Trying to save money? These are the things you should buy in December to save money. With all the Christmas expenses we all could use a bit of saving!
December is here! It’s already time for last-minute Christmas shopping followed by the after Christmas sales. Hopefully, you have been budgeting for Christmas and already shopping, if not make a note for next year to start earlier.
I try to have most of my Christmas shopping done by December. I tend to finish up over Black Friday weekend. I usually need just a few last-minute gifts and some stocking stuffers.
If you haven’t already purchased Christmas gifts this list may help you think of affordable gifts or at least ways to save money in other ways to help you have the budget for your Christmas shopping.
It’s also nice to save a bit of money to do some after Christmas shopping, especially if you need to restock your gift wrapping station or if you’d like some new Christmas decor. You can find some really great deals after the holidays are over.
If you haven’t already, be sure you have picked up your Christmas planner and have your plan ready. There is also a section for you to make notes for next year. be sure to write done anything you buy for the next year so you don’t forget when the holiday season rolls around again.
What to Buy in December
BAKING SUPPLIES
If you are still doing holiday baking you can likely find some good deals this month. After the holidays you can also stock up for normal baking or Valentine’s Day. Don’t forget to pick up some non-holiday candy or some red and white candies that will work well for Valentine’s Day. To keep it fresh you can freeze candy.
HOLIDAY FOOD
Traditional holiday dishes ingredients are often on sale things like gravy mixes, rolls, stock, green beans, cranberry sauce, and other delicious food.
You can stock up for any holiday cooking but also think about stocking up on things that you can work into your normal meal plan for January and even February or later for things that are shelf-stable or can be frozen.
CHRISTMAS DECOR
The closer we get to Christmas the more we will see Christmas decor go one sale. You will see it at it’s lowest price after Christmas. If you can save a bit of your budget for items after Christmas. This is a great way to get higher priced decor items.
Christmas Wrapping Supplies
At the end of the month, you will find great deals on all kinds of wrapping supplies, even some things that aren’t Christmas specific. If you have the budget and space stock up for next year.
Things like tape, plain-colored wrapping, ribbon, and other neutral supplies are great to stock up on for the whole year.
TOYS AND GIFTS
Look at your calendar and make a list of birthdays and other occasions you have coming up where you will need gifts. Watch for good deals on toys and other gifts around the holidays and especially after the holidays.
You can get a lot of the coming year’s gifts purchased for much less and have it done early!
SMALL APPLIANCES
Small appliances are popular gifts so they often go on sale. If you need to replace one or have been eyeing something new now is a great time.
Instant Pots and air fryers are huge this year and there will be great deals on them around the holidays. Another high priced item you often see on sale is Kitchen Aid stand mixers.
TOOLS
Tools are common gifts and also go on sale during December. Think if there is something you have that needs replaced or if you need any tools to help you winterize your home.
Also, think about if you have any birthdays or other occasions that you would like to give tools for. And don’t forget to think about any home improvement jobs you may want to do and get tools you may need.
CLOTHING
Winter clothing goes on sale this time of the year. Stock up on things you need to replace or have found yourself wishing you had.
Formal outfits also often are one sale so if you have weddings or other formal occasions coming up consider buying what you need now. Before you buy consider clothing rental if it’s a piece you will only wear once.
Pajamas also are usually on sale so be sure to see if family members need any and stock up if you do.
If you have extra room in your budget this is also a great time to buy a few on-sale items to donate to shelters to help others doing the cold weather.
PERSONAL CARE ITEMS
Look for gift sets of personal care items. It is a great way to stock up and save money. Perfume and cologne are also often available in gift sets for a discounted price. Some of these items are also great for gifts later in the year.
A great way to save more money for the holidays is by using cashback apps. There are a lot out there but there are a few that are my favorites.
Save Even More in December
While you are finishing up Christmas shopping and buying some of these on-sale items you can get be earning some cashback. This is a great way to save more money.
My favorite apps are the Ibotta app, which is an easy to use app that will give you cashback on some of the items you are buying. You simply scan receipts that contain products they currently have offers for and you can get cashback. This is largely for grocery items
My other favorite for groceries is Fetch Rewards. It works like Ibotta but you don’t have to find the offers and you get some points for every receipt, even if there are no special offers. I love to redeem my points for Amazon gift cards to use at Christmas time. Enter my referral code, TN8EW, during signup and you’ll get 2,000 Fetch Points ($2.00 in points!) when you complete one receipt.
And for things you order online use Rakuten (formerly Ebates). All you have to do is install the app and it will tell you when you can earn cashback. This can earn you a lot when you use it for Christmas shopping. Plus you can also get $10 just for signing up and making a qualified purchase.
Reading this when it’s not December? Check out the other posts on saving money all year long!
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