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Last updated on December 26th, 2023 at 10:14 am
In the Buy This & Not That Series, we share an informative list of what you should be buying in December and what you should be holding off until another time so you can be a smart shopper.
December is the perfect month to become a smart shopper and save money by knowing the right time to buy! Find out what to buy in December and what not to buy in December with our Buy This & Not That December Guide — and get the most out of your holiday budget! The Buy This & Not That Guide below highlights what seasonal sales are happening in December including major holiday sales and national days when you can score the best deals plus a list of the current produce that is in season. By following the monthly retail trends for December, you will be able to take advantage of all the sweet deals when it comes to shopping and keep more money in your pocket.
In today’s economy, we all need to be smart shoppers. Whether purchasing clothing, furniture, food, or other things we want, when it comes to planned purchases knowing the right time to buy is key to shopping smarter and saving money. Now check out what to buy in December.
Buy This
- Gift Cards. With all the holiday sales, December is one of the best times to shop for gift cards. Free bonus cards are offered as incentives in December by many retailers and restaurants so you will get more bang for your buck. This is when we pick up those gift cards for birthday and teacher gifts to hand out throughout the year.
- Tools. There were lots of tool sales in November and for Black Friday, but there are even bigger deals on tools in December. If you haven’t picked up your tool gifts or new tools for yourself, it’s time to get them before it’s too late.
- Christmas Trees and Holiday Home Decor. You’ll have to wait until closer to Christmas or the after-Christmas sales for the biggest markdowns on all things Christmas.
- Computers and Laptops. Although the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales are over, you can still get great deals on laptops and computers in December.
Deals Found
Keep checking back as we update the latest deals:
Don’t Buy That
- Winter Clothing. You might be able to find fall clothing marked down, but you are better off to wait until January for mark downs on winter clothing.
- Beddings and Linens. January will bring on all of the white sales for sheets and bedding so hold off on buying these items in December.
- Exercise Equipment & Gym Memberships. With the New Year comes New Year’s Resolutions and this is when to strike on exercise equipment and gym memberships.
- Televisions. If you missed out on the Black Friday TV deals, hold off on TV purchases until February. There will be plenty of Super Bowl TV deals that will save you money.
Save The Date
Dec 4: National Cookie Day
Look for free cookies and other deals from your favorite cookie retailer or restaurant. Check Insomnia Cookies, Crumbl Cookies, Panera, and your local bakeries.
Dec 12: Green Monday
Scope out deals at all the major online retailers.
Dec 17: Super Saturday
This is the last Saturday / full weekend before Christmas. Take advantage of all the retailers as there are only 8 days before the big day. Keep an eye on estimated shipping dates. You will still have time to shop in the stores or order online for pick-up.
Dec 26: Day After Christmas Sales
Need we say more?! This is when you want to pounce on all the best after holiday deals for Christmas trees, gift wrap, holiday decor and gift sets. All the retailers like Walmart, Target, Best Buy, Home Depot and Lowe’s will be running crazy specials for those that love the thrill of shopping with the roar of the crowd, but trust us, there will be plent of online deals as well.
Semi-Annual Sales
Don’t miss out on Semi-Annual Sales by Victoria’s Secret and Bath & Body Works (Starts Dec 26).
Both of these sales take place twice a year and lucky for you, December is one of those months!
Seasonal Produce
Eat seasonal produce because they are more fresh, tasty, and usually at a good price given their availability.
Fruits: Apple, Clementine, Grapefruit, Kiwi, Lemon, Mandarin, Orange, Pear, Persimmon
Vegetables: Broccoli, Potatoes, Pumpkin, Spinach, Sprouts, Sweet Potatoes, Turnips, Winter Squash
