Holiday shopping doesn’t have to mean December panic and a drained bank account. With a few early holiday shopping tips, you can stretch your budget, skip the rush, and score deals well before peak season.
September is the sweet spot when retailers are already rolling out promotions, and you’ve got time to shop with intention, not pressure.
Why September Is the Smartest Time to Start
September may seem early, but it’s actually the ideal window to build a holiday savings plan and get ahead. You’re not competing with last-minute buyers, and you can still grab clearance items from summer or back-to-school sales.
According to Bazaarvoice, nearly 40% of shoppers planned to start their holiday spending by early fall to avoid price hikes and low inventory.
PRO TIP: Start with a gift list spreadsheet that includes names, budgets, and any promo codes or shipping deadlines. This helps you stay on track and resist impulse spending.
What to Buy Now (and What Can Wait)
Some holiday items are best bought early, especially if they’re high-demand or need extra time to ship. September is the sweet spot for scoring deals on gifts that often sell out or see price spikes later.
Shop in September:
- Toys – Especially limited editions or trending characters.
- Personalized gifts – Monogrammed, engraved, or custom items take longer to arrive.
- Tech accessories – Earbuds, chargers, smart home add-ons.
- Small appliances – Look for leftover back-to-school or Labor Day markdowns.
- Wrapping supplies – Grab gift bags, tags, and reusable wrap before holiday markups.
Wait for Sales (October–November):
- TVs and laptops – Compare Black Friday vs early deals for the lowest prices.
- Kitchenware – Cookware sets and gadgets often drop around November.
- Winter apparel – Coats, boots, and knits usually hit sale racks closer to the holidays.
Want to stretch your budget further? Use our clearance deal tips to find markdowns year-round.
Space Out Your Spending Strategically
Shopping early isn’t just about timing, but about pacing. Instead of dropping hundreds in one week, try spreading your budget across the next few months:
- September: Create your list and buy 1–2 gifts per paycheck.
- October: Grab early promotions and limited-run items.
- November: Snag top Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals intentionally.
- December: Focus on stocking stuffers and last-minute needs.
This strategy helps you save money on gifts without overloading your credit card in one go.
Read More: This Is When You Should Buy Electronics & Appliances
Set Your Holiday Budget (and Stick to It)
Before you shop, sit down and create a Christmas budget checklist. Decide how much you can comfortably afford to spend overall, then divide that amount by category—gifts, décor, food, travel, and so on. Budgeting apps like YNAB, Goodbudget, or EveryDollar can help you track expenses in real time.
For extra accountability, consider joining a holiday savings challenge through social media or online communities. It’s a fun way to stay motivated and avoid impulse spending.
Read More: How to Find the Ultimate Deals on Your Wedding
Don’t Underestimate September Sales
Holiday sales aren’t just for November anymore.
More retailers are launching early promotions in September, giving savvy shoppers a head start. You’ll find fall flash sales, loyalty program perks, and even “Christmas in July” overstock clearance still lingering on the shelves.
Some stores also offer free shipping incentives for early orders. Stack those savings with cashback tools like Rakuten or Capital One Shopping, and you could score big, without waiting for the Black Friday chaos.
Start Now, Stress Less
Shopping early for Christmas isn’t about being overly prepared. It’s about being smart with your time and money. You’ll avoid the mad dash, skip the shipping delays, and give yourself more space to find truly affordable gift ideas.
So grab your list, set your budget, and start small this September. Your wallet (and your future self) will thank you.
Read More: The Best Days of the Week to Shop for Groceries (and Why It Matters)
