I know it seems like Halloween was yesterday (it was Monday for the record), but you probably need to be thinking ahead to Thanksgiving now. Especially this year, it’s time to be strategic about what you’re serving, where you’re shopping, and what you should skip this year. As prices rise – did you know that consumer analysts are anticipating turkeys will cost 73% more this year due to both inflation and a bird flu outbreak? – you need to begin shopping early to keep Thanksgiving from becoming more of a beast than a blessing. Check out these early Thanksgiving shopping tips to save more money.
Begin With the Menu
We talk about this in all sorts of areas of our household finance, but if we fail to plan, we plan to fail. So whether it’s a budget or a meal plan or a holiday season, you’ll find yourself in all sorts of trouble if you don’t have a written plan. Now is the time to sit down and figure out what dishes are a must this year and which ones you can skip. If you’re sharing the responsibility of meal preparation with friends or family members, reach out to them now, too. Whether you use a tool like Sign Up Genius, a Google Doc, or a simple group text, start formulating a plan. You also want to plan for Wednesday night when you’re meal planning. It’s the busiest night of the year to order pizza, so think about a quick and easy meal that you can feed your family while you’re busy cooking, cleaning, and tending to the details.
Shop for Non-Perishables Now
Some items can be spread across the next few weeks so you’re not hit with a huge grocery bill the week of Thanksgiving. Potatoes, chicken stock, frozen items like rolls or pies if you’re not making them from scratch, store bought noodles, frozen and canned vegetables and pumpkin, and more could be purchased now. These items aren’t usually overly expensive and can safely be kept before the big day. You may even want to prepare dishes like pies and mashed potatoes and freeze them so you take a little of the hustle and bustle out of your day.
Check Store Promotions
Here’s one tip I hesitated to share because ALDI is my happy place and telling the whole world what’s going on there right now might make it crowded. But I love helping you save money more than hoarding my money saving tips and happy place. Right now, ALDI is offering a Thanksgiving Rewind on prices meaning that they will offer traditional Thanksgiving groceries at the same price they were in 2019. This store promotion began on November 2 and will run through Thanksgiving. This means discounts as high as 30% on appetizers, desserts, sides and beverages. I’m assuming other stores will also offer similar promotions. I’d keep my eye on both Kroger and Target Circle for digital coupons if you regularly shop there.
Stick to One Store
Promotions aside, you may want to consider this idea. And it might seem a little contrary to my typical “get everything at the lowest price possible” philosophy. But, if you can, try to stick to only one store when shopping this year. Yes, certain items may be a bit cheaper at another store, but running around in circles costs money, too. Gas is expensive and your time is valuable. So realize you may save a penny or two here or there and spend a penny or two more elsewhere for Thanksgiving. Check the store ads and do a little bit of comparative store analysis to choose the right store for you.
Skip the Paper Goods This Year
I really hate washing dishes, but paper plate prices have consistently risen over the past year. This year might be a good year to crack out your “real” dishes instead of using paper plates. And if you’ve still got Grandma’s cloth napkins, use them, too.
Prepare Your Storage Containers
Now is also the perfect time to make sure you have everything ready for all of those leftovers. From Ziploc bags to reusable, freezer safe containers, to aluminum foil – these are the items that can easily be forgotten from your shopping plan. One of the coolest hacks I’ve seen lately is to buy muffin tins for your guests to fill and then pop into the oven later. That way they can make a divided dish of their favorites and reheat them together.
Let’s get cracking for turkey day now so that Thanksgiving can be a gift rather than a burden.
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, learn about a way to save, or maybe even something for free, I may end up making a small commission. All prices are subject to change.
