Cut Holiday Costs Without Killing Your Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is around the corner, and like every holiday, that usually means more work, expenses, and stress. You’re already juggling the endless kid-related chaos, house chores, and work-from-home demands, and now here comes Thanksgiving like a freight train of expectations: the food, the decorations, the “special holiday experiences” that we’re supposed to give our kids.
If you're like me, you would be more thankful not to blow your financial plan on a single day. Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be a budget-buster (or a stress-buster, for that matter). You don’t have to spend a fortune to make it special or memorable, and saying no to the wasteful traditions can actually make it better.
Here are some cut-the-fat ways to keep your Thanksgiving under control, both in cost and sanity. You can still have a blast without breaking the bank.
In this article:
Trying to Keep Thanksgiving on a Budget is Getting Harder
4 Tips for a Budget-Friendly Thanksgiving
Cheap Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas
How to Reduce Thanksgiving Food Waste
Save Money on Thanksgiving Decorations
Host a Thanksgiving Gathering That They Will Remember
Trying to Keep Thanksgiving on a Budget is Getting Harder
Let's talk turkey—literally. Turkey prices are soaring higher than your favorite stoned aunt and drunk uncle. And the main course isn’t the only thing on the dinner table that is more expensive.
Here are the average costs for some traditional Thanksgiving dishes according to Statista:
Turkey: A 16-pound turkey, which serves about 10 people, is around $27.35
Mashed Potatoes: A 5-pound bag of russet potatoes, enough for a hearty side, is around $3.57
Stuffing: A 14-ounce package of cubed stuffing averages $3.77
Cranberries: 12 ounces of fresh cranberries go for about $2.10
Peas: A pound of frozen peas is less than 2 bucks
Dessert (Pumpkin Pie): A 30-ounce can of pumpkin is around $4.44, while pie shells are about $3.50
Miscellaneous Ingredients: The average person spends almost $4 on spices and other flavoring items
These prices suggest that a traditional Thanksgiving meal for 10 might run between $61 and $65, depending on where you shop and your region. But most of us have 3-figure grocery receipts with extras. Family size and finances also influence how much you ultimately will spend.
4 Tips for a Budget-Friendly Thanksgiving
Make a list and stick to it.
Watch for sales and use coupons.
Buy non-perishable items in advance.
Don't be afraid to go generic on some products.
Cheap Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas
Keep It Simple – Who says you need a gourmet meal to impress your guests? Stick to simple, classic dishes that are affordable and easy to make. Think mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and homemade stuffing. These are crowd-pleasers that won't empty your bank account.
Embrace Potluck-Style – If you’re the host, don't be a Thanksgiving martyr or caterer. Thanksgiving is a shared celebration, so make it a shared meal. Asking everyone to bring a dish cuts costs and adds variety to your spread. Assign people categories like “dessert” or “salad” so you don’t end up with six versions of the same dish. Plus, it's one less thing you have to cook. Win-win!
No Shame in Store-Bought – Listen, if it saves you time and it’s affordable, buy it pre-made. No one (and I mean no one) cares if you made your rolls from scratch or if you bought them. Sometimes, it’s just better to spend $5 on a Costco pumpkin pie than dedicate an afternoon trying to recreate Grandma’s receipt. Plus, store-bought food can be more affordable than buying all the ingredients for homemade dishes.
Reduce Dessert Options – Dessert is usually where people go overboard. But after the big meal, most people are done. Instead of offering a dessert buffet, pick one simple dessert.
How to Reduce Thanksgiving Food Waste
Every year, we hear about Thanksgiving food waste. And yet, every year, we haul home carloads of ingredients like we’re stocking a bunker. Here’s a revolutionary thought: Just because it’s a holiday doesn’t mean you need to go overboard.
This year, cut down on waste by planning your portions more precisely. If you’re not a fan of turkey sandwiches for three days straight, scale down the turkey size or look for a smaller bird.
Be selective about the dishes you’re making. Are there always three untouched sides at the end of the meal? Don’t make them. Think quality over quantity. Stick to the basics. No one needs a “signature” cranberry chutney that only three people eat.
For those inevitable leftovers, make turkey sandwiches, soups, and casseroles. Or freeze them for easy meals down the line. And don’t be shy about sending your guests home with a plate. Sharing is caring, after all.
Save Money on Thanksgiving Decorations
I get it—Thanksgiving is supposed to be this beautifully staged family moment, right? Do yourself a favor and forget the fancy centerpieces and overpriced décor. You don’t need your home to look like a Pinterest board threw up in it.
Take a tip from easy European parenting and something off your plate by outsourcing the Thanksgiving decorations. Your kids’ creativity can add a personal, meaningful touch.
Handprint Turkeys: Have little ones dip their palms in paint to create turkey prints. Once they dry, kids can add beaks, feathers, and eyes to bring their “turkeys” to life. Scatter these around the table, or use them as place cards with each guest’s name.
Thanksgiving Drawings: Give the kids some markers or crayons, and let them go wild drawing Thanksgiving scenes—turkeys, pumpkins, and harvest themes. Tape the finished art around the dinner area for a festive (and unique) gallery.
Paper Chains and Garlands: Older kids can link autumn-colored paper strips into Thanksgiving-themed chains. They can also cut paper leaves or pumpkins to string together as a garland to add flair.
Natural decorations: Send the kids out to collect pine cones, leaves, or acorns, and boom—free decor. Tie it together with some candles (from the stash you probably already have), and you’re set.
Not only do these crafts keep little hands busy while you prep, but they also create decorations you’ll want to keep.
Host a Thanksgiving Gathering That They Will Remember
Thanksgiving is about being grateful for what we have, not about having the fanciest feast. The holiday season can quickly turn into a rat race, with everyone competing to throw the “best” dinner or set up the “perfect” table.
But your kids and family don’t need an Instagram-worthy setup. They just want a good meal and a relaxed environment where everyone can enjoy each other’s company. Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive to be meaningful. A simpler holiday might just be what your family remembers and appreciates the most.
Take a deep breath, cut out the unnecessary fluff, and focus on what really matters: the people. That's what truly makes the holiday special.
Play games
Share stories
Enjoy each other's company
So, there you have it—my no-nonsense guide to cutting holiday costs and having a fabulous Thanksgiving without the financial hangover. Happy feasting, everyone!
