Christmas Shopping: What to Buy Now Before Prices Rise

August might seem ridiculously early to be thinking about Christmas shopping. The pool is still open, the barbecue is still getting plenty of use, and there are probably still a few summer clothes sitting in the laundry basket waiting for their turn.

But here’s the thing about Christmas shopping: you don’t have to wait for the calendar to say November before you start looking.

In fact, August can be a surprisingly good time to get a few things out of the way.

I’ve learned there are two types of holiday shoppers. There are the people who have their gifts bought, wrapped and hidden away before Halloween. And then there are the rest of us, wandering through a crowded mall in December, looking for parking while wondering if a $25 candle really counts as a thoughtful gift.

Personally, I’ve discovered a much better way to handle the mall.

I sit in one of those wonderfully comfortable vibrating massage chairs with a Tim Hortons in my hand while my wife does the shopping.

That’s right. She’s happily making her way through the stores while I’m sitting there enjoying a coffee and letting a chair do its best impression of a massage therapist. Honestly, I’m not sure who is getting the better deal.

But even with my very sophisticated mall strategy, I’ve learned that waiting until the last minute isn’t always the best way to shop.

August is when clearance racks can be worth a serious look. Stores are making room for fall merchandise, summer products are being marked down, and you can sometimes find useful gifts for considerably less than you might pay later.

It’s also a good time to start watching prices on items you know you’ll need.

The goal of early Christmas shopping isn’t to turn your house into a warehouse of presents before Labour Day. It’s simply to take advantage of a genuinely good deal when you find one and avoid the December shopping frenzy.

So what should you actually consider buying now, and what should you leave until later?

Let’s take a look.

1. Clearance Items and End-of-Season Deals

If you’re shopping for Christmas in August, this is probably the first place I’d look.

Stores need to clear out summer merchandise to make room for fall and winter products. That can mean substantial discounts on items that could make perfectly good gifts.

And no, your Christmas gift doesn’t have to look like Christmas.

Look for:

• Handbags and accessories
• Summer clothing
• Sandals and footwear
• Beach bags and towels
• Insulated tumblers
• Outdoor entertaining items
• Small kitchen appliances
• Candles and home fragrance
• Beauty products
• Luggage and travel accessories
• Outdoor games
• Patio and entertaining accessories

Think about who you’re buying for rather than the season printed on the sale sign.

A discounted travel bag can become a Christmas gift for someone who loves weekend getaways. A nice tumbler works just as well in January as it does in July. And a clearance handbag doesn’t suddenly become less fashionable because the store has decided it needs shelf space for fall merchandise.

The important part is to buy things people will actually use.

Don’t get hypnotized by a giant 70% OFF sign. A bargain isn’t a bargain if the item spends three years hiding in the back of your closet before you finally donate it.

Also check the return policy. Some clearance merchandise is final sale, which isn’t ideal when you’re buying a gift months before Christmas.

2. Check Facebook Marketplace for New and Unused Items

Before you pay full retail for a Christmas gift, it can be worth checking Facebook Marketplace. People sell brand-new, unopened and unused items for all sorts of reasons. Maybe they received two of the same thing, bought something they never used, or simply have too much stuff taking up space.

August can be a good time to start looking because you’re not competing with every last-minute Christmas shopper.

Search for terms such as “new in box,” “brand new,” “unopened,” “never used,” or “still sealed.” You may find everything from small appliances and electronics to toys, beauty products, home décor and giftable accessories.

There are a few things to keep in mind, though.

• Check the condition carefully. Make sure the item is actually new and unused.
• Ask whether the original packaging is included. This matters when you’re giving something as a gift.
• Compare the asking price with retail prices. A Marketplace listing isn’t automatically a bargain.
• Ask about receipts or proof of purchase when appropriate, particularly for expensive electronics or appliances.
• Be cautious with warranties. Some warranties may require proof of purchase or may begin on the original purchase date.
• Meet safely. Use a public location and follow local safety recommendations when meeting someone you don’t know.
• Don’t send money in advance unless you’re completely comfortable with the transaction and understand the risks.

Marketplace can be particularly useful for finding discontinued products, barely used items and brand-new gifts that someone else bought and never needed.

And there’s something satisfying about finding a $150 item being sold for $75 because someone decided it was taking up too much room in their basement.

Just remember: the goal is to find a good deal, not simply a cheap price. If the seller won’t answer basic questions, the product looks questionable, or the price seems suspiciously low, walk away.

There will be another deal.

3. Popular Toys and Children’s Gifts

If you’ve ever tried to find the one toy a child suddenly decided was the only thing they wanted for Christmas, you know how this story ends.

It doesn’t matter that there are 400 other toys sitting on the shelf. Apparently, this particular toy is the one thing standing between them and complete Christmas happiness.

Popular toys can become harder to find as the holiday season gets closer. Certain collectibles, character merchandise, building sets and trending toys may sell out.

