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Retailers are competing for holiday spending by inflation-weary consumers

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Major national retailers are launching deep-discount Thanksgiving meal bundles ahead of the holiday, aiming to ease food-cost pressure for families.

• Deals range from under $4 per person at some stores to full meal kit bundles including turkey, sides and pies.

• Each offering comes with specific conditionssuch as order deadlines, limited delivery slots, membership or first-time user perks, and regional availability.

In the run-up to the 2025 Thanksgiving holiday, a number of national food retailers are rolling out aggressive promotions to entice budget-conscious shoppers. Here are some of the better offers, including all the usual cautions and conditions. Click on the photos for details of each offer. Note that the photos may not portray the actual offerings available at each store.

Walmart

Walmart is offering a one-click Thanksgiving meal basket designed to serve 10 people for approximately $39.92 before tax, or around $4 per person the lowest price since the program began.

The basket includes over 20 national and private-brand favorites (turkey, stuffing, potatoes, gravy, rolls, etc.)

Conditions & limits:

• First-time Pickup & Delivery customers get free express delivery using promo code THANKFUL.

• Valid for service through December 26, giving shoppers the option to use it for Christmas as well.

• The basket is available for order online or in-store, but deliverable options may be limited by location.

ALDI

ALDI is offering enough items to build a full Thanksgiving feast for 10 people for just $40, or roughly $4 per person.

The offer covers 21 marked items, including a 14-lb turkey and ingredients for nine traditional sides (mashed potatoes with gravy, sweet potato casserole, mac & cheese, rolls, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie).

Conditions & limits:

• Items are purchased individually, not as a pre-packaged kit; each item will be shelf-tagged Thanksgiving Meal Bundle.

• No membership or coupon required.

• Available in-store or via online delivery/curbside partners (Instacart, Uber Eats, DoorDash) from October 15 through December 24.

• Availability and pricing may vary by location.

Lidl

Lidl US has announced a bundle price that undercuts competitors: a complete Thanksgiving meal for 10 people for under $36 (less than $3.60 per person).

Key highlights include a turkey priced at $0.25 per pound using the MyLidl app.

Conditions & limits:

• The bundle is again not a single-pack kit; items are sold separately so shoppers assemble their own feast.

• The deal runs from November 5 through November 26, and items are marked in-store with the promotion.

• Requires use of the MyLidl app for the turkey price, and availability may vary by region.

Target

Targets Thanksgiving meal promotion targets a smaller party: a full holiday meal for a family of four for under $20.

The deal includes turkey priced at about $0.79 per pound, plus sides priced at $4.99 each (like mashed sweet potatoes, vegetable mixes, pies).

Conditions & limits:

• Includes options for same-day delivery or scheduled pickup to accommodate last-minute shoppers.

• The pricing is a record low for Targets holiday offering.

• Side items beyond the meal deal are sold separately and the full meal must be assembled from the promotions included items.

Publix

Publix offers Order Ahead holiday meals via its Order Ahead system (through Instacart) that feed anywhere from 2 to 18 people.

Conditions & limits:

• Meals come ready-to-heat and require home reheating; packaging includes heating instructions.

• Orders need to be placed at least 48 hours ahead of pickup.

• The items are not strictly part of a bundle in the sense of pre-packaged discount kits, and pickup/online fees may apply.

Amazon

Amazon is using its grocery network including Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods Market to make it easier (and cheaper) for families to prepare a full holiday spread without last-minute store runs. The dinner for five is $25.

Customers can shop the bundle online, in-store, or through Amazons Same-Day Delivery service in eligible areas, so the turkey and trimmings can arrive right on time.

Conditions & limits

• The bundle is available Nov. 12 through Nov. 27

Dollar General

This holiday season, Dollar General is helping customers stretch their budgets and simplify meal planning with recipe-centric bundle deals, special offers and price reductions across its food aisles. With grocery prices continuing to be a concern for about half of U.S. consumers, Dollar General is delivering value and convenience when and where its needed most.

