How These Simple Tricks Could Save You Hundreds This Thanksgiving + HUGE iCash Giveaway!

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and we’re all about gathering with loved ones, indulging in delicious food, and celebrating the beautiful season. But let’s be honest — hosting or even attending a Thanksgiving feast can come with a hefty price tag. 

The good news? You don’t need to break the bank to enjoy a festive and memorable holiday. With a bit of smart planning and some clever money-saving tricks, you can host a gathering that’s not only full of gratitude but also light on your wallet. 

Whether it’s trimming down your grocery bill, not overcomplicating the menu, or finding budget-friendly decor options, these tips will help you celebrate in style without worrying about the price tag. After all, Thanksgiving is about making memories, not racking up the credit card bill!

Win Big With This Huge $850 iCash Giveaway 

Now, before we dive into all the tips and tricks that’ll help you save big this Thanksgiving, here’s some exciting news! We’re offering a huge giveaway with up to $850 in President’s Choice (PC) dollars that you could use towards your Thanksgiving purchases. Visit our semi-annual points for action giveaway live right now on the iCash contest page.

From now until September 26th, you’ve got a chance to win one of three PC e-gift cards. Prizes include $500 for 1st place, $250 for 2nd place, and $100 for third place - one of our biggest prize rewards of the year! 

Just fill out the contest form with your name, email, province of residence, and be entered for a chance to win. The more “actions” you take, the more points (or chances) you have to win. Simple, right?! 

Save Hundreds With These Thanksgiving Budget Tricks

Thanksgiving expenses can quickly add up. If you’re not mindful, you could end up spending hundreds of dollars on just one meal. Luckily, there are ways to save those hundreds and still have a delicious and festive celebration for everyone. 

Below are some of the best budget tricks that will help you cut costs without sacrificing the joy and tradition of the holiday. We promise, there’s no need to compromise on the quality of your Thanksgiving feast, decor, or family time. 

Plan Your Thanksgiving Budget Ahead of Time

Setting a budget early will help you avoid overspending or impulse buying during Thanksgiving. By figuring out your overall spending limit beforehand, you can allocate funds across different categories such as food, decorations, and entertainment. 

For example, designate a specific amount for groceries, especially because rising food prices can take a toll on your budget. Prioritize these essential items first, while reserving a small portion for festive decorations. This structured approach not only keeps your finances in check but also allows you to enjoy the holiday without the stress of financial strain. 

Sample Thanksgiving Budget Plan 

Let’s say you have a total of $200 to spend. Here’s how you can allocate your budget accordingly. 

Take Advantage of Grocery Sales and Flyers 

When it comes to saving money on groceries, planning ahead and being strategic is essential. Keep an eye out for seasonal sales and discounts on Thanksgiving essentials like Turkey, canned goods, and baking ingredients. Shopping for canned goods or boxed items at your local dollar store is also a good idea – prices are generally much lower. 

Browse through store flyers or check online for deals and coupons you can use towards your Thanksgiving dinner groceries. You can even find digital apps that present weekly sales and allow you to compare prices across different stores, ensuring that you can get the best deals at all times. 

If you do find a better deal somewhere else, consider price matching at your preferred store to save time. By taking advantage of sales and discounts, you can stretch your budget further without sacrificing the quality of your home-cooked meal. 

Opt for Classic, Simple Recipes 

To make things even easier (and less expensive), stick with the basics. Traditional Thanksgiving dishes like roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and pumpkin pie are not only delicious but can be more budget-friendly than trying out complicated recipes that require expensive ingredients. 

If you want to add some variety, consider making a few dishes from scratch and supplementing with store-bought items. For example, you can make your own gravy and cranberry sauce from scratch, but purchase pre-made dinner rolls or pies. The key is to prioritize which dishes are worth making from scratch and which you can save time and money on by purchasing pre-made. 

Potluck Thanksgiving

Another fantastic way to do Thanksgiving on a budget is to make it a potluck! Invite friends and family to bring their favourite dishes to share. This not only helps with the cost of food but also adds variety to the meal and makes it a fun communal event. 

If you’re concerned about everyone bringing different dishes that may not go well together, assign specific categories for guests to bring such as appetizers, side dishes, or desserts. You can even create a theme for the potluck, such as “traditional Thanksgiving” or “international dishes” theme. 

DIY Thanksgiving Decor 

You don’t have to set up extravagant table settings and decorations. Instead, get creative and make your own festive decor using inexpensive materials like construction paper, leaves, and twine. You can also repurpose items from your home i.e. glasses and tealight candles to create a cozy and welcoming atmosphere for your guests. 

Consider making a DIY centrepiece using fall foliage from your backyard or creating a garland out of construction paper in autumn colours. You can also visit your local dollar store to find inexpensive fall decor items that can be reused for years to come. Whatever you decide, remember that the most important part of Thanksgiving is spending time with loved ones, not how fancy your decorations are. 

Plan for Leftovers 

Never let any good food go to waste! Plan for leftovers and get creative with using them in new meals. You can use turkey in sandwiches, casseroles, and soups. Turn mashed potatoes into potato pancakes or add them to a shepard’s pie.You can also just reheat and eat for a simple, yet equally delicious meal. 

Not only will it help you save money by stretching your Thanksgiving budget further but it also eliminates food waste which is better for the environment. Plus, who doesn’t love having Thanksgiving leftovers for a few days? 

Ask for Assistance 

If hosting Thanksgiving at your place is too expensive, don’t be afraid to turn down the hosting duties and ask for help instead. Perhaps a family member or friend has a larger space or is willing to contribute financially to the meal. You can also seek financial assistance in the form of an easily-accessible weekend loan, which can be paid back once you receive your next paycheck. 

Remember, the true meaning of Thanksgiving is to come together and give thanks. Don’t let financial stress take away from that. Be open and honest with your loved ones and work together to find a solution that works for everyone. 

Give Thanks, Save Big & Celebrate in Style

Thanksgiving is a time to gather with loved ones and express gratitude for what we have. It should not be overshadowed by financial stress. By planning ahead, creating a budget, utilizing money-saving strategies, and asking for assistance if needed, you can successfully host a wallet-friendly Thanksgiving. 

If you find yourself needing a little extra cash, applying for a temporary loan takes just minutes. The additional funds can allow you to add those special touches that make your celebration even more memorable. And, don’t forget to enter our huge $850 giveaway for a chance to win big just in time for the big day!