If you already know what a child wants, consider keeping an eye on:

• LEGO and other building sets
• Popular dolls
• Collectibles
• Character merchandise
• Craft kits
• Science kits
• Board games
• Gaming accessories
• Toys connected to popular movies or shows

Buying in August doesn’t mean you have to pay full price.

Watch the item and compare prices. If you find a legitimate sale, you can buy it and put it away.

One word of caution: check the return policy.

Children are experts at changing their minds. The toy they desperately needed in August may be “boring” by December.

4. Electronics and Tech Gifts

Electronics are a little trickier.

Prices can change considerably throughout the year, so I wouldn’t recommend buying every piece of technology you plan to give for Christmas simply because it’s August.

Instead, start making a list and watching prices.

Potential gifts include:

• Headphones
• Earbuds
• Bluetooth speakers
• Tablets
• Smartwatches
• Gaming controllers
• Gaming headsets
• Computer accessories
• Keyboards and mice
• Chargers
• Power banks

If you find a genuinely good price on a product you’ve already researched, buying early can make sense.

This is particularly useful if you want a specific colour, model or storage size. There’s nothing quite like waiting for a sale and then discovering the exact version you wanted is out of stock.

On the other hand, don’t forget about Black Friday.

Some electronics receive major discounts in November, so if you’re looking at a product that’s frequently marked down, you may want to watch the price rather than buying immediately.

The goal isn’t to be first.

It’s to get a good product at a good price.

5. Winter Clothing and Accessories

This one may feel strange in August.

You’re wearing sandals, the air conditioner is running and someone is probably complaining that the ice cream is melting too quickly.

But that’s exactly why August can be worth watching.

As stores transition from summer merchandise to fall and winter clothing, you may find opportunities to shop ahead.

Consider:

• Winter coats
• Sweaters
• Boots
• Slippers
• Pajamas
• Gloves
• Scarves
• Hats
• Warm socks
• Winter accessories

The biggest advantage of buying early isn’t necessarily price. It’s selection.

When you shop before everyone else is looking for winter boots, you’re more likely to find the size, colour and style you want.

If you’re buying clothing as a Christmas gift, however, make sure you’re confident about the size.

There is nothing quite as awkward as giving someone a beautiful sweater that could comfortably fit both them and their dog.

And check the return period before putting the gift away until December.

6. Beauty Gift Sets

Beauty products are another category worth watching early, particularly if you find a good clearance price. As new seasonal products arrive, retailers may discount older packaging, summer collections or giftable beauty products.

Keep an eye out for:

• Skincare sets
• Fragrance
• Makeup
• Hair-care sets
• Bath and body products
• Beauty tools
• Makeup brushes
• Travel beauty kits

Holiday-specific gift sets will generally come later in the year, so you don’t need to buy those in August.

But regular beauty products on clearance can make excellent gifts.

If you’re buying skincare or cosmetics for someone else, remember that personal preferences matter. Someone who loves your favourite moisturizer may not want it anywhere near their face.

When in doubt, a beauty-store gift card may be safer.

7. Home and Kitchen Gifts

Some people love practical gifts.

Others would prefer you never mention the words “air fryer” at Christmas again.

If you’re shopping for someone who enjoys cooking, baking or making their home comfortable, August can be a good time to start looking.

Ideas include:

• Coffee makers
• Electric kettles
• Blenders
• Air fryers
• Toaster ovens
• Baking equipment
• Serving boards
• Glassware
• Candles
• Throw blankets
• Kitchen accessories
• Home organization products

Clearance sections can be particularly useful here.

Stores regularly change their product lines, so you may find perfectly good items marked down simply because newer versions or colours are coming in.

Before buying an appliance, compare prices and reviews.

A discount doesn’t automatically turn a mediocre appliance into a fantastic Christmas gift.

8. Personalized and Handmade Gifts

This is one category where shopping early really does make sense.

If a gift needs to be engraved, embroidered, printed, painted or made specifically for someone, give the person making it some breathing room.

Consider:

• Personalized jewelry
• Engraved gifts
• Custom mugs
• Personalized ornaments
• Custom clothing
• Family artwork
• Handmade jewelry
• Original artwork
• Personalized photo gifts
• Specialty gift baskets

Small businesses and independent makers can become extremely busy as Christmas approaches.

If you wait until December to order a personalized gift, you may discover that the seller’s Christmas deadline passed weeks ago.

And please don’t send a message on December 22 saying, “Any chance you can have this here tomorrow?”

There probably isn’t.

Ordering early also gives you time to check the finished product and deal with any shipping problems before Christmas.

9. Gifts From Local Businesses

August is also a good time to start thinking about gifts from local businesses and Canadian makers.

These can be especially nice when you’re looking for something a little different from the usual mass-produced gifts.