From classic holiday dishes to baking favorites, the retailer is offering bundled savings on ingredients for beloved recipes like sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole and pumpkin pie now through November 29.

Conditions & limits

• Does not combine with DGs $5 off $25 coupon or other spend/save basket offers.

Why these deals are appearing now

Retailers are responding to rising food inflation, especially in the turkey market. The American Farm Bureau Federation reported that turkey prices are up about 40 % year-over-year, driven partly by a 3 % decline in the national flock (estimated at 195 million birds in 2025) and outbreaks of avian disease.

With consumers feeling the squeeze, grocers are using Thanksgiving meal deals as both a service to customers and a promotional hook for the broader holiday season.

What shoppers should be aware of

• Stock & regional variation: Many of these deals are limited by store region and availability. For example, the MyLidl turkey deal may vary by location.

• Ordering cut-offs: Delivery or pickup slots may fill early, especially for big-meal bundles in high demand.

• Delivery/in-store differences: Some offers include free delivery only for new customers or require online ordering; in-store pickup may differ.

• Not all items always included: In some bundles (e.g., ALDI, Lidl) you purchase items individually although they are marked as part of a meal set.

• Extras may cost more: If you want premium upgrades (organic turkey, specialty sides, desserts), the base bundle may not include themand youll pay more.

• Check for membership or coupon requirements: While some offers explicitly waive membership (ALDI), others may link special pricing to app use or first-time services (MyLidl, Walmart).
  

• Reheat-at-home vs. cook-at-home: The Publix model is more a ready-to-heat meal than a DIY cooking kit.

Bottom line

For 2025, Thanksgiving meal promotions from major food retailers are offering some of the best value in recent years. With options under $4 per person available from Walmart and Lidl, a $40 full spread at ALDI, and a sub-$20 four-person meal at Target, consumers have strong budget-friendly options.

However, to secure the best deal, shoppers should act early, verify whether delivery or pickup suits their needs, and clarify exactly whats included (and whats extra).

Turn yesterdays tech into todays money

• Prep the device first (backup, sign out, reset, clean, gather accessories) so you dont get lowballed on condition

• Pick the payout type you want: store credit/e-gift (Best Buy, Amazon, Costco), bill credits tied to a new phone (carriers), or real cash (buyback sites or private sale)

• Private sale almost always pays the most, but it takes the most effort and you have to protect yourself (public meetups, show IMEI clean, remove locks)

Do you have a couple old phones or a sad little iPad shoved in your junk drawer? It might be time to pull them out and make some money off them. Ill walk you through 6 reliable options that will help you do just that. Plus, I'll give yousome pros and cons with each so you can decide for yourself what's the best way to cash in on your old tech.

First: a 5-minute prep that boosts potential value

1. Back up + sign out of iCloud/Google/Find My. Also turn off any activation locks.
2. Factory reset the device and remove the SIM/eSIM card (if it has one).
3. Gather all accessories like the original charger, cable, box, manual, etc.
4. Check the battery health and screen condition so you describe it accurately.
5. Clean it up. Smudges and crumbs can often look like damage to graders.

Best Buy trade-in

Best for:The Best Buy Trade-In program is a solid option for selling old cell phones, tablets, headphones, gaming consoles, computers, and some wearables.

How it works: Start by visiting their Trade-In page and do a quick search for the device you want to trade-in. Then select your exact device and answer the condition questions. Theyll immediately give you an estimated trade-in value which you can accept on the spot.

If you accept the offer, you can either ship-it or take it to any Best Buy location. Once they verify the condition, theyll issue you a Best Buy gift card for the agreed upon amount.

My Example: I have an old iPhone 14 (128GB) with Verizon, in "Good" condition, and Best Buy will give me $100 for it.

Pros: Fast turnaround, in-store convenience, easy way to use the gift card to lower the price of a new purchase.

Cons: Gift card only, and mid-tier trade-in prices compared toAmazon Trade-In or a private sale.

