What to Buy When: November

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In November, you’re planning for the holidays. It’s time to stock up on foods, purchase toys, clothing and gift items, and take the plunge on some big ticket purchases you’ve been wanting. Retailers know that and are happy to oblige with some of the best prices you will see all year.

What is a Sales Cycle?

The rotation of featured sale prices is called a sales cycle, and it’s important to know about because it will save you money. Three to four times a year, nearly every grocery item will go on sale at its rock-bottom price. Saving the most money means that you will make your purchases when that item is at its lowest price, and you will buy enough of that item to last you until the next time it goes on sale at its lowest price. For example, when I find toothpaste on sale for $1, I usually have a coupon to pair with that sale, making it free. I will stock up on toothpaste so that I have enough to last my family until the next time it goes on sale (in about three months).

What is on sale in November?

There are certain items, however, that only go on sale in November. These sales won’t cycle around again until next November. It’s important to plan your budget so that your purchasing dollars are ready to stock up on these items—buying enough to last you over the next twelve months. Here are the items you’ll see smiling and winking at you this month:

At the Grocery

Baking items, turkeys, and seasonal foods like cranberry sauce and canned pumpkin will be on sale this month. Remember: Strategic couponing means you stack great coupons with sale prices to get the most out of your grocery budget. (We do all the work for you here at Faithful Provisions, so be sure to keep an eye on our weekly store deals and coupon matchups. Sign up for my daily newsletter so you don’t miss anything!) Be watching for sales on:

• Cookies and crackers
• Candy — All seasonal candy from October holidays goes on sale November 1.
• Candy making items: chocolate chips, sprinkles, vanilla, corn syrup, nuts, evaporated milk
• Baking items: Baking powder, baking soda, cornmeal, flour, white sugar, brown sugar, powdered sugar, Bisquick, cake/brownie/cookie mixes, canned frostings, peanut butter (for Peanut Butter Pie!)
• Holiday foods: gravy, gravy mixes, seasoning packets, broth, Stove Top Stuffing, cornbread mixes, canned dried onions, canned pumpkin (Be sure to check out my Pumpkin Recipes.)
• Turkeys — You will see markdowns and great prices for turkeys all month long. The best prices will be the week before Thanksgiving. Stock up! (See Tips on Your Thanksgiving Turkey.)

November In-Season Produce

• Apples
• Broccoli
• Brussel Sprouts
• Cabbage
• Chinese Cabbage
• Cauliflower
• Celery Root
• Chicory
• Cranberries
• Cucumbers
• Dates
• Fennel Grapes
• Greens
• Head or Iceberg Lettuce
• Leaf Lettuce
• Mushrooms
• Nuts
• Okra

*Print out my full listing on my Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables Chart. (Post it as a reference on your refrigerator.)

National Sales Events

November is a month with lots of National Events going on. Be sure you keep your eyes open for sales that are promoting:

• Sadie Hawkins Day
• Election Day
• Veteran’s Day
• Great American Smokeout – 11/20
• Thanksgiving
• Black Friday
• American Diabetes Month
• Lung Cancer Awareness Month –Sales on Smoking Cessation products
• National American Indian Heritage Month
• Peanut Butter Month

Clearance Items

According to Deal News, look for the best prices on these retail items in November:

• Cookware: cookware and cutlery sets, bakeware, turkey fryers
• Flatware
• Home furnishings
• Blu-Ray Movies –This is the best time to stock up on movies for Christmas gifts, stocking stuffers, and for birthday gifts for next year.
• HDTV — Even before Black Friday, you’ll find great prices on these sets.
• Laptops — Deal News predicts that 15″ to 16″ laptops with an Intel Core i5 processor and 4GB of RAM will start at $325, the lowest price of the year.
• Android tablets

What about Clothes and Toys?

Look for coupons to pair with store sales for winter clothing items. There will be tons of great sales so you can purchase things for Christmas gift-giving, but remember, your lowest prices on winter apparel will come around in January. As for toys, take advantage of Black Friday shopping, both in-store and online. Keep in mind that, although selection may dwindle, you’ll find the best toy deals during the two weeks before Christmas.

You might also like

• How to Save Money for Christmas
• How to Save When Holiday Entertaining
• Apple Butter Recipe and Gift Ideas

Do you have any tips or sales you look forward to in November? Share them in the comments below.