Best Deals in December 2021 (and What to Avoid!)

posted in: Holidays, Monthly Deals

Happy December! Hopefully, you scored some great deals over Black Friday and Cyber Monday, but the deals don’t end there! The holiday shopping season continues with discounts on items like toys, cold-weather apparel, and gift sets – especially those that are holiday-themed merchandise. I’ve unearthed a lot of deals already, but expect an uptick in promotional activity around Green Monday on December 13, Free Shipping Day on December 14, and Super Saturday on December 18.  

Holiday-Themed Items and Gift Sets

If you are still in need of some holiday cheer around the house or you’re looking for promotional pricing on holiday-themed gifts, you’re in luck! Smart shopping hint: If you’re buying decor or gift wrapping supplies, try to buy things that you can use throughout the year, like red paper goods for Valentine’s Day, or metallic items, which can be used for almost any holiday.    

The A Method® by Tina Alster M.D. 24K Gold Anti-Aging Holiday Kit: This kit delivers a powerful anti-aging trio of products formulated with pure 24K Gold and Snail Growth Factor. The set includes a 24K Gold + Growth Factor Serum, 24K Ultimate Eyelash & Eyebrow Growth Accelerator Serum, and two 24K Gold + Collagen Facial Masks.From December 20-27 with code HAPPYHOLIDAYS, save 30 percent off the $150 original price, which is already a value of $325. 

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Belle Glos Holiday 3 Pack: Celebrate the holidays this year with this limited-edition holiday wine pack, complete with the classic Belle Glos hand-dipped wax seal in holiday colors. The set includes the critically-acclaimed Belle Glos 2020 Clark & Telephone, Belle Glos 2020 Las Alturas, and Belle Glos 2020 Dairyman. Through December 31, get the set for $140 (originally $175), at QuiltandCo.com. 

BUY NOW

Billy Jealousy Short Beard Bundle: This bundle contains what you need to nourish your beard during the early growth stages. The set includes Scruff Scrub to remove the dead skin cells trapped underneath stubble to ensure healthy, even growth, and the Scruff Spray and Beard Balm prevent itch, flakes, and ingrown hairs. Through December 31, save 23 percent off $64.  

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Bloomscape: This Detroit-based modern garden center delivers a large variety of quality houseplants directly from the greenhouse to peoples’ homes and provides ongoing tips and advice needed to help the plants thrive (prices are originally $50 and up).  Through December 11, they are offering the following sales: 

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Bold Palate Foods:  These bold tasting dressings and sauces are ideal for the home cook who loves to experiment. The Variety 4-Pack contains 12 oz bottles of The Beet Goes On, Apple Spice Vinaigrette, Hint of Harissa, and No Cows on this Ranch, which can all be used as dressings, sauces, dips, or marinades. Bold Palate products are free of animal products, added sugar, nuts, and wheat. Through December 24, save 25 percent off $39.98 with code HOLIDAYSALE.

BUY NOW

Chalk of the Town Holiday T-Shirt Kits: These machine-washable holiday-themed shirts have a chalkboard panel that is erasable and reusable so you can create a new design every day throughout the holiday season (originally $25.95). From December 7-13, save 25 percent off Snowman T-Shirt Kits, Christmas Tree T-Shirt Kits, and Nutcracker Stencils.

BUY NOW

CouponFollow*: This real-time search engine has three great discounts, perfect for holiday gifting:

  • 20 percent off TipsyElves, which is great for ugly Christmas sweaters and slippers. 
  • Save 25 percent off your first Bloomsybox order with code HOLIDAY25 which is a floral delivery service that I recently featured on Today Show. Their holiday bouquets are stunning!  
  • Save $10 off orders of $59+ at Edible Arrangements with code FOLLOW10. 
BUY NOW

Dr. Tusk: This new line of plant-based skin and body care products contains ingredients like hemp, caffeine, and aloe, along with other easily recognized ingredients that support local farmers. Through December 31 at Whole Foods, save 15% off. 5 percent of proceeds are also donated to charities that benefit elephants.  

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Eat 2 Explore Gift-a-Continent: Give the gift of culinary exploration with these continent bundles that include the essential ingredients and tools that your little foodies need to embark on new adventures in the kitchen. Each bundle features five countries from their continent group (i.e. Asia, Europe, the Middle East/Africa, and the Americas). Through December 31, get the bundle of five for $129.95, a $35 savings.   

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Eat Me Guilt Free Holiday Cheer Brownies: These limited edition healthy-eating holiday brownies have white chocolate chips and are coated in green and red sprinkles. From December 17-19, Buy One Get One Free (originally $38 for a 12-pack). Through December 12, the brand is also doing 12 Days of Gifting in December promotions and partner giveaways on its Instagram and in its newsletter.

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Get Mr. Holiday Bundle: This set includes the brand’s hero product The Daily, an all-in-one moisturizer, aftershave, and sunscreen, along with The Balm, an SPF30 moisturizing lip balm, a facial mister, and a chic toiletry bag. Through December 25, get the set for $90, a $10 savings. 

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Greendigs Norfolk Island Pine Plant:  This potted Norfolk Island Pine is a mini indoor evergreen that can double as a tabletop Christmas tree. It helps create a woodsy vibe with fluffy boughs, bright-green needles, and best of all, no shedding ($55 and up, depending on pot style). From December 8-15, save 20 percent off this and all plants with code MERRY20.  The company suggests ordering by December 15 for on-time Christmas delivery.  

