Thanksgiving dinner costs have actually decreased this past year, with the average feast for 10 people costing $58.08 in 2024, down 5% from 2023, according to News Nation. But while turkey prices may be dropping, several common Thanksgiving purchases can still wreak havoc on your holiday budget if you're not careful.
Here are some common holiday purchases that you can skip to save a little money at the holidays.
While basic turkeys can be an affordable way to feed a whole gathering, many families get seduced by expensive upgrades. Organic, free-range or heritage breed turkeys can cost up to $6 per pound compared to conventional birds at $0.79 per pound, according to Taste of Home. For a 16-pound bird, that's the difference between $12.64 and $96 -- a whopping $83 premium on something many guests won't even notice.
Store-bought Thanksgiving decorations can quickly spiral out of control. Pre-made centerpieces, artificial fall foliage and seasonal tablescapes at grocery stores and big-box retailers often carry hefty markups. What seems like a quick $20 pickup for table decor can easily balloon to $100 or more when you add coordinating napkins, candles and seasonal dishware. Smart shoppers are turning to DIY alternatives and Dollar Tree options to achieve the same festive look for a fraction of the cost.
The turkey fryer, roasting pan upgrade or that perfect pie dish you suddenly "need" can demolish your budget. Kitchen stores capitalize on Thanksgiving panic-shopping, selling single-use items that'll gather dust for 11 months. A quality turkey roasting pan can cost $50-$150, while electric carving knives, specialty baking dishes and other "essential" tools also add up quickly. Most Thanksgiving meals can be prepared perfectly with the cookware you already own.
While basic Thanksgiving ingredients remain affordable, premium versions can break the bank. Organic cranberries, artisanal stuffing mixes, gourmet spice blends and "special occasion" butter can triple your grocery bill. The cost difference between regular green beans ($2/bag) and organic haricots verts ($8/bag) is substantial, especially when multiplied across multiple dishes. These upgraded ingredients rarely make a noticeable difference in the final meal.
The mentality that more options makes for better dining drives many families to buy ingredients for a half dozen different pies when a couple would suffice. Pumpkin, pecan, apple, sweet potato and cranberry-walnut pies sound wonderful in theory, but ingredients for multiple desserts can easily cost $50-$75. Plus, leftover pie ingredients often go unused, creating additional waste. Focus on two or three crowd favorites instead of trying to please every possible preference.