Look for:

• Handmade products
• Local artwork
• Jewelry
• Specialty foods
• Local gift baskets
• Handmade candles
• Crafts
• Personalized products
• Locally made home goods

Shopping locally can also help you avoid some of the uncertainty that comes with ordering a last-minute gift from an unfamiliar online seller.

And let’s be honest: giving someone something they haven’t already seen 47 times on social media can feel like a small Christmas miracle.

10. Stocking Stuffers

Stocking stuffers are easy to ignore in August.

Then December arrives, and suddenly you’re wandering through a store at 8:30 p.m. looking for something small enough to fit into a stocking.

You don’t have to buy them all at once.

Instead, start picking up inexpensive items whenever you find something that suits the person you’re buying for.

Ideas include:

• Cozy socks
• Lip balm
• Hand cream
• Small beauty products
• Chocolate and treats
• Puzzle books
• Paperback books
• Mugs
• Small tech accessories
• Cable organizers
• Key finders
• Personal-care products

Buying a few things each month spreads out the expense and saves you from one enormous December shopping bill.

It also means you’re less likely to end up with a stocking containing three chocolate bars and a toothbrush because you ran out of ideas.

11. Gift Cards

Gift cards are one of the easiest gifts to buy, but there’s no need to stock up on them months in advance unless you’ve found a worthwhile promotion.

Keep an eye out for offers from:

• Restaurants
• Coffee shops
• Retailers
• Movie theatres
• Entertainment businesses
• Spas
• Local attractions

Some businesses offer promotions during the holiday season, such as receiving a bonus card when you purchase a certain amount.

Because promotions vary, don’t buy a gift card simply because you expect a bonus.

And if you’re buying a gift card early, keep track of where you put it.

There’s nothing particularly festive about discovering in December that you bought the perfect gift card in August and then put it somewhere so safe that even you can’t find it.

12. What You Shouldn’t Buy Too Early

There is such a thing as shopping too early.

You don’t need to turn your home into a Christmas warehouse in August.

Some purchases are better left until closer to the holidays.

Perishable food

Unless it has a long shelf life, there’s no reason to buy most food gifts months ahead.

Clothing when you’re unsure about the size

If you’re guessing at someone’s size, wait until you’re confident.

An early purchase isn’t a bargain if you can’t return it.

Fast-changing technology

If a new model is expected soon, buying several months early may not make sense.

Items likely to have major Black Friday discounts

Some products routinely receive significant promotions in November.

If you know a particular product usually drops substantially in price during Black Friday, consider waiting and watching the price.

Gifts your recipient might change their mind about

This is particularly important with children and teenagers.

What they desperately want in August might be completely forgotten by December.

12. How to Tell If a Sale Is Actually a Good Deal

One of the biggest mistakes you can make when shopping early is assuming that every sale is a bargain.

Retailers are in the business of selling things. That’s perfectly reasonable.

Your job is to decide whether the price is actually worth paying.

Before buying, try these simple checks.

Compare prices.

Look at more than one retailer. A big red sale sticker doesn’t automatically mean you’re getting the best price.

Check the regular selling price.

An item advertised as 40% off isn’t necessarily a great deal if it was recently selling for the same amount.

Watch prices over time.

If you have your eye on an expensive item, monitor it for a while before deciding.

Look at shipping costs.

A product that’s $10 cheaper isn’t necessarily cheaper if you’re paying $15 more in shipping.

Read the return policy.

This is particularly important when buying Christmas gifts months in advance.

Don’t fall for artificial urgency.

If a website tells you there are only 12 minutes left to get the deal, take a breath.

You don’t have to make a major purchase while a countdown clock is yelling at you.

13. A Simple Early Christmas Shopping Checklist

Not sure what you should actually buy now?

Here’s an easy rule to follow.

Buy early if:

• It’s a popular item that may sell out
• It’s a limited-edition product
• You find it on genuine clearance
• It requires personalization
• It’s made by a small business
• It has a long production or shipping time
• You know exactly what the recipient wants
• You find a price you’re genuinely happy with

Wait if:

• The product is frequently discounted
• You expect a major Black Friday sale
• Technology is changing quickly
• You’re unsure about sizing
• The return window is short
• The recipient’s tastes are likely to change
• You’re buying something perishable

The Bottom Line

You don’t have to start singing Christmas carols in August or put a Christmas tree in the living room while everyone else is still wearing shorts.

Think of early Christmas shopping as more of a slow-and-steady approach.

Check the clearance racks. Watch prices on bigger purchases. Pick up a gift when you find something that is genuinely right for someone. Order personalized items well before the holiday rush. And don’t be afraid to walk away from a “deal” that isn’t actually a deal.

The goal isn’t to have every present wrapped before Labour Day.

It’s to arrive in December with fewer things to buy, less stress and a little more money left in your wallet.

And if you do end up at the mall in December?

I’ll be in that vibrating chair with my Tim Hortons while my wife shops.

Some traditions are worth keeping.