Budget Savvy Lifestyle

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8 Fun Ways to Spend More Family Time with Your Teens

Once your kids hit their tweens and teens, it can become harder to get them to want to spend quality time together as a family.  School, friends, and their hobbies can take up a lot of their time and they may become more reluctant to spend more time with the parental figures in their life. 

I get it!  I was a teen once and spending time with my parents didn’t rank high on my to do list back then! 

Here are some things my husband and I have found to be a good way to spend quality family time with our teens now that they find us a little less cool to hang out with than they once did 🙂

#1 - Family Movie Night at Home

Family Movie Night – We try to have family movie night at home at least once a month.  This has become even more of a bigger deal for us all with Covid still going on and us needing something to break up the monotony of the same old day to day routine we have fallen into. 

As a family we have enjoyed watching all the Marvel movies.  We also have gotten a lot of joy out of watching a lot of classic movies such as Disney ones.  That Darn Cat, Snowball Express, and The Ugly Dachshund are a few others that have been a hit at our house!

We have a movie theater type popcorn machine in our basement and we usually pair that with some soda and candy from the store for movie night!  

#2 - Family Game Night

Family Game Night – Even more popular than family movie night, is family game night at our house. 

This has evolved as the kids have grown.  We used to play games like Chutes and Ladders, Candyland, and Go Fish!   Now we have graduated to UNO, The Settlers of Catan, and Ticket to Ride, to name a few. 

Family Game Night is always accompanied with fun snacks.  Sometimes it’s as simple as some chips and dip, while other times we go all out and make some appetizers or a fun dessert.  

Need some family game night inspiration? 

Sign up to get this free Family Game Night with Teens guide complete with game recommendations and delicious game night recipes and snack ideas to make game nights more special in your house!

#3 - The Drive-In Movie Theater

Take a Trip to the Drive In Theater – This may not work for everyone, but if you are lucky enough to have a Drive In Theater near your home, this is a really great way to make good memories with your teens. 

We have been taking our kids to Drive-In movies since they were babies and it’s something they have continued to love doing no matter how old they get. 

Although many Drive In Theaters have been torn down over the years to make way for new developments (one I went to as a kid is now a Target!), there are still quite a few that have survived.  You can check this site here to see if there is one near you.  Many places are also now doing pop up Drive In movies for the summer months.  

Another option is to create your own “Drive In” theater in your backyard.  Technology has made it cheaper to project a movie onto a screen in your own yard.  You may not drive in to see it but you can still enjoy the experience of a movie in the great outdoors whenever you want!

#4 - Plan an Outing Based on Their Interests

Plan an outing doing something they love – Another wonderful way to get in quality time with your teens is to indulge their passions. 

With my oldest some that means attending car shows and visiting antique malls for some window shopping. 

With my youngest son, that means doing anything related to video games or dinosaurs.  

It can also mean visiting a pet store to look at the animals for sale there or going to the park to fly a kite or race some remote controlled cars.  

#5 - Visit a Local Attraction

Plan an outing attending local attractions –  Zoos, museums, indoor trampoline parks, science centers, historical and living history museums are just a few examples of local attractions that could make a super fun outing for you and your teens.  

Bonus tip: There are often ways to get into some of these attractions for free or at great discounts! 

 Our library offers passes for free or at a discount to attractions in the area.  This is the case both here in Michigan and also when we lived in Arizona so I think quite a few libraries might offer programs like this. 

Also, Bank of America has a Museums on Us program for their members that gives you free admission to 225 different attractions throughout the country on the first full weekend of each month. 

Groupon is another way to find great deals on local attractions.  We use this at least a few times a year to find discounted experiences to do with our boys. 

Finally, check the website of any attraction you are interested in to see if they offer any coupons, discount days, or free admission days.

#6 - Take a Hike

Go on a hike together – This is an activity that my boys and I have enjoyed since they were little and one that they have continued to enjoy throughout their childhood and into their teen years. 

No matter where we have lived in the country, we have always been able to find a lot of amazing hiking locales and trails within a one hour radius of our house. 

Getting out into nature to get some fresh air and exercise is an amazing way to recharge everyone’s batteries and also to reconnect with your teens.

#7 - Enjoy Seasonal Experiences

Enjoy the seasons together – Whether it is visiting an apple orchard or corn maze in the fall or sledding or ice skating in the winter, there are a lot of ways to create fun memories with your teens thoughout the seasons.

