When it comes to sending emails, far too many marketers focus all of their time on the contents of the email and making sure it’s designed well. And while this is undoubtedly important, they end up neglecting one of the most important parts of any email: its subject line.
Unfortunately, this is a mistake many brands are going to make with their Thanksgiving campaigns as well.
No matter how great your email is, if you don’t have an equally good Thanksgiving email subject line to go with it, it’ll never live up to its true potential.
Why? Because when people open their inboxes, the only part of your email they see is its subject line.
This means your subject line has a substantial effect on your open rate. So much so that a third of your subscribers base their decision on whether to open an email or not solely on its subject line.
So to help ensure your customers open and read your Thanksgiving campaigns, here is a collection of 250+ Thanksgiving subject lines other top brands have used in the past.
Use this list as a source of inspiration and guide for coming up with your own subject lines.
The Various Types of Thanksgiving Email Subject Lines
Thanksgiving emails are not of the same kind. They differ based on the context for which they are meant for.
Although most thanksgiving emails are used for showcasing gratitude, you can use specific emails for announcing special sales offers and promotions.
Highlight specific content to maximize engagement and so on.
Based on that, we can classify thanksgiving subject lines as following:
- Subject lines expressing gratitude
- Sale announcement and promotional offer subject lines
- Thanksgiving Email Subject Lines with Emojis
- Email Subject Lines for Pre-Thanksgiving Day
- Email Subject Lines for Thanksgiving Countdown
- Subject lines to highlight Content & maximize engagement
- Final reminder / last chance examples
- Customer appreciation & loyalty
Subject Lines Expressing Gratitude
One of the most common Thanksgiving email marketing strategies is simply to send an email expressing your gratitude to your customers for their support.
These brand-building types of emails are a great way to strengthen your loyal customer base. And if you decide to send an email to convey the spirit of the holiday season, you’ll want a subject line to match like these examples.
Subject lines that highlight customer milestones
- A year of gratitude: Celebrating your first anniversary with us!
- Happy Thanksgiving & 1st Purchase Anniversary—Special gift for you!
- Two years and counting—Thank you for your continued support!
- Your Thanksgiving gift is here—Cheers to our journey together!
- This Thanksgiving, we’re celebrating YOU and your milestones with us!
- A special Thanksgiving treat for your X-year loyalty!
- It’s been <XX> year(s) since we met—Thank you for being with us!
- Grateful for you and your milestones—Enjoy something special!
- Your first Thanksgiving with us deserves something extraordinary!
- Anniversary + Thanksgiving = Double the Thanks for YOU!
Personalized Thank Yous
- Thank you, <Name>! Here’s a little something for Thanksgiving…
- Happy Thanksgiving, <Name>! A gift just for you
- <Name> you’re special to us — Here’s your Thanksgiving surprise!
- Thankful for your support, <Name>—Enjoy a treat on us!
- A Thanksgiving thank you for <Name>—We couldn’t have done it without you!
- Your loyalty means the world, <Name>—Here’s our Thanksgiving gift!
- Grateful to you, <Name>—Unwrap your exclusive Thanksgiving offer!
- We couldn’t celebrate Thanksgiving without saying thanks to YOU, <Name>!
- Thank you, <Name>, for being part of our family—Special Thanksgiving offer inside!
- This Thanksgiving, we want to say thank you personally, <Name>!
Team Gratitude Messages
- A special message of thanks from our entire team!
- From all of us to you—Happy Thanksgiving!
- Our team is grateful for you—Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving!
- Warm Thanksgiving wishes from everyone here at [Company]!
- This Thanksgiving, our team is thankful for customers like you!
- Thank you for supporting us—Gratitude from the entire [Company] family!
- Together, we say thank you—From all of us, Happy Thanksgiving!
- Our team is so grateful for you—Enjoy a special Thanksgiving surprise!
- We’re all giving thanks for YOU this holiday season!
- Happy Thanksgiving from the whole team—We’re grateful to have you!
Sale Announcement and Promotional Offer Subject Lines
Drive excitement for your Thanksgiving sales with clear, enticing subject lines. These examples highlight limited-time offers and exclusive deals tailored to boost conversions.
Bundle Deals for Holiday Preparations
- Get Thanksgiving-ready! Bundle up for the big feast 🍂
- Thanksgiving Prep Bundle: Everything you need in one place!
- Bundle & Save: Thanksgiving essentials just for you!
- Feast-ready bundles! Get your Thanksgiving must-haves at a steal
- Prep for Thanksgiving like a pro—Special bundle deals inside!
- Holiday prep made easy—Shop Thanksgiving bundles and save!
- Everything but the turkey! Thanksgiving bundles now available
- Ready for the big day? Grab your Thanksgiving prep bundle now!
- Bundle up and save! Thanksgiving prep essentials inside 🦃
- Thanksgiving made easy—Everything you need in one bundle!
VIP Access to Black Friday
- Thanksgiving Special: Get early VIP access to Black Friday!
- VIP Alert: Black Friday deals just for YOU before anyone else!
- Exclusive Black Friday access—Your Thanksgiving VIP treat!
- Happy Thanksgiving! Unlock VIP access to Black Friday deals
- Shh… VIP Black Friday access starts now—Just for Thanksgiving!
- Thanksgiving Surprise: VIP Early Access to Black Friday steals
- Skip the wait! VIP Black Friday access starts this Thanksgiving
- Special Thanksgiving gift: Your VIP ticket to Black Friday deals!
- Unlock Black Friday savings early—Thanksgiving VIP access inside
- Your Thanksgiving perk: Exclusive Black Friday access starts NOW!
Sliding Scale Discounts
- The more you shop, the more you save! Thanksgiving deals inside
- Spend more, save more—Unlock bigger discounts this Thanksgiving!
- Thanksgiving sale: The bigger the cart, the bigger the discount!
- Stack up your savings—Thanksgiving sliding scale discounts inside!
- Spend $50, save 10%—Thanksgiving sale rewards bigger carts!
- The more you shop, the bigger the reward! Thanksgiving sliding discounts
- Thanksgiving Savings: The more you buy, the more you save!
- Unlock bigger discounts as you fill your cart this Thanksgiving!
- Save BIG this Thanksgiving—Your discount grows with every dollar!
- Shop more, save more—Thanksgiving deals that reward every purchase!
Surprise Flash Sales
- 🎁 Surprise! Thanksgiving Flash Sale is LIVE—Don’t miss out!
- 🦃 FLASH SALE! Thanksgiving Day surprise savings inside!
- 🍁 Thanksgiving Day Flash Sale—Hurry, limited time only!
- ⏰ Surprise! Thanksgiving Flash Sale starts NOW!
- 🍂 Thanksgiving Flash Sale Alert—Deals end at midnight!
- 🛒 FLASH SALE just for Thanksgiving! Shop before it’s gone!
- 🎉 Surprise Thanksgiving savings—Flash Sale happening now!
- 🦃 FLASH DEALS! Grab your Thanksgiving savings before they vanish!
- 🚨 FLASH SALE: Exclusive Thanksgiving offers for today only!
- 🍁 Surprise Thanksgiving Flash Sale—Steals and deals for a limited time!
Limited-Time Offers With Specific Products
- 🦃 Special Thanksgiving Offer on [Product Category]! Shop now!
- 🍁 Limited-Time Deal: Save on Thanksgiving essentials like [Product Name]!
- 🛍️ Best-sellers on sale! Thanksgiving deals on top picks 🍂
- 🎉 Thanksgiving spotlight: [Product Name] is on sale for a limited time!
- 🍗 Save on [Product Category]—Thanksgiving Limited-Time Offers!
- ⏳ Only for Thanksgiving! Discounts on [Product Name] inside!
- 🍁 Special Thanksgiving Sale: [Product Category] at unbeatable prices!
- 🦃 Shop Thanksgiving specials on [Product Name]! Limited time only!
- 🎉 Thanksgiving Deal Alert! [Product Category] on sale—Don’t wait!
- 🍂 Thanksgiving offers on your favorites! [Product Name] at a special price!
Thanksgiving Email Subject Lines with Emojis
Emojis can add a festive touch to your Thanksgiving subject lines. These examples combine visuals with urgency to catch attention and spark engagement.
