OPTION A: Buy a FROZEN TURKEY. 

• This needs to happen at least FIVE DAYS before the meal because it will take that long to thaw. 

• A generic frozen turkey is the cheapest option and easy to find.  But like, scary cheap, meaning, 16 lbs.  for $32, and probably not totally ethically raised. 

• Because it's frozen, you can get it weeks before your meal and keep it in the freezer, which is reassuring and nice. 

• For a 16-lb.  bird, take it out of a freezer and put it in the refrigerator Sunday night and it'll be thawed by Wednesday night.  More thawing info here. 

OPTION B: Order a FREE-RANGE ORGANIC TURKEY. 

• This needs to happen two weeks before the meal to be safe because stores run out. 

• You can get it from a local organic grocery store like Whole Foods, or your farmer's market, or order it online. 

• Arrange to have it delivered or pick it up, fresh (not frozen), the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. 

• This will be more expensive ($100–$120 for a 16-lb.  bird) but worth it. 

Last-minute OPTION C: Buy a FRESH TURKEY from your local supermarket. 

• This can happen no more than FOUR DAYS before the meal because it won't keep longer. 

• This is a little risky, as the supermarket could be sold out.  But if you have a huge Walmart in the area, you're probably safe.