Get Ahead on Your Holiday Shopping with November’s Best Buys

With Black Friday and Cyber Monday just a few weeks away, you may have instituted a shopping moratorium until then. The post-Thanksgiving sales will be undoubtedly great, but sales are going to pop up throughout November, particularly for large appliances, video gaming, and apparel.

Take a look at some of this year’s best November deals.

1. Large Appliances

Appliances often go on sale in September and October when new models are released. However, according to data from deal site Slickdeals, some of the best appliance sales of 2016 were actually in November—at stores like Sears and Lowe’s. This year, impressive promotions will make a comeback.

Current Deals

Sears: Up to $35% off appliances through 11/4.

ApplianceConnection.com: Sliding scale discounts based on the amount spent, starting at $20 off purchases over $1199.99, through 11/2.

GE Appliance: Up to 27% off certain dishwasher collections and up to 45% off washers through 11/6.

Forum Home Appliances: Up to 43% off current best-selling products through 11/30.

Best Buy: Free delivery on major appliance orders of $399 or more through 12/30.

2. Tablets

If someone on your list needs a tablet—even if that someone is you—you may be thinking Black Friday and Cyber Monday, but there could be some surprise sales before then. To get the best price, set deal alerts on various deal sites for the item you’re looking for. Once a deal is available, you’ll be notified.

Current Deals

Best Buy: Up to $100 off certain Galaxy tablets and up to $15 off select tablet cases.

HP: $10 off purchases of $60 or more with code GREET17 through 11/2.

3. Clothing

Apparel deals are plentiful this November. We’ll see sales all month long, and they’ll ramp up around Cyber Monday, with deeper discounts and fewer restrictions. Like last year, there will be discounts from many popular stores like Nordstrom and Macy’s.

Current Deals

Miracle Body: 50% off all orders—though there are some restrictions—with code MB50 through 11/2.

Necessary Clothing: 20% off any order with code FB20 through 11/4.

Macy’s: 25% off your next order when you sign up for an account on the Macy’s app through 11/11.

Nordstrom: Up to 30% off any Nordstrom gift card at Raise.com.

Gap: Up to 75% off purchases during the Great Big Fall Sale through 11/6.

Kohl’s: 15% off your next order of $100 or more with code CATCH15OFF.

Kate Spade: 15% off your next purchase through 11/5.

4. TVs

If you’re in the market for a TV, wait until Black Friday or Cyber Monday—the prices are traditionally the lowest then. Typically, retailers won’t post specific sales until very close to Black Friday, but if last year is any indication, there will be spectacular discounts. And you may even find 4K TVs for the price of 1080p TVs.

Current Deals

Best Buy: Up to 45% off select smart TVs and other TVs through 11/5.

Vizio: Up to $500 off at the Fall Big Screen Sale while supplies last.

5. Gaming

Now is a great time to stock up on video games, consoles, and accessories. Last year, the Nintendo 3DS Super Mario Edition was available at Toys“R”Us for only $100, and at Target, the 500GB Xbox One S Battlefield 1 Bundle was just $250 and came with a $40 Target gift card. In games, Walmart offered the Guitar Hero Live bundle for only $25. We anticipate similar deals this year, especially closer to Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

Current Deals

Target.com: Buy two video games and get a third free through 11/4.

Gamestop: 16% off pre-owned games with code CAG16.

Gamesdeal: 44% off Mafia 3 for the PC with code GD4off.

Keep an Eye Out for Apple Deals

In late September, Apple introduced the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus. And while Apple is not known for its deals, there may be sales on the 8 after the new X comes out early this month. We also expect to see deals on the Apple Watch Series 2, with the impending introduction of Series 3.

What Not to Buy in November

Furniture

The savings in this category are at their highest in December and January, due to the impending shipment of new models in February.

Holiday Decor

If you can hold off until next month, do. Stores like Hobby Lobby, Kmart, and Macy’s will be anxious to clear space and the discounts will get better and better throughout December, peaking right after the holidays.

As you gear up for Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and other holiday sales, prepare your finances and your wallet properly. Consider applying for a cash back credit card, and establish some fiscal guidelines before you shop. For more tips and tricks, stop by our Personal Finance Learning Center.

Image: svetikd