 Sledding, pumpkin patch, apple orchard, corn maze, farmer’s markets, ice skating, snowball fight, build a snowman, a game of soccer or tennis, visit a beach or lake, fly a kite….the possibilities are limitless!

#8 - Visit an Amusement Park, Waterpark, or Fair

Go to an amusement park, water park, or fair  – A trip to an amusement park or a water park is always hit with our kids. 

The great thing about this is that even if you live in a colder environment, you can still likely find indoor water and amusement park venues that you can visit year round.  We have several different indoor water parks that are attached to hotels within an hour or so drive from our home.  This is always a favorite family adventure. 

Indoor amusement establishments are always hits with our kids.  Our favorite one has rides, games, a bowling alley, miniature golf, and laser tag. 

We also try to attend a fair at least once a year with our kids.  When we lived in Arizona, we attended the state fair every year.  Here in Michigan, the state fair is a much smaller event so we attend one our our local county fairs. You can find a fair near you on this site!

What is your favorite way to spend time with your tweens and teens?

10 Easy Grocery Budget Lowering Hacks You Can Implement Today!

The grocery budget is always one of the most flexible items in the monthly budget.  It’s where I always look first when I need extra money for something unexpected that has come up. 

Here are 10 changes I often implement to our weekly meal plans when we have to watch the grocery budget even more than usual!

#1 - Implement a Sandwich Night Every Week

 Have a sandwich night for dinner every week. Sandwiches are cheap to make and there is so much versatility here. 

You can switch up the meats, cheeses, sauces, and veggies you put on them as well as changing the bread or buns you use.  Small buns can be used to make delicious sliders warmed in the oven.  

We often break out our panini maker for sandwich night.  My kids favorite panini right now is one with ham, cheddar, and an egg on sourdough.  

#2 - Consider Breakfast for Dinner More Often

Eggs are cheap.  In fact, at my local Aldi store, they are often $0.69 a dozen.  If you don’t have an Aldi nearby, I know my other local chains often have them on sale dirt cheap as well. 

Pair the eggs with a box of frozen sausage links (usually found for no more than $1) and some toast or homemade pancakes or muffins and you have an inexpensive and delicious feast!

#3 - Go Meatless with Beans!

Beans are cheap and can be quite filling.  Think tostadas, burritos and other delicious Mexican dishes.  Other great ways to consume beans include soups or salads.  The possibilities are almost limitless!

A big batch of baked beans in the slow cooker is an easy way to get an inexpensive and nutritious meal on the dinner table on a busy day.  

Here are some of my favorite recipes to include beans into the menu plan!

Mexican Bean Salad  – combining kidney beans, black beans, and cannellini beans along with bell peppers, corn, red onion and cilantro, this bean salad also has a delicious homemade dressing with red wine vinegar, olive oil, lime juice, and some spices.  It is not only cost effective, but also delicious.   And even better, it makes such a large batch, I literally eat it for days when I make it!

Slow Cooker Vegan Baked Beans  – A great baked bean recipe for the slow cooker that is both sweet and filling.

#4 - Eat More Pasta Based Dishes

Boxes of pasta can be bought for as cheap as $0.49 a box.  There are so many ways to use pasta to make meals that are both cheap and satisfying for your family.  

Macaroni and cheese is one of our favorites!  There are always great deals on shredded cheese and all the other ingredients are usually items that we have on hand already. 

One of my favorite times to make mac and cheese is when I have leftover pulled pork or shredded buffalo chicken to use up.  We just slap a spoonful right on top of our Mac and cheese.  Here’s my favorite macaroni and cheese recipe.  It’s easy and delicious!

There are so many skillet dishes and casseroles that start with pasta too.  It really is a versatile item to build a meal around.  There is always the old classic and favorite too…spaghetti!

#5 - Find a Few Favorite Tuna Recipes to Add to Your Rotation

Tuna is another frugal way to round our your dinner menu. Isn’t it wonderful when you can get a protein source for under $1?  We like tuna noodle casserole as well as tuna melts and tuna on toast. 

But by far my kids favorite tuna meal are this recipe for Tuna Melt Biscuits.  It only requires a few inexpensive ingredients to make. A can of biscuits. a little bit of shredded cheese and a couple cans of tuna plus a few other items I always have on hand.

#6 - Two Words: Pizza Night!

