What to Buy in December
Have you been wondering what to buy in December to get the best deals? Whether you’re grocery shopping, stocking your pantry, or grabbing some early markdowns, December is packed with smart opportunities to save.
We all know the holidays are busy BUT I don’t want you to overlook the sales in the busy-ness of the season. Let’s talk about the best things to buy in December, starting with grocery sales and ending with some great clearance opportunities you don’t want to miss.
Here’s the sales to watch for in December.
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Christmas Grocery Sales
As people prepare for their Christmas dinners, you’ll see great grocery sales on:
- Turkey
- Ham
- Potatoes (including hash browns and boxed potatoes)
- Stuffing mix
- Frozen pies and whipped cream
- Canned vegetables (corn, beans, peas)
- Cream soups (like cream of chicken or mushroom)
- Broth
- Olives
- Crackers
These sales often start right after Thanksgiving, and yes—some of these deals overlap with November’s sales. If you see a great price on ham or turkey, buy an extra to freeze for later! It’s not just about holiday meals—it’s about stocking your freezer when prices are low.
And if you’re entertaining or heading to holiday gatherings, plan your shopping early so you can grab everything on sale.
December Baking Sales
December is one of the best months to stock up on baking supplies, especially if you love baking Christmas cookies, breads, or treats to give as gifts. Watch for deals on:
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Powdered sugar
- Flour
- Chocolate chips
- Cake mixes
- Brownie mixes
- Spices
- Pie crusts
- Canned pie filling
- Cream cheese
- Butter
Butter goes on sale three times a year—around Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. It freezes beautifully, so I always stock up enough to last until the next sale!
Whether you’re baking now or throughout the year, these sales are the time to fill your pantry.
Seasonal Produce: What’s in Season in December?
Eating seasonal produce is a great way to stretch your grocery budget.
In December, fruit sales include:
- Apples
- Cranberries (freeze for later!)
- Figs
- Grapes
- Grapefruit
- Kiwi
- Kumquats
- Mandarin oranges and oranges
- Pears
- Pomegranates
For vegetables, look for sales on:
- Beets
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Cabbage
- Carrots
- Cauliflower
- Celery
- Kale
- Parsnips
- Peas
- Potatoes
- Radishes
- Sweet potatoes
- Turnips
- Winter squash
And remember—potatoes and sweet potatoes store very well! I buy 50 pounds or more when prices are low. Just take them out of the plastic bags, let them dry overnight, and store them in a cool, dark place like a basement. I’ve kept potatoes for several months this way with no problem!
Non-Food Deals to Watch for in December
There’s more than just food on sale in December! Here are some other sales you can take advantage of.
Thanksgiving Clearance
At the beginning of December, you’ll start seeing markdowns on Thanksgiving decorations, fall baking mixes, and seasonal items. Check endcaps at your grocery store and clearance aisles for hidden gems.
Toy Sales
As Christmas approaches, stores compete for your gift dollars. Shop around at Amazon, Walmart, Target, and local stores to compare prices.
Wrapping Paper and Gift Packaging
December is the best time to stock up on wrapping paper, and don’t forget to grab solid-colored rolls that you can use all year long. After Christmas, you’ll find markdowns of 50–90% off, so it’s a great time to plan ahead.
Christmas Clearance
After December 25, start shopping Christmas clearance sales! I always look for:
- Discounted food gift sets
- Toiletries and bath sets
- Lights and decorations
- Leftover holiday baking items
Don’t worry if it’s packaged for the holidays! Use it when it makes sense for your family. Gift sets often contain everyday products, and you can save a lot by buying now for next year.
December Is a Great Month to Save
That wraps up our list of best things to buy in December. If you want a handy checklist, don’t forget to download the free printable I made.
If you want a free printable of ALL the monthly sales I mentioned above, go ahead and grab it here!
If you want to see what I’m actually buying each week, be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel. Every Thursday, I share my frugal grocery hauls and the best deals I’m finding.
Wishing you a joyful (and frugal!) December.
