Wondering how you can have a budget friendly Thanksgiving this year? So are many other people. Thanks to the high inflation and the higher cost of living most people are trying to scrape by on a normal day. A holiday may seem out of reach for some, but I’m hoping I can help you plan a budget friendly Thanksgiving.
Budget Friendly Thanksgiving
I understand needing to plan Thanksgiving on a budget. I have been there a number of times where I had to figure out how we were going to do the holiday on limited money. And this year is no different. The economy is rough and people are struggling. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have a little bit of festivities. I almost considered skipping Thanksgiving, but with the world crumbling around us I realized my family needed this.
We needed hope, a day to focus on gratitude (though that should be everyday), and we may not have too many more chances to do this. People get older, there are the threats of war, and all that jazz. And so, I think it is more important than ever to still have Thanksgiving, even if it is a budget friendly Thanksgiving. So, let’s take a look at how we can save money and still have a delicious Thanksgiving!
Thanksgiving On A Budget
So, let’s break down Thanksgiving so we can figure out how to have a budget friendly Thanksgiving. We’ll break it down. Typically on Thanksgiving people have:
- Turkey
- 3-5+ Sides
- Bread
- Beverages
- 2-3 Different Types Of Pies
- Finger Foods/Appetizers
And then people tend to buy other things like:
- Paper Plates
- Paper Cups
- Plastic Silverware
- Decorations
- Tablecloths
Now, let’s look at what we can do to save some money. All of these prices are based at the local HEB I live near in Texas.
1. Thanksgiving On A Budget: Turkey
A Riverside turkey can cost $25 or more and that’s for a bigger turkey. And in reality, a turkey that big can feed a smaller family for a week or more if you freeze the leftovers. But right now, throwing down $25+ on a turkey can be tough. So, what do you do?
Most websites suggest 1.25 pounds per person. So, with that information you could get the smallest turkey based on your family’s need. Or as an alternative you could do:
- Turkey Legs ($5.92 per 2)
- Turkey Thighs ($3.49 per pound)
- Turkey Tenderloins ($10.38 per 2 tenderloins)
- Turkey Breast ($9.74 for 4 turkey breast cutlets)
Budget Friendly Thanksgiving Alternatives
If that is still out of your price range, consider substituting turkey for chicken. It isn’t the same, but you can easily flavor it the same and it is generally cheaper.
- Whole Chicken ($8.45)
- Chicken Legs (12 Drumsticks for $4.17)
- Leg Quarters ($4.59 for 4)
- Chicken Breasts ($11.52 for 6 Breasts)
2. Thanksgiving On A Budget: Seasoning
I know a lot of us like to break out all the seasoning on Thanksgiving. But if you’re low on seasonings or don’t have a ton because you haven’t been able to stock up, what do you do? They can be pricy.
- Poultry Seasoning ($3.79 for 0.65oz)
- Adam’s Reserve Stuffing Seasoning ($6.29)
- Thyme ($2.29)
- Rosemary ($2.39)
- Salt and Pepper (Shakers $1.99)
- Seasoned Salt ($4.19)
Budget Friendly Thanksgiving Alternatives
It can add up at the store. That alone is almost $20. And if you don’t have a bunch of money you can just use salt and pepper. If you want more than I would look at places like Dollar Tree.
Most seasonings at the Dollar Tree is $1.25. That can add up too, but you would be able to get a couple seasonings for a few dollars.
3. Thanksgiving On A Budget: Sides
Sides are some of the best parts of Thanksgiving. Like I like the turkey, but I like the sides too! And on average people make 3-5+ side dishes. I know my family likes all the sides especially now that my in-laws are near us and they’re a little finicky when it comes to sides. But they can add up. So, how can we save money on sides?
You can easily cut down on sides. You don’t need so many sides. Or if you do, make them differently! Everything doesn’t have to be homemade. And you can get a lot of items from places like the Dollar Tree or off brand to save money. Let’s take a look.
- Homemade Mashed Potatoes (red potatoes $3.79, Butter $4.49, 1/2 Gallon Milk $1.99)
- Sweet Potato Casserole ($4.79 for 4, Marshmallow $1.69, Brown Sugar $2.89, Eggs $2.19, Vanilla (6.89) Butter, Milk)
- Baked Macaroni and Cheese (Noodles $1.39, Cheddar Cheese $3.39, Flour $1.49 , Milk, Butter, Bread Crumbs $1.39)
- Southern Green Beans (Fresh Green beans $5.99, bacon $5.99, onion $0.49, garlic $0.59)
- Frozen Corn (Corn $1.79 for 16oz, Butter)
- Frozen Rolls ($5.79)
- Homemade Cranberry Sauce (cranberries $4.19, granulated white sugar $3.79, orange zest $0.89, salt, allspice $4.19)
- Homemade Dressing (Bread $2.59, Chicken Broth $2.39, Butter, Poultry Seasoning, Celery $1.59, Onions, Green Pepper $0.79, Sage Sausage $4.29, Eggs)
- Deviled Eggs (Eggs, Mayonnaise $4.79, Mustard $1.79, Paprika $2.99)
- Gravy (Flour, Butter, Drippings, Gizzards)
Budget Friendly Thanksgiving Alternatives
That adds up really quick! I didn’t add duplicates as you’d probably have that if you bought it for one, but that gets so expensive! So, cutting down how many Thanksgiving side dishes can help you save money, but going a cheaper route will help as well. You can also get some items from the Dollar Tree as well.