 Don’t be afraid to implement pizza night.  Aldi has gigantic take and bake pizzas sell for $5-$6 and easily feed four or five people.  They also have frozen pizzas for around $2.75 which are equivalent to the DiGiorno brand.

Other grocery chains often have take and bake pizzas as well in the deli of their stores. And my local Kroger often has great deals on frozen pizzas.  I try to keep some in our freezer for emergency nights when I need a quick dinner!  

Little Caesars also offers a large $5 pizza.  They aren’t as big as the take and bake pizzas that you can get at Aldi, but they can easily feed 3-4 people, especially if you have sides with it. 

Another option is to have a fun family night and make your own pizza.  You can buy pre-made pizza dough at supermarkets fairly cheap or make your own.  I use my bread maker to make pizza dough.  It really takes the work out of the process!  Sauce is usually around $1 a jar, a bag of shredded cheese is usually less than $2, and then whatever toppings you want.  Inexpensive and memorable, especially if you have little ones that love to help out in the kitchen!

I usually make a veggie tray with whatever vegetables we happen to have around the house to go with our pizza nights.  A piece of fresh fruit or a salad are other easy and affordable sides for pizza night.

#7 - Take Advantage of Meat Deals

I always try to stock up when I see a good meat deal.  This can be limited by how much freezer space you have available to you. We have always kept a second fridge in the basement for this purpose.  

My favorite meat deals are when I find meat markdowns at Aldi.  Usually at the location I shop at, this happens right after they open in the morning.  It can be hit or miss so it’s really the luck of the draw but when I do find something, I don’t hesitate to jump on it.  

Typically it’s a few dollars off a package or 50% off. One time, my local store found themselves with too many hams leftover after the holiday season and marked them all down to $5 each.  I got a couple of their boneless spiral hams that normally sell for $2.99/lb.  You never know what kind of deals you might happen across.  Always keep an eye out!

The weekly loss leaders are usually another way to score the best meat deals.  This will be the items that are featured on the front page of your grocery chain’s weekly ad.  These are the items they sell cheap, often for a loss, to get people in the door.

Finally, another way I like to keep my freezer stocked with meat deals is to take advantage of special offers.  Typically around Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, my local Kroger store will offer a ham or turkey deal for a crazy cheap price with an additional purchase (usually $25).  This Thanksgiving, I was able to pick up a 13 lb turkey for under $5 with one of these promotions.  I threw it in the freezer an made it a few weeks later.  It lasted us for several meals!

#8 - Reconsider Your Side Dishes

Anytime I need to reel in our grocery budget, our side dishes are one of the first places I often look.  Do I need really that side or can I find something cheaper to replace it?

You can also think outside the box and plan your meals around the sides instead of the main course. Sometimes I plan several meals around a side that I make that I know will last much of the week.  

One example is my family’s favorite macaroni salad.  It costs me just a few dollars to make and it lasts us at least 3-4 meals.  So if I am planning to make it, I will often plan burgers, hot dogs, and sandwiches for the dinner menu that week.  All three items go really well with the macaroni salad and it saves me not only money on my grocery budget, but also time.

Baked potatoes and sweet potatoes are also great sides that are affordable and filling. Fries and tater tots are another one I lean on when I need something inexpensive.  They usually cost less than $2 a bag and last us a couple meals.

Bags of frozen veggies are less than $1 and are a great way to keep your grocery budget on track.  I prefer them over fresh vegetables quite often because I don’t have to worry about them going bad before I can use them and they are quick and easy to prepare.

Bagged salads at Aldi sell for $1 or $2 (perhaps slightly more at other chains) so they are also a really good option to consider.

Finally, I add fresh fruit to our dinners several times a week.  It’s often whatever is in season or on sale that week.  Clementines, berries, melons and apples are some of our favorites for dinner sides.

#9 - Utilize Leftovers

Food waste is a common problem. I’ve had things go bad because they got pushed to the back and forgotten.  It happens.  

I try to prevent it by scaling down recipes that I know we aren’t likely to eat the leftovers on.  Some dishes just don’t reheat well.  I also make sure to freeze leftovers if I know that we won’t be able to consume them within a few days.

Another thing I do is list leftovers on the weekly menu plan for our lunch options so that my family doesn’t forget that they are there if they want them!

