Sam’s Club vs. Costco: Which Thanksgiving Meal Deal Makes Hosting Easier in 2025?
Thanksgiving has a way of sneaking up on you. One minute you are talking about fall plans, and suddenly you're thinking about turkey, side dishes, guests, and how to pull everything together without spending all day in the kitchen. If you have a busy schedule or simply want to enjoy more time with family, prepared holiday meals can take a lot off your plate.
This year, Sam’s Club and Costco are both offering Thanksgiving meal options that make hosting easier. They take different approaches, so choosing the right one comes down to how you like to celebrate and how much prep you want to take on.
Sam’s Club is leaning into value and convenience. Their Member’s Mark Thanksgiving Feast serves 10 people for under $100 and includes nine dishes: smoked turkey, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, sweet potato mash, green beans, salad, yeast rolls, and dessert. Sam’s Club says the meal was shaped by member feedback, which helped influence flavors and side choices. They also say the meal can be ready in under two hours, giving you time back in your day. Orders begin November 1st, and you can order online, pick up in-club, or choose curbside. Plus members also have access to $8 express delivery, which helps if you want to skip the holiday crowds.
For many families, this meal strikes the right balance: you still get to host and serve a full spread, but you cut out much of the stress. If your goal is to enjoy the day, relax with loved ones, and still offer a traditional feast, Sam’s Club makes that easy.
Costco takes a premium-style approach. Their meal kit serves eight people and includes turkey breast, several sides, rolls, gravy, cranberry relish, and two desserts. The online price is around $269.99, and earlier versions have been reviewed closer to $180. The kit may require a bit more reheating and oven time than Sam’s Club’s meal, but it gives you room to add personal touches if you like to cook at least one or two dishes fresh.
Another advantage of Costco is flexibility. Instead of just one bundle option, they also offer Thanksgiving-week savings on individual food items. You can pick up prepared dishes, pair them with homemade sides, or even grab fresh ingredients for a favorite family recipe. This approach fits well if you enjoy cooking a few special items but do not want to handle the entire meal from scratch.
A quick breakdown can help you decide:
- Hosting 10 guests and want a ready-to-heat meal at a low price?
Sam’s Club is the practical choice - Serving around eight people and enjoying customizing your meal?
Costco gives you more flexibility
Neither option is better for everyone. It depends on what makes Thanksgiving enjoyable for you. Some people love keeping traditions simple and stress-free. Others enjoy putting their own twist on the menu while still getting a little help. Both stores support different versions of a meaningful holiday.
One thing that is always smart: order early. Prepared meals and pickup slots get booked fast, especially leading up to the holiday. Planning ahead means you have more control over your schedule, fewer last-minute errands, and a smoother Thanksgiving week.
At the end of the day, Thanksgiving is about food, comfort, and good company. Whether you bring home a ready-to-serve feast or mix store-bought dishes with your own recipes, the goal is the same: a warm table and time with the people who matter to you. And if a prepared meal helps you enjoy that more, then it is a good choice.
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