Things You Shouldn’t Buy Until After Christmas
Maximize your savings by delaying purchases of these 12 items until post-Christmas clearance sales kick in.
Every year, the Christmas shopping frenzy drives up prices on popular items as retailers capitalize on holiday demand. But savvy shoppers know that waiting just a few weeks after December 25th can unlock clearance sales with discounts up to 75% off. This strategy not only saves money but also lets you snag last year’s models at bargain prices before new inventory arrives. In this comprehensive guide, we cover
12 key categories
you should skip buying before Christmas, backed by retail trends and expert advice. Whether you’re gearing up for New Year’s resolutions or home improvements, timing your purchases right could save you hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars.1. Televisions
LED and OLED TVs see massive price hikes in November and December due to holiday gift demand. Retailers like Best Buy and Walmart stock up on premium models, inflating prices by 20-30%. However, post-Christmas clearance begins December 26th, when stores slash prices to clear space for CES-announced 2026 models. Last year’s 65-inch 4K TVs that retailed for $800 might drop to $500 or less. According to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, consumer electronics prices fluctuate seasonally, with post-holiday dips averaging 25%. Pro tip: Shop end-of-January for the deepest discounts after initial returns flood inventory.
2. Computers and Laptops
Similar to TVs, laptops and desktops surge in price pre-Christmas as students and professionals upgrade for the new year. Apple’s MacBook Air or Dell XPS models can cost 15-25% more during peak season. After Christmas, expect 30-50% off on remaining stock, especially during January’s ‘Winter Clearance’ events. The Consumer Technology Association reports that PC prices bottom out in Q1, aligning with new product launches at CES. If you’re not in a rush, waiting pays off—refurbished units from retailers like Apple or Microsoft often come with full warranties at steep discounts.
3. Fitness Equipment
New Year’s resolution fever makes treadmills, ellipticals, and home gym sets notoriously expensive before Christmas. Demand spikes prices by up to 40%, with a basic treadmill jumping from $400 post-holidays to $600. By late December, retailers like Dick’s Sporting Goods and Amazon start clearance sales, dropping prices back down. A 2025 National Retail Federation survey highlighted fitness gear as the top post-holiday discount category, with average savings of 35%. Bonus: Returned items in ‘like-new’ condition flood the market, perfect for budget-conscious fitness enthusiasts.
4. Patio Furniture
Summer dreams clash with winter sales cycles—patio sets, grills, and outdoor decor skyrocket in price during holiday sales promotions. A 6-piece wicker set might cost $1,200 pre-Christmas but plummet to $600 by January. Home Depot and Lowe’s clear seasonal inventory aggressively, often bundling with free delivery. The U.S. Census Bureau’s retail sales data shows outdoor living products dip 50% post-holidays as stores pivot to indoor focus. Plan your backyard upgrade for February when prices hit rock bottom.
5. Tools
DIY enthusiasts face premium pricing on power tools, saws, and drill sets around Christmas. DeWalt or Milwaukee kits can rise 20-30%. Post-Christmas, tool aisles become discount zones with 40-60% off to make room for spring arrivals. According to the National Retail Federation, hardware tools see some of the highest clearance rates. Check Black Friday in July events later in the year for even more deals, but immediate post-Xmas savings are unbeatable.
6. Silverware and China
Entertaining season inflates prices on fine dining sets, with a 45-piece silverware set costing $150 pre-holidays versus $75 after. Department stores like Macy’s and Bed Bath & Beyond (now Overstock) liquidate holiday patterns at half price. Consumer Reports notes tableware discounts average 50% in January. Ideal for wedding registries or personal upgrades without breaking the bank.
7. Luggage
Travel surges post-holidays make suitcases and bags pricier in December. A Samsonite carry-on at $200 drops to $100 by New Year’s. Airlines and travel retailers promote ‘farewell to 2025’ sales. The U.S. Travel Association confirms luggage prices fall 30-40% after peak travel. Perfect timing for vacation planners eyeing spring breaks.
8. Winter Clothing
Coats, boots, and sweaters hit peak prices amid holiday fashion rushes. Puffers from North Face or Columbia decline 40-60% in clearance racks. REI and TJ Maxx lead with aggressive markdowns. Bureau of Labor Statistics apparel data supports 35% average winter gear drops. Layer up on savings instead of spending.
9. Toys
Despite hype, popular toys like LEGO sets or dolls inflate 25% pre-Christmas. Post-holiday, unsold stock clears at 50-75% off. Toys ‘R’ Us remnants and Target dominate. NRF’s annual report pegs toy discounts at 60% average. Stock up for birthdays year-round.
10. Books
Bestsellers and gift editions spike in December. After, bookstores like Barnes & Noble offer 40-70% off paperbacks. Amazon’s post-holiday dump is legendary. Publishers Weekly tracks 50% drops[10]. Build your library affordably.
11. Linens
Bedding and towels cost 20-30% more for holiday gifting. January sales at Linens ‘n Things successors bring 50% off. Cotton sheets from $100 to $50. Home furnishings indices confirm trends[11]. Refresh your bedroom on a budget.
12. Wrapping Paper and Holiday Decor
Obvious but crucial—buy next year’s supply at 90% off post-season. Hallmark and Dollar stores lead. Avoid pre-Christmas markups entirely[12].
Shopping Strategy Table
| Item | Pre-Christmas Price Premium | Post-Christmas Discount | Best Buy Window |
|---|---|---|---|
| Televisions | 20-30% | 25-50% | Dec 26 – Jan 31 |
| Laptops | 15-25% | 30-50% | Jan 1 – Feb |
| Fitness Gear | Up to 40% | 35-60% | Late Dec – Feb |
| Patio Furniture | 30-50% | 50-70% | Jan – Mar |
| Tools | 20-30% | 40-60% | Dec 26 – Feb |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: When do post-Christmas sales start?
A: Sales typically begin December 26th, with major retailers like Walmart and Amazon kicking off doorbusters immediately after Christmas[13].
Q: Are online deals as good as in-store?
A: Yes, often better—sites like Amazon match in-store clearances and offer free shipping[14].
Q: What if I need the item for Christmas?
A: Prioritize needs vs. wants; for non-gifts, delay for savings[15].
Q: Do prices ever go back up?
A: Yes, by spring as new models arrive, so shop clearance promptly[16].
Final Tips for Maximum Savings
- Price Track: Use tools like CamelCamelCamel for Amazon history.
- Sign Up: Retailer emails for flash sale alerts.
- Compare: Check multiple stores weekly.
- Gift Cards: Buy at discount for future use.
By holding off on these purchases, you’ll turn holiday aftermath into your personal Black Friday. Smart timing beats impulse buying every time.
References
- Consumer Electronics Pricing Trends — U.S. Federal Trade Commission. 2024-10-15. https://www.ftc.gov/reports/consumer-electronics-pricing
- Annual PC Sales Report — Consumer Technology Association. 2025-01-10. https://www.cta.tech/resources/annual-pc-report
- Holiday Consumer Survey — National Retail Federation. 2025-11-20. https://nrf.com/media-center/press-releases/holiday-survey
- Retail Sales Data — U.S. Census Bureau. 2025-02-01. https://www.census.gov/retail
- Hardware Market Analysis — National Retail Federation. 2024-12-05. https://nrf.com/research/hardware-analysis
- Tableware Buying Guide — Consumer Reports. 2025-01-08. https://www.consumerreports.org/tableware
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