Thanksgiving should never break the bank. After all, less than 24 hours later, you will be out shopping for Christmas on Black Friday.
According to the American Farm Bureau, the average cost of Thanksgiving dinner for 10 people was $43.47 in 2010. This figure includes turkey and some basic sides.
However, you need more than just turkey and Stove Top for the perfect family feast. All those extras add up fast. But with a little planning, you can save big and even have some leftover cash to go with those leftover black olives so you can enjoy the Black Friday shopping feast!
Here are my Frugal Family tips and local deals for a thirsty and fabulous Thanksgiving.
1. Get Your Turkey Now
Deal: Turkeys need several days to thaw (a 12-pound turkey can take three days to thaw), so grab your free turkey from now (if, as a Price Plus Club member, you spent $300 or more at the store since Oct. 16). If you did not qualify for the free turkey, head to for frozen Butterball turkeys at 99 ¢ per pound.
Find out what's happening in Gloucester Townshipwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Good Through: At ShopRite, you can redeem your free turkey until Nov. 24; at Acme, the sale price is good through Thursday, Nov. 17.
2. Make a List and Shop the Ads
Find out what's happening in Gloucester Townshipwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Deal: Before you head to the stores, make a grocery list and cross-reference it with both your pantry and ad circulars from Acme, ShopRite, and other stores in the Township. You will save big with a little planning. If you are a coupon clipper, grab your stash and cross-reference. Some great buys to check out: 2-pound bags of shrimp on sale at Acme for $12 (perfect appetizer!), yams at ShopRite for $2.49 for a 5-pound box., and two pounds of butter for $5 at Kmart.
Good Through: Acme prices are good through Nov. 17; Shoprite and Kmart prices good through Nov. 19.
3. Don't Forget Your Tools
Deal: Making a feast requires the right tools to do the job, and they're on sale now, too. This week, check out foil roasters at for $1 (includes all sizes, even one big enough for your turkey), at Aldi on White Horse Pike in nearby Somerdale grab a Buffet Server (gotta keep everything warm) for $29.99 and Gordon Ramsay gadgets are 25 percent off at Kmart.
Good Through: Big Lots deals are ongoing; Aldi's go through Nov. 15; and Kmart's through Nov. 19.
4. Don't Forget the Wine!
Deal: Head to Canals for great deals on reds and whites, and beer. Kendall Jackson sauv blanc and riesling are just $8.39 for a 750 ml bottle. If you are a red drinker, all types of Yellow Tail (try the shiraz-merlot blend) are $6.39 for a 750 ml bottle. For beer lovers, try Samuel Adams Lager, Light or Winter Ale for $25.49 for a 24-bottle case.
Good Through: Dec. 10
5. Pay Your Savings Forward
Deal: You've saved cash—now pay it forward and pick up staples at a steal for donation to a local ShopRite has deals on canned Green Giant veggies for 59 ¢, Campbell's gravy is three for $1 and Gold Medal Flour is just $1.99. For less than $10, you can make a gigantic and generous donation to a local food pantry.
Good Through: These ShopRite deals are locked in through Nov. 26.
