The holidays are here again. As people get ready for the fun and festivities, lingering concerns remain about keeping holiday expenses manageable.

With Thanksgiving approaching, there’s a chance you might be wondering how you can do your part to craft a memorable occasion. As food costs rise, this year might require some tighter budgeting and changes to your spending.

If you’re wondering how to keep your Thanksgiving dinner budget under control, you aren’t alone. The USDA released a report that food prices are on the rise in 2025. Between juggling the cost of living and celebrating the holidays, it’s no wonder that families are in the middle of a balancing act.

Fortunately, it’s still possible to celebrate the holidays while keeping costs manageable. By exercising savvy shopping skills and a little creativity, you can help host memorable holiday feasts. Here are some tips you can use now to keep your holiday budget in check.

First, Do Some Strategic Planning

It’s easy to overspend during the holidays, and even family meals are no exception. If you want to stay on budget, though, it is a good idea to exercise strategic meal planning.

Planning a holiday menu can be just as challenging as preparing it. Find recipes your family and guests will love so that nothing goes to waste or ends up forgotten in the freezer. Choose surefire favorites that everyone will enjoy.

Much like setting a holiday budget, planning for a Thanksgiving feast requires knowing what you need to buy and comparing it to how much you’re willing to spend. Therefore, start by drafting a list of everything you’ll need for the meal.

Write out a full list that includes:

• Menu items and their ingredient lists
• Condiments and spices
• Utensils
• Beverages
• Desserts
  

Being intentional with your planned purchases is key. Consider omitting that “secret spice” or other condiment you’ll only use once if it means saving a few extra dollars.

Finalize your shopping list and stick with it, too. Use your phone’s calculator and budgeting app to keep track of what you’re buying.

Keep an Eye Out for Substitutions and Store Deals

Even when you have your shopping list finalized and your route in the store all planned out, there’s always an opportunity to save money. Keep an eye out for deals that can help bring down the overall cost of your recipes. 

One quick hack is to substitute fresh ingredients for either frozen or canned goods. Canned and frozen items tend to be less expensive than their fresh counterparts, and you can store them more easily if they go unused.

Also, while pre-made items like dinner rolls and pie crust tend to fetch a premium, most grocery stores recognize their popularity during the holidays. Be on the lookout for items marked down or put on sale. Not only will they save some money, but they can also save time in the kitchen. Just make sure these sale items are things you need and will use for your holiday feast.

Finally, don’t forget about the apps offered by major retailers. These companies may offer digital coupons or offer in-store deals that can pare down your grocery costs.

While we’re talking about app deals, this might be a good time to revisit your credit card rewards and see if you can redeem cashback or statement credit on your holiday purchases.

Avoid These Last-Minute Shopping Mistakes

Always keep the reason why you’re going on a grocery run in mind. When shopping for the holiday dinner, it’s crucial to remember your shopping list and stick to it.

While grocery stores do offer deals on holiday staples, they also arrange their layouts to encourage impulsive purchases. That means as you’re crossing items off your list, you may be tempted to pick up an extra item. Avoid the temptation to stray from your checklist, even if you spot a BOGO deal on something you don’t need.

Additionally, items like pre-cut vegetables and prepared sides will almost always cost more than if you made them from scratch. Go for the item if your budget allows, but keep in mind that convenience often comes at a premium.

Finally, check your current inventory before going on your grocery run. You might have a spare stick of butter or a can of green beans in a forgotten corner of your refrigerator or cupboard. It pays to be thorough, especially if you’re on a budget.

The holidays should be a time of fellowship, family, and fun. When you keep the reasons for the season (and your budget) in mind, it will be easier to host your celebrations with purpose.

First Florida wishes you a safe and happy holiday season. For more tips, visit our Feature Articles section, where you can read topics about living your best life on a budget.