Often, if I know something is going to make a lot, I try to plan for the leftovers by putting it twice on the dinner menu for the week or by re-purposing them into another meal for the week.  If I make buffalo chicken sandwiches one night, a few night later we will usually have nachos with the leftover buffalo chicken on top.  Pulled pork is served on buns one day and on top of macaroni and cheese another.

#10 - Simplify Breakfasts and Lunches

I’ve talked a lot about how to lower your grocery budget by making changes to your dinner menu, but breakfast and lunch plans should also be considered.

We keep it pretty simple around here.  Our breakfast items on hand stay pretty consistent from week to week.  I keep oatmeal, cereal, yogurt, eggs, and whole wheat bread for toast in the house for breakfast.

I also usually keep a box or two of frozen waffles on hand because they are my kids’ favorite and the store brand is so inexpensive, it’s not necessary for me to make homemade ones to freeze.

Occasionally I will make a special breakfast on the week if our schedules allow for it. Breakfast casseroles, pancakes, homemade cinnamon rolls, or some biscuits and gravy are in our us rotation for these occasions.  They are affordable and often produce leftovers that the kids eat during the week.

Lunch around our house also stays pretty consistent.  I keep stuff on hand for sandwiches, quesadillas, burritos, and macaroni and cheese.  

We also always have ramen on hand because my husband and youngest son love it. Leftovers, if available, are also another option.

My kids know to grab a main course, a piece of fruit, and some veggies and that’s lunch around here!  It doesn’t cost much and I don’t have to overthink it when I am planning the weekly grocery menu.

What’s your favorite way to save money on your grocery budget?

Slay Your Fitness Goals in 2021! 9 Fitness Ideas You Can Do on a Budget

Not everyone has the money to join a gym.  Or maybe you are like me and don’t like the idea of getting in shape around other people.  Raise your hand!  Any fellow introverts out there? 🙂

What you decide to do will depend on what you fitness goals, personal time commitments and personal budget are but here are 9 fitness ideas that you can do on a budget!

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy

#1 Walking

Walking – It’s the ultimate get fit technique because you can do it anytime, anywhere and it doesn’t cost a thing!  Who doesn’t love free? 

If you are new to having a fitness routine, this is always a great place to start.  You can work at whatever level you are capable and because it’s doesn’t involve hardcore, difficult fitness routine, you are more likely to stick with it!  

Here are some great links to check out if you are considering walking as the way to slay your fitness goals for the new year!

#2 Stationary Bicycle

stationary bike fitness on a budget

Stationary Bicycle – We have a stationary bicycle in our house and it gets a lot of use.  In fact, in the year we have had it, my husband and I have put over 3000 miles on it. 

Out of all the different ways I exercise, this is the one I stick with most religiously.  I think there is a couple reasons for this.  One is that we have it set up in front of our basement TV and so I put on a tv show or movie and start pedaling and before I know it, 30-60 minutes has gone like that.  When I want more of a challenge, I can turn up the resistance or pedal faster. 

Another reason I think I am so successful at sticking with riding the stationary bike is that I am motivated by the computer screen on it that lets me know how far I have gone, how long I have been pedaling and how many calories I have burned during that session.  It pushes me to keep going as long as I can. 

There are also some great YouTube videos you can do if you want to take your biking to the next level.  Here’s a few to check out!:

 

A stationary bicycle can be more of an investment than purchasing some workout DVDs or some inexpensive fitness accessories but we paid less than $150 for ours and I expect we will get at least another 2 years of use out of it so $50 a year isn’t too bad for something I use all the time! 

 

 

In case, you are curious, the stationary bicycle we own is still on Amazon.  We are very pleased with it.  If I had to have one complaint about it, it is that my bottom can get a little sore if I am on it for too long.

#3 Jessica Smith Workouts

Jessica Smith TV – Jessica Smith has a great YouTube channel with all kinds of great workout routines. 

She also sells systems online that you can follow.  I own her Walk Strong: 6 Weeks Total Transformation Program. 

I like it because it is challenging but not impossible.  I don’t like workout routines where I can’t keep up with the instructor or that has complicated moves that the average person can’t handle.  Sometimes I have to go a little slower than Jessica is moving but I am able to do everything she is doing. 

The 6 Week Total Transformation System includes 10 different workouts that target different areas.  It also comes with a calendar with a recommended schedule to follow for the 6 week program. I like that it takes all the guess work out of it.

