25 Thanksgiving Business Ideas You Can Start Today [2024]
Interested in starting a thanksgiving business in 2024?
We put together 25 of the best thanksgiving businesses you can start in today.
For each business idea, we’ll show you real-world examples of other thanksgiving businesses to help you see what it really takes.
Here's the full list:
1. Start a dessert boxes store
Gifting is a culture that cements how we relate to those close to us. Consumer goods stores have innovated various gifting methods and dessert boxes happen to be one of them.
If you love baking and you have a passion for entrepreneurship, starting a dessert boxes store can be a highly rewarding venture.
Here are some ideas for your inspiration.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)
Dick At Your Door is an e-commerce shop that grew almost 10x within the last eight months by selling anonymous pranks such as 5 oz chocolate penises, and its founder shares his journey that started as a joke to becoming a professional chocolatier.
2. Start a gift store
Running a gift store business involves selecting and selling unique, personalized products suitable for both special events and everyday celebrations.
As a business owner, you have the opportunity to source and showcase festive home decorations, gourmet delicacies, and handmade crafts that cater to different seasons and occasions throughout the year.
With the flexibility to offer various items and services driven by creativity and location, building a thriving local gift store allows owners to shape the shopping experience and create a sense of nostalgia in their community.
For aspiring entrepreneurs who possess a talent for adding special touches, opening a gift shop provides an opportunity to turn their passion into profit while designing cheerful and memorable experiences for their customers.
How much you can make: $5,000 — $749,997/month
How much does it cost to start: $6,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
This case study features a flight attendant who started an e-commerce business selling educational tooth fairy kits that include real foreign coins, which now generates around $8,000 per month in sales.
3. Start a meme-based product
Meme-based products could be your gateway to blending humor with commerce. Imagine leveraging the viral potential of memes to create t-shirts, mugs, and phone cases that resonate instantly with a large audience.
By tapping into the cultural zeitgeist, you can design and sell products that people already find relatable and entertaining. The process involves researching trending memes, creating compelling designs, and using print-on-demand services to handle production and shipping.
With low upfront costs and endless creative opportunities, this business idea allows you to turn internet culture into tangible items. If you've ever chuckled at a meme, why not explore turning that laughter into a profitable business?
How much you can make: $13,500 — $20,000/month
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Two college students turned a viral meme into a successful business, with over $200,000 in sales and a 65% profit margin largely due to the product's viral nature, passively selling 75% through Amazon FBA.
4. Become a local event artist
Event artists make the audience more centered, increase event PR, attract new artists, and build a good brand profile.
Becoming an event artist is easier than you think. All you need to do is choose a niche and work on attracting foot traffic to the events. Be creative and work on your communication skills.
How much you can make: $1,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 1500 days (?)
A 12-year-old magician and juggler has launched a successful virtual entertainment business with a minimum rate of $150 per hour and annual earnings of $200-250 per show, by following in his father's footsteps and training with industry experts.
5. Start a giveaway videos business
6. Start a success story videos business
Success story videos provide businesses with a powerful way to showcase their journey and achievements. By creating compelling, high-quality videos that highlight client transformations, milestones, and unique selling points, you can help companies build credibility and trust.
Your job would involve scripting, filming, and editing these narratives to craft engaging visual content that resonates with audiences. The potential here is vast, as businesses across various industries are always looking for effective ways to enhance their brand image and client engagement.
Starting a success story video business requires a knack for storytelling, a basic understanding of video production, and good communication skills. With more companies recognizing the importance of authentic content, this business idea offers a rewarding opportunity for those willing to put in the effort to capture and produce memorable stories.
How much you can make: $1,500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
Lemonlight CEO, Hope Horner, co-founded an on-demand video production company that has produced over 7,000 videos for more than 3,000 brands, generating over $6 million in sales and growing to a 45-person team, all without taking any outside capital and being recognized in Inc 5000 and Entrepreneur 360 for three years in a row.
7. Start a hashtag challenge business
8. Start a themed content business
Looking to bring creativity and engagement to content creation? Consider launching a themed content business. This venture involves crafting and curating multimedia content around specific themes, catering to audiences looking for niche, quality material.
The essence of the business is straightforward. You select captivating themes—be it fantasy, science, mindfulness, or seasonal trends—and tailor content such as articles, videos, social media posts, and newsletters around them. This niche focus attracts a dedicated audience and builds a strong, loyal following.
The beauty of a themed content business lies in its versatility. You can work solo or build a team, collaborate with content creators, and leverage platforms like Patreon or Substack for monetization. It’s a brilliant way to turn passion into profit by consistently delivering targeted, high-quality content.
If you have a knack for storytelling and a flair for niche topics, this could be an ideal path to explore.
How much you can make: $40,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $4,050 (?)
How long does it take to build: 22 days (?)
Influence Podium CEO Marti Sanchez started his content service for B2B CEOs three years ago, which now helps get CEOs of companies on podcasts and repurposes those episodes. They have crossed $30k MRR and their next goal is to hit seven figures by the end of the year, while completely self-funded.
