Expert Reveals The Best Time To Buy Your Christmas Gifts – And It’s Not In November

Summer clearance sales offer better Christmas deals than Black Friday

Key Points:

• Personal finance expert reveals why November shopping is often a retail trap with inflated prices disguised as discounts
• Expert shares the optimal time to buy Christmas presents is during end-of-season July sales when retailers clear inventory
• Finance professional provides three time-sensitive tips for smart holiday gift shopping that can save families hundreds

Christmas may feel like a lifetime away, but smart shoppers know that waiting until the holiday rush hits can drain your wallet faster than you can say “Black Friday”. While most people associate gift buying with November and December madness, one personal finance expert argues that the best bargains happen when you least expect them.

Fred Harrington, a personal finance expert at SaveMyCent, a Brooklyn-based digital savings platform, has spent years analyzing shopping patterns and seasonal pricing trends. His research reveals a surprising truth about holiday shopping timing that could save families hundreds of dollars.

“The biggest mistake I see people make is waiting for those heavily advertised November sales,” says Harrington. “What most shoppers don’t realize is that many of those ‘amazing’ Black Friday deals are actually items marked up weeks earlier, then brought back down to regular price with a flashy discount sticker.”

According to Harrington, the sweet spot for Christmas shopping actually falls in late July, when retailers are desperate to clear summer inventory to make room for fall merchandise.

Why November Deals May Not Be As Good As They Seem

The traditional holiday shopping season might feel natural, but Harrington warns it’s designed to work against your budget. Many retailers employ a strategy called “artificial inflation” in the weeks leading up to major sales events.

“I’ve tracked pricing data across hundreds of popular gift items, and the pattern is clear,” explains Harrington. “A toy that costs $30 in September suddenly jumps to $45 in early November, then gets marked down to $35 for Black Friday. Shoppers think they’re getting a deal, but they’re actually paying more than they would have months earlier.”

This pricing manipulation extends beyond toys to electronics, clothing, and home goods. The pressure of limited-time offers and crowded stores makes it harder for consumers to comparison shop effectively.

The July Sweet Spot

While everyone else is thinking about summer vacations, savvy shoppers should be hunting for Christmas bargains. Late July represents the perfect storm of retail necessity and consumer distraction.

“Retailers are sitting on massive summer inventory that needs to move,” Harrington notes. “Back-to-school merchandise is arriving, and they need shelf space. This creates genuine clearance opportunities that dwarf anything you’ll see in November.”

Summer clothing, outdoor gear, and seasonal electronics see their deepest discounts during this period. Even non-seasonal items like books, board games, and beauty products often get swept into clearance events.

“I’ve seen families save 40-60% on their entire Christmas list by shopping strategically in July,” says Harrington. “The key is thinking ahead and knowing what your loved ones actually want.”

Three Smart Shopping Strategies

Harrington recommends these time-tested approaches for maximizing holiday savings:

1. Create Your List in June 

Start planning your gift list early in the summer. This gives you time to research regular pricing and spot genuine deals when they appear.

“Most people shop reactively,” Harrington explains. “They see a sale and wonder if it’s good. But if you know that electronic tablet normally costs $200, you’ll recognize when that July clearance price of $120 is actually spectacular.”

2. Split Your Shopping Across Seasons 

Don’t try to buy everything at once. “Target summer clearances for clothing and outdoor items, back-to-school sales for electronics and books, and October for decorations and party supplies,” Harrington suggests.

3. Use Price Tracking Tools 

Set up alerts for specific items you want to buy. Many apps and browser extensions will notify you when prices drop to your target range.

“Technology makes it easier than ever to shop strategically,” says Harrington. “You can literally set it and forget it until the perfect deal appears.”

Fred Harrington, personal finance expert at SaveMyCent, commented:

“The emotional and financial stress of last-minute Christmas shopping is completely avoidable, but it requires a shift in mindset. I see families every year who end up spending 30-40% more than they planned because they’re shopping in panic mode during November and December. When you’re rushing through crowded stores or frantically browsing online with shipping deadlines looming, you make poor financial decisions.

“The psychology of holiday shopping works against you when you wait. Retailers know that desperate shoppers will pay premium prices, and they price accordingly. But when you shop in July, you’re calm, you can comparison shop properly, and you have time to return items if needed. You’re also spreading the financial impact across months instead of crushing your budget in six weeks.

“Not only does smart holiday shopping help you save money, but it also reduces stress and lets you actually enjoy the season. When December arrives and everyone else is panicking, you can focus on family time and traditions instead of fighting over parking spaces and maxing out credit cards. That peace of mind is worth more than any Black Friday discount.”

About SaveMyCent

SaveMyCent is a Brooklyn-based digital savings platform that has been helping online shoppers save money since 2019. The platform offers a curated selection of verified coupon codes, discounts, and promotions from a wide range of e-commerce stores, ensuring users access to genuine and up-to-date deals. By combining AI-driven technology with human verification, SaveMyCent ensures the reliability of its coupons, eliminating the frustration of expired or fake codes. Additionally, SaveMyCent provides educational blog content to empower consumers with money-saving tips and strategies. With a user-friendly interface and a commitment to transparency, SaveMyCent has become a trusted resource for savvy shoppers seeking value and convenience in their online purchases.