Pro tips:

• You must do a factory reset of your device and disable the Find My feature otherwise it will have a $0 trade-in value.
• Do your trade-in at a Best Buy store if you can. Being able to interact and talk to the person evaluating your device gives you immediate feedback about the condition and lets you explain any issues.
• While youre there, ask about any open-box deals and try to stack your trade-in credit with an open-box discount to maximize your savings.
• Always bring the original charger if you can as a missing power brick can knock off some value.

Amazon trade-in

Best for: Echo/Kindle/Fire devices, controllers, smartphones and accessories.

How it works: Select your device on the Amazon Trade-In page and get an immediate online quote after answering some condition questions. If you accept the quote, theyll give you a free shipping label and you mail it off.

Once they verify the condition, theyll pay you with an Amazon gift card. Some items qualify for an instant payment before you ship the items back which is a cool feature. Plus, sometimes theyll give you a promotional discount that you can use to buy a new qualifying Amazon device.

My Example:Amazon will give me $180 for my old iPhone 14 (128GB) - a very surprising $80 more than Best Buy.

Pros: Very easy process, solid payout prices, especially for Amazon devices, and they also have frequent promo bonuses.

Cons: Limited device list; gift card only; mail-in only; condition grading can be strict. Processing can take up to 15 days.

Pro tips:

• Stack your promos. Amazon periodically adds a bonus (e.g., extra 1020% on eligible categories).
• Time your trade with Prime events like Prime Day or Black Friday. By doing so, your values and bonuses are known to be a little higher.
• Screenshot your condition answers before shipping. That way if you get re-quoted after they inspect the item, you can appeal with specifics.

Costco trade-in (via partner portal)

Costcos device trade-in program is basically Costco, but outsourced. You dont hand your old iPhone to the lady at the membership desk, instead everything runs through Phobio, Costcos partner company.

How it works: Visit this page and click the Start Your Trade-In Now button. Youll be routed to a partner site (Phobio), youll answer some condition questions, then get an instant price quote.

If you accept the quote, Phobio will give you a prepaid shipping label along with packing instructions. Once they receive the device and inspect it, theyll pay you via a Costco Shop Card. Expect it to take 3-5 business days.

Ive found values to be surprisingly high on newer Apple and current-gen phones. Your actual offer is going to depend largely on age, storage, carrier, and overall condition.

My Example:Costco will give me $165for myold iPhone 14 (128GB) - a solid 2nd place behind Amazon at $180.

Pros: Smooth process via a trustworthy partner network. Surprisingly, you dont have to be a Costco member to use Phobio. You can simply spend the Costco Cash Card (in-store or online) without a membership which is a nice perk.

Cons: They can lowball after inspection. Payout is locked to Costco. Mail-in only option has been known to be a little on the slow side.

Pro tips:

• Compare the Phobio quote to Amazon and Best Buy before you commit.
• Lock your quote (most portals hold it for a set window, be sure to ship your device quickly).
• Use insured shipping and photograph the device powered on and boxed up.

Carrier trade-ins (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile)

Best for: When youre already upgrading and want the biggest trade-in value possible on a new smartphone. But keep in mind that the trade-in number only exists because youre doing the upgrade through them and letting them pay it out as monthly credits.

How it works: You trade in your old phone, and instead of getting cash, the carrier spreads the value out as monthly bill credits over 2436 months tied to your new device payment.

Pros: The promos are definitely impressive. Up to $800 off with eligible trade is real if youre on the right plan, with the right phone, in the right condition.

Cons: Its not money in your hand, its credits on your bill.And those credits can stop if you pay off early, downgrade, or switch carriers. So youre basically agreeing to stay put.

Pro tips:

• Read the promo details carefully as the exact model, storage, and condition tiers will definitely change your payout.
• Screenshot the offer the day you order so you have proof if the credits dont show up on your next bill.
• If you think you might switch carriers in the next 1218 months, dont do it. Youd be better off selling the phone for cash and keeping your flexibility.

