What to buy (and not buy) in October: fall decor, jeans and grills
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Anne of Green Gables said it best: “I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.”
October is when it truly starts to feel like fall: The leaves underfoot are crunchy and golden, it’s just cold enough for a light jacket, and Halloween decorations are adorning every storefront and yard in town.
Of course, October is also a great time to find amazing pre-Black Friday deals. If you want to beat the holiday shopping rush, you can score surprisingly deep discounts on items that are sure to make everyone’s wishlists.
But before we get into the sweet, sweet deals of October, let’s chat about the things you should not buy this month.
If you’re looking to stock up on store gift cards to give as stocking stuffers, wait until the holiday season is officially upon us in December. According to Deal News, “we'll see five times the number of gift card deals compared to October, and almost double what we expect to see around Black Friday.” Also, hold off on investing too much in outerwear — you’ll find better deals on jackets and coats next month. If you can wait even longer, we suggest holding off until January or February to pick up a new puffer or peacoat. Retailers will be trying to make room for spring stock, so coats and other winter gear is going to be significantly cheaper after the new year.
As for what you should be buying? This month, point your wallet toward denim, fall decor and outdoor cooking like grills.
Below, some of the best deals happening right now. Happy shopping!
Fall Decor
Make your space feel more autumnal with Halloween-themed wreaths, pumpkin spice-scented candles, new throw pillows and more. Plaid and seasonal pillows can make your home feel like autumn in just a few minutes — and you won’t put too big a dent in your wallet by adding a few plush throw pillows and blankets (You can find pillows for $12 at Wayfair). On the outside of your house, invest in a beautiful wreath of flowers and leaves. Pine needles can wait until December (this preserved dried hydrangea wreath is 67 percent off right now for just $21)
This year, it’s easier than ever to get into the Halloween spirit—with so many spooky and creative decorations available, from inflatable skeleton dinosaurs to the cutest “boo” doormat to welcome trick-or-treaters. Prices will come down in the lead-up to October 31, so do your shopping as late in the month as possible. Finally, if you’re looking for personalized fall decor, shop around Etsy for fun and funky welcome mats and signs.
Shop it: Hey There Pumpkin Doormat $34 (Was $43), etsy.com
Best retailers for October Decor:
Walmart: Fall decor starting at $3, including breathtaking wreaths, accent pieces for every home, serveware and more.
Target: Save $10 on every $50 spent on Halloween decor and costumes
Wayfair: Up to 70 percent off on Halloween and Christmas decor, including Christmas stockings and $5 ornaments when you buy 5 or more.
Party City: Buy two, get one free any outdoor Halloween decor, plus buy three Halloween props for just $12.
Jeans
Denim is a year-round essential, but there is no better time to add a few pairs to your closet than halfway through the season. The back to school rush is over, so retailers are even marking down new arrivals.
Right now at Nordstrom, Wit & Wisdom jeans are 40 percent off. Reviewers swear they’re the most comfortable jeans they own, and most even admitted to buying multiple pairs.
Additionally, Old Navy is offering half off select men’s jeans and American Eagle is taking 25 percent off denim.
Shop it: Ab-solution High Waist Skinny Jeans, $47 (Was $78), shop.nordstrom.com
Best retailers for discount denim:
Old Navy: Men’s jeans starting at just $15
Shopbop: Designer denim starting at $29
American Eagle: 25 percent off all jeans and joggers
Nordstrom: Denim in every fit and style on sale for up to 60 percent off
Amazon: Pick up a pair of Levi’s skinny jeans starting at just $12
J.C.Penney: Jeans starting at $6, plus get 20 percent off a purchase under $100 through October 9
Walmart: Denim starting at only $5
Outdoor Essentials
Who says you can’t have a cookout in the fall? Now that peak barbecue season is over, outdoor essentials are starting to go on sale. Even if it’s already too cold where you are, you might as well save a bundle and get a head start on next summer!
Simple portable grills start as low as $40 at Walmart — that’s half price! The Royal Gourmet Corp 3 Burner Gas and Charcoal Grill is just also 50 percent off right now, and there’s no assembly required. And last but certainly not least, Walmart is offering crazy deals on outdoor patio must-haves — up to 40 percent off everything from storage benches to weatherproof café string lights.
Shop it: Best Choice Products 18-inch Portable Steel Charcoal Barbecue, $40 (Was $78), walmart.com
Best retailers for outdoor essentials:
Amazon: Pick up anything from fog machines to a portable outdoor pizza oven, all on sale
Home Depot: Shop grills starting at $102
Wayfair: Save on outdoor/indoor area rugs, planters, sectionals and more.
Kohl’s: Patio furniture starting at just $20
Walmart: Patio sets on sale for up to 40 percent off
iPhones
With the announcement of the iPhone 11, earlier generations have seen a steep decrease in price, so now is the perfect time to buy yourself an iPhone on the cheap — just not the latest model. Shop around and be sure to take note of which retailers price-match. You’ll get the best deal at the most convenient locations or online stores.
If you want a more recent device, a renewed 64GB iPhone X is just $590 (usually $685) right now at Amazon.
For a full list of all the best iPhone deals, click here.
Shop it: iPhone 6s, 16GB, $129, amazon.com
Best retailers for iPhone deals:
Amazon: The retailer has iPhone models of every generation, some for more than half off.
Walmart: Pick up an iPhone for as low as $150
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