll be dragged into at least three pictures during Thanksgiving dinner. And you better make an effort to look your best, because you can bet they'll all end up on some type of social media site — family and holiday hashtags included.
Best gift match: Help style a selfie taker's post with emoticon truffle cake pops. The whimsical truffle cakes on a stick add colorful smiles that are bound to get a lot of likes.
The gossip
Along with the selfie queen, we also have the gossip queen. Want to know who your cousin's dating now or what that argument between your two aunts is really about? This relative will definitely have the scoop...even if some of it's a little dramatic.
Best gift match: Give the gossip queen something to talk about with a bouquet from our collection of unique flower varieties, such as the Radiant Ranunculus Bouquet. Who knows? It may even leave her speechless.
The impatient one
If they didn't leave five minutes after walking in the door, they feel like they didn't leave soon enough. You can pick this relative out of the crowd easily, as they'll likely have their shoes and jacket on the moment everyone's done eating. So, are you leaving yet?
Best gift match: A great way to achieve a sense of welcome and calm is with an orchid — though you may want to display it as part of the decor so it can be appreciated and then given as a parting gift.
AUTHOR
Jacqueline deMontravel is 1-800-Flowers.com’s senior editor of floral and gifting. She is also an editor, writer, designer, artist and stylist. Previously, Jacqueline was the editorial director of Engaged Media’s Lifestyle group, overseeing such publications as Cottages & Bungalows, Romantic Homes, Yum, Seaside Style, Cottage White, French Style, Happy Modern and Rooms. Formerly the editor of Country magazine, she held editor positions at Self and GQ. She has been a contributor with Hearst's Harper's Bazaar and Black Book magazines.