Independent buyback sites

Best for: Getting actual money (not store credit) without meeting some rando in a parking lot.

How it works: Start at a reputable buyback site like Gazelle, ItsWorthMore, or GadgetPickup. You select your exact device, answer some condition questions, and they give you an instant quote.

Depending on the service you pick, youll get paid via PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, or a bank transfer.

My Example:I ran myold iPhone 14 (128GB) through ItsWorthMore and they'll only give me $107, not great. Gazelle was much better at $181.

Pros: Real cash instead of store credit or bill credits. Fairly fast payout, most pay within a couple of days of them receiving it.

Cons: Grading can be strict and theyve been known to be pretty picky. Also, quotes can drop if condition isnt exactly as described.

Pro tips:

• Get 23 quotes on the same day (if possible) asprices move around a lot and different sites tend to favor different models.
• Be honest about flaws (things like small crack, scuffs, after-market screen). Being honest will help prevent a lower re-quote.
• Document everything: write down the IMEI, take front/back/powered-on photos before shipping the device. Then if they say screen damage, you have proof.

Private sale (when you want the most cash)

Best for: People who want to make the most money from their devices and have some time to make it happen. While not a trade-in, it routinely beats every option above in terms of what you can make.

I recommend using Swappa, eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or a local buy/sell groupto find interested buyers foryour device.

My Example:Looking at recently completed sales on eBay, my old iPhone 14 (128GB) currently sells for about $240. $60 more than what Amazon would give me.

Pros: Highest payout, especially for unlocked, recent, pristine devices.

Cons: The time required to schedule a meet-up is the biggest negative for most people. You also have the potential for flakes and scam artists.

Pro tips:

• Set your price based off of sold and completed listings. Meaning if the last three sold for $320, list yours at $340 and be willing to take$320.
• Meet somewhere public like a carrier store, grocery store parking lot, or even at the police station. Public spots means more cameras and fewer weirdos.
• Have them pay in front of you by asking for cash or instant Zelle/Venmo payment that you see and track.
• I recommend showing the buyer that the IMEI is clear and remove any iCloud/Google/Samsung locks on the spot so they know its legit.

The law is aimed at 'personalized' pricing, when consumers are charged based on Zip code or other factors

• Attorney General warns companies to disclose data-driven pricing practices

• New Yorkers urged to report violations as consumer protection law begins Nov. 10

• Businesses face fines for failing to notify shoppers when algorithms set prices

New York Attorney General Letitia James is warning businesses across the state that they must disclose when algorithms are setting prices based on consumers personal dataor face penalties under a new law taking effect November 10.

The Algorithmic Pricing Disclosure Act requires most companies using automated systems to adjust pricesoften called algorithmic or surveillance pricingto clearly display a notice stating:

THIS PRICE WAS SET BY AN ALGORITHM USING YOUR PERSONAL DATA.

James said the new law is designed to give consumers transparency and prevent companies from secretly charging higher prices based on individual factors like income, ZIP code, or shopping history.

The law is clear: if businesses use algorithmic pricing, they must notify consumers, James said in announcing the alert. New Yorkers deserve to know whether their personal information is being used to set the prices they pay. I will not hesitate to take action against those who try to mislead New Yorkers and use their personal information to manipulate prices without their knowledge.

Personalized pricing under scrutiny

Algorithmic pricing tools allow businesses to tailor prices in real time, often through apps or loyalty programs that track user behavior. Consumers might see one price while others are shown another for the same product or service.

The Attorney Generals office cited recent examples of consumers being charged:

• higher hotel rates when booking from high-income ZIP codes

• or variable prices inside Target stores when shoppers used the retailers mobile app.

Such practices, James said, blur the line between marketing and exploitation, and are now subject to stricter transparency rules.

How to spot algorithmic pricing

The Attorney Generals alert included several tips for identifying when algorithms might be affecting prices:

• Compare prices across devices or accounts. If one person sees a higher or lower price for the same product, it could indicate personalized pricing.

