Best Things to Buy in December

Everyone knows you can find great deals on just about anything when you shop right after Christmas. But unless your family celebrates a few days late, you probably have a lot of shopping to do before then, and you'll want to find the best bargains possible. Here are some of the best deals available in December -- and all of these items make great gifts for the holidays, too!


Cookware
December is traditionally the time of year when retailers discount housewares, especially kitchen supplies. Maybe some new pots and pans are just what you need to cook the perfect holiday feast this year, or maybe you can think of someone who spends a lot of time in the kitchen and would appreciate some of these items as a gift. Whether you're buying for yourself or someone else, December is the best time to find deals on kitchenware.
Hot Prices: Cuisinart Chef's Classic Nonstick Hard-Anodized 14-Piece Cookware Set for $159.99 (reg. $540) | Calphalon Stainless 13-Piece Cookware Set for $357.43 (reg. $970) | Calphalon 12 in. Everyday Pan with Lid for $39.99 (76% off) | Cuisinart Chef's 7pc. Stainless Steel Cookware Set for $99 | FarberWare Paula Deen Signature Collection 12-Piece Cookware set for $114.95 | More in Cookware

Gaming Consoles
Although the Kinect Sensor Accessory for the Xbox 360 is out and impressing gamers everywhere, there hasn't been a been a major new game console in several years now, and the ones that were new and hot a few years back are still going strong, but their prices are much lower now, and there are more great game titles than ever, so you'll find lots for all ages and interests.
Hot Prices: Xbox 360 Console for $199.99 | Nintendo Wii Hardware Bundle for $199 | Playstation 3 with 2 Games for $299.99 (you save $70) | Refurbished Nintendo Wii for $187 | Refurbished Playstation 3 for $269 | Save $10 off Kinect Sensor at Toys R Us | More in Video Games

Want to know more about the Kinect? Read about the Kinect >>



Hot Holiday Toys
Finding the best toys for the little ones at Christmastime can be a challenge. We've found some great prices on toys your kids are sure to love this year. Instead of fighting with other parents at toy stores over the last of the overpriced must-haves, shop online and enjoy great deals on great toys.
Hot Prices: Wobble Deck Balance Board for $39.95 | Discovery Ann B. Dextrous Grow Toy for $59.95 | Marshmallow Shooters for $14.99 (reg. $29.99) | Moon Shoes for $39.95 | Discovery Flowboard Alternative Skateboard for $89.95





Champagne
Just in time for your New Year's Party, you'll find bottles of champagne on sale in December. This month, you'll benefit from a fierce price war between champagne distributors fighting for your holiday business.
Hot Prices: Moet & Chandon Nectar Imperial Champagne for $45 | Veuve Cliquot Yellow Label Brut Champagne for $40 | More in Champagne




Winter Clothes
Winter clothes hit the sales racks sometime in late July. By the time you actually need those thick layers and long sleeves, all these clothes are deeply discounted. If you can wait until after Christmas to shop for winter clothes and outerwear, you'll find the very best deals of all -- 75% and higher markdowns! Shop in December to find incredible steals on jeans, sweaters, coats, boots, and more winter styles.
Hot Prices: Old Navy Women's Boyfriend Cardigans for $15 | Columbia Sportwear Men's Long-Sleeved Mock Turtleneck for $16 | Billabong Women's Hoodies for $20 | More in Sweaters



Tools
Stores sell a lot of tools in warmer months, when handymen & handywomen like to get outside and get to work on their projects, but not many people are buying tools in the winter. You can probably think of at least one person on your holiday gift list that would love some new tools -- get 'em now while the prices are low.
Hot Prices: DeWalt 18-Volt Drill & Driver Kit starting at $119 | Fuller Tools 20-ounce PRO WAVEX Hammer for $15 | Dremel 4000 Series Rotary Tool Kit for $80 | More in Tools










What Not to Buy in December

As you do your holiday shopping, you'll find a lot of tempting offers, but some things are worth waiting for. The good news is, you won't have to wait long. Everything will be on sale after the holidays. Here are a couple of items that will see the steepest price drops just after Christmas.

Calendars - Calendars make cute, inexpensive gifts for friends and coworkers, and everyone can use on on their desk. But you'll pay full price if you buy before Christmas. Right after the holiday, expect to see calendars go on sale for 50% off, and by January, they'll be even cheaper -- 75% off or more! Not many people buy a 12-month calendar after the start of the year, so retailers will practically give them away after that. If you just can't wait, find cheap no-frills desk calendars and planners here.


Televisions - Lots of families like to treat themselves to a new television for Christmas, but if you wait until next month, you'll find much better deals. January brings big discounts on televisions, just in time for your Super Bowl party. Don't buy one just yet. If you just can't wait, the Panasonic VIERA 42" Plasma TV is a good deal at $449.99.


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