#4 Chloe Ting Workout Challenges

Chloe Ting Workout Challenges – Chloe Ting is another YouTuber who has some great fitness challenges.  I just recently stumbled across her channel. 

Her challenges run 14 days to up to 8 weeks and are arranged by the areas the target.  Some target multiple areas.  Programs include shreds, tummy, arms, thighs, booty challenges and more.

I feel her workouts are a lot more challenging than Jessica Smith’s.  I have tried a couple and couldn’t keep up. I plan to revisit them in the new year as one of my 2021 Health and Fitness Challenges.

You can find all her programs here.  And her YouTube channel here.  She has over 16 million subscribers!

#5 Leslie Sansone Walk at Home

Leslie Sansone Walk at Home Workout Videos – If you are looking for some inexpensive cardio workout videos, I have always really enjoyed Leslie Sansone’s Walk at Home DVDs. 

I own at least a dozen of them and I always enjoy doing them.  They are not hard or overcomplicated which I love about them.  I always feel like I get a good workout with them and I have a fun time doing it!  

You can get Leslie’s fitness DVD’s for as little as $10 each on Amazon.  Some of her DVD sets include fitness accessories such as resistance bands with them. She also offers some free workouts on her Youtube channel if you want to check her out for free.

#6 Yoga Workouts

Yoga – Yoga has a ton of health benefits.  It is great for improving your strength, balance, and flexibility and is something that you can do at home for little to no investment. 

There are many great YouTube Channels dedicated to yoga.  Here are some you might want to check out!:

SarahBethYoga – Sarah Beth has over 350 yoga videos on her channel.  The videos are grouped by length and target/focus so it’s easy to find what you want.  She also has a whole section for beginners as well as a 7 Day Challenge.

Yoga with Adriene – Adriene has 565 yoga videos and counting on her channel.  Categories include a section for beginners, a section by length, and a section on yoga for back pain, among other things.

Yoga with Tim – Tim has over 260 yoga videos on his channel including several 30 Day Challenges.

Suggested equipment includes a yoga mat and maybe some comfy yoga pants!

Yoga at Home - Recommended Accessories

Gaiam Yoga Mat – This is a fun yoga mat.  It is reversible and has designs on each side.  It’s 6mm thick and measures 68″ X 24″. It’s available in several colors and patterns and sells for less than $30.

Retrospec Solana Yoga Mat – This mat is a little more budget friendly at $19.  It is also slightly longer at 72″ x 24″ and slightly thicker at 1/2″.  There are several colors to choose from!

Yoga Pants with 4 Way Stretch – Available in different colors and with or without pockets, these yoga pants are an affordable option, running between $20 – $25 depending out which color and style you choose.

Fun Yoga Finds

Rosie the Yogi T-shirt – Thought this workout shirt was cute!  Don’t know about you, but cute workout clothes always help motivate me to workout 🙂

Yoga Socks – Some fun yoga socks for your workout.

Yoga Pose Poster – A poster to help you learn and remember the yoga poses.

#7 Pilates Workouts

Pilates – Pilates is a lot like yoga but it doesn’t have the focus on breathing and meditation that yoga does. Pilates focuses has more on the core. Like yoga, there doesn’t have to be a lot of cost involved with doing pilates.

You might want a mat, maybe some resistance bands and possibly some workout clothes that you are comfortable in.

Fun Pilate Finds

Mantra Sports Pilates Ring Magic Fitness Circle – The Mantra Sports Pilates Ring allows you to tone your thighs, arms, legs, abs, and other muscles while doing different exercises.  It comes with a poster that shows some various exercises you can do with it from beginner to advanced.  There are also YouTube videos with instructors that do workouts using a Pilates Ring.

 

Viajero Pilates Bar Kit – This Pilates Bar Kit is another fun way to tone your body at home with pilates workouts.  There is a wide variety of exercises you can do to tone up and get a full body workout with it.  Like, the Pilates Ring, you can find a lot of free Pilates Bar Workouts on YouTube.

#8 Resistance Bands

 

Resistance Bands – Resistance training is another thing I plan to add to my 2021 Fitness Goals. 

I found this set on Amazon for $12.99 that comes with 3 bands with different resistances and an eBook workout guide for using them.  The included bands are for a light, medium, and heavy fitness level.