• Check discount patterns. If you receive exclusive digital offers others cant see, those prices may be based on your data.

• Note price changes after online activity. Searching for similar items elsewhere or shopping from a new location may trigger algorithmic adjustments.

Enforcement and consumer action

Businesses that fail to include the required disclosure face penalties of $1,000 per violation. James urged anyone who suspects undisclosed algorithmic pricing to file a complaint with the Office of the Attorney General (OAG).

Transparency is the first step toward fairness, James said. Companies that hide how they use your data to set prices will be held accountable.

What Consumers Can Do

Think youre being charged an algorithmic price by a business in New York? Heres how to check and report it.

1. Compare prices.
Search for the same item using a different browser, device, or accountor ask a friend to check. If prices differ, data-driven pricing could be at play.

2. Look for the disclosure.
By law, New York businesses using algorithmic pricing must display:

THIS PRICE WAS SET BY AN ALGORITHM USING YOUR PERSONAL DATA.
If you dont see it near the price, the business may be violating the new law.

3. Track sudden price shifts.
If a price changes after you log in, shop from a new location, or search for similar items online, it might be linked to your personal data.

4. Save evidence.
Take screenshots showing the differing prices or missing disclosure text. Note the date, time, and device used.

5. Report it.
File a complaint with the New York Office of the Attorney General online at ag.ny.gov or by calling 1-800-771-7755.

States that have passed laws

• New York: As reported above, New Yorks new law requires most companies using algorithmic pricing based on consumers personal data to clearly disclose that fact.

• California: California has passed bills (for example, AB 325 & SB 763) that regulate use of common pricing algorithms, especially in an antitrust/competition context (i.e., algorithmic price-fixing) rather than purely consumer-surveillance-pricing.

• Connecticut: In the housing/rental context, Connecticut passed a law banning certain automatic revenue-management tools that rely on non-public data for setting rents.

A large number of state bills are under consideration in various states. For example, one tracker shows at least 26 bills in 14 states addressing predictive or algorithmic pricing.

• Some laws target very narrow contexts (like rental pricing), others are broader. Many havent become law yet. Legal Blogs+1

A new study shows that provider ratings dont just influence reputation they determine trust, loyalty, and even practice survival

• Online reviews are driving health care decisions: One in three patients wont book with a provider rated below three stars, making digital feedback a key factor in where Americans seek care.
  

• Trust comes from engagement, not perfection: Patients are more likely to trust providers who respond to reviews especially negative ones showing that communication matters as much as credentials.
  

• Providers benefit from proactive feedback: Encouraging satisfied patients to share their experiences helps build a stronger online reputation, attract new patients, and keep criticism in perspective.

When it comes to choosing a doctor, patients are scrolling before theyre scheduling.

According to new research from health care technology company Tebra, online reviews have become one of the biggest deciding factors in where and with whom Americans seek care.

The study found that one in three patients wouldnt book with a provider who has less than a three-star rating, and most say theyre more likely to trust doctors who respond to feedback, especially negative comments.

Its a powerful shift thats changing how patients navigate care and how providers run their practices.

ConsumerAffairs interviewed Kevin Marasco, Chief Growth Officer at Tebra, who explained that reviews now influence everything from patient retention and satisfaction to burnout and financial stability.

The impact of online reviews

In an increasingly digital world, reviews have become paramount, and health care is no exception.

Online reviews are typically the first impression a patient will get, and first impressions are everything, Marasco told ConsumerAffairs. With 72% of people saying they check reviews before picking a provider, it's clear these comments arent just background noise; they're helping form real decisions.

One negative review about how a doctor listens or the way their staff treats patients can push someone to book or look elsewhere. Its not just about your medical expertise anymore; its about establishing trust, and reviews are the starting point.

What to consider when reading reviews

Marasco explained that reading reviews isnt just about star ratings; its about context. He shared some of the most important things consumers should consider when checking reviews for potential health care providers.

