Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, family, and, of course, food. But with all the preparations, the cost of a big holiday meal can add up quickly. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to save money on your Thanksgiving feast without sacrificing flavor or tradition. From grocery store discounts to apps that help you track deals, here are six smart strategies for a budget-friendly Thanksgiving meal.
Discounted Meals at Target, Walmart, and Aldi
Major retailers like Target, Walmart, and Aldi offer a variety of discounted Thanksgiving meal options, making it easier to prepare a delicious feast without breaking the bank. These stores often have pre-packaged meal kits, which include everything you need for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner—turkey, sides, and desserts—at a fraction of the cost of buying ingredients individually.
– Target: In the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving, Target typically offers discounted turkey dinners that include sides like mashed potatoes, stuffing, and gravy. You can often find deals on frozen turkeys and grocery bundles that are perfect for feeding a crowd. This year, their $20 meal that serves 4 is $5 less than last year.
– Walmart: Walmart’s Thanksgiving meal bundles are often among the most affordable options, offering dinner kits that feed 8 people for under $50. Additionally, Walmart’s online ordering and in-store pickup services can save you time.
– Aldi: Known for its low prices, Aldi is another great option for cost-conscious shoppers. Their Thanksgiving offerings include everything from fresh turkeys to pre-made side dishes and desserts, which can all be purchased at a fraction of the cost of more upscale grocery stores. This year, their Thanksgiving meal is $47 and serves 10 people.
Restaurants Offering Thanksgiving Deals and Discounts
If you’re not in the mood to cook or are looking to simplify your holiday plans, several restaurants offer Thanksgiving deals that allow you to enjoy a traditional meal without doing the heavy lifting. Some even offer special promotions for families or large groups.
Boston Market: Known for its homestyle cooking, Boston Market offers a Thanksgiving meal deal that includes turkey or chicken, traditional sides a roll and pice for $13.99. They also offer family-sized meals at a discount when ordered in advance, making it easy to feed a crowd without spending a fortune.
– Cracker Barrel: Cracker Barrel is another go-to for a no-fuss Thanksgiving dinner. Their holiday meal packages allow you to order a whole turkey dinner or individual plates, both at affordable prices. For larger gatherings, Cracker Barrel also offers family-style meals that can be served at your home or at the restaurant. For example, the Thanksgiving Heat n’ Serve Family Dinner serves four to six and includes turkey breast with gravy, sweet potato casserole, cornbread dressing, cranberry relish, green beans, and sweet rolls for $104.99.
– Denny’s: For an inexpensive, no-frills option, Denny’s offers a Thanksgiving dinner that includes turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie, often at a special price during the holiday season. If you’re hosting a small group or just want to avoid the hassle of cooking, this can be a great alternative. This year’s meal serves four and includes turkey breast and gravy, stuffing, red-skinned mashed potatoes, your choice of side, and cranberry sauce for $54.99.
Buying in Bulk
One of the best ways to save on Thanksgiving food is by buying ingredients in bulk. Whether you’re cooking for a large group or just want to stock up on seasonal essentials, bulk purchasing can significantly reduce your overall spending on food.
Thanksgiving staples like canned cranberries, green beans, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin puree are non-perishable and can be bought in bulk for a lower price at warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam’s Club, or even grocery stores like Walmart and Target. Many grocery stores have bulk discounts for seasonal vegetables like squash, carrots, and potatoes. If you can freeze them or store them well, buying in bulk allows you to get the best deals on commonly used holiday ingredients.
Speaking of buying in bulk, one of the best-kept secrets for saving money on your Thanksgiving feast is BJ’s Wholesale Club’s annual Free Turkey promotion. BJ’s, a wholesale club with locations mostly in the Eastern US, has been running this promotion for several years, offering members the chance to receive a free turkey with a qualifying purchase. This can be a huge savings for large families or those hosting a big meal.
– How It Works: Typically, BJ’s offers a free turkey when you spend a certain amount on other grocery items in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving. This year, if you spend $150 or more on qualifying items, you can get a coupon for a free Butterball turkey. It’s important to check the promotion’s specific terms and conditions to make sure you meet the required criteria.
– BJ’s Membership: While BJ’s Wholesale Club requires a membership to access their discounts, the cost of the membership often pays for itself with just one turkey deal. Plus, BJ’s offers additional holiday discounts on everything from stuffing and desserts to beverages, which can help you further cut costs on your entire meal.
– Additional Savings: BJ’s also runs promotions on items like canned vegetables, cranberry sauce, and even Thanksgiving-themed decorations, making it an all-in-one stop for your holiday shopping.
If you’re not already a BJ’s member, it may be worth considering the membership for the opportunity to save on your Thanksgiving turkey, especially if you have a large guest list to feed.
Apps That Can Help You Save
In today’s digital age, there are several apps designed to help you save money on groceries and holiday meals. By using the right tools, you can find discounts, clip digital coupons, and even compare prices across stores to get the best deals.
– Flipp: Flipp is an app that aggregates weekly flyers and discounts from stores near you. It helps you stay up to date on sales, so you can plan your shopping list accordingly. You can also use Flipp to browse coupons, find rebates, and plan your Thanksgiving shopping for maximum savings.
– Ibotta: Ibotta is a cashback app that offers rebates on a wide range of grocery items. Simply scan your receipt after shopping and get cash back on eligible Thanksgiving items like turkeys, stuffing, and cranberry sauce. Many stores also partner with Ibotta for special Thanksgiving promotions, offering even more savings.
– Groupon: While Groupon is known for discounts on experiences, you can also find deals on groceries and restaurants. Groupon regularly offers deals for local restaurants offering Thanksgiving meals, as well as discounts on grocery delivery services, allowing you to avoid the store altogether.
Hosting a Potluck
One of the easiest and most fun ways to save money on your Thanksgiving meal is by hosting a potluck. Inviting guests to bring a dish to share significantly reduces the amount of food you need to purchase and prepare. Assigning a few key dishes like appetizers, desserts, and sides to others could leave you with only the responsibility of preparing the turkey and a few choice items.
A potluck also allows guests to bring freezer-friendly dishes that can be made ahead of time, reducing last-minute cooking stress. Think casseroles, pies, or even mashed potatoes that can be prepped and frozen in advance.
This approach makes Thanksgiving more of a community event and less of a financial burden. Plus, you get the joy of trying new recipes and sharing the spirit of the season with loved ones.
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