9. Become a giveaway blogger
A giveaway blogger business idea involves starting a blog or website where you give away free products to your audience. This can be a great way to build a loyal following and generate income through sponsored giveaways and advertising.
To run a successful giveaway blogger business, it’s essential to focus on building an engaged and loyal audience. This can be achieved through regular content updates, engaging with followers on social media, and offering valuable content such as tips, tricks, and resources related to the products you are giving away.
Another key to success is finding reputable and high-quality products to give away. This can be achieved through partnerships with brands or by finding products that align with your brand’s values and mission. It's also essential to ensure you follow all legal requirements for giveaways, such as disclosing sponsored content and obtaining consent from entrants.
Finally, it’s important to stay organized and efficient with your giveaway planning and execution. This can be achieved through scheduling software and spreadsheet templates to track entries and winners.
By following these tips, a giveaway blogger can build a successful business that offers value to its audience and brand partners.
How much you can make: $40,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 105 days (?)
VastGG founders Trey Christensen and Cody Reese have built a multiplayer gaming giveaway marketing agency generating over $30k per month with 1.95 million subscribers to their newsletter and over 2 million social followers.
10. Start a home cooking business
Ever thought about turning your culinary talents into a business? A home cooking business could be your ideal venture. Simply put, this involves preparing and selling home-cooked meals to local clients.
This business model allows you to showcase your cooking skills to a paying audience right from your home kitchen. You can specialize in comfort foods, healthy meal preps, or gourmet dishes—whatever suits your expertise and market demand.
Interest in home-cooked meals has surged, with people eager for fresh, personalized dining options. Plus, it offers you flexibility and the comfort of working from home, supporting a balanced lifestyle.
Starting a home cooking business does require adhering to local health and safety regulations and effective marketing to build a customer base. If you have a passion for cooking and a drive to share your culinary creations, this could be a rewarding business opportunity.
11. Start a flash sale offering business
12. Start a live contest hosting business
The thrill of competition is universal. Starting a live contest hosting business leverages this inherent excitement, bringing engaging events to life.
In this line of work, you'll organize and host live contests, showcasing talents, trivia, or any tailored theme. It involves meticulous planning, securing venues or online platforms, and seamlessly executing events to captivate both participants and audiences.
Your role as a live contest host is not just about the thrill but also about managing logistics, coordinating with vendors, and ensuring memorable experiences.
If you have a knack for event management and love creating dynamic environments, this business offers a unique blend of creativity and operational skill. The demand for interactive and entertaining events is growing, making this a promising venture for those ready to dive into the excitement of live contests.
How much you can make: $30,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Case study on SEO consultancy and affiliate marketing business generating over $360k per year with over 700k monthly visitors, with insights on building valuable content, conducting extensive research, and working with a skilled and dedicated team.
13. Start a free guide business
Got expertise or knowledge to share? Start a free guide business. This venture involves creating and distributing comprehensive guides on topics you’re well-versed in, helping others while monetizing your expertise.
Launching a free guide business requires identifying a niche subject, conducting in-depth research, and creating high-quality, informative guides. Offer these guides for free initially to attract a broad audience. Monetize through adverts, sponsorships, or by offering premium, in-depth versions.
This business idea appeals to self-starters who enjoy research and content creation. With minimal startup costs and a focus on digital distribution, it is a viable approach to building a steady income stream. It may not be a get-rich-quick scheme, but with persistence and quality content, your valuable insights can carve out a profitable niche.
How much you can make: $10,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Indian founder Arjun Patel created online platform onlinecasinoguide.in which provides honest reviews, guides and details about casino sites and promotions in India, gaining 30,000 monthly visitors through dedication and patience in building a solid SEO foundation.
14. Start a canned goods making business
15. Start a thank you notes business
Are you ready to revive the lost art of gratitude? Starting a thank you notes business is a unique opportunity to help people express genuine appreciation in a meaningful way.
In simple terms, this business involves crafting personalized thank you notes for clients who want to convey their thanks but lack the time or creative touch. Your job would be to design, write, and deliver beautifully curated notes for various occasions—birthdays, weddings, corporate events, and holidays.
This business taps into an ever-relevant need for sincere human connection, making it an intriguing endeavor for those who love words and creativity. With a growing awareness of mental well-being and relationships, your service will be increasingly valuable.
Starting this business requires a genuine knack for writing, a good eye for design, and reliable partners for sourcing quality stationery. However, if you’re passionate about making people feel appreciated, this could be an incredibly fulfilling venture.
How much you can make: $8,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $10 (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Heidi Bender started Tons of Thanks in 2014, developing it into the go-to resource for over 15 million people to write meaningful thank-you messages, handling ad revenues, SEO and learning to not give up even when the "passive income" point is reached.
16. Start a say thank you videos business
17. Start a Community Delivery Service
Community Delivery Service is an easy business to start. Subscribers pay a monthly fee to receive a curated box of products based on their preferences. The boxes contain items such as food, beauty products, and other lifestyle goods.
