I’m a Shopping Expert: 4 Ways You Can Spend Just $265 for Thanksgiving Dinner

skynesher / Getty Images

Commitment to Our Readers

GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology.

20 Years
Helping You Live Richer

Reviewed
by Experts

Trusted by
Millions of Readers

Hosting family members and friends for Thanksgiving not only requires additional seating but also extra room in your budget. 

19 Trader Joe’s Items You Need To Buy If You’re Hosting Thanksgiving This Year

Americans hosting Thanksgiving this year are budgeting $265 for food costs, according to a 2024 Inspired Taste study. And while that figure might sound like plenty initially, once you take into account the cost of appetizers, alcohol and desserts in addition to the main course and sides, the grocery bill could add up to way more.

Here’s advice from a shopping expert on ways you can stay within a $265 budget for Thanksgiving dinner. 

Also see how to host Thanksgiving dinner for less than $100 at Trader Joe’s.

Resolve To Stay Within Budget

The No. 1 way to spend just $265 for Thanksgiving dinner is to resolve to stick to that budget, said Mafe Aclado, general manager of Coupon Snake. She explained that staying on budget can sometimes seem like an impossible task, but if you manage your expectations, it’s achievable. “The truth of the matter is that no budget is unrealistic or impossible,” she said. “Every budget only needs a realistic expectation to match it and make it a success.”

Being realistic about your budget means resolving to spend no more than $265 for Thanksgiving dinner — no matter what unexpected challenges or temptations arise.

9 Items From Walmart You Shouldn’t Wait To Buy on Black Friday

Stick With a Traditional Menu

Another tip from Aclado is to stick to a traditional menu. For example, traditional Thanksgiving favorites include turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, gravy, rolls and pie. By sticking with the classics, you can avoid spending money on expensive ingredients you’ll rarely (or never) use after the holiday. Plus, stores often put these ingredients and items on sale. 

Here’s a breakdown of how much you’ll potentially spend on traditional Thanksgiving fare, according to the Inspired Taste study. The difference in cost depends on the geographical location in the U.S. For example, baking a pumpkin pie in Los Angeles will cost 61% more than baking it in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

• Homemade pumpkin pie: $6.57 to $12.84
• Homemade apple pie: $9.90 to $20.37
• Sweet mashed potatoes: $5.15 to $11.11
• Turkey: $31.51 to $61.19

The average cost for a 15-pound turkey, which will feed 10 people, is $40.64. 

Be Open to Budget-Conscious Substitutions

You’ll also want to consider more affordable substitutions for certain items. That could stretch your budget even further.

“For instance, you could substitute your turkey for chicken,” Aclado said. “Your drinks can also be simple, opting for fruit drinks instead of costly alcoholic drinks. For your appetizers, you can go for a fresh fruit mix, and for your dessert, you can go for the classic but very affordable fresh pumpkin pie.”

Shop at Your Local Farmers Market

Aclado explained that shopping at a local farmers market allows you to pick fresh products at competitive pricing. She said that the farmers market effectively cuts out the middleman and its additional costs.

“Plus, unlike in grocery stores, you can also negotiate at the farmers market,” she said. 

Share This Article: