Thanksgiving for All: How One TikTok Creator Made a Holiday Feast for Just $20

This Thanksgiving weekend, a TikTok creator has sparked a wave of kindness and creativity, helping families enjoy a home-cooked meal even when money is tight. Rebecca Schot, the mastermind behind the viral Dollar Tree Dinners series, has become a beacon of hope for those who struggle to put a festive meal on the table. With a mission to make Thanksgiving dinner accessible to all, Schot was able to prepare a complete holiday feast for just $20. Her heartfelt efforts have not only caught the attention of many, but have also ignited a flood of unexpected gratitude from those who have benefited from her recipes.

The idea for a low-cost Thanksgiving feast first came to Schot in the midst of trying to make her own holiday special while keeping costs down. "I make the best Thanksgiving dinner that I can," she says, adding that she always strives to outdo herself each year. For Schot, this year’s dinner was particularly special. With a creative combination of Dollar Tree ingredients, she was able to assemble a full Thanksgiving spread, including a hearty casserole, mac and cheese bites, and even caramel apple cookie bars. The best part? It all came together for just $20.

Schot’s Thanksgiving dinner has become so popular that it has gone viral, drawing in millions of views and followers across social media. "This is my third year posting my Dollar Tree Thanksgiving dinner, and this one has definitely gotten the most traction," she says, speaking of the unexpected success of her latest video. As the video continued to circulate, it gained even more attention when a single mother of three, Caleb Demoney, shared her experience of how Schot’s videos had a direct impact on her ability to provide for her children.

Demoney, a single mother, had always struggled to provide a Thanksgiving dinner that would feel special to her kids. After watching Schot’s video, she decided to try her hand at replicating the meal. “Because of those videos, I’m actually going to be able to give my kids a real Thanksgiving dinner," Demoney shared with Schot. "And my kids are excited for it." Demoney's heartfelt story was shared on social media, which led to Schot’s follower count nearly doubling overnight. “I’ve kind of been in shock just watching it explode the way that it has,” Schot admits. "It was an explosion, and it's been amazing."

Schot’s mission is far from just creating viral content; she has a deeper purpose that has driven her since she began her Dollar Tree Dinners series. Her focus has always been to help those facing financial hardship, particularly in food deserts, where access to affordable, fresh ingredients can be limited. “It just feels right. It feels like I did the right thing. I put out the right recipes, I built this platform with the right values in mind, and it's being utilized in the right way,” she says. Schot’s focus on affordability and accessibility has empowered countless families to make nutritious, balanced meals with limited resources.

Her videos have also resonated with a wider audience, inspiring others to give back and show compassion during the holidays and beyond. Schot’s platform has become a space where people not only find cooking tips but also find solidarity in their shared struggles. Many followers have expressed how Schot's efforts have made a significant impact on their lives, especially during difficult times. For Schot, seeing the gratitude and joy in the faces of those who follow her recipes is the ultimate reward. "It's not just about the food; it's about helping others feel seen and cared for," she says.

Schot’s work isn’t just about providing a low-cost Thanksgiving feast—it’s about restoring dignity to families who may feel left behind or forgotten. By showcasing how to create festive meals with budget-friendly ingredients, Schot is showing that you don’t need to break the bank to enjoy the holidays. Her mission to promote kindness and generosity has sparked a movement, reminding us all that the true spirit of Thanksgiving lies in sharing with others, especially those who need it most.

As the holidays approach, Schot plans to continue sharing her innovative, affordable recipes, always with the hope that others will be inspired to show compassion and creativity in their own kitchens. "It's about more than just the food," Schot reflects. "It's about creating moments that bring families together, no matter the circumstances." With her growing influence and unwavering dedication to helping those in need, Schot has truly made this Thanksgiving one to remember for many families across the country.