Get the latest in savings. Like us on Facebook.

Keep Your Guests and Your Wallet Full on Thanksgiving

By Nadine Cheung Posted 10:00AM 11/16/12 Holiday Shopping, Savings Experiment, Shopping |
Savings Experiment: Vitamins

How much do you spend on Thanksgiving dinner?

Did you find our video on Thanksgiving deals helpful?

The highlight of Thanksgiving is a big turkey and bountiful sides, but the holiday meal can also cost you a bundle. Here's how to save without skimping on dinner.

Our experts compared the cost of common dishes at popular retailers. The price of stuffing, sweet potatoes, fresh cranberries, pumpkin pie and green beans were considered, and at first glance Costco seemed to be the cheapest. However, the store only came out on top when prices were broken down per ounce. At Costco, you're buying in bulk, so your overall cost will be higher.

Unless you have a big family, it doesn't make sense to buy such large quantities. The best deal for intimate Thanksgiving meals is at big box retailers, where prices are much lower than the average grocery store. For example, the average supermarket charges $21.57 for a 16-pound turkey. Meanwhile, the same size bird costs $12.64 at Target. Walmart offers an even greater discount, charging just $11.84 for a 16-pounder. That's almost 50 percent off the supermarket price.

So, when it comes to keeping your Thanksgiving meal on budget, shop wisely. Compare prices at big box retailers and be sure to gobble up sales before the big day.
Tagged: best deals, budget thanksgiving, buying in bulk on thanksgiving, cheap turkeys, cutting corners on thanksgiving, holidays, save on thanksgiving, saving money on turkey, savings experiment,

Add a Comment

Sign in »
*0 / 3000 Character Maximum

126 Comments

Filter by:
piknplundr

You can get a turkey at Food Lion for 47 cents per pound if you spend a total of $35 on groceries including the turkey cost. I bought one yesterday for that price.

November 20 2012 at 8:20 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
UNCLE BIG DAD!

Bottom Dollar has turkeys for 34 cents per lb. so how can this video feature wall mart as the cheapest?

November 20 2012 at 6:58 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
dich123

I also bought a head of lettace, jar of generic miracle whip, and extra bread for sandwiches. Oh, yeah, also a bigget turkey than needed just for Thanksgiving. When it's pcked clean, my wife puts it - mostly bones - into a pot and makes turkey soup.

November 20 2012 at 4:04 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Get real.

You know why frugal is being marketed to you as cool? Because the banks stole your money and your future. Now you can celebrate your independence from England with bargain basement turkeys from Walmart. Don't forget to buy some flags made in China, too. Those will show your pride in America for sure.

November 20 2012 at 6:11 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Get real.'s comment
Dexter

That would be Obama who has taken your money, and you didn't even know it.

November 20 2012 at 10:33 PM Report abuse -1 rate up rate down Reply
c2palacios

Cheap turkeys come at a cost, I prefer to pay more for a turkey that has not been injected with hormones, antibiotics and is free range because my health is priceless.

November 20 2012 at 6:01 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
georgettec28

I got my 21 lb Butterball turkey for $3 after spending $300 over a 6 week period at Shoprite. That's only $50 a week in groceries. I also mailed away for a $5 rebate from Butterball. I've been spreading out non-perishable items like brown sugar and cranberry sauce over the last month, many of which were purchased on sale and with coupons. You just need to plan and use your noodle for the best deals.

November 20 2012 at 5:10 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
imed3

Forget Walmart and Costco!
I got a FREE turkey at Fresh & Easy for a purchase of $ 30.
If you don't want to spend that much money, you can get them for 47 cents/pound.
That's still a reasonable price for a turkey Made in USA, no?
Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving!

November 20 2012 at 4:23 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Poetess13

I paid less than 20$ for my 20 pound turkey at HEB & around 75$ for my entire bill.My dinner for my husband & myself, in laws & daughter her bf & 3 kids.We'll be dining on stuffed mushrooms with mashed potatoes with mozzarella $ parm cheeses.with green beans,turkey,home made gravy,ham *we buy a half ham at a nice price under 5$ for about 3 pounds and cheddar biscuits and 2 cherry cheese cakes 2 papa dream pies and a pumpkin pie. The meal will feed us all nicely and give my daughter & grand babies leftovers and the extra desserts to take home.I hope everyone is able to have a wonderful holiday with their loved ones at whatever cost as the holiday is about giving thanks,not money.

November 20 2012 at 3:51 AM Report abuse +1 rate up rate down Reply
lvh44leo

We bought ours at Safeway and have for years! Buy your food at a store you like and Trust!

November 20 2012 at 2:54 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
nstymcflthy

If you buy your turkey at Walmart is it made in China like everything else they sell?

November 20 2012 at 2:52 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply

Are you a
Savings Expert?

If so, send us your idea and we'll try to include it in an upcoming Savings Experiment

Create a tip