Here is a quick list of Thanksgiving emojis for your reference:
| Food & Feast Emojis | Seasonal & Fall Emojis |
| 🦃 Turkey 🍗 Poultry Leg 🥧 Pie 🍽️ Plate with Cutlery 🍴 Fork and Knife 🥔 Potato 🍠 Roasted Sweet Potato 🌽 Ear of Corn 🍎 Red Apple 🍏 Green Apple 🍇 Grapes 🍞 Bread 🥖 Baguette Bread | 🍁 Maple Leaf 🍂 Fallen Leaves 🌾 Sheaf of Rice (represents harvest) 🎃 Pumpkin (also ties into fall/Thanksgiving decor) 🍃 Leaf Fluttering in Wind 🍄 Mushroom 🍇 Grapes 🍊 Tangerine |
| Celebration & Gratitude Emojis | Nature & Outdoor Emojis |
| 🙏 Folded Hands 🎉 Party Popper 🎊 Confetti Ball 💌 Love Letter ✨ Sparkles ❤️ Red Heart | 🌻 Sunflower 🌿 Herb 🌳 Deciduous Tree 🌰 Chestnut |
Seasonal Emojis with Scarcity
- 🍁 Last chance for Thanksgiving deals! ⏳ Don’t miss out!
- 🦃 Almost gone! Final Thanksgiving sale items—Hurry!
- 🍂 Limited stock! Grab your Thanksgiving essentials before they’re gone!
- ⏰ Time’s ticking! Final hours for our Thanksgiving sale 🍁
- 🛒 Last call for Thanksgiving savings—Shop now before it’s too late! ⏳
- 🍁 Going, going, gone! Your last shot at Thanksgiving deals!
- 🦃 Only a few left! Hurry before our Thanksgiving deals disappear!
- 🍂 Almost over! Don’t miss your final Thanksgiving offers ⏰
- 🚨 Flash sale ends soon! Thanksgiving deals vanishing fast 🍁
- ⏳ Thanksgiving deals expiring soon! Grab what’s left 🍂
Emoji-based Call-to-Action (CTA)
- Grab your 🍂 Thanksgiving essentials before they’re gone!
- 🛒 Shop now! Thanksgiving deals are waiting for you 🍁
- 🦃 Get feast-ready—Shop Thanksgiving must-haves today!
- 🍁 Stock up for Thanksgiving—Deals you don’t want to miss!
- 🍽️ Time to prep! Everything you need for Thanksgiving is here 🦃
- 🛍️ Act fast! Thanksgiving deals you can’t afford to miss 🍂
- 🦃 Ready, set, shop! Your Thanksgiving deals are live! 🍁
- 🛒 Your Thanksgiving essentials are just a click away! 🍂
- 🍁 Fall into savings—Shop our Thanksgiving specials now!
- 🦃 Time to save! Snag your Thanksgiving deals before they disappear 🍂
For more usage tips, check out our guide on using emojis in subject lines here.
Email Subject Lines for Pre-Thanksgiving Day
You don’t have to wait until Thanksgiving day to send your holiday email.
Instead, getting your email out a day or two early will give people more time to read it (something many will be too busy to do on Thanksgiving) which can be especially helpful if you’re running a sale.
Early Bird Thanksgiving Specials
- 🦃 Early Bird Special: Thanksgiving deals you can’t miss!
- 🍁 Get ahead of the crowd—Early Thanksgiving savings end soon!
- Exclusive Early Bird Offer! Thanksgiving discounts just for you 🍂
- 🍂 Beat the rush! Shop our Thanksgiving Early Bird specials now!
- 🦃 Early shoppers get the biggest savings—Thanksgiving deals inside!
- 🍁 Early Bird Alert: Thanksgiving sale ends before the big day!
- Grab your Thanksgiving deals early—Before they’re gone! 🛒
- 🎉 Early Thanksgiving savings end soon—Hurry!
- 🦃 Early access to Thanksgiving offers! Limited time only ⏳
- Thanksgiving Early Bird: Last chance to save before the big feast!
