The month marked by glittering lights, festive celebrations, and heartwarming gift exchanges has arrived, and you know what that means—lots and lots of spending on food, travel, presents, and more.

The key to keeping your budget low? Becoming an astute buyer. Check out this guide to discover what items offer deals in December and which you may want to wait to get until the new year.

What to buy

Grab those gift cards
Gift cards can sometimes feel like impersonal presents to give to loved ones, but they are lifesavers during the holidays—they can relieve some of the pressure to choose the ideal gift, and few people would turn down free money to a place they love to patronize. Even better, they may be a cost-effective option in the weeks ahead. Companies will often offer incentives on gift cards in December to encourage shoppers to purchase them; these may include a discount on the card itself, rewards for buying a certain amount, or a “buy one get one” deal. If buying online, some places will also let you customize the card with a photo or phrase, allowing you to still add a personal touch.

Take home toys
Toys and games tend to be drastically discounted in December as stores try to clear their inventory and make space for the hot new items set to arrive in the new year. Of course, you shouldn’t expect to find still popular goodies at a slashed price; those might actually cost more in anticipation of holiday demand. But now might offer opportunities to grab reasonably priced stocking stuffers or even perhaps that long-desired gaming system for your teen. Check stores’ websites frequently and keep an eye out for ads to make sure you can jump on deals—and gifts—before they’re gone.

Double the bubbles
Nothing says “celebration” quite like champagne, and it has become a staple of New Year’s Eve in particular. Unfortunately, it can also generally be pretty pricy, with the average cost of a top-tier bottle ranging anywhere from $50 to $300. But don’t hesitate to pop a cork or two—December is when liquor stores start a fierce fight for your business with competitive pricing, offering potential discounts of up to 18 percent. So load up on your preferred champagne (or try out a new brand) at a bargain, enabling you to ring in the New Year with a bubbly toast without having to splurge.

Deck the halls for less
Stores are always eager to get rid of their holiday merchandise once the season’s over, leading them to discount it heavily. Everything from strings of lights to themed window decals to even artificial trees may be marked down by as much as 50 percent come the end of December. So why not grab a few of these lovely accessories now to prepare for next year’s festivities? Imagine the faces of your guests when you reveal a brand-new brilliant exhibition made possible by your savvy shopping skills! Just be sure to store everything meticulously; good care will help ensure that your new items for 2025 are in prime condition to be displayed.

What to wait on

Skip the gym
The indulgence of the holidays could have you staring at ellipticals and treadmills, but hang on to your pocketbook—this is typically not the ideal time to make investments in workout equipment or gym memberships. Consider holding off until January, when prices for these items fall to entice the New Year’s-resolution crowd; last year, for instance, Planet Fitness ran a $0.24 down special, a massive discount from their usual $59 start-up fee.

Until then, get your heart pounding by engaging in at-home exercises or lacing up your walking shoes for a brisk outdoor walk or jog. And if you happen to own ice skates, snowshoes, or cross-country skis, embrace the fresh winter air and gorgeous gray landscape, all with the peace of mind of not spending a dime.

Push off buying winter clothing
Although December weather could be tempting you to grab a new sweater or that cozy coat you’ve had your eye on, winter clothes are usually most expensive during this month. Retailers generally offer significant discounts only after the holidays, so unless you need something immediately, you can gain warmth and savings by being patient. And if you can wait even longer, the spring and summer months tend to have the highest discounts on winter clothes since most retailers are trying to make room for warm-weather items or even next year’s supply of winter styles.

Put the bedding to bed
Looking to get warmer bedding to cozy up in during cold nights? Try to hold off until the postholiday rush. Most furniture stores save their price reductions for their January white sales, a custom dating back to the late nineteenth century when stores would clear their winter supply of white linens before spring. Additionally, if you have your eye on more than just bedding, February’s Presidents’ Day sales typically boast the best furniture and home goods discounts. Your savviness can pay off with a beautifully decorated house to begin 2025 on a fresh note.

This December, embrace the art of strategic buying. With a little preparation and patience, you can please your gift recipients and even get a few items for yourself while ringing in the New Year with a healthier budget.