In a couple of short weeks, we’ll gather around the table and celebrate a day of food, family, and gratitude. But don’t be a turkey when it comes to preparing for that feast. These Thanksgiving shopping tips are certain to wow your guests while helping your budget survive the long holiday season ahead.
Begin By Budgeting
It’s a drum I beat over and over again but honestly I can’t say it enough because it’s a trap that even I fall into. You must, must, must have a target amount in mind. Don’t fall victim to blind shopping. Your target amount will be dependent upon whether or not you’re hosting the day’s celebration or simply attending a gathering. You need to consider the sum you’ll spend on food, decor, and if necessary travel. After you’ve determined the specific dollar amount, pull out cash and place it in a special envelope, even decorating it for the season for fun! As you spend, keep a written ledger on the back of the envelope and then use that information to determine next year’s budget.
Shop The Loss Leaders
Every big box retailer and grocery store will host “can’t miss” deals throughout the month of November. Items like turkeys, sweet potatoes, cranberries, and rolls will have their prices slashed below their value, making them loss leaders. The stores hedge their bets that you’ll be so excited about these bargains that you’ll fill your cart full with everything else. Typically, these goods are placed in the back of the store you have to walk by a million wonderful products. You definitely want to shop these deals. But you’ll need to put your blinders on and only buy what’s necessary.
Skip the One Day Extras
Odds are you’ll be tempted more than once to buy more than you need during the holiday season. From folding tables to large serving dishes to cornucopias to seasonal dishes, there are plenty of items you might only use once or twice a year. In the store, you’ll need to remain dedicated to not purchasing such goods. For furniture, work your social networks to see if friends or family members have chairs and tables you can borrow. Do the same for serving dishes. If you do choose to purchase decor or center piece items, go with things that have a general fall theme and that can be packed away to be used over and over again. If you’d love to own one of those “extra” items, watch for clearance deals and shop after Thanksgiving for next year.
Nix the Paper Goods
If you don’t have a huge number of friends and family attending your fete, don’t purchase paper goods at all. It’s debatable if larger gatherings will cost more due to the water used in your dishwasher. If you do buy napkins or plates, stick with basic colors that can be used again or opt to only buy either themed plates or themed napkins and purchase a coordinating solid color.
Avoid the Side Dish Trap
The biggest temptation of Thanksgiving shopping is adding too many side dishes to our menus. We want the cranberry sauce, the pumpkin and pecan pies, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, corn, stuffing, rolls, dressing, noodles, jello mold, salads, broccoli cheese casserole – we want it all! But more than likely your budget can’t handle it all. This is why you need to strategically meal plan before you hit the aisles. Write down exactly what you’ll be eating. If you want an expansive menu, ask your guests to bring their favorite dish to share.
Shop smart this Thanksgiving. The holiday season is a slow burn and we’re all prone to overspending. Begin well so you can endure through the end of the year.
Check out my ebook Keep the Happy in Your Holidays: 21 Ways to Save Time, Money, and Your Sanity This Christmas for more money saving tips!
My book is now available: Slaying the Debt Dragon: How One Family Conquered Their Money Monster and Found an Inspired Happily Ever After. You can also check out The Debt Free Devotional
This post contains an affiliate link. That means when you get a great deal or maybe even something for free, you also help our family pay off our mortgage early. And for that, we royally thank you!
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