Best Things to Buy in November

October's always a riot for its ghoulish festivities and crunchy, colorful leaves. November, though, is a time to truly celebrate the autumn harvest and be thankful for family and friends who've been there for you throughout the years.

In addition to Thanksgiving preparation -- and the mouth watering anticipation of all those delicious side dishes -- November is often the month people begin shopping for December holidays.

This month's Best Things to Buy feature is a guide to the best bargains of the month in addition to what's trending in terms of holiday shopping.

Electronic Accessories

If there's anything that Black Friday has demonstrated over the years, it's that you should wait to buy any sort of electronic until just after Thanksgiving. We suggest scouring all the sneak peek sales events at stores like Best Buy, Target and Wal-Mart in order to snag the best bargains.

While you wait for the electronics themselves to go on sale, though, consider snagging a few electronic cases -- either for yourself or as holiday gifts. Such a gift is an especially thoughtful one for those who are already own a Kindle, iPad or laptop. They definitely make toting around such devices an easier endeavor.

Tip: Make sure you know the make and model of your giftee's electronic before buying. Many cases and accessories are tailored to specific products.




Hot Prices
Echo Animal Print Touch-Screen Gloves, $38
Areaware iPhone Alarm Dock, $40
J.Crew Solid iPad Case in Red or Purple, $39.50
Baden eBook Case for Kindle, $28
Glad for Plaid Laptop Bag, $54.99
Style&co. Handbag, Tablet Holder, $50

Food Baskets, Appliances and Books

Any foodie will salivate over a cuisine-inspired gift this year. You can purchase a pre-packaged gift basket -- or create your own with a pretty basket and assortment of foods.

Also try gifting recipe books, magazine subscriptions or even a picture book full of delicious photos of desserts or similar. Other food-related ideas include a picnic basket complete with blanket and accessories; kitchen utensils and cookware; and food sets centered around a single food such as olive oils, chocolate or cheese.

Tip: Purchase foods that don't spoil quickly if you're buying early!

Hot Prices
Deni Digital 3-Tier Stainless Steel Food Steamer, $53.99
Picnic Time New York Jets Piccadilly Picnic Basket, $89.99
Pottery Barn Garden Wine Bottle Basket, $29
Torn Ranch, Red Hot Gift Basket, $30
Anthropologie Super Natural Ever Day: Well-Loved Recipes From My Natural Foods Kitchen, $23

Soaps, Lotions and Candles

Soaps, lotions and candles are a popular Christmas gift -- and with good reason. Not are they both universally appreciated and used, but they're an easily customizable gift. For example, a woman who appreciates sweet food smells can find all three in scents such as cupcakes, cookies or caramel.

Men or women who prefer muskier smells will love scents in cedar and pine. Those who want something in between will enjoy floral or fruit scents like orange, lilac, rose and lavender. As a bonus, you can go organic with all three products. And if you're feeling especially generous, buy a bundle of all three and nestle them in a pretty basket. Men, women, families, teachers and co-workers will all appreciate this gift.

Tip: If you're buying for your special someone, splurge on something luxurious to show just how much you care.




Hot Prices
One Natural Body Soap Bar Citrus Peel Scent, $5.99
Laura Mercier Creme Brulee Body & Bath Trio, $60
Eight Body Moisture Lavender Hand Creme, $18
Yardley London Lily of the Valley Soap 3 Bar Box, $15
WoodWick Candle, Large Jar Scented Holiday, $23.99
Yves Saint Laurent Paris Body Lotion 6.6 Oz., $38
Smallflower Nest Fragrances Bamboo Soap, $16
Anthropologie Yuletide Homage Candle, $18

Beauty Palettes

This particular must buy for the month of November is geared specifically at women. So, whether you're shopping for yourself, your mom, sister, in law or significant other, listen very carefully!

Beauty palettes are already a great bargain. While spending $30 to $50 for, say, an eyeshadow palette from Urban Decay seems a little extreme, when you think about what you're getting it's not so bad.

For example, each eyeshadow on its own costs approximately $15 a pop, so paying $38 for 10 different shades truly is a bargain. And not only do you get more bang for your buck, but you also add more variety to your personal makeup collection. Who can argue with that?

You'll find makeup palettes that contain lipsticks, shadows, stains, etc. And, of course, they come in all sorts of shades to satisfy the au naturel lovers, eclectic ladies or sultry vixens.

Hot Prices
Stila - Positive and Pretty Palette, $14
Victoria's Secret Limited Edition Holiday Collection Deluxe Eye Palette, $26
Bobbi Brown Party Eye Palette, $45
Ulta 5 Shade Lip Gloss Palette, $8
NARS Danmari All About Cheeks Palette, $65
Smashbox Click You're It Eye Palette, $49
Kat Von D Art of Elysium Palette - Evelyn, $20

Other Must-Buys for November:

Jewelry
Jewelry makes the perfect holiday gift for almost any lady in your life. That includes daughters, moms, in-laws, sisters and your significant other. Currently trending are metallics, geometric designs, tassels/fringe and natural stone/tribal jewelry. Many jewelry stores promote their products via holiday sales at this time of the year, as well, making it easier to find good bargains.



Coats
Everyone needs a coat for the cooler months and now's the time to buy. Though you'll be able to wear your coat for months to come, most retailers are pushing them off shelves to make way for new merchandise since they assume most people already have their winter duds.



Shapewear
The holiday season often means formal events, family get togethers and office parties. Make sure you look extra stunning in your holiday cocktail apparel with the help of shapewear. Shapewear helps slim and smooth problem areas like legs, arms and stomach.



Lipstick
An easy way to infuse color into the white winterland around you is via a little lipstick. Currently trending are ruby reds and berry pinks. For a polished look, match your lipstick to an accessory.






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