Thanksgiving Party Prep
- 🍽️ Get your Thanksgiving table ready—Everything you need inside!
- 🦃 Hosting Thanksgiving? Here’s what you’ll need for the big day!
- Prep for the perfect Thanksgiving party—Shop essentials now 🍂
- 🎉 Get your party supplies before Thanksgiving—Special offers inside!
- 🍗 Feast-ready? Your Thanksgiving party essentials are here!
- 🛍️ Everything you need to prep for Thanksgiving—Shop now!
- 🍽️ Hosting Thanksgiving? Don’t forget these must-haves!
- 🎉 Thanksgiving party prep made easy—Get all your supplies now!
- Ready for your Thanksgiving celebration? Shop party essentials 🦃
- 🍁 Be party-ready this Thanksgiving—Everything you need before the big day!
Email Subject Lines for Thanksgiving Countdown
Build anticipation by counting down to Thanksgiving Day or sale events. These subject lines create excitement and urgency, encouraging customers to act before time runs out.
Countdown to Thanksgiving Sales
- 🦃 3 Days to Go: Countdown to Our Thanksgiving Sale!
- 🍁 Thanksgiving Sale starts in 48 hours—Get ready to save!
- ⏳ Countdown begins! 2 days until our Thanksgiving deals drop!
- 🍂 Only 1 day left before our BIG Thanksgiving Sale starts!
- ⏰ The clock is ticking! Thanksgiving Sale launches in just 24 hours!
- 🛍️ 72 hours until our Thanksgiving Sale—Mark your calendar!
- 📅 5 days to go: Get ready for Thanksgiving savings!
- 🎉 Countdown Alert: Thanksgiving deals go live in 3 days!
- 🍁 Almost time! Thanksgiving Sale kicks off in 24 hours!
- 🦃 Thanksgiving Sale Countdown: Only 2 days until the savings begin!
Thanksgiving Menu Countdown
- 🍽️ 3 days until Thanksgiving—Is your menu ready?
- 🦃 Countdown to the feast! Here’s your perfect Thanksgiving menu 🍁
- 🍴 48 hours to go—Prep your Thanksgiving menu now!
- ⏳ 2 days until the feast! Last-minute menu ideas inside!
- 🍗 Countdown to the feast—Are you ready for Thanksgiving dinner?
- 🍽️ Final countdown to Thanksgiving—What’s on your menu?
- 🦃 1 day until Thanksgiving! Here’s the menu inspiration you need
- 🍴 Menu prep countdown—Your Thanksgiving feast starts in 2 days!
- ⏰ Time to finalize your Thanksgiving menu! Only 1 day left!
- 🍂 Thanksgiving Menu Countdown—Last-minute tips before the big feast!
Subject lines to Highlight Content & Maximize Engagement
Engage your audience with Thanksgiving-themed content like recipes, party ideas, and décor tips. These subject lines emphasize valuable content over promotions, adding value to your emails.
Thanksgiving Recipes & Ideas
- 🍽️ Delicious Thanksgiving Recipes to Wow Your Guests!
- 🦃 Try These 5 Easy Thanksgiving Recipes for the Perfect Feast!
- 🍁 Looking for Thanksgiving inspiration? Check out these mouth-watering recipes!
- 🥧 Thanksgiving made easy—Your ultimate recipe guide inside!
- 🍗 Cook like a pro! Thanksgiving meal ideas that everyone will love!
- 🎉 Hosting Thanksgiving? Here are 10 recipes to impress your guests!
- 🍽️ Feast-ready! Quick and simple Thanksgiving recipes to save the day!
- 🦃 Set the table with these crowd-pleasing Thanksgiving recipes!
- 🍁 Your Thanksgiving menu just got better—Check out these recipe ideas!
- 🍂 Need Thanksgiving meal inspiration? We’ve got you covered with these recipes!
Thanksgiving Party Games or Ideas
- 🎉 5 Family Games to Play this Thanksgiving!
- 🦃 Spice up your Thanksgiving with these fun family games!
- 🍁 Make Thanksgiving memorable—Try these fun party games!
- 🎉 Game night meets Thanksgiving—5 party ideas for family fun!
