December's Top 7 Picks for Smart Shopping and 5 Items to Skip
December offers plenty of savings, and the best deals may roll into the new year for even greater discounts.
Editor's Note: This article is sourced from our partner site, DealNews.com.
While Black Friday remains a major shopping event, the savings don't end with it or Cyber Monday! December, with its extended sales season, brings forth numerous enticing deals both before and after Christmas. Whether you're in search of gifts or looking to indulge yourself, there's much to explore!
Discover our guide on what to buy in December 2023. Keep in mind that not every deal is a winner, so we'll also advise you on what to hold off on purchasing.
1. Deals on Green Monday
Green Monday, a major online sales event falling on the second Monday of December, is a fantastic opportunity for savvy shoppers. If you're not exhausted from Black Friday and Cyber Monday, this is the day to capitalize on significant discounts.
In 2023, Green Monday falls on December 11, promising discounts ranging from 20% to 60% or more. Anticipate savings across various categories, including electronics, home improvement, and clothing.
Last year, B&H Photo Video stood out with popular Green Monday sales, featuring discounts on Apple products, cameras, lenses, TVs, computers, and more. Other retailers joined the holiday festivities, with HP offering up to 66% off laptops, desktops, printers, and monitors. eBay, the originator of Green Monday, featured noteworthy discounts on apparel, tools, electronics, and gifts.
2. Gift Cards
Gift cards are a smart buy any time, but December is especially rewarding. They make perfect gifts, especially when you're unsure what to get for the winter holidays, and often come with extra perks this month.
Numerous restaurants and retailers roll out special holiday gift card deals, usually tied to a minimum purchase, commonly set at $25, $50, or $100. When you buy within these amounts, you'll often receive a bonus card ranging from $5 to $25. Some deals even throw in additional freebies, such as meal coupons.
These promotions typically extend throughout the holiday shopping season, wrapping up around Christmas or New Year's Eve. It's worth noting that the bonus offer's redemption period usually starts after the promotion ends, so make sure to use your perk at the right time!
3. After-Christmas Sales on Holiday Decor
In general, the ideal time to score great deals on holiday decor is the day after the holiday itself, and winter holiday items follow the same pattern. While we might spot early deals around Black Friday and Cyber Monday, the most significant discounts often roll out on December 26, right after Christmas.
If you're looking to save on decor for the next year and beyond, consider checking out home improvement stores. Last year, Home Depot offered impressive post-Christmas discounts, with up to 50% off as part of their Christmas decor clearance. Everything from Christmas trees and outdoor inflatables to lights went on sale, with discounts reaching up to 75% off within a couple of days.
For additional post-Christmas sales, keep an eye on retailers like Amazon, Belk, and Crate & Barrel.
4. Autumn Apparel
Black Friday is a major event for fall clothing, so December might not boast as many deals as November. However, it's not a barren month by any means.
In fact, last December featured over 1,400 clothing and accessory deals, with about 23% earning the coveted Staff Pick designation—meaning they were considered among the very best offers. Some popular offers from December 2022 included:
- Buy one pair, get a second pair of Levi’s Purchase a single pair and receive a complimentary second pair of Levi’s at Macy’s.at Macy’s
- Up to 83% off in the J.Crew End of Season Sale
- Up to 60% off plus an extra 50% off at adidas’ End of Year Sale on eBay
- Up to 50% off plus an extra 20% off at Nike
Keep an eye out for December deals such as slip-on shoes for $11, athletic pants for $11, dress shirts for $8, quarter-zip fleece sweatshirts for $11, jeans for $11, and sweaters for $14.
