Thanksgiving Shopping Guide 2024: Save Smart and Spend Less

Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the holiday season, and for savvy shoppers, it’s a prime time to score the best deals on everything from electronics to home goods. But with hundreds of retailers offering "can't-miss" sales, it can be overwhelming to decide where and when to shop. 

So I put together this guide to provide some ideas for consumers who are at a loss when facing promotions from different merchants, to help you maximize your savings this Thanksgiving. Whether you're shopping in-store or online, these tips will ensure that you get the best bang for your buck.

Understand Retail Trends for Thanksgiving Sales

Before diving into deals, it's essential to know when and where to shop. Research shows that while Black Friday has long been the king of sales, Thanksgiving Day and the days leading up to it are growing in importance.

According to the "National Retail Federation", in 2022:

$9.12 billion was spent online on Black Friday, and 

$5.29 billion on Thanksgiving Day alone, a 2.9% year-over-year increase.

With an increasing shift toward online shopping, expect more Thanksgiving-specific deals in 2024.

Leverage Early Bird Deals and Avoid the Rush

In recent years, many retailers have started rolling out discounts well before Thanksgiving, a trend expected to continue in 2024. For example, in 2022, Walmart and Amazon began their Black Friday sales as early as the first week of November.

Actionable Tips:

Monitor early sales from big-box stores like Walmart, Best Buy, and Target.

Use price tracking tools like CamelCamelCamel to know when the price hits rock bottom.

Sign up for retailer email alerts to stay ahead of flash sales.

Use price tracking tools to know when the price hits rock bottom.

Budgeting: Stick to a Plan and Save More

Thanksgiving shopping can be a budget-buster if you're not careful. In 2023, shoppers planned to spend an average of $875 on holiday-related items, according to the NRF. But overspending is common when buyers don’t have a game plan.

Here's How to Stay on Track:

Set a strict budget before browsing sales. 

Make a prioritized shopping list. Focus on essentials first, then consider splurging if your budget allows.

Maximize Online Shopping: Cyber Monday and Beyond

If you prefer online shopping over fighting the Thanksgiving Day crowds, Cyber Monday might be your best bet. According to Analytics, Cyber Monday sales hit $11.3 billion in 2022, making it the largest online shopping day in history. Expect even more aggressive deals in 2024, especially on electronics and tech products.

Shopping Tips:

Bookmark your favorite retailers and have your cart ready to go when deals drop.

Use cashback sites to earn money while you shop.

Know the Best Categories to Buy on Thanksgiving

Some categories offer better discounts on Thanksgiving than others. Based on Adobe Analytics data:

• Electronics typically see discounts up to 27%.
• Toys offer savings of about 34%.
• Apparel sees an average discount of 15%.
• Home appliances range from 20-25% off.

Here are some top categories to focus on, along with why they’re worth considering:

1. Electronics

Thanksgiving sales often bring some of the deepest discounts on electronics, including TVs, laptops, tablets, and smart home devices. Major retailers offer aggressive deals, sometimes with up to 50% off. If you’ve been eyeing a new gadget or upgrading your tech, this is the time to make your purchase.

Why Buy?

Electronics are typically high-ticket items, so even a modest discount can lead to significant savings. Plus, technology evolves quickly, and Thanksgiving offers a chance to get the latest devices at more affordable prices.

2. Home Appliances

Another category to watch for is home appliances, from kitchen essentials like mixers and air fryers to larger items like washers and refrigerators. Whether you’re upgrading your home setup or buying gifts for family members who love cooking, you’ll find significant savings during Thanksgiving sales.

Why Buy?

Retailers often reduce prices to clear inventory for newer models, which means you can get high-quality appliances at a fraction of the cost. It’s also perfect timing before the holiday hosting season begins.

3. Fashion and Apparel

Clothing and accessories frequently go on sale during Thanksgiving, especially winter collections. Look for discounted coats, boots, scarves, and other cold-weather essentials. This is also an ideal time to snag deals on designer brands that might not usually offer significant discounts.

Why Buy?

Thanksgiving marks the beginning of winter, so you can stock up on cold-weather gear at reduced prices. Fashion items, especially from high-end brands, often see major markdowns during this season.

4. Jewelry and Personalized Gifts

Handcrafted jewelry, personalized items, and unique accessories also tend to be discounted during Thanksgiving sales. Items like energy stone bracelets, Chinese-style necklaces, and custom brooches are popular choices for those looking to give thoughtful and meaningful gifts.

Why Buy?

These gifts hold sentimental value, and their timeless nature means they won’t go out of style. Thanksgiving discounts can make these one-of-a-kind pieces more accessible, allowing you to give something truly special without breaking the bank.

5. Home Décor and Furniture

If you’ve been wanting to refresh your home or purchase new furniture, Thanksgiving is an excellent time to do so. Retailers often mark down home décor, bedding, and furniture to make room for the new year’s collections.

Why Buy?

Furniture and home décor can be expensive, but during Thanksgiving sales, prices drop significantly, helping you revamp your living space without the hefty price tag.

When shopping, focus on these categories for the biggest savings.

Use Price Comparison Tools for Smarter Shopping

Don’t assume the first discount you see is the best. With dynamic pricing in play, prices for popular items can fluctuate throughout the Thanksgiving period. Tools like:

Honey (a browser extension that finds discount codes),

Google Shopping (which compares prices across multiple retailers),

CamelCamelCamel (for tracking prices on Amazon), 

can save you both time and money. 

Bonus Tip: Some retailers price-match during the Thanksgiving period, so it pays to compare before you buy!

Look for Free Shipping and Promo Codes

According to the **National Retail Federation**, over 95% of holiday shoppers in 2023 expected free shipping to be part of their online shopping experience. For retailers that don’t offer it, promo codes can help you avoid shipping fees or secure additional discounts.

Tips:

Search for promo codes using sites,

Check if stores offer free shipping with in-store pickup to save even more.

Be a Smart Shopper This Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving shopping doesn’t have to be chaotic or break the bank. By planning ahead, tracking prices, and sticking to a budget, you’ll not only save money but also reduce the stress of holiday shopping.

Now that you have the tools and tips to shop smart, it's time to grab those deals!