- 🦃 Boredom busters! Thanksgiving family games everyone will love!
- 🍂 Thanksgiving fun for everyone—Check out these family game ideas!
- 🎉 Looking for a Thanksgiving twist? Try these party games!
- 🦃 Make your Thanksgiving gathering unforgettable with these family games!
- 🍁 Add fun to your feast—Thanksgiving party games inside!
- 🎉 Keep the family entertained—Thanksgiving game ideas for all ages!
Thanksgiving Table Décor Ideas
- 🍁 Wow your guests with these stunning Thanksgiving table décor tips!
- 🎉 Set the perfect Thanksgiving table with these festive décor ideas!
- 🍂 Create a picture-perfect Thanksgiving table—Décor inspiration inside!
- 🦃 Spruce up your Thanksgiving table—Easy, stylish décor ideas!
- 🍽️ Hosting this Thanksgiving? Check out our décor tips for a beautiful table!
- 🎉 Set the scene! Thanksgiving table décor ideas to impress your guests!
- 🍁 Elevate your feast with these simple yet elegant Thanksgiving table settings!
- 🦃 Transform your table—Thanksgiving décor ideas for a festive vibe!
- 🍽️ Need décor inspo? Create a stunning Thanksgiving tablescape with these ideas!
- 🍁 Wow-worthy Thanksgiving table décor that’ll make your feast extra special!
Final Reminder or Last Chance Examples
Motivate last-minute shoppers with urgency-driven subject lines. These examples emphasize final opportunities to take advantage of Thanksgiving deals before they’re gone.
Holiday Shipping Deadlines
- ⏰ Last Call! Order by [Date] to Get It Before Thanksgiving!
- 🦃 Don’t miss out—Thanksgiving shipping deadline is almost here!
- 🚚 Hurry! Order by [Date] to ensure Thanksgiving delivery!
- 🍂 Thanksgiving is around the corner—Order now for on-time delivery!
- ⏳ Final shipping reminder! Get your order before Thanksgiving!
- 🛍️ Beat the clock! Thanksgiving shipping cut-off is approaching!
- 📦 Need it by Thanksgiving? Shop today before it’s too late!
- ⏰ Thanksgiving Shipping Alert: Last chance to get your order on time!
- 🚚 Time is running out! Order by [Date] to receive your Thanksgiving goodies!
- 🦃 Don’t delay! Thanksgiving delivery deadlines are fast approaching!
Extended Returns
- 🎁 Shop stress-free with extended returns for the holidays!
- 🦃 Thanksgiving bonus—Extended returns on all holiday purchases!
- 🍂 No rush! Enjoy extended returns on your Thanksgiving shopping.
- 🛍️ Extended return window for your holiday shopping convenience!
- 🎉 Shop with confidence—We’ve extended our return policy for the holidays!
- 🦃 Holiday shopping made easy—Extended returns until [Date]!
- 🍁 No worries! Extended return window for your Thanksgiving purchases.
- 🎁 We’ve extended our return policy—Enjoy holiday shopping with peace of mind!
- 🦃 Buy now, return later—Extended returns on all Thanksgiving purchases!
- 🍂 Hassle-free holiday shopping—Extended returns through [Date]!
Customer Appreciation & Loyalty
Show your most loyal customers some extra love during Thanksgiving. These subject lines focus on exclusive offers and perks to reward your loyal base with special access or gifts.
- 🦃 A Thanksgiving treat just for you—Exclusive access inside!
- 🍁 Loyal members only: Your exclusive Thanksgiving discount is here!
- 🎉 VIP Thanksgiving Perk: Enjoy early access to our sale!
- 🛍️ Special Thanksgiving surprise for our most loyal customers!
- 🍂 Thank you for being loyal—Enjoy your exclusive Thanksgiving offer!
- 🎁 As a loyal member, you get first dibs on Thanksgiving deals!
- 🦃 Your exclusive Thanksgiving access starts now—Shop before anyone else!
- 🍁 For loyal customers only: Special Thanksgiving discount just for you!
- 🎉 Your Thanksgiving VIP pass—Exclusive deals await!
- 🛍️ Loyal customers, your Thanksgiving perks have arrived!
