What retiree can resist the siren call of Ikea? Walking through your local store and seeing all the displays, you think, “This could look just as nice in my space for when the relatives visit this Thanksgiving.” Or you scroll online, eyes lighting up at all the glorious goodies that could give your home an upgrade before the holidays begin. With Thanksgiving around the corner, you might be thinking it’s time to give your house a little of that razzle dazzle you can only find at Ikea.
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Unfortunately, you’re thinking wrong. Some of the items you’ve got your eye on might be more expensive than they’re worth — especially on a fixed income. Then there’s the assembly factor, which nobody wants to take on, even with younger joints (particularly the knees).
GOBankingRates wandered through the aisles of Ikea to find some of the items that responsible retirees like yourself should avoid before Thanksgiving.
Gåtebo Microwave Oven With Air Fryer Function
- Price: $199
As you consider all the guests you’ll need to feed this Thanksgiving, investing in a microwave with an air fryer function seems like a smart bet. It might be — but this version from Ikea is frankly overpriced compared to other microwaves with air fryers you can find elsewhere.
You can get a model from Cuisinart — one of the most trusted names in kitchenware — at Target for $149.99, saving you about $50.
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Värdera 18-Piece Dinnerware Set
- Price: $69.99
Let’s be real: You don’t need to spend nearly $70 on dishware while living on a fixed income. Honestly, nobody at any stage of life needs to spend that much money on plain white dishes — certainly not when you can find a similar set at Walmart for $40.48.
The Walmart set also comes with high customer reviews: 4.6 out of 5 stars.
Klippoxel Throw Blanket
- Price: $29.99
Like any good holiday host, you want your guests to stay cozy and warm — particularly if they’re staying overnight — so you need a throw blanket. While you might like the brightly colored options of the Klippoxel throw, you can find a far less expensive — and just as lovely — option at a store like Five Below.
Also, reviewers give it only lukewarm enthusiasm, rating it 3.8 out of 5 stars. They didn’t love its texture, noting a tendency to pill.
Gansjön Trash Can
- Price: $17.99
Yes, holiday guests mean more trash — and perhaps even a need for another trash can. And yes, the mint green version of this one is pretty nifty. But is it worth nearly $20 when you’re on a fixed income? You can find a similarly cute trash can for much less at a store like Five Below or even Dollar Tree.
Bumerang 8-Pack of Hangers
- Price: $7.99
An eight-pack of hangers for nearly $8 might sound like a good deal — until you realize you can get a seven-pack from Dollar Tree for $1.25. You can literally buy 42 hangers — more than enough to hold the coats (and any other clothing) of all your out-of-town relatives this Thanksgiving — for less than the price of this set of eight at Ikea.
Editor’s note: Pricing is accurate as of Nov. 20, 2025. Pricing and availability are subject to change.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 5 Ikea Items Responsible Retirees Should Avoid Ahead of Thanksgiving
