The holiday season can be stressful: The cooking, the decorating, the planning, and of course, the shopping. Who wants to spend hours going from store to store to find the perfect gift or order online to find that shipping will put delivery into the new year?
That’s why now is the perfect time to shop before the rush is on and the holidays are in full effect. Plus, there’s some great purchases you can make to save a little extra, too.
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Joanna Clark-Simpson, head of consumer research at PissedConsumer, shared that her company conducted a 2025 online survey of 1,058 consumers which showed 30% are planning to spend $500 to $999 (versus 31.2% in 2024) and 25% planning to spend over $1,000 (versus 30.3% in 2024).
Here are four gifts smart shoppers grab now ahead of the holidays.
Clothing and Footwear
According to Clark-Simpson’s data, 70.4% of shoppers are planning to purchase clothing items, so “buying them now means avoiding the overcrowded stores and inflated prices that are often associated with Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales.”
As this is the most popular gift category among shoppers, Clark-Simpson noted that buying clothing ahead ensures shoppers get the best selection without worrying about stock shortages.
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Electronics and Tech
Shoppers should grab high-demand tech accessories — such as wireless earbuds or smart-home hubs –before mid-November, since retailers quietly raise prices once Black Friday previews begin, according to Albert Varkki, a retail and shopping expert who co-founded Von Baer.
“Core winter gear, such as heated blankets and space heaters, for about $40 [to] $90, sells out early as temperatures drop,” Varkki went on to say.
Gift Certificates
Clark-Simpson highlighted that 42.1% of shoppers in her survey are opting for gift certificates and that “[t]his option is wise, as it allows people to give their gifts in advance.”
The recipient can then use the gift certificate at their convenience, Clark-Simpson pointed out, ensuring they can take advantage of the best prices and avoid potential shortages before the holiday rush.
Toys and Games
Based on Clark-Simpson’s research, 36.5% of shoppers plan to buy toys and games, and purchasing them now provides an advantage over the holiday rush.
“Toys and games are always in high demand, so buying them early ensures better selection and availability,” Clark-Simpson explained. “This way, you can avoid the stress of last-minute shopping when the best items may be sold out.”
Additionally, board games and Lego kits usually hold steady in price through early November, but Varkki reported noticing a jump in price by as much as 20% once toy promotions are up and inventory runs low.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Gifts Smart Shoppers Grab Now Ahead of the Holidays
