Been looking into where you can actually get a free turkey for Thanksgiving and honestly there are more options than I thought. So turkey prices went up like 25% last year which is wild, but a bunch of stores are basically giving them away if you hit their spending thresholds.

I found that BJ's Wholesale had this deal where you spend $150 and get a coupon for a free Butterball turkey worth up to $25. Giant Eagle does something similar - hit $350 in purchases and they hook you up with a free one. ShopRite's the same idea, $400 gets you a free turkey or other holiday items. Acme's another option if you're in the mid-Atlantic area, spend $300 and you can grab a free Signature Select frozen turkey.

If you're actually struggling financially though, Feeding America runs this network of food banks and local pantries that literally distribute free turkeys before the holiday. You just go to their website, find your local pantry, and request one. Might need proof of income or residency but it's worth reaching out early since they fill up quick.

The whole thing is basically stores trying to get people in the door but hey, a free turkey is a free turkey. Most of these promotions have specific dates and fine print so you gotta read carefully, but if you're trying to save money on Thanksgiving dinner this is definitely the way to go.