December is here and so is the biggest shopping period of the year, which means your budget could be going a little haywire right now. With lots of holiday goods to buy and a few household necessities and wants, you might find that saving during this time of the year isn’t exactly an option. Luckily, there are a few things that you should be looking to buy during this month if you do want to get the best deal available. With a little luck, you might find that shopping in the right categories can help ease the burden of your holiday shopping while helping to prepare you to get ready to save in the upcoming year.
1. Gift Cards
With the holidays coming up, you may find that shopping for gift cards can be one of the most rewarding purchases of the season. Although you tend to have to pay regular price for most gift cards, you may find that some retailers will add in a little something extra onto your purchase. For instance, many restaurants will add a coupon for a free entrée onto your gift card purchase. You can gift this to the person as well, or treat yourself to a little something special for all of your hard work shopping. Another option that is quite popular when shopping for gift cards during the season is to have a retailer add an extra $5 gift card onto your purchase. You may also be given options when shopping, like a free prize if you purchase gift cards worth a certain amount of money. Also, some companies, like iTunes, will bundle packages of gift cards to sell at a reduced price during the season. This can help you save big time and will allow you to get multiple gifts taken care of at once.
2. Tools
Chances are, you won’t see a good deal on tools again until June so you may want to stock up now. In fact, tools see the most discounts in the month of December, so if you have a handyman on your list then you might want to stock up for Father’s Day, birthdays and other gift-giving holidays too. This is largely because most people can’t use tools during the winter months unless they are season based. Thus, your chain saws, leaf blowers, lawn mowers and even common household and mechanical tools will come at a price that is simply hard to pass up. So, make sure you grab items that are missing from your collection or a few treats for the carpenter, mechanic or landscaper in your life.
3. Televisions
It used to be Black Friday was the time to grab a TV on sale, which is still the truth. However, many companies are also bringing out deals closer to the holidays now. So, if you missed out on the great TV deal back in November, then you don’t have to feel as bad about it. A lot of companies want to lure in people who are feeling bummed out about their bad luck on Black Friday, or the fact that they waited to grab a TV. These consumers will find their second chance as the big holidays get closer and closer, so if you want the TV make sure to make room for it in your budget. You may also want to wait until the end of the year. As the Super Bowl approaches, companies will also discount their TVs to bring in business from the football crowd. Either way, you should end up with something cool that might have your hardcore Black Friday friends feeling a little jealous.
4. Toys
Toys are probably one of the biggest sellers in the month of December as parents struggle to make Santa’s job a touch easier. There’s no doubt, even though toys are in high demand during the month, retailers can afford to cut down the prices and move as many products as they possibly can. This is pretty helpful to parents on a budget and will allow you to grab some of the items you never thought you could afford to put under the holiday tree. Of course, there is an ulterior motive for all of the awesome sales. In January and February, the Toy Fair rolls into New York and displays all of the new products that will soon be on sale. So, all of the items you grabbed in December will soon be old news on the market. Thus, you might want to rethink trendy toys that your child only wants because they are hyped up by schoolmates and commercials. Instead, focus on toys your child will actually play with for longer periods of time, which will help you save more money than you think
5. Videogame Supplies
There’s a lot of talk about video games this holiday season and even more deals to check out. With several huge releases hitting in the past 3 months, you may find that the holiday lists in your family are filled with a variety of gaming items. Luckily, December offers great deals on games, consoles and bundles to help you save some major money. Many stores will throw in free games to get people to buy in bulk or to purchase high priced consoles. Apart from just shopping for games in stores, you’ll even find that there are huge savings on digital download games that can really help boost up any gamer’s collection. Some older releases may even sell for 75% off, which makes this month the perfect time to catch up on all of those hot releases you may have missed out on. Items that go with consoles will come at a discounted price too and may even be included into some of the bundles to help move more stock. Try to get the most for your money during this month, because it may be some time before you see the big bundles at such a great price.
6. Shipping
When it comes down to it, shipping can be a huge burden when you’re trying to get gifts to loved ones around the world. Luckily, during December, lots of online stores are willing to go the extra mile to take away the pain of shipping. Some companies will actually offer free shipping as a promotion, so watch out for deals like this if you have your eye on something special. Other companies will reduce their shipping price or offer free shipping when you spend a certain amount of money. This will certainly make the big ticket items on your list a lot easier to buy since you won’t have to pay the extra to get them delivered to your home. Apart from that, there is actually a free shipping day. This takes place on December 16 and many big and small retailers take part in the special event. You can look online to see who is participating if you’d like to wait and make your purchases then. Shopping on this day gives your items a full week to arrive at their destination by Christmas, which should leave you in the clear when it comes to holiday shopping.
7. Thanksgiving Leftovers
You can easily find a lot of good items when it comes to Thanksgiving in the month of December. In fact, if you plan on stocking up on the holiday décor then this is the perfect time to do it. Usually, after Thanksgiving the decorative items go on sale, but as time passes their clearance mark downs begin to increase. You can find everything from items to keep the home festive, including items that are simply autumn based, to plates and cutlery that follow a Thanksgiving theme. This will help you create the perfect set up for your next holiday, which is sure to wow your guests. Apart from that, you can also find holiday food on sale. This is perfect if you like to repeat some of the dishes you made on Thanksgiving for Christmas. Turkeys, stuffing and even cranberry sauce should be at an unbeatable price to ensure your Christmas meal or even meals later in the year are frugal and tasty.
8. Outwear
Although the really cold weather is just beginning, now is the time to stock up on all of the outerwear you’re going to need to get you through the season. Fall oriented clothing is going to be the area that you find the most sales in so check here first. Most stores should have already moved it into the clearance section to make room for the heavier coats and accessories. You should find extraordinary deals on winter items too though, especially if you watch out for sales. Although Black Friday brought some huge sales, many stores like Old Navy and JC Penny will still be trying to clear out the items for a lot less than you’d normally pay for them. Although you might not end up with a huge discount, the clothing will be more than affordable and will help keep everyone warm as we move into winter.
9. Holiday Food
Without a doubt, the month of December is all about some of your favorite holiday treats. There’s lots of great deals on food out there, especially if you hold out past the actual holiday. However, grocery shopping isn’t the only time you can grab some great deals on food during this month. In fact, this month hosts so many food holidays that you could be well on your way to some freebies before you know it. For instance, there is National Pie Day, National Cookie Day, National Eggnog Day, National Candy Cane Day and National Champagne Day to contend with this month. That means, you should find coupons and giveaways on these items just about everywhere you turn. This could lead your sweet tooth to some major savings over the holiday as you jump from one restaurant to the next trying out the best freebies around. This also may be a time to stock up on these items since they will most likely be at a reduced price.
10. Holiday Supplies
Decorating for the holidays is half the fun, but supplies can be pricey during this time of the year. That is, unless you can hold your horses until the holiday is over. Sure, you may find some pretty awesome stuff from last year on sale, but nothing will beat the price cuts when you shop after the holiday is over. As soon as Christmas Day passes and Boxing Day begins, you’ll instantly see store savings on everything Christmas. Most retail stores don’t want to keep these items in stock so they will reduce the prices substantially. As time passes, you will find even greater discounts too. So, everything from trees to ornaments and even some of the gift sets will be at an unbeatable price that will help make next year outstanding.
Shopping in the month of December can be pretty stressful, especially if you are worried about a holiday budget. These ten items are musts when it comes to saving money on this month’s shopping. With price cuts that will throw you for a loop, you’re sure to feel al little less like the Grinch with every store you visit.
