Every year, there is a rush to shop for the hottest holiday toys from towards the end of November through December. However, if you want the “IT” items for someone on your list, you may have already missed your window by then. With money being tight for some around the holidays, read on to find out when to shop for the hot holiday toys. Also, I have some great reasons why you shouldn’t get caught up in holiday hype.
Avoid the Hype
Typically, the hot toys for the holiday season come out before November, usually by September. Those making their money reselling toys often buy them early, so they have them on hand to sell when supply is low. I am not judging. Sometimes people do what they gotta do for their hustle.
When my older daughter was a baby, there was a Tickle Me Elmo doll that came out that year. It came out early fall and pretty much sold out all over the country by the end of the day. By that evening, several listings went up on E-bay selling for much more than what they were selling for in the stores. Each year, there is some toy like this. People selling on E-bay or other re-sell sites know that as parents we want the holiday season to seem magical. There is that pressure to make sure that our children get everything on their lists.
However…
Remember the hype with Tickle Me Elmo? I know many people who bought them for their children. However, six months later that doll was at the bottom of their toy bins. Why do I mention this? I say this because sometimes these items seem really cool at the time, but the cool factor is short-lived. When shopping for those red hot items, be aware that the hype sometimes is just hype. Sometimes, it just isn’t worth going after the golden goose.
What to Look For and When to Shop
I always start my holiday shopping early. While I admit that part of it has to do with my anxiety, a big part of it is because I want to make sure I can find what I need and get a good price.
Here Are Some of My Best Tips:
- If your child has a favorite show or brand, check out the items now. Some stores that carry toys raise the prices on the hot items the closer you get to Christmas. Even if you find the item, you may pay more for it. Many of these stores offer layaway options, so take advantage of that, especially if you want to stick to a budget.
- Also, take advantage of shopping apps to find the best prices on everything for the holidays! These apps can help you figure out which stores have the lowest price so that you keep more money in your pocket.
- Finally, be sure to check out reviews on products too. That way you know whether or not something is worth buying or will end up in the garbage just after New Year’s.
Final Thoughts
The holiday season can be very stressful. Gift giving should be about love and the joy of giving, not stress. I hope these tips help you while you shop this season. Also, be sure to check out the Holiday Gift Guide for this year. I will be adding to it from now until December, filling it with unique toys and gift ideas for little kids, big kids, and kids at heart! Also, you can find more toy reviews by me and the kidlets over on Instagram!
What advice would you add to shopping for the holidays? I would love to hear it in the comments below!
How About Some Cash to Kick off The Holiday Season?
This month, I am giving one lucky reader a $20 to their PayPal to help them with holiday shopping! Please see all rules and disclaimers. Contest ends at 11:59 pm EST on November 17. Good Luck!
And Don’t Forget to Check out these Giveaways too!
I agree! The earlier start the better! Thanks for the tips 🙂
This so helpful for holiday shopping for people who have kids love this
This is really helpful – thank you for this thoughtful guide!
thanks for hosting this giveaway, love your toy guide
I love your shopping tips! You definitely want to select something you know someone will enjoy for quite awhile vs just limited time unless it is special tickets to an event or outing. I like to save money whenever possible so if I have something in mind for someone I add it to my Amazon wishlist and watch for sales. I always check Rakuten (formerly Ebates) to see if I can earn some cash back on my purchases.
those are great ideas too! I have a habit of putting things in my Amazon cart and waiting for the price to go lower
Good tips for those who have kids to buy for. I usually shop year round when I can find bargains.
Thanks for the contest.
There are so many fun toys for kids. I’m glad my grandkids are still into Legos and cars and dolls.
thanks for the giveaway!
These are great tips. I like to start early as well and search for sales.
Holiday shopping can be stressful, especially as the kids get older.
Good to check out reviews for products you are considering.
I just buy throughout the year when items are on good sales and save for Christmas.
Check out thrift stores for gently used toys.
That is a great idea! This year, we used Mercari for most of my youngest daughter’s gifts because she wanted the Wellie Wisher that she doesn’t have yet and a new Barbie RV. By using Mercari, I was able to get her an almost new RV for less than half of the price they are selling for at the store, got a buyer credit for being a new user, and then used the credit towards a New In Box Wellie Wisher. I saved close to $80 that way!
It is definitely better to shop smart and save money on holiday toys. There is nothing worse than waiting until the last minute and overspending out of panic. I shop throughout the year now.