Stick with traditional foods like Rachael's 30-Minute Meal, Hot Turkey Supper, and you can snag up to 50 percent savings. Get the recipe >>
Stick with a traditional menu.
Now’s not the time to trade in turkey for a rib roast. Gault says prices for Thanksgiving staples hit rock bottom in November, which can add up to 50 percent savings. Frozen turkey often gets sliced down to 42 cents per pound from $1; potatoes drop to 20 cents per pound compared to 45 cents; and green beans can be found for $1 per pound, when they regularly cost about $2. Plus, stuffing mixes and canned pumpkin or cranberry sauce can be bought for a buck or less!
More: Our best Thanksgiving turkey, potatoes, green beans, stuffing and sauce recipes »
Stalk the newspaper for deals.
“Twice as many manufacturers’ coupons are offered during the three weeks before the holiday than at any other time of the year,” says Gault. And nearly all of them are stuffed in the Sunday paper.
More: How to shop for Thanksgiving sides »
Hit the supermarket sales for all they’re worth!
Stash coupons until the week of Thanksgiving—which is when they disappear—as storewide sales will jump by as much as 100 percent. “Combining your stockpile of coupons with in-store sales can save you up to 70 percent on regular prices,” says Gault.
More: How to save time + money at the store »
Head to dollar stores.
“You can get disposables like aluminum roasting pans and paper goods at a 50 percent savings,” says Nelson. She also suggests buying basic pantry needs like chicken broth here, but look out for expiration dates.
More: How to figure out expiration dates »
Try health food stores.
That’s where you can get pricey spices and nuts for up to 85 percent less than in supermarkets, says Nelson. The secret? Buying only the amount you need from bulk bins.
More: How to spice up your food »
Don't forget drugstores.
Gault advises stocking up on basics like milk and eggs here since they’re often priced below cost to attract shoppers and lure them into buying other regular-priced goods.
More: How to solve your Thanksgiving stress »
By Nicole Cherie Jones | Photography by Tina Rupp
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