The beginning of November starts off pretty slow, but the deals and sales get bigger as the month goes on.
Unfortunately, not everything goes on sale during the month of November so we compiled our monthly list of the best things to buy in November sales and what not to buy.
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Best Things to Buy in November
Cookware
Cookware sets are one of the most consistent discount items you will find on Black Friday each year.
We bought our latest set of cookware from Kohl’s on a Black Friday deal. After the sale price, coupons, and Kohl’s cash, I got more than 60% off the regular price and better than I could find anywhere online.
Beauty Products
I cannot believe the discounts you can get on beauty products on Black Friday.
The pharmacies will do significant discounts on tons of different beauty products. One year I got four nice nail polish bottles for free after Extra Bucks at CVS, and my daughters loved them as stocking stuffers.
Also, keep your eyes open for the largest cosmetics dealers to cut prices for Black Friday.
Electronics
November is an excellent month for discounts on electronics. The sales on electronics are there to get people in the store to see other items.
The big retailers will create huge discounts for last-year models or are close to a new model coming out. Televisions, computers, tablets, and all sorts of lower-cost electronics will be at their lowest prices for the year.
Appliances
I love the appliance deals in November. When we purchased our most recent home, I replaced the stove, dishwasher, microwave, washer, and dryer.
My total savings were more than 65% off the original retail prices at Lowes between the clearance prices, discount coupons, and gift card rebates.
Your best appliance stores are:
Wedding Dresses
Bridal shops have a lull in sales between the summer wedding season and the holiday season when people get engaged.
These dress shops will also want to clear space for the new styles that come out when the newly engaged start shopping for the big day.
Home Improvement Services
Home improvement gets put on the shelf during the holidays. People don’t have time due to family gatherings, and they move their spending to gifts and food purchases.
Expect to see deals on all kinds of flooring and other services so that the home improvement stores and professionals can get through the slow season.
Food Storage
I don’t know why this is, but there is always a food storage deal in the Black Friday ads. I guess Walmart, Target, and other stores all like to make it easy to store your leftover holiday feast.
Tools
Almost all the tools in my house belong to my wife. She is more skilled in woodworking and crafts.
I try to find any tools she needs in November sales when prices are dropped to get you shopping in the stores. Check Walmart, Lowes, and Home Depot for the best prices.
Produce
Seasonal produce is always a good buy, no matter which month it is. The best deals on produce in November include:
- Apples
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Celery
- Chestnuts
- Clementines
- Cranberries
- Leeks
- Parsnips
- Pears
- Plums
- Potatoes
- Pumpkins
- Shallots
- Squash
- Turnips
- Yams
Meat
While meat is in high demand for holiday meals, the sales also ramp up to give you low prices. Also, look for clearance deals on these types of meat just after Thanksgiving
- Turkey
- Ham
- Goose
- Pheasant
What not to Buy in November
Winter Apparel
Winter clothes are just ramping up in some areas. They will move to the sale and clearance racks in January.
Toys
There will be some awesome deals for Black Friday toys, but the best deals tend to be closer to Christmas.
If it’s a hot toy that will sell out, then grab it when you can.
Collectibles
Christmas collectibles will start to drop in price in December. January is when they will go on clearance and be as much as 90% off.
Gift Cards
There will be some gift card deals in November, but these will last through Christmas, and there will be many more starting at the beginning of December.
The most popular is to buy a gift card and get a specific amount for free. Outback and other restaurants love to give “Buy a $50 gift card get $10 free”.
Exercise Equipment
The big deals on fitness equipment come when everyone is trying not to break their resolutions. You will see sales in early January and clearance by the end of January when everyone has broken their fitness resolution.
Jewelry
Men have a stereotype of shopping at the last minute. That means jewelry sales will hit their best deals toward the end of our gift buying push.
November Sales Strategies
November presents unique opportunities to get lower prices than any other time of year. To get the most out of your November shopping, use these strategies.
Online Shopping
Shopping online gives you the opportunity to use digital rebate sites. While not all deals are available online, most of the best bargains will be.
By pairing your November deals shopping with cashback rebate websites you get the equivalent of an extra 1% to 20% back.
Rewards Credit Cards
If you aren’t using a reward credit card to get at least 1% cashback on all your shopping then you are leaving money on the table.
I use a Fidelity VISA card that pays me 2% cashback on all purchases.
The only reason not to do this is if you cannot control your spending with a credit card and end up not paying off the card each month in full. The interest you pay will far outpace the cashback you earn.
Stack Your Savings
To get the absolute lowest price on your November shopping you should stack as many discounts and cashback as you can on each transaction.
That means combining your sales shopping, with cashback rebate websites, reward credit cards, and any coupons you can throw on top. If you can get all four at once you are probably looking at an all time low price on a new item.
Upcoming Sales
If you see something you really want but aren’t sure whether you can get it for less in the near future. Here is what you can get over the coming months.
January
January sales are great for winter clothing, Fitness equipment, Christmas decor, and several other items you may not expect. It is not great for electronics and home assistants.
February
February sales sees big discounts on tax software, televisions, and Valentine’s items (after Valentine’s Day). Read the full article to see other items you need to buy and avoid in February.
November Sales Final Thoughts
November is one of my favorite months for shopping. The sales and promotions come fast and furious and speed up as we approach Black Friday and makes it one my favorite shopping guides to put together.
While there are things to avoid buying in November sales, the number of items that goes on sale far out paces those that are a wait and see.
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