#9 Couch to 10k Challenge

Try a Couch to 10k – Like walking, jogging doesn’t cost a thing (unless of course you don’t own some decent shoes you can run in).  -A Couch to 10k program breaks down how to go from non-runner to being able to do a 10k race in 8 -12 weeks time.  It’s a great way to tackle getting started with running if that has been a goal of yours! Here’s some resources if this is something that interests you: Apple Couch to 10k App – If apps are your favorite way to track fitness, there is an Apple app to walk you through a Couch to 10k. Couch to 10k for Beginners – this is a 12 week plan. Couch to 10k from Women’s Running – This is an 8 week plan if you are looking for something a little more aggressive!

What’s your favorite way to get fit on a budget?

Create a Cheap and Easy Aldi Thanksgiving Dinner on a Budget

Planning an Aldi Thanksgiving dinner on a budget is pretty easy to do.  Aldi offers many options to create an affordable and yummy Thanksgiving meal without busting your bank account.  

I decided to combine my love of all things Aldi, meal planning, and saving money to create a mega blog post for others like me who want to create a fantastic Thanksgiving Day dinner for my loved ones without ruining my monthly grocery budget.  Off I set on my adventure to Aldi (one of my favorite places in the world :-)) to explore some of the many options available for planning a tasty, affordable, and fairly easy meal for Thanksgiving using all things that can be purchased at Aldi.

Aldi Thanksgiving Dinner Planning: Main Dish Options

When it comes to planning your Aldi Thanksgiving dinner, you have several options for the main dish.

Turkeys, turkey breast boneless roasts, duck, ham, pork roasts, and seafood are just some of your options, 

Photo Credit: Tim Sackton

Main Dish - Turkey Options

If you are planning turkey as the main dish for your Thanksgiving Day meal, Aldi has several options to choose from.  At my local store I found:

  • Bone-In Turkey Breast for $1.59/lb.
  • Antibiotic-Free Whole Turkeys for $1.49/lb
  • 3 lb. Boneless Turkey Breasts for $8.99
  • Whole Turkeys for $0.69/lb.

Main Dish - Ham Options

If it’s ham that you want to be the main attraction of your Thanksgiving meal, Aldi also offers a variety of options.  I found six on a pre-Thanksgiving trip to my local Aldi store:

  • Appleton Farms Carving Ham $3.29/lb
  • Appleton Farms Smoked Ham $1.29/lb.
  • Appleton Farms Spiral Ham $1.69/lb.
  • Appleton Farms Quarter Boneless Sliced Ham $3.99/lb.
  • Never Any! (Antibiotic Free) Quarter Sliced Ham – Honey or Hardwood Smoked $3.99/lb.
  • Appleton Farms Shank Portion Bone-In Ham $1.29/lb.

More Main Dish Options - Seafood

There were also many options available if you want to have a seafood main dish.  A few that I saw that would be wonderful choices included:

  • Cocktail Shrimp Ring 16oz with cocktail sauce $8.99
  • Fresh Salmon (several options including one on a cedar plank) $7.69-$9.99/lb.
  • Seafood Mix (raw shrimp, calamari, bay scallops, and mussels) $5.99
  • Raw, Peeled Medium Shrimp $5.49 for 12 ounces 

More Main Dish Options- Beef and Pork

There were also some great and affordable options available for anyone looking for pork or beef as their main dish.  A few I noticed that would be delicious choices include:

  • Black Angus USDA Choice Beef Bottom Round Roasts $4.49/lb.
  • Cattlemen’s Ranch Bacon Wrapped Beef Filets (5 oz each sold in twin packs) $4.79 per pack
  • Black Angus USDA Choice Petite Sirloin Steak $5.99/lb.
  • Roseland Marinated Pork Tenderloin (teriyaki or peppercorn) $3.49 per tenderloin
  • Half Pork Loins $1.89/lb.

Main Dish - More Poultry Options

If you or someone in your household doesn’t care for turkey (this is the case in our house) but you’d still like a poultry main dish for your Thanksgiving feast, Aldi has a few great options you might enjoy:

  • Kirkwood Duck with Orange Sauce $2.49/lb.
  • Kirkwood Cornish Hens 22 oz. $3.49 each
  • Kirkwood Whole Chickens $0.95/lb.

Aldi Thanksgiving Dinner Planning: Side Dish Options

Many feel that Thanksgiving dinner is all about the sides!  Your Aldi Thanksgiving dinner can include all the classics from mashed potatoes and stuffing to sweet potato casserole and cranberry sauce but there are also options to get creative and think outside the box if you want! 