- 🍂 Unlock exclusive Thanksgiving savings—Loyalty has its rewards!
- 🦃 Early bird? No, loyal bird! Get early access to Thanksgiving sales!
- 🍁 Thank you for being with us—Exclusive Thanksgiving rewards just for you!
- 🎁 VIP Thanksgiving Sale—Your loyalty deserves something special!
- 🦃 For our most loyal customers: Thanksgiving deals you won’t want to miss!
- 🍂 Exclusive Thanksgiving discount for being part of our loyal family!
- 🎉 Thank you for your loyalty—Here’s your exclusive Thanksgiving offer!
- 🛍️ Thanksgiving sale sneak peek—Only for our VIP members!
- 🍁 Unlock early access—Special Thanksgiving deals for loyal customers!
- 🦃 Because you’re loyal—A Thanksgiving surprise awaits inside!
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Best Practices for Writing Thanksgiving Subject Lines That will Drive Open Rates
Writing Thanksgiving email subject lines requires a careful and thoughtful approach. It must blend seasonal gratitude with effective promotions to achieve maximum results.
Follow these best practices to write subject lines that resonate with your audience:
Keep It Short and Clear
Aim for subject lines that are concise, ideally between 40-60 characters. Short subject lines are easier to read and less likely to be cut off on mobile devices. Clarity ensures your message is understood at first glance, driving higher open rates.
Use Emojis to Add Personality
Incorporating seasonal emojis like 🦃, 🍂, or 🥧 can make your subject lines stand out in crowded inboxes. Emojis create visual appeal, helping you express emotion or emphasize a festive tone, but be mindful not to overdo it—use one or two relevant emojis to maintain professionalism.
(Read further below for the list of Thanksgiving related emojis and how to use them in subject lines.)
Create Urgency or Scarcity
Incorporate urgency-related phrases like Last Chance, Final Hours, or Hurry! to encourage immediate action. Scarcity-driven subject lines, especially those promoting limited-time offers or exclusive deals, can create a fear of missing out (FOMO), which can boost open rates.
Personalize Whenever Possible
Personalization is a powerful tool to connect with your customers. Use their first name or reference their past purchases to make the subject line more relevant. For example, Thank you, [Name]! Special Thanksgiving Offer Inside feels more personal and engaging.
Incorporate Action-Oriented Language
Use strong, action-oriented verbs to guide your readers toward taking the next step. Words like Shop, Grab, Discover, or Claim encourage action, making your promotions feel more immediate and compelling.
Test Subject Lines
A/B testing your subject lines can help you determine which approach resonates best with your audience. Experiment with different combinations of gratitude, urgency, and emojis to see what drives the highest engagement.
One of the mistakes that marketers often make while writing thanksgiving emails is that they tend to lean too much on gratitude or promotion.
Striking a fine balance between showing gratitude to your customers while still promoting your products or services is key to Thanksgiving email marketing success.
These tips should help strike a right balance between expressing gratitude and highlighting promotions:
Lead with Gratitude
Start your subject line by expressing genuine thanks before transitioning into a promotional message. For example, Thank You for Being a Loyal Customer—Enjoy 20% Off This Thanksgiving! shows appreciation while offering value.
Offer Exclusive Deals as a Token of Thanks
Frame your promotions as a gift or reward for your customers’ loyalty. Subject lines like We’re Grateful for You—Exclusive Thanksgiving Offer Inside reinforce the idea that the deal is a special gesture of gratitude rather than just a sale.
Keep the Tone Warm and Festive
Thanksgiving is a time of warmth and reflection, so your subject lines should reflect that. Use a conversational and heartfelt tone to make your customers feel valued, while subtly integrating promotional elements. For example, We’re Thankful for You! Celebrate with 15% Off feels genuine yet enticing.
Conclusion
Your subject line is an essential part of your email marketing campaign which will never reach its full potential without a decent subject line to match.
Having now gone through 100 different Thanksgiving email subject line brands have used in the past, you hopefully have the inspiration to come up with your own.
If you’re looking for more inspiration for the rest of your Thanksgiving campaign, such as email design, check out our collection of Thanksgiving emails here.
