USA TODAY Editor's Picks
Editor’s Picks Best Thanksgiving Essentials 2026
Earn USA TODAY Recognition
The USA TODAY Editor’s Picks Best Thanksgiving Essentials 2026 recognize the products that help consumers create memorable Thanksgiving celebrations, from preparing the meal to hosting family and friends around the table.
Each submission is considered by USA TODAY’s editorial team for recognition in the inaugural Best Thanksgiving Essentials, an honor reserved for products that demonstrate exceptional quality, performance, value and holiday appeal.
From pantry staples and baking ingredients to meal kits, cookware, kitchen tools, serveware, décor, games and hostess gifts, the program highlights products that stand out during one of America’s most beloved holiday traditions.
Why Submit?
Earning USA TODAY Best Thanksgiving Essentials recognition tells consumers your product has been identified by USA TODAY editors as among the best Thanksgiving products available this season.
Products selected for recognition may receive:
- Official USA TODAY Best Thanksgiving Essentials recognition
- Inclusion in USA TODAY Thanksgiving and holiday editorial coverage
- Prominent placement on Thanksgiving.com
- National exposure across USA TODAY digital platforms
- An opportunity to license the official USA TODAY Best Thanksgiving Essentials badge
- Increased credibility with consumers, retailers, media and industry professionals
What are the USA TODAY Best Thanksgiving Essentials?
The USA TODAY Best Thanksgiving Essentials are an editorial recognition program designed to help consumers discover the products that make Thanksgiving preparation, hosting and entertaining easier, more enjoyable and more memorable.
Selections are made independently by USA TODAY editors through editorial research, product evaluation, supporting documentation, expert input and hands-on testing when appropriate.
The USA TODAY Best Thanksgiving Essentials help consumers identify the products that genuinely elevate the holiday experience, whether they’re preparing their first Thanksgiving dinner or hosting a celebration for a crowd.
Recognition may be awarded to products across a wide range of Thanksgiving categories, including:
- Pantry staples and baking ingredients
- Meal kits and prepared foods
- Desserts and specialty foods
- Roasting and cooking equipment
- Kitchen gadgets and thermometers
- Cookware and bakeware
- Dinnerware, serveware and entertaining essentials
- Tabletop décor and seasonal decorations
- Family games and activities
- Hostess and host gifts
Products do not need to fit perfectly within one of these categories. USA TODAY may place a submission in the category editors consider most appropriate.
USA TODAY Best Thanksgiving Essentials helps consumers identify the products that genuinely elevate the holiday experience, whether they’re preparing their first Thanksgiving dinner or hosting a gathering for a crowd.
If you have any questions, please contact the team at EVG Media, and a representative will get back with you as quickly as possible.
Please note that while other companies may approach you, EVG Media is the only official licensing partner for Editor’s Picks Best Thanksgiving Essentials 2026.
Ready to Submit Your Product for Consideration?
Complete the submission form below and provide the information needed for USA TODAY editors to consider your product.
Every submission is reviewed independently by USA TODAY editors.
Submission fee: $350 per product
Your submission fee covers:
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- Editorial submission processing
- Product intake and administration
- Editorial research and evaluation
- Consideration for USA TODAY Best Thanksgiving Essentials recognition
Submission fees do not influence editorial decisions and do not guarantee that a product will receive recognition.
You may submit up to three products at one time on this form.
Please be patient. The form page make take a few seconds to update once you’ve submitted your entry. If you experience any issues or have any questions, contact EVG Media.
Submission Schedule
The USA TODAY Best Thanksgiving Essentials 2026 program accepts submissions beginning September 2026.
To be considered for inclusion in the inaugural editorial feature, submissions must be received by October 30, 2026.
The USA TODAY Best Thanksgiving Essentials feature is scheduled to publish November 2, 2026.
We encourage submissions throughout the nomination window rather than waiting until the deadline.
Editorial Independence
USA TODAY maintains complete editorial independence throughout the selection process.
Submission fees support the administration of the awards program and do not guarantee recognition.
USA TODAY editors retain sole discretion regarding:
- Products selected for review
- Evaluation criteria
- Award recognitions
- Publication timing
- Categories and editorial features
Products may be declined or removed if they do not meet USA TODAY’s editorial standards.
If Your Product Is Selected
Brands receiving USA TODAY Editor’s Pick recognition will be notified directly. Recognized brands may have the opportunity to:
- Be featured in USA TODAY editorial content
- License the official USA TODAY Editor’s Pick badge
- Promote their recognition across advertising, packaging, websites, and social media
- Purchase optional commemorative awards and marketing materials
Licensing opportunities are offered separately and are never required.