Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
Here’s a quick guide to when different categories have historically offered some of their better deals by gift category:
- 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
The 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.
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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