10 Tips to Save Money This Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a time for togetherness, love, and gratitude — but let’s be honest, it can also become a financial burden if you're not careful. From groceries to décor to travel costs, the expenses add up quickly. Everyone is asking me about ways to enjoy a beautiful holiday without draining their wallets, and honestly, I wish I knew some of these tricks years ago. So, I’m here to help you create magical memories without the money stress. These frugal living tips will transform your Thanksgiving into a budget-friendly celebration filled with heart, not high price tags.

Whether you're hosting a big family gathering or keeping it cozy, these 10 tips will help you practice frugal meal planning, embrace a frugal aesthetic, and save more than you thought possible — all without sacrificing the joy of the holiday.

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1. Plan Your Menu Ahead of Time

The most effective way to save money this Thanksgiving is by planning your meal in advance. Knowing exactly what you’re cooking keeps you from impulse-buying expensive items you don’t need. Create a detailed shopping list and stick to it. You’d be surprised how much you can save by organizing your ingredients around grocery store sales. Budget meal planning is your best friend during the holidays, and it allows you to shop with purpose and confidence.

Example: Instead of doing turkey, stuffing, ham, and five different sides, pick one main protein and two to three sides that your family truly loves.

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2. Shop Your Pantry First

Before rushing to the store, take inventory of what’s already in your kitchen. You might already have canned vegetables, baking ingredients, or spices that could cut your shopping list in half. This tip is a simple way to save money that many people overlook.

Example: I once bought two jars of cinnamon because I forgot I already had some — now I always check my pantry first, and it’s saved me so much over time.

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3. Host a Potluck Dinner

Why carry the entire financial burden when you can turn Thanksgiving into a team effort? Ask friends and family to bring a dish — it not only saves money but also adds variety to your dinner table. It’s one of those frugal habits that brings people closer and shares the love.

Example: One year, my cousin brought her famous mac and cheese, and it became the most talked-about dish at the table. Potlucks = budget-friendly and memorable.

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4. Embrace DIY Decor

Skip the overpriced seasonal decorations and opt for home aesthetic DIY projects. Use nature — think pinecones, leaves, pumpkins — or repurpose what you already own. DIY is not only fun but it also lets you embrace a frugal aesthetic that’s uniquely yours.

Example: I used brown paper as a table runner and added handwritten name tags. Everyone was amazed, and it cost next to nothing!

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5. Buy Generic or Store Brands

This might sound crazy, but it’s true — many store-brand ingredients are just as good (sometimes better) than the name brands. Frugal tips like this can save you $30 or more on one grocery trip alone. The difference in quality is minimal, but the savings are substantial.

Example: I swapped name-brand pie crusts for store-brand ones last year, and nobody could tell the difference.

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6. Use Coupons and Cashback Apps

Download apps like Ibotta, Rakuten, or your favorite grocery store’s app to find instant savings. Many also offer budgeting tips and track your savings over time. These finance tips make budgeting fun — yes, fun!

Example: I once got $11 in cashback just from using an app on my Thanksgiving shopping trip — it felt like free money.

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7. Cook From Scratch

Pre-packaged and pre-made meals cost more. Take the extra time to cook from scratch — not only is it healthier, but it’s also much cheaper. Frugal meals that start from raw ingredients stretch your dollar much further.

Example: A homemade cranberry sauce cost me $2 to make, compared to the $6 canned version at the store.

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8. Skip the Fancy Drinks

Beverages can be surprisingly expensive. Offer water, homemade punch, or iced tea. If you want alcohol, choose one affordable option or ask guests to bring their own. This is a frugal living tip that can cut $50 off your bill easily.

Example: I made a simple apple cider punch one year, and everyone loved it — total cost? Under $8.

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9. Limit the Guest List

This might be a tough one, but having a smaller gathering significantly reduces food, seating, and entertainment costs. Focus on quality time with your closest loved ones. Cutting costs doesn’t mean cutting joy.

Example: One year we had just six people over, and it ended up being the warmest, most meaningful Thanksgiving we’ve ever had.

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10. Focus on Gratitude, Not Spending

This is the most important tip of all. Thanksgiving is about connection and gratitude — not overspending. Make memories, not debt. This could be the most important mindset shift for your holiday finances.

Example: We started a new tradition: each person shares one thing they’re grateful for. It cost nothing and meant everything.

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Thanksgiving doesn’t have to wreck your finances. By adopting a few frugal living habits, you can enjoy the warmth and joy of the season while staying true to your budget planning goals. From budget friendly meals to home aesthetic DIY décor, these tips prove that you don’t need to spend a fortune to create rich, memorable experiences.

Pay attention, this is important: if you want to truly enjoy the holidays stress-free, start with your mindset. Be intentional. Be creative. And most of all, be grateful. You deserve a celebration that warms your heart — not empties your wallet.

If this post helped you, I have so many more lifestyle ideas, frugal tips, and finance girl aesthetic posts waiting for you. Click through to my website and take the next step toward joyful, budget-friendly living!