Look at the details: are people frequently mentioning great communication, long wait times, or helpful staff? he said.

How current are the reviews? Since 67% of patients only trust reviews from the past year, that publication date matters. One old five-star review wont outweigh a pattern of recent concerns. Patients are smart; they can read between the lines and get a much clearer picture of what they can expect.

What role do providers play?

For health care providers, asking patients to share their positive experiences online is imperative. Marasco says that providers may be missing out on potential patients if they dont.

Most patients are willing to share their experience, but a lot of the time, youll need to ask them, so it needs to feel seamless and part of the process, he said.

The reality is, if you arent asking, youre just missing out on honest feedback and opportunities from happy patients, and your online brand will suffer.

All it takes is a few loud and disappointed patients to draw all the attention in the room. If you help cultivate a steady stream of genuine reviews, youre enabling your practice to earn trust and keep the feedback balanced and accurate.

An expert shares the biggest holiday hazards and how to prevent an emergency vet visit

• Thanksgiving is one of the top holidays for pet emergencies, often caused by fatty foods, bones, and toxic ingredients like onions or chocolate.

• Preventive care and preparation from securing trash to maintaining routines can help pets stay calm and safe.

• If your pet shows signs of distress after eating something new, such as vomiting or lethargy, contact a vet or emergency clinic immediately.

Between the turkey, gravy, and endless leftovers, Thanksgiving is a feast for the senses and your pets know it.

But while the holiday may bring joy (and irresistible smells), its also one of the busiest times of year for emergency vet visits. From fatty turkey skin to stuffing with onions, plenty of festive favorites can cause serious harm to cats and dogs.

ConsumerAffairs spoke with Dr. Abel Gonzalez, Clinical Director and Veterinarian at Dutch, about how pet owners can keep their furry family members safe this holiday season.

Holidays are about connection and pets are part of the family, Dr. Gonzalez said. Preventive care and understanding your pets temperament go a long way toward avoiding emergencies.

Thanksgiving reminds us why we share our lives with pets they ground us in joy, presence, and unconditional love. The best gift you can give them is routine, safety, and gratitude (not gravy!).

Foods to avoid

Dr. Gonzalez shared the top things pet owners should keep away from their pets during Thanksgiving.

Pets can be surprisingly opportunistic around holiday spreads! he said. Avoid anything rich, fatty, or seasoned especially turkey skin, gravy, stuffing, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, chocolate, xylitol-sweetened desserts, and alcohol.

Even small amounts can cause pancreatitis, liver damage, or toxic reactions. Turkey meat itself is fine in moderation if its plain, boneless, and skinless.

The biggest pet health risks

The top culprits pet owners should be aware of during Thanksgiving include: dietary indiscretions (pancreatitis, GI upset), anxiety from visitors or travel, and accidental escapes when doors are constantly opening.

Pets may also chew decorations or ingest bones, Dr. Gonzalez said. If your pet is on medications, changes in routine can cause missed doses or stress-related flare-ups.

Prioritize safety

Whether youre hosting a big gathering or a small group, prioritizing safety is key for pet parents.

Plan ahead like you would for a guest keep a quiet, comfortable space for your pet, stick to their feeding schedule, and remind guests not to share people food, Dr. Gonzalez recommended. Keep trash secure, walk dogs before guests arrive, and have calming tools ready (like pheromone diffusers or vet-prescribed anxiety meds if needed). A little prep makes the day smoother for everyone.

Dr. Gonzalez said that this is especially important for pets who struggle with anxiety and large crowds.

Create a safe zone a quiet room with their bed, water, and familiar scents, he suggested. Play soft music or white noise, and use calming aids if recommended by your vet. For especially anxious pets, short breaks outdoors or puzzle feeders can help redirect nervous energy. Let guests know to ignore the pet until they approach on their own terms.

Ultimately, if something with your pet feels off after the feast vomiting, lethargy, bloating, or restlessness dont wait. Call your vet or an emergency clinic right away.