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Thanksgiving on a Budget

The fall season has one of our favorite family holidays: Thanksgiving. Whether you’re focused on the meal or spending time with the family, you still want to stay on a budget. Here, you’ll find all kinds of ways to celebrate Thanksgiving on a budget.

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Thanksgiving on a budget - basket with gourd grapes corn and squash on yellow background

How to save money on Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks and celebrate with family and friends. But it can also be a time when your budget takes a hit. The good news is that there are ways to save money on Thanksgiving without sacrificing the quality of the holiday.

Here are a few tips:

  • Plan ahead and make a budget. This will help you avoid overspending on food and other expenses.
  • Stick to simple recipes. There’s no need to go all out with an elaborate feast. Stick to simple, basic dishes that everyone will enjoy.
  • Make use of coupons and discounts. Check your local grocery store for special deals on Thanksgiving staples like turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie.
  • DIY where possible. Make your own centerpieces, place cards, and other decorations instead of buying them.

By following these tips, you can save money and still have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday.

What is the history of Thanksgiving?

Thanksgiving began as a day of giving thanks for the blessing of the harvest and is now a national holiday in the US, Canada, Grenada, Saint Lucia and Liberia.

In the United States, Thanksgiving is always the fourth Thursday in November. In Canada, it is the second Monday in October.

Even though Thanksgiving was originally rooted in religious and cultural traditions, it is typically celebrated as a secular holiday by many family.

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colorful fabric letters that spell Happy Thanksgiving Day on wooden background - family thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Food Ideas

There are so many options for your Thanksgiving feast! We like to keep it simple and cook at home. These recipe collections are full of frugal dishes for your Thanksgiving table.

Slow cooker stuffing

Easy Thanksgiving side dishes

50+ Easy Thanksgiving desserts

Thanksgiving leftovers recipes

Gluten-free Thanksgiving stuffing recipes

Full Thanksgiving feast on dining room table

Thanksgiving Decorating Ideas

While it may be easy to just buy decorations at a store, there are good reasons to make your own. First, you can be as creative as you like, without spending too much money. Plus, crafting is a fun family activity that you can do ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday or even that day while you’re waiting for the turkey to roast.

Thanksgiving wall decorations on a budget

Printable Happy Thanksgiving bunting

DIY Thanksgiving decor ideas under $10

Thanksgiving cornucopia filled with fruits and gourds