Thanksgiving Shopping Guide: What to Buy Each Week for a Stress-Free Holiday

Thanksgiving is a big meal, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed trying to get everything together. The key to a smoother holiday is planning ahead and shopping gradually. Instead of waiting until the week of Thanksgiving, spread out your shopping over four weeks to avoid last-minute stress, help your wallet, and ensure you get all the essentials without missing a beat.

Here’s your guide to Thanksgiving shopping, week by week:

4 Weeks Before Thanksgiving

Start with pantry staples and hardy produce items that will last. These are the non-perishables that form the backbone of many Thanksgiving recipes and can be stored well in advance.

• Non-perishables: Stock up on pantry essentials like flour, sugar, cooking oils, and vinegar for all your baking and cooking needs.
• Dried Herbs & Spices: Make sure you have key Thanksgiving spices on hand, such as sage, thyme, rosemary, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
• Canned Goods: Pick up essentials like green beans, corn, evaporated milk, and pumpkin purée, which are frequently used in casseroles, pies, and sides.
• Produce: Items like potatoes, onions, garlic, squash, and apples store well in cool, dry places and will last until Thanksgiving.

3 Weeks Before Thanksgiving

Now is the time to pick up non-perishable or long-lasting items that you’ll need for cooking and prepping, along with produce that has a longer shelf life.

• Fresh Produce: Grab durable items like carrots, lemons, and ginger, which will stay fresh in the fridge for a few weeks.
• Non-perishables: Add broths and stocks for soups, gravies, and stuffing, along with any condiments and sauces that you may need for marinades or finishing touches.

2 Weeks Before Thanksgiving

At this point, you can start getting into the fresher ingredients while still focusing on items that have a slightly longer shelf life.

• Fresh Produce: Stock up on seasonal fruits and veggies like cranberries, beets, turnips, leeks, and sunchokes. These add vibrant flavors and colors to your Thanksgiving dishes.
• Refrigerated Staples: Buy butter, cheese, and pre-made pie crusts, if you’re planning to go the semi-homemade route. These can be stored in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.

1 Week Before Thanksgiving

With just a week left, it’s time to gather the final ingredients for the big day, especially those that won’t last more than a week.

• Fresh Produce: Now’s the time to get fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage, along with veggies like fennel, cauliflower, and bell peppers.
• Refrigerated Staples: If turkey or another protein is on your menu, buy it now to ensure it’s thawed and ready to cook by Thanksgiving.

The Week of Thanksgiving

With only a few days to go, focus on the very freshest items you’ll need for your meal. This is also when you’ll buy items that are typically used quickly or don’t last long.

• Fresh Produce: Pick up leafy greens like spinach, kale, arugula, and other last-minute produce items such as mushrooms, Brussels sprouts, and broccoli.
• Refrigerated Staples: Grab any dairy essentials like eggs, half & half, and sour cream.
• Baked Goods: Purchase fresh bread and rolls for Thanksgiving dinner or baking.

Bonus: Don’t Forget the Essentials!

Even with the best planning, some items often slip through the cracks. Make sure to add these to your list:

• Cooking Essentials: Butter, milk, and cream are a must for many dishes, from mashed potatoes to pies.
• Charcuterie and Appetizers: Don’t forget nuts, cheeses, and other charcuterie must-haves if you’re planning to entertain.
• Drinks and Desserts: Pick up beverages like soda, wine, and sparkling water, as well as classic desserts like pumpkin or pecan pie.

When to Start Buying Fruits and Vegetables for Thanksgiving

We know the success of your Thanksgiving meal hinges on getting all of your must-have ingredients on time—so why not avoid the last-minute stress and start shopping now? Save our guide to get a week-by-week look at what produce should be in your cart, starting now!

Pro tip: Become the ultimate fresh produce storage expert by reviewing our Fresh Produce Longevity Guide.

Sign up now and do your Thanksgiving grocery shopping with Misfits Market. Now that you’ve stocked up on your seasonal produce and other Thanksgiving essentials, here’s what to make!

Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes

Get the recipes for Creamy Butternut Squash Soup, Crispy Smashed Parmesan Baby Turnips, andWarm Salad with Crispy Potatoes.

By shopping week by week, you’ll avoid the holiday rush, reduce stress, and even spread out costs, making Thanksgiving planning smoother and more enjoyable. Follow this guide to ensure you have everything you need for a memorable holiday feast with family and friends. Happy Thanksgiving, and happy planning!

Get even more Thanksgiving prep tips, recipe inspiration, and shopping lists.