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December is here! That means it’s time to think about what to stock up on before we ring in 2023. Trust us, stocking up in December is about more than Christmas gifts — it’s about your pantry and freezer too! Stock up on groceries, plus other essentials and goodies to give yourself (and your family) the extra holiday present of a fully supplied kitchen and stockpile to start off the new year.

Be sure to check out the KCL Stock Up List for things to stock up on year-round, and download The Krazy Coupon Lady app so you never miss a deal.

 

1. Stock up on ham for less than $1.50 a pound in December.

A person holding a Cook's ham in front of a store display case of hams.

Just like turkey in November, ham prices are lowest in December. Stock up when you see prices below $1.50 per pound. In 2021 Aldi had their Appleton Farms ham for $0.85 per pound, while Albertsons had a Cook’s ham for $0.88 per pound, beating Meijer by one penny.

 

2. Stock up on Old Fashioned or Quick oatmeal for under $0.10 a serving in December.

A person holding a canister of Quaker Oats Quick Oatmeal in front of a store shelf with other canisters of Quaker Oats Oatmeal.

Stock up on old-fashioned or quick oatmeal for an inexpensive breakfast that’ll warm you up during the cold months.

For instant oatmeal lovers, here’s what we found in 2021:

  • Quaker Instant Oatmeal, 6- to 12-count, $1.99 at Albertsons ($0.33 – $0.16 a serving)

 

3. Fill your pantry with Idahoan instant potatoes for $1 or less.

A person holding a packet of Idahoan instant potatoes in front of a store shelf with other packets of Idahoan instant potatoes.

December’s a month for comfort food, so it’s a great time to fill your pantry with instant mashed potatoes. You won’t have any trouble finding Idahoan potatoes for $1 at Meijer, Kroger, and Albertson stores. If you have a nearby Aldi, check out their Chef’s Cupboard mashed potatoes. Last year they were $0.69, which is the ideal stock-up price.

Prefer casserole-style potatoes? In 2021 we found Betty Crocker Casserole and Crispy Potatoes for only $0.49 last December at Kroger during their Buy 5, Save $1 on Each sale.

 

4. Buy Jif or Skippy peanut butter for under $2.

A person holding a ja of Jif peanut butter in fornt of a store shelf with other jars of Jif peanut butter.

You can grab name-brand peanut butter for under a couple of bucks during December.

  • Jif Peanut Butter 15.5- to 16-ounce, $1.49 at Kroger
  • Skippy Peanut Butter 15- to 16.3-ounce, $1.99 at Albertsons

Meijer went just over the $2 stock up price with their $2.19 price on the 15- to 16.3-ounce jar of Skippy peanut butter last December.

 

5. Stock up on Yankee and Bath & Body Works candles.

December is a great time to stock up on your favorite candles from Yankee and Bath & Body Works. Shop the once-a-year Bath & Body Works Candle Day in December and get $25 regularly priced 3-wick candles for about $10 each. Look for other year-end candle deals like Yankee Candle BOGO 50% off at Walgreens.

Related: Stock up on year-end Christmas deals with these holiday clearance schedules.

 

 

6. Buy Nature Made, Signature Care, and Nature’s Bounty vitamins BOGO free.

A person pouring two vitamins from a bottle into the palm of their hand

Buy Nature Made, Signature Care, and Nature’s Bounty vitamins in December when they’re BOGO free at many retailers, including Meijer, Kroger, Albertsons, and of course, pharmacies CVS and Walgreens. You save money and kick-start the new year on a healthy note. It’s a win-win.

 

7. Stock up on gift cards in December.

A person holding a Chilis gift card while sitting at a table with food and a menu on the table.

You won’t have any trouble finding retailers and restaurants offering discounted gift cards or bonus card promotions all month long. Here are a few current deals:

 

8. Save 50 – 75% on clearance gift-wrapping essentials for the next holiday season.

A person putting Christmas wrapping paper in a shopping cart

Buying gift-wrapping essentials at after-Christmas clearance prices is a no-brainer. You can find prices drop as much as 70% during year-end clearance sales!

Here are a few deals that closed out December 2021:

 

9. Take advantage of toy clearance sales around the holidays.

melissa-and-doug-blues-clues-toys-target-2021

There are tons of toy clearance sales around the holidays. Watch for 50 – 75% off savings on toys in late December, and don’t forget to check drugstores.

Last year we found Melissa & Doug toys 50% off at Target:

 

10. Grab cosmetic and fragrance gift sets for 75% less than the retail value.

A woman looking at makeup and brush sets.

Sephora, Ulta, and Macy’s slash prices on prestige-brand makeup gift sets right after Christmas. In 2021 Macy’s had lipstick sets, variety sets, and more for 75% off their retail value around the holidays. For example, last year you could get these two exclusive deals:

What to Stock Up on in December: Top 10 Things to Buy