6. Diamonds and jewels
If your taste in luxury runs a little richer than the chocolate and champagne listed above, you may want to visit your local (or online) jeweler. December is typically the biggest month for diamond sales for the whole year.
Bargains aren’t to be had on all diamonds, but the ones that do drop are likely to be 30% to 50% off the regular price. This trend carries over to what’s known as “bridge” jewelry, a category between trendy jewelry and fine jewelry that typically features semi-precious stones.
Try Macy's, a retailer known for quality and customer service. They’re already offering up to 50% off and free shipping.
7. Bicycles
(Photo: performancebike.com)December isn’t the only time of year to get a good deal on a bike, but it’s one of the best. Quality bikes and bargains during December are typically found from vendors such as REI, Wal-Mart, and Performance Bike.
However, as we reported the last time we mentioned bicycle sales, this is a category where shopping local can be a bonus.
“If you are in the market for a reliable, well-built bicycle, a specialty bicycle store is the only way to go. Look for a store that assembles their new bikes on-site and one that has a service area. Usually there is a service plan that is included in the sale of any new bicycle. Avoid stores that do not offer this follow-up service,” said Jack Madden, owner of Legend Bicycle in Providence, RI.
8. Kitchen items
(Photo: Kohl's.com)Everyone’s a chef these days. Or at least they think so. Most of are actually cooks, hobbyists who are getting savvier in the kitchen all the time. This is the time of year to find deals to help you improve those skills and maybe pick up a few items as gifts for fellow foodies.
November has always been seen as the bets month of the year for cookware, but in past years that trend has carried over into December.
Dealnews.com suggests looking for top offers from Macy’s, Kohl’s, Amazon, FoodSaver, Williams Sonoma, and JCPenney on items such as cutlery sets, bakeware, and small appliances.
Look to Kohl's - which features deep discounts on dinnerware, among other items - for a good start to your kitchenware shopping,
9. Tools and hardware
(Photo: Sears.com)Here’s another category that posts deep discounts in both November and December.
Expect significant discounts on wrench and screwdriver sets, drills, and lawn-care tools. Plenty of retailers sell tools these days, but some of the traditional outlets are still great bets. For instance, Sears has always been known for quality tools that they stand behind. Look for deals such as a GearWrench 7PC Flex Ratcheting Wrench Set for $29.99, down from $89.99.
10. Christmas decorations
So the last category on our list may not be the most exciting, but a deal is a deal – especially in this economy.
If you wait until the day after Christmas you’ll see extreme discounts – from 50% to 70% off – at stores such as Home Depot, Sears, Crate & Barrel, and Macy’s. Even fake Christmas trees can be had for a steal. And don’t let anyone hassle you about having a fake tree. Buying a real tree is no more noble that being thrifty and rolling out the fake tree every year.