- Boxed Stuffing ($2.99)
- Boxed Mashed Potatoes ($3.39 for box, $1.79 for packet)
- Boxed Macaroni and Cheese ($1.19)
- Canned Corn ($1.09)
- Canned Green Beans ($0.99)
- Premade Rolls ($3.09) Or Bread Slices ($2.59)
- Pack Of Turkey Gravy ($0.79) or Chicken Gravy ($0.79)
- Canned Cranberry Sauce ($2.39)
Already we saved quite a bit of money. Is it as good as homemade? Probably not, but it is still delicious! Most of this we grew up with and there is nothing wrong with it! Canned goods are what I generally use on Thanksgiving just because I can’t afford fresh food to feed 8+ people…it adds up!
4. Thanksgiving On A Budget: Desserts
We tend to eat the same desserts: pumpkin pie and pecan pie. Though I know some people eat extra desserts. My family would always do a cherry cheesecake too. And there are ways to save money here too like not making as many desserts or perhaps changing up the desserts.
Typical Pie Recipes:
- Pumpkin Pie (Flaky Crust $3.59, Sugar $3.79, Cinnamon $1.49, Ginger $3.49, Clove $3.59, Salt $0.79, Eggs $2.19, Pumpkin $3.19, Evaporated Milk $1.59)
- Pecan Pie (Karo Corn Syrup $3.59, Eggs $2.19, Sugar $3.79, Butter $4.79, Vanilla $6.89, Pecans $7.99, Flaky Crust $3.59)
They’re a bit expensive! You can save a little money on these by buying them at the store in SOME cases.
- Premade Pecan Pie- $6.99
- Premade Pumpkin Pie- $5.29
If you want to make your own and still save money, this is the way I make these pies:
- My Pumpkin Pie- (Graham Cracker Crust $1.49, Sugar $3.79, Pumpkin $3.19, Cinnamon$1.49, Eggs $2.19, Evaporated Milk $1.59, Salt $0.79) You save $7.08 which isn’t a ton, but it’s still something.
- My Pecan Pie– (Graham Cracker Crust $1.49, Flour $1.49, Milk $1.99, Vanilla $6.89, Chopped Pecans $2.69, Salt $0.79, Brown Sugar $2.89) You save almost $15 with this recipe.
Or you could do a different dessert. Yes, pie is tradition, but you can also make cookies, boxed cake, or even ice cream.
5. Thanksgiving On A Budget: Appetizers
My mom always said we couldn’t eat on Thanksgiving. We had to save our appetites for the dinner. Though, she would set out some finger foods. Mainly we would cut up veggies because they were cheap!
- Veggie Tray ($14.29)
- Fruit Tray ($13.49)
- Meat and Cheese Tray ($20.89)
- Cheese Ball ($8.99)
It can be expensive to pre-game! But, you can do what my momma did and kind of make your own!
- Homemade Veggie Tray (Baby Carrots $1.19, Celery $1.59, Peppers $0.79, Ranch $2.39)
- Apples And Peanut Butter or Caramel (Granny Smith $0.99, Peanut Butter $2.99, Caramel $2.79)
- Homemade Cheese Ball (Cream Cheese $2.59, Ham (Buddig) $0.99, Green Onions $0.59)
I would avoid the meat and cheese tray because it is expensive and the cheese ball is my momma’s recipe. It’s simple, tasty, and yummy. These are much cheaper options than store bought trays.
6. Thanksgiving On A Budget: Beverages
I know some people like wine, booze, beer, cocktails, sodas, juice, eggnog, and it can all add up. I generally stick with one 2 liter of soda, water, milk, and if someone wants something else, they can bring it.
Dollar Tree also has has jugs of juice, 4 pack juice boxes, Stars and Stripes soda, sparkling juice for $1.25 a piece as well. And some of these are like 64 oz bottles or 2 liter bottles. So, if you don’t want to cut out all the fun stuff, you may look at cheaper options.
7. Thanksgiving On A Budget: Décor and Tableware
I will go ahead and say décor is not necessarily a must. It’s pretty and festive, but Thanksgiving is about each other and gratitude. But again, check the Dollar Tree. They tend to have cheap décor, fall fake flowers and the such. Same with the tableware and paper plates. A lot of stores will also have sections with $5 or less section and you can look at those areas as well.
Personally, I just use regular plates and silverware. Does it mean a lot more washing? Yes, but I’m not spending money that can easily add up. A few dollars is a few dollars nowadays.
Have A Happy Thanksgiving
I really hope all of you have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving. And I hope this helps you. I know we are told we have to spend hundreds and hundreds of dollars and do everything from scratch. But you don’t have to. Holidays are more about the family coming together and really appreciating, not only each other, but the blessings God has given us. And if that means you have to skimp or change things up, that’s okay. It really is. Happy Thanksgiving, y’all!
More Thanksgiving Posts From Homemaking For God
- Avoid Thanksgiving Stress This Year With These Great Tips
- 30 Delicious and Easy Thanksgiving Recipes You Have To Try
- Does Eating Turkey On Thanksgiving Really Make You Sleepy?
- How To Avoid Thanksgiving Drama With Friends, Family, and In-Laws On Thanksgiving Day.
- Thanksgiving Is A Great Time To Give God Thanks
What budget friendly Thanksgiving tips do you have? I’d love to hear them!
