What to Buy in January (Best Time to Buy Things!)
The best time to buy things – what better way to start the new year off than with suggestions of how you can save on items you are planning to buy anyway! This monthly series will go through the best buys for each month of the year. The monthly tips are aimed to help you for the rest of the month to know what items are best to purchase during the month of January.
I honestly always buy items at the end of the season. Whether it's Christmas items in January, Halloween decorations in November, or summery merchandise in late August or September, shopping after the season saves money, time and effort.
It's not always after season items that are big savers. There are other items that cycle around and are always on sale during certain times of the year, as well as various services. Here are just a few for the month of January:
Retail Deals
- Air Conditioners
- Christmas Items
- Exercise Equipment
- Electronics
- Furniture
- Heaters
- Linens
- Organizational Products
- Outdoor Vehicles
Boats, Bikes, Motorcycles - Tax Software
- Toys
- Video Games
- Winter Clothing
The Consumer Electronics Show is held every January. Retailers are trying to get rid of the current electronics so they can make room for what's to come.
Grocery Deals
- Cold & Flu Products
- Oatmeal
- Pepsi/Frito-Lay Products
- Weight Loss Products
January is National Oatmeal Month. Yes, even the high-fiber wonder food has its own month to be celebrated. And, with the Super Bowl near the end of the month, snack manufacturers like Pepsi and Frito-Lay are prepared to offer you deals to fill your belly as you watch the games. Watch for a good rewards deal at the drugstore to score these cheap.
Kroger and affiliate stores will run the the twice a year P&G Promotion during January. This is typically purchase 4 participating items and receive an instant discount of $4. This is always a great promotion to take advantage of to stock up!
In-Season Produce
- Avocados
- Beets
- Broccoli
- Brussel Sprouts
- Cabbage
- Carrots
- Cauliflower
- Celery
- Clementines
- Garlic
- Grapefruit
- Grapes
- Kale
- Kiwi
- Leeks
- Lemons
- Onions
- Oranges
- Pears
- Potatoes
- Sweet Potatoes
- Tangerines
- Winter Squash
Some states may have more availability and lower prices on the produce that is in season. It's all dependent on where it's coming from since shipping adds a cost to anything being shipped from a different state or country. Be sure to check out some of my favorite food blogs to find recipes that will go with what's in season!
Don't forget to purchase produce and flash freeze. This helps to have produce throughout the year without paying full price.
Miscellaneous Buys or Services
- Carpet and Flooring
- Home Remodeling Services
- Thrift Store Shopping
Being after Christmas (and colder weather in certain regions), not a lot of people are working on home remodel projects. So contractors are out of work and looking to strike a deal. We got an awesome deal from a painter one year during winter.
Also, given the fact that a lot of people are giving away items for the tax write-off and de-cluttering with the new year, January is the month to find great deals, and a better selection, at the thrift stores.
After Christmas Sales
Target always has their marked off from 30-75%. It's a great time to fill up the birthday closet. Many other retailers will have their Christmas items marked down by 50% or more! I'll be grabbing several things this year so I'm not paying full-price next year!
These suggestions come from my own personal observations and my very own purchases of goods and services. I'm sure you have a few others. Please leave a comment with your additions!
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I have found berries to be a good buy lately and just bought sheets at Target for 70% off plus (verifies your linens observation above). Plus LOVE to buy the 70 to 90% off toys and save them for bday parties.
Toys or items that were released in conjunction with summer movies also seem to be discounted now – ex: Transformers legos were recently a great buy with coupons and sales.
I also find January to be a good month to take a look at recurring bills such as cell phone service, internet provider, car insurance, health insurance etc. and reevaluate if they are still the best choice.
I really like this feature. Thanks so much for the info!
Thanks for the produce list too. Never see that!
This is a great site and ideas!