If you are working on a tight budget, you can go simple to watch your pennies but still have a lot of sides for your family and friends to chose from.  Here is just some of the countless options you can pull off shopping at Aldi for your Thanksgiving meal:

Fresh Vegetable Sides and Ideas

Fresh veggies make the most delicious side dishes!  Some feel that Aldi’s produce section can be lacking but I don’t usually find that to be the case.  I was able to find many great deals and some very fresh looking produce on my recent visit.  Here are seven options I found especially intriguing for consideration for my Thanksgiving dinner menu:

  • Baby Carrots $0.79 for a 1 pound bag (Serving suggestion: we love this recipe which uses a bag of baby carrots, a stick of butter, some honey and brown sugar. Simple, inexpensive, and delicious!)
  • Acorn Squash $0.69/lb.
  • Butternut Squash $0.69/lb.
  • Fresh Green Beans $1.89/lb.
  • Fresh French Green Beans $2.99/lb.
  • Fresh Asparagus $2.29/lb.
  • Brussel Sprouts $2.59/lb.

 

Frozen Veggie Sides

Frozen vegetables are another great option for your side dishes. They offer affordability and prep is usually easier then fresh which often have to be cleaned and chopped.  Here are eight of the options Aldi offers:

  • Seasons Choice Super Sweet Corn 16 oz. $1.09
  • Season’s Choice Steamable Broccoli Florets 12 oz. $0.89
  • Season’s Choice Steamable Asparagus Spears 8 oz. $2.49
  • Season’s Choice Extra Fine Green Beans 16 oz. $1.75 (these are my favorite green beans for making green bean casserole.  This recipe always wins me rave reviews!)
  • Season’s Choice Steamble Cut Green Beans 12 oz. $0.79
  • Season’s Choice Steamable Brussel Sprouts 12 oz. $1.15
  • Season’s Choice Broccoli or Cauliflower and Cheese Bake 24 oz. $3.99
  • Season’s Choice Steamable Super Sweet Corn 12 oz. $0.75

 

Canned Veggies and Recipe Ideas

Canned vegetables are an easy and inexpensive way to add some sides to your Thanksgiving table and Aldi has some fantastic options and prices.  Here’s what I found:

  • Happy Harvest Whole Kernel Corn 15.25 oz $0.44
  • Happy Harvest Cream Style Corn 14.75 oz $0.44
    Recipe idea: Grandma’s Corn Pudding.  Yum!
  • Happy Harvest Small Sweet Peas 15 oz $0.44
  • Happy Harvest Sliced Carrots 14.5 oz $0.45
  • Happy Harvest Pickled Beets – Sliced or Whole 16 oz $1.39
    Recipe Idea: Beet and Spinach Salad
  • Happy Harvest Cut Green Beans 14.5 oz $0.44
  • Happy Harvest French Green Beans 14.5 oz $0.44  
    Recipe Idea: Green Bean Casserole (without cream soups)

Sweet Potato Sides

For many people, no Thanksgiving meal is complete without a sweet potato dish on the table.  We are one of those families!  In fact, we love sweet potatoes so much that we eat them throughout the year.  Aldi has some simple options for sweet potato sides as well as fresh sweet potatoes if you want to make your own casserole or fresh baked sweet potatoes!  Here’s a few sweet potato options I spotted around the store:

  • Happy Harvest Yams – Cut Sweet Potatoes in Syrup 29 oz. $1.65
  • Sweet Potatoes $1.69 for 3 lbs  Note: this may vary by your location and the week.  When I went back the week after I took this picture, the sweet potatoes were $0.87 for a 3 lb bag. If you are looking for a sweet potato casserole recipe to try, here is our favorite!
  • Chef’s Cupboard Cinnamon Sweet Potato Mash 5 oz package $0.89

Mashed Potatoes, Potatoes Au Gratin and Beyond

There were many options for potato side dishes at Aldi.  Here’s a few options that stood out for me:

  • Chef’s Cupboard Homestyle Mashed Potatoes (assorted varieties) 4 oz packet $0.69
  • Chef’s Cupboard Scalloped Potatoes or AuGratin Potatoes 4.7 oz box $0.75
  • Idahoan Flavored Mashed Potatoes (assorted varieties) 4 oz packet $0.99
  • Bob Evans Refrigerated Mashed Potatoes 24 oz $3.27
  • Russet Potatoes 10 lb bag $2.89 (Note: this was two weeks before Thanksgiving…I imagine they will be on sale the week of!) Quick and Simple Recipe: Chef John’s Mashed Potatoes
  • Season’s Choice Shredded Hash Browns 30 oz $1.75. Recipe Idea: Cheesy Potato Casserole

