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Best Buys for December — Smart Purchases for the Final Month of the Year
December is one of the most tempting months to overspend, but it’s also packed with opportunities to save—if you know what to look for. With retailers racing to meet end-of-year goals and shoppers rushing to finish their holiday lists, many items hit their lowest prices of the year. Here’s your guide to the best things to buy in December.
December
Fall and Thanksgiving Clearance
As soon as Thanksgiving passes, stores move fall merchandise out fast. Check the clearance aisles at retailers like Walmart and Target for steep markdowns on:
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Fall and Thanksgiving décor
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Disposable tableware
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Napkins, plates, tablecloths
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Seasonal centerpieces and serving pieces
These discounts typically get better throughout the month, making December the perfect time to stock up for next year.
Gift Cards
December is one of the BEST months for gift card deals. Many restaurants and retailers offer bonus cards or added value with purchase—great for gifts or for treating yourself later.
Here are a few examples:
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Panera Bread: Earn a $10 bonus card with every $50 in gift cards purchased or reloaded. Offer ends 12/31. Bonus card redemption dates only from 1/1/26 to 1/31/26. Restrictions apply.
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Costco: Offers discounted multi-pack gift cards across tons of categories. There are several offers of $100 in gift cards for only $79.99
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Target: Target Circle members get 10% off Target GiftCards on December 6–7, 2025 (up to $500).
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Amazon: Look for Cyber Monday and December promos on select gift cards.
Cars
If you’re car shopping, December is the best month of the entire year to buy. Dealers are eager to hit end-of-month and end-of-year quotas, making them more willing to negotiate. This is also when last year’s models get major markdowns.
Champagne
With holiday parties and New Year’s Eve around the corner, liquor stores drop prices on Champagne and sparkling wine in December. Stock up now if you’re hosting—or planning ahead.
Golf Clubs
December is off-season for golf in most of the country, which means deep discounts. Expect 40–50% off golf clubs and accessories at sporting goods stores, both in-store and online.
Technology
Holiday tech deals don’t end with Cyber Monday. Discounts continue through December on:
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TVs
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Laptops & tablets
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Cameras
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Smartwatches & fitness trackers
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Cell phones
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Headphones & earbuds
If you missed Black Friday, you still have time to snag great prices.
Toys & Games
Toy prices spike right before Christmas, but the early part of December remains full of sales. If you’re shopping for kids, buy early—don’t wait until the final week when prices rise, and inventory gets thin.
Thrift Stores
Thrift shopping is excellent in December because people donate heavily before year-end for tax purposes. Stores are constantly restocking with “new to you” clothing, décor, furniture, and seasonal items.
Christmas Clearance
The biggest savings of the month hit right after December 25. Everything Christmas-related goes on deep clearance, including:
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Decorations
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Wrapping paper
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Lights
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Ornaments
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Holiday snacks and treats
Stock up for next year at a fraction of the cost.
National Cookie Day — December 4
On December 4th, bakeries, coffee shops, and restaurants often celebrate with cookie specials. Follow your favorite local bakeries on social media to catch limited-time freebies or discounts.
December may be filled with shopping pressure, but it’s also one of the best months to score savings. From gift cards and technology to cars and Christmas décor, smart planning can help you stretch your budget and finish the year strong. Shop strategically, grab items at their seasonal lowest prices, and enjoy a more affordable holiday season.
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- Slice, pretend to bake, and decorate wooden holiday cookies
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