What The Tech: What is the best time to Christmas shop?
BY JAMEY TUCKER, Consumer Tech Reporter
Black Friday and Cyber Monday may be famous for big discounts, but a new report from
Google reveals that waiting until closer to Christmas could save you even more money
on certain gifts.
When it comes to holiday shopping, timing can make a big difference. While some products see
their lowest prices around Black Friday, others become cheaper as Christmas approaches.
Google analyzed holiday shopping trends and historical discounts to identify the best times to
buy popular gifts. Some of the findings may surprise you.
Electronics: Buy TVs Early, but You Can Wait on Gaming Consoles
If a new television is on your Christmas shopping list, Black Friday through Cyber Monday is
generally one of the best times to buy. That’s when retailers traditionally offer some of their
biggest TV discounts.
But video game consoles are a different story.
Black Friday often brings deals on console bundles that include games or accessories. If you
miss those sales, don’t panic.
According to Google’s findings, gaming deals tend to slow down in mid-December before
another wave of discounts appears in the days leading up to Christmas.
Drones and other tech gadgets can also see bigger discounts closer to Christmas.
Travel Gifts: Packing Cubes or Suitcases? Timing Matters
Shopping for someone who loves to travel? The best time to buy depends on what you’re giving
them.
Smaller travel accessories, such as packing cubes and organizers, typically see their strongest
discounts during Black Friday. After that, the deals tend to taper off.
Suitcases, however, follow a different pattern.
Google found that luggage discounts can improve later in December, with some of the deepest
clearance deals arriving around or after Christmas.
That means shoppers buying luggage for a trip rather than as a Christmas present may benefit
from waiting.
Kitchen Gifts: Appliances Early, Cookware Later
Here’s another surprising difference.
If you’re shopping for a major appliance, Google recommends buying around Black Friday. Not
only are discounts generally strong, but waiting could create delivery problems as Christmas
gets closer.
Smaller kitchen gifts are another story.
Items such as cast-iron cookware, knife sets, sous vide devices, and dinnerware can see better
discounts during the final weeks of December.
So, while Black Friday may be the best time to buy a dishwasher, you might save more by
waiting to purchase a cast-iron skillet.
Pet Gifts: Buy Accessories on Black Friday
Pet owners can find some of the best prices on treats, beds, carriers, and other pet accessories
during Black Friday sales.
Those discounts often become less attractive as the holidays approach.
Google’s findings also suggest that some exotic pets, including reptiles and birds, may be
discounted later in December.
Of course, buying a live animal is a much bigger commitment than purchasing a pet bed. It’s important to consider the animal’s long-term care rather than making a decision based on a holiday discount.
Skincare and Makeup: Don’t Wait
Beauty products are another category where shopping early can pay off.
According to Google, makeup and skincare products tend to have better discounts before or
during Black Friday.
After that, the number of attractive deals generally drops.
If you’re buying beauty gifts, waiting until Christmas week may mean spending more.
Holiday Decorations: The Longer You Wait, the Better the Deals
Holiday decorations can become cheaper as Christmas approaches, although there isn’t
necessarily a steady stream of discounts throughout December.
Retailers looking to clear seasonal merchandise often cut prices just before Christmas, with
additional clearance sales after the holiday.
The catch? Waiting means popular decorations may already be sold out.
Google’s Holiday Shopping Cheat Sheet
Here’s a quick guide to when different categories have historically offered some of their better
deals:
Gift category When to shop
Televisions Black Friday–Cyber Monday
Video game consoles Black Friday bundles or just before Christmas
Drones and tech gadgets Days before Christmas
Packing cubes and small travel gear
Black Friday
Suitcases and luggage Late December
Pet treats, beds and carriers Black Friday
Exotic pets Late December
Major appliances Black Friday
Kitchen gifts and cookware Christmas week
Makeup and skincare Before or during Black Friday
Holiday decorations Just before or after Christmas
These are historical shopping patterns, not guarantees that every retailer will offer its lowest
price on a particular date. Comparing prices and checking price histories can still help you spot
a genuine bargain.
And What About Those Last-Minute Shoppers?
Google also uncovered some interesting patterns in what people search for as Christmas gets
closer.
Searches for DIY Christmas gifts peak around December 22.
Searches for “last-minute gifts for mom” reach their highest point on December 23.
And when do searches for last-minute gifts for Dad peak? Christmas Eve.
Gift card searches also surge on December 24 and Christmas Day.
Apparently, some shoppers really do believe the best time to find Dad’s Christmas present is
when the stores are about to close.
Bottom line: Black Friday is a great time to shop, but it isn’t always the best time. Knowing
when discounts tend to peak could help you save money without spending the entire holiday
season chasing sales.
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