Gravy

Gravy!  A must have for any Thanksgiving table that features turkey and mashed potatoes!  Aldi has packets of gravy starting at just thirty cents for the frugal shopper and jarred pre-made gravy for those looking to keep things simple.  Here’s the details of what they offer:

  • Chef’s Cupboard Homestyle Turkey Gravy 12 oz jar $1.19
  • Stonemill Regular or Reduced Sodium Brown Gravy 0.37 oz $0.30
  • Stonemill Gravy Mix (turkey or pork) 0.87 oz $0.49

Stuffing - Boxed and Homemade Options

Mmmm!  Stuffing!  Or dressing?  No matter what you call it, Aldi has you covered!  Here’s what I found:

  • Chef’s Cupboard Herb or Cornbread Bagged Stuffing 14 oz bag $1.69
  • Chef’s Cupboard Stuffing Mix (aka Stove Top Stuffing) assorted varieties 6 oz box $0.79

Another option is using bread.  My mom used to make stuffing this way when I was a child.  I remember the paper grocery bag full of bread slices sitting out to dry for a day or two leading up to Thanksgiving.  She always made such amazing stuffing!  

Here’s a couple recipes to try:

Don't Forget the Cranberries!

Cranberries….a must for many Thanksgiving tables.  Aldi offers canned cranberries either in jellied or whole berry form.  Both varieties sell for $0.89 a can.  They also sell fresh cranberries, which I failed to get a picture of, for $0.95 a bag if you prefer to make a homemade cranberry dish!

Breads, Rolls and Biscuits....Oh My!

Bread, rolls, and biscuit options were also plentiful.  I found these:

  • L’oven Fresh Brown and Serve Rolls 12 ct. $0.99
  • Bake House Creations Crescent Rolls 8 oz. $0.79
  • Specially Selected French Baguette 9.5-12 oz. $1.49
  • Specially Selected French Dinner Rolls 12 oz. $1.99
  • L’oven Fresh Hawaiian Sweet Rolls 12 ct. $1.19
  • Specially Selected Italian Bread 16 oz. $1.99
  • Bake House Creation Jumbo Buttermilk Biscuits 16 oz. $0.99
  • Bake House Creation Jumbo Flaky Biscuits 16 oz. $0.99
  • L’oven Fresh Butter or Potato Dinner Rolls 12 ct. $2.29

Aldi Thanksgiving Meal Planning: Dessert Options Abound

Mmmm!  Dessert!  Many people like to make their own desserts for Thanksgiving but if you don’t want to or need an easy fix, Aldi has a lot of options to pick from!  Here is what I found:

  • Belmont Mini Cheesecake Bites – 24 ct in New York Style, Strawberry Swirl, and Turtle $9.99
  • Belmont Cheesecake Twin Packs – Assorted Varieties $1.99
  • Belmont Chocolate Creme or Key Lime Pie 25.5-36 oz. $4.99
  • Bake Shop Cherry or Dutch Apple Pie 24 oz. $3.49
  • Bake Shop Pecan Pie 23 oz. $4.99
  • Bake Shop 10 inch Pumpkin Pie 37 oz. $5.89
  • Bake Shop Pumpkin Pie 24 oz. $3.49

Creating a Plan for Your Aldi Thanksgiving Meal

Here’s some tips to help you plan and stay on budget for your Thanksgiving meal:

  • Decide how much you would like to spend before you even start planning.  This might make it easier to stay on budget and avoid going overboard.
  • Know how many you are serving and if you would like to have leftovers.
  • If you are going with turkey, know how to calculate how much you need.  It is recommended that for bone-in, you have 1 to 1 1/2 pounds per person.
  • If your budget is tight, consider scaling down the amount of sides you make or supplementing them with some inexpensive options.
  • If you are having guests over for Thanksgiving dinner, consider asking everybody to bring a dish to help you out.  Not only will it help save your grocery budget, but it will also save you some time in the kitchen and allow you to spend more time enjoying the holiday and spending time with your loved ones!