The idea behind the subscription service is that customers can't always find time to shop for themselves or they have trouble finding what they want in stores. Community Delivery Service offers a way for people to get their favorite items without having to spend time looking for them every month.
18. Start a thanksgiving-themed products business
19. Become a festival photographer
20. Start an online polls
Online polls are more than just a fun way to engage an audience—they're a business opportunity. Starting an online polls service involves creating and managing surveys that collect valuable insights for businesses, researchers, and marketers.
With low startup costs, the core task is to design intuitive questionnaires and analyze the results for actionable data. Various platforms and software are available to simplify this process, making it accessible even for beginners.
Companies are always looking for better ways to understand their customers, and insightful data from polls can drive decision-making. The potential for steady, scalable income lies in offering your polling services to multiple clients, tailoring questions to their needs, and providing comprehensive reports.
If you're methodical, enjoy data analysis, and have good communication skills, this could be an ideal business to start. The demand for nuanced, data-driven insights is ever-increasing, positioning online polls as a viable and relevant venture.
How much you can make: $40/month
How much does it cost to start: $20 (?)
How long does it take to build: 7 days (?)
FeedLetter.co, a simple feedback system for newsletters that started as a personal app, now has 14 customers and relies on Twitter and word-of-mouth for acquiring new users, with founder Jens Boje emphasizing the importance of focusing on publishing and growing your product instead of waiting to perfect it.
21. Start an exchange loyalty rewards business
Ever wondered how you could turn unused loyalty points into cash or other rewards? Consider starting an exchange loyalty rewards business.
In simple terms, this venture allows customers to convert their accumulated loyalty points from various programs into something more versatile, like gift cards or even direct cash deposits.
Picture the convenience this offers—an easy way for consumers to maximize the value of their points, typically stuck and forgotten. Plus, it provides businesses with an innovative value-added service to attract and retain customers.
Setting up this business will involve negotiating with loyalty programs, creating a user-friendly platform, and a robust marketing strategy to draw in both consumers and participating brands.
While the technical aspects may require some effort, the opportunity to build a successful enterprise that solves a common consumer problem is substantial.
How much you can make: $150,000/month
AwardWallet is a loyalty program tracking website which has grown to over $150,000 in monthly revenue, and since launch has retained users mainly through word of mouth due to its superior product in the space.
22. Start a flower arrangements business
Flower arrangement refers to a decorative display of cut flowers. Floral designers focus on ensuring balance, proportion, scale, unity, harmony, rhythm, balance, and emphasis in every flower arrangement gig.
Whether it is a romantic weekend getaway, a valentine’s dinner, a family get-together, a wedding, or an anniversary, a unique flower arrangement brightens the atmosphere. The flower arrangement tradition has lived with us for a long time, and there are no signs it will fade away, at least in our lifetime.
Are you a florist looking to expand your flower business? Combine your affinity for flowers with your floral design skills to create inspired floral creations. Before starting your flower arrangement career, you will need some training and experience.
How much you can make: $3,000 — $50,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $300 (?)
How long does it take to build: 45 days (?)
Sharon Demmery started a luxury artificial flower arrangement business from scratch and now achieves sales of around £50k/month, focusing on creating bespoke and unique products with high margins and low competition, while building a loyal customer base through organic social media efforts and referrals.
23. Start a donation business
24. Start a niche greeting cards business
Have you ever struggled to find the perfect card for a unique or specific occasion? Starting a niche greeting cards business could be your answer. This business focuses on designing and selling cards tailored to specialized markets—think vegan birthdays, techie thank-yous, or climate activist celebrations.
Creating these unique products involves a blend of creative artistry and market research. You'll need to identify underserved niches and design cards that resonate with those specific audiences. Once designed, partnering with printing services and setting up an online store will be crucial steps.
If you enjoy getting creative and spotting trends, this business has potential. It offers the satisfaction of bringing joy and personalized connections to people through something as simple as a greeting card. Plus, it allows you to make use of your artistic skills while meeting a market need.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $100,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $8,750 (?)
How long does it take to build: 77 days (?)
Joker Greeting sells unique prank gifts, including a non-stop musical birthday card, an idea raised by the founders visiting their mom's house, having no website or marketing and yet raising $92,073 on Kickstarter in 30 days due to being picked up by media, enabling them to sell 15,000 units in the first year, owned SEO for their niche, selling almost 40,000 units in 2017 and expected to reach 50,000 to 60,000 in 2018 with a small team, using Shopify and various social media channels with lots of organic traffic.
25. Start a food donation app business for restaurants
Wasted food is a lost opportunity. Imagine a food donation app connecting restaurants with charities.
Essentially, this app would allow eateries to list surplus meals, which charities can then claim and distribute to those in need. It's a straightforward yet impactful idea, tackling hunger while reducing waste.
Building and maintaining the app requires consistent updates, partnerships with restaurants, and a robust logistics plan. But the rewards are notable.
If you'd like to make a tangible difference while running a tech-savvy business, this idea might be for you. Think of it as not just a venture, but a meaningful contribution to society.
How much you can make: $1,800,000/month
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
