What to Buy in the Winter

With holidays around the corner, retailers and consumers are gearing up for the big holiday sales. While November and December are a great time to snag the gifts on your list, there are plenty of other deals to be had throughout the winter months. Along with a drop in temperature, you’ll also see a drop in prices on everything from electronics to cars to homes.

We’ve put together a list of the hottest buys to take advantage of when the cold weather hits.

Electronics

If you’re in the market for a new TV, you’ll need to time your purchase just right to make sure you get the best deal. Typically, the first two weeks in December are the best time to shop for brand-name, high-end models. Usually, you can find low prices on lesser-known brands from Black Friday all the way through the beginning of January. If you’re planning to score a deal after Christmas, try to hold off until after Super Bowl weekend. After that, retailers start marking down older models to make room for new inventory.

January and February are also a great time to buy a new digital camera, since manufacturers start rolling out new models around this time. Plan your purchase around President’s Day weekend if you can, since you’re more likely to get a deal. The late winter months are also an excellent time to find deals on video games, especially on newer ones released just before the holidays.

Vehicles

December is the best time to shop around for a new or used car. Demand is down and dealers are looking to clear out old inventory. Discounts tend to be highest during the last seven days of the month but you’ll need to time your purchase just right to make sure you don’t miss out on the model you want. Taking the time to do your homework before you head out to the car lot can ensure that you get the best deal possible.

January and February are good months to find bargains on other types of transportation, including motorcycles, boats and bicycles. Motorcycle sales tend to be slowest at this time of year, which means dealers might be more inclined to sweeten the deal to get you to buy. The same is also true for boats, with dealers offering better prices during the winter. Early winter is also a great opportunity to find a new bicycle for less, since retailers will be bringing in new models.

Real Estate

If you’ve been shopping around for a home, you might want to hold off until the dead of winter when demand is typically at its lowest. Chances are, you’ll be able to get a better deal on a home from late December through early March when buyers aren’t out en masse. Just keep in mind that sellers may wait until the weather warms up to put their homes on the market, so your selection may be a bit limited.

Jewelry

Whether you’re planning on buying an engagement ring for your bride-to-be or you want to treat yourself to a little bling, you’ll save if you wait until the winter months to buy. January and March are the best time to find deals, since prices are usually higher leading up to Christmas and Valentine’s Day. If you can stand to wait, sales on jewelry also tend to be more common in April, when retailers count on consumers to spend their tax refunds.

Furniture

If you’re ready to replace that worn-out sofa or that dining room set your in-laws gave you, January is an ideal time to buy. Typically, new models start hitting the showroom floors in February. This means retailers need to clean out as much of last year’s inventory as possible. Depending on how carefully you shop, you could save as much as 50% off that new loveseat or bedroom set.

Weddings

While many brides prefer the idea of a warm-weather wedding, getting hitched in the colder months can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. During the warmer months, demand for everything from flowers to dresses to cakes is at its peak, which means prices will be, too. December through January is an excellent time to find the best deals on everything you need for your dream wedding since it’s a slow period for wedding retailers and vendors.

Knowing what to buy and when can go a long way toward saving you money. As the winter months approach, it pays to plan your cold-weather shopping strategy.

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