How to Host Thanksgiving on a Budget
I’m not sure about you, but these past few years, keeping a budget has been harder than ever with how unpredictable prices have gotten! Talking with other moms, I know how important it is for us to stay on budget—while still buying good-quality foods when we can for our families. And when it comes to hosting the holidays, things can get extra complicated. Many of us love to host and create delicious meals for the people we love, but we also have to stay within our means.
In this post, I’m sharing some of my favorite hacks for saving money while preparing Thanksgiving dinner this season. From affordable menu ideas to simple décor, and even creating a fun kids’ table—these tips work for all budgets.
Plan First, Shop Second
I love making lists. (Truly, I have notebooks everywhere!) Which is why setting a budget for Thanksgiving is always my first step.
Plan for how many people you’re hosting.
Be realistic about what you can spend.
Review what you already have in your freezer and pantry—you might be surprised by what’s already there!
Another tip? Ask guests to bring a dish they love. It took me a while to ask for this. It is okay to ask family, or if someone volunteers, you can welcome it (I know sometimes we want to do it all ourselves when hosting), but this actually is a simple way to make the meal more collaborative. Someone bringing a pie or even just one favorite dish can cut costs and make everyone feel more involved.
Budget-Friendly Menu Ideas
Affordable Main Dish
If you’re not cooking for a large crowd, consider rotisserie chickens instead of a big turkey. Honestly, about half of my family prefers chicken anyway, so this swap has been a win for us more than once.
For an even cheaper option, pick up a couple of Costco rotisserie chickens (about $5 each). Pair them with a homemade gravy and your favorite seasonings—no one will know the difference.
Simple Homemade Chicken Gravy
Our favorite homemade gravy to go with a Costco rotisserie chicken. Simple, budget-friendly ingredients to pull together the ultimate comfort meal.
Side Dishes on a Budget
Stores like Costco, Sam’s Club, and Aldi are great for stocking up on affordable produce and baking staples. Bulk items like potatoes, carrots, flour, butter, and sugar stretch further than pre-packaged goods and allow you to make breads, pies, biscuits, and more for less.
Frozen veggies are another lifesaver. Frozen green beans, corn, and peas can be turned into casseroles or simple sides without breaking the bank.
For stuffing, I grab a classic mix like Pepperidge Farm and then add in fresh ingredients to elevate it. (Costco often has this at a great price too!)
And of course, let’s not forget the kids. If you’ve got picky eaters, planning a few kid-friendly sides is always worth it. I’ve pulled together a list of favorites you can check out for inspiration!
Drinks
Skip the alcohol and opt for festive mocktails or sparkling cider. It saves money and feels more family-friendly.
Desserts
Costco’s bakery pies are affordable and surprisingly good. If you’re short on time, premade pie crusts are another great option (Trader Joe’s even has gluten-free ones). Don’t forget to check your local grocery store apps for coupons—those little savings really add up.
↠The key takeaway: pick and choose where to take shortcuts. Balance homemade with store-bought, and you’ll save both time and money—without sacrificing the holiday spirit.
Grocery Store & Shopping Tips
I’m a big fan of digital coupons and cashback apps. They’re not just helpful during holiday shopping—they save money all year long.
Target Circle + Store Apps – Always check your local grocery store or Target app for extra coupons before shopping.
FETCH – My favorite app for scanning receipts. You can even link it to Amazon, Walmart, and your email for automatic points. I’ve cashed out so many Amazon gift cards this way!
↠ Use my code YBT71R for 2,000–4,000 bonus points
IBOTTA – I’ve had mixed feelings about this one, but I’ve still earned around $60 back in the past year. Just remember to select offers before shopping. They almost always have holiday deals.
↠ Use my code ntvkyqj to get $5 back
Another tip: shop early. Fresh items can wait, but shelf-stable and frozen goods go fast. I’ve waited too long in the past and found things sold out (looking at you, Trader Joe’s seasonal items!).
Simple, Cozy Décor on a Budget
Want a pretty tablescape without overspending? Use what you already have!
Mason jars with a few flowers (Trader Joe’s has affordable bouquets you can split up).
Tea lights in bulk from Walmart—these last all season.
Mini pumpkins from the grocery store (usually under a dollar each).
Reusable décor like brass candlesticks or faux greenery that work from fall straight into winter.
The key is finding items you can repurpose across multiple holidays so they’re not one-time-only purchases.
Make the Kids’ Table Fun
Kids don’t need anything fancy—simple touches make them feel included and entertained.
Festive napkins (Target dollar spot or Walmart holiday aisle).
Holiday crackers or DIY treat-filled favors
DIY coloring placemats with crayons.
A turkey-themed snack board or fun name cards.
It doesn’t take much to make their table extra special, and they’ll remember the little details.
Hosting Thanksgiving on a budget is totally doable—it just takes a little planning and creativity. By mixing homemade dishes with smart shortcuts, stacking your savings with coupons and apps, and keeping décor simple but intentional, you can enjoy the holiday without the stress of overspending.
Happy Thanksgiving!
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