The coupon gods definitely need a loud wake-up call this year! Between shrinking discounts, disappearing stackable codes, and percentage off coupon codes, 2025 coupons have been straight disgraceful. But it’s not over yet! We’re about to enter peak shopping season. For 2026, I’m manifesting better discounts again, stackable promo codes to make a comeback, cashback that actually is cash back, FREE shipping on more offers that doesn’t require selling a kidney, and, MOST OF ALL, coupons that spark joy like the 90’s again! The sale season is officially open, and may your carts stay full but your totals stay LOW! Let the shopping begin!

Plan some shopping strategies before life gets too hectic. Green Monday 12-08) is a huge day for online sales that falls on the second Monday of December. If you aren’t burned out after all the Black Friday (11-28),and Cyber Monday (12-01) events, you can take advantage of this big shopping occasion.  You should find discounts ranging from 20% to 60% off or even more. Expect categories on sale to include Electronics, Home Improvement, and Clothing, among others. While shopping online remember FREE Shipping Day is Sunday, December 14.

Busy cooks and new cooks alike deserve great cookware. Quality pots, pans, and essential utensils make every meal easier and more enjoyable, so now is the perfect moment to upgrade without overspending. Holiday baking selections are the best you’ll see all year, with expanded choices and steep seasonal discounts on bakeware, mixers, pans, and specialty tools. Coffee lovers save too.
Coffeemakers and other kitchen electrical appliances often hit their lowest prices right now, including those hard-to-find utensils and unique gadgets that are usually sold out.

December is a surprisingly great month for electronics shopping! Deals are strong, inventory is refreshed, and prices often rival, or even beat, Black Friday on popular tech. Shop for TVs (especially larger smart and OLED models), Headphones and Earbuds, Smartwatches and Fitness Trackers, Smart Speakers, Tablets, Computers, Laptops, and accessories.

Skip Gym memberships this month. January is the best time for that as well as Workout Equipment, Bedding, TVs, and Winter Clothing.

Those unusual small tools that make great stocking-stuffers you can find an abundance at Home Centers. Many of these are one of kind varieties only available at this time of the year. Also, look for savings on traditional tool kits.

December is typically slow for car dealers so buying a new or used car can be a wonderful gift for yourself or another! You may get a bargain because dealers are inclined to give you a deal so they can make their end-of-year quota.

If gift cards are on your list, check store sales circulars for any deals such as money off a next shopping trip, a discount on your card purchase, or for bank cards that have waived the handling fee. These add up to savings you can use on other gifts. Plus e-gift cards have deals at certain stores so don’t forget to look for some. Don’t forget supermarkets are a source for gift card savings.

Hold onto every receipt! During the holidays, prices move fast. If an item you purchased gets marked down or another store offers it at a lower price, you may be eligible for a price adjustment or refund of the difference. Remember, keep all receipts and digital order confirmations, check price-adjustment policies for each store, be prepared to show proof of the lower price (ad, screenshot, or store listing), pay attention to the time limit for adjustments or returns, and always follow the store’s rules and requirements. Adjustments aren’t automatic, they must be requested, and each retailer has different deadlines and terms.

December is typically a slow month in real estate. Everyone has too much else on their minds. Sellers get anxious to move so you may get a great deal.

Help your favorite local restaurants! Many are struggling with price increases and less help. Check your  favorite to see if they offer incentives if you buy gift certificates. Or else, give a gift from them that will help them end the year in the black so they will still be in business next year! Please help small businesses.

In the supermarket, in addition to egg nog, try to find coupons that you can combine with sales on butter, cheese, ham, baking supplies, pie crusts, instant mashed potatoes, canned foods, gravy mixes, Jell-O, marshmallows, frozen pies, dairy dinner rolls, cake mixes and frostings, brownie mixes, whipping cream, spices, nuts, dried fruit, soup, and oatmeal. In the produce aisle save on pears, bok choy, broccoli, Brussel sprouts, carrots, cauliflower, celery, grapefruit, avocados, kale, kiwi, lemons, oranges, sweet potatoes, cabbage, squash, spinach, rutabaga, and turnips. Don’t forget to look for digital coupon from specific product sites, supermarket websites, and Coupons.com. This is the time of the year every savings counts!

Lastly, after Christmas, shop the after holiday sales! You’ll find bargain prices on décor, party goods, lights, greeting cards, wrapping paper and tags, tree trimmings, and MORE! You’ll be ready for next year!! Remember solid color paper goods can be used all year long!

Merry Christmas to ALL!!