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Hawthorne: This upscale grooming brand has a quiz that helps you select products tailored to your personal care needs, including colognes, skincare, haircare, body care, and candles (bundles begin at $36). The brand is offering the following promotions:

  • From December 7-10, save 20 percent off gift trios.
  • From December 12-14, save 15 percent off the Sandalwood Cologne Set
  • From December 14-16, receive a $20 gift card plus free shipping with any order. 
BUY NOW

Holiday Haul Box: These themed subscription boxes (originally $79.95 and up) are great for the folks on your list who love to have their homes filled with seasonal decorations, all year round. Holidays include Christmas, Hanukkah, Easter, Passover, and more. Through December 31, save 25 percent off with code HOLIDAY25.   

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InstaNatural Radiant Skin Essentials Bundle: This set includes the brand’s Vitamin C Cleanser, Toner, Serum, and Moisturizer that work together to prevent future signs of aging using nutrient-rich ingredients such as Ferulic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Sea Buckthorn Oil, and Niacinamide. While supplies last, get the set for $40, a $42 savings. 

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Java Love Coffee Roasters: This women-owned NJ-based company roasts “Coffee with Integrity,” with organic, fair trade, naturally farmed, and Rainforest Alliance coffee beans in small batches. The company has its own line of organic teas as well. Through the holidays, the brand is offering sales on two gift items:

  •  Tea Lovers Holiday Gift Set: A ceramic 15oz tea mug with removable tea infuser and lid paired with your choice of organic loose leaf tea and a bag of mini biscotti in a signature burlap bag. Sale price: $39.95 (regularly $63.95).
  • Cup of Love Gift Set. This set includes dark chocolate espresso beans, mini biscotti, a bag of the brand’s popular seasonal Winter’s Day Blend, and a ceramic cup with an image portraying love and equality, all wrapped in a burlap sack. Sale price: $43.95 (regularly $63.95).
BUY NOW

Kay Jewelers: Through December 31, save 25-50 percent off sitewide, including the exclusive Nightmare Before Christmas collection, and snowflake earrings and necklaces.  Prices begin at $30 before the discount.  

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Kuli Kuli Foods Holiday Gift Bundles:  Stay healthy this holiday season with Kuli Kuli’s delicious superfood snacks and powders (original prices $18.99 and up). The new Dark Chocolate Peppermint SuperBark is a tasty treat for you or a health-minded loved one, and gift sets include Caffeine-Free Mornings and Smoothie Makers Dream. Through December 31, save 30 percent off sitewide with code HEALTHYHOLIDAY. 

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Neom Organics Christmas Wish Pod Luxe Starter Pack: This wellness company creates rituals that target four key life pillars; sleep, stress, energy, and mood. This set includes the Neom diffuser and a super-size Christmas Wish Essential Oil Blend that will fill your home with a soothing and festive fragrance. Through December 26, get the set for $130, a $34 savings. 

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Rocksbox: This membership service allows users to rent and swap out three designer jewelry pieces as often as they would like. Pieces can also be purchased at a discounted price. Through December 25 with the code BIGGIFT, save $10 off already-discounted Rocksbox gift memberships (currently $49 and up for 3-months).

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Sea to Summit X-Set 11: This set, which includes a collapsible, silicone X-Kettle and two collapsible X-Mugs, is perfect for two people to enjoy their morning tea or coffee at the campsite. Through December 16, save 30 percent off $59.95.  

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Spongelle: This brand known for its soap–infused, buffing sponges is offering 25 percent off sitewide from December 6-15, including these two gift sets:

  • Dreaming of Snow Holiday Star Gift Set: Packaged as holiday ornaments, this skin-softening body buffer gift set comes with two festive fragrances: Snow Flower and Jasmine Snow (originally $22). 
  • Wish Upon a Star Holiday Star Gift Set: Packaged as holiday ornaments, this gift set comes with two scented, exfoliating body buffers, in Lychee Ice and Vanilla Bloom  (originally $22).

Use code HOLIDAYCHEER to receive the discount, and receive a free Hand Sanitizer with any $50+ purchase.  

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​​think! Chocolate Peppermint Protein+ 150 Calorie Bar:  This protein bar has a balance of protein and fiber with 10 grams of protein and 5g of sugar, and is flavored with sweet peppermint and rich chocolate, perfect for healthy holiday snacking. From December 20-23, save 20 percent off, and from December 27-January 2, save 15 percent off orders $59+. A 10-pack of bars is originally $15.99.

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Truffoire Body Care Collection: This luxurious body care collection contains a body cream, body butter, and salt scrub that work together to leave skin feeling fresh and hydrated. The research-backed formulas contain Truffles, a powerful anti-aging ingredient.  Through January 1, get the set for $97.52 with code HOLIDAYS (original price $184).  

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Vasanti Cosmetics Ageless Beauty Ritual Kit: This ready-to-gift skincare ritual set will help to correct existing signs of aging and prevent further aging. The set (originally $48) includes a Rose Quartz Roller & Gua Sha Tool along with the brand’s Age Is Only a Number, Brighten Up! Glow Boosting Serum and Rose Water Pomegranate Toner & Refreshing Spray. On December 16, save 30 percent off with code DAY9 and on December 19, save 25 percent off with code DAY12. 

BUY NOW

Velour Beauty Holiday Minis Set: This luxury eye-centric cosmetics company is known for its innovative and high-quality products. While supplies last, get the Holiday Minis set, which includes the Mini Me Effortless Lash, Mini White Lash Adhesive, Mini Lash Applicator, Mini Pretty Big Deal Mascara, Mini Lash Clean, and a 4-pack of Reuse Me Cotton Pads (4 pk), for $40 (a $74 value). 

BUY NOW

Zales:  Zales Jewelers offers a wide range of earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and rings for the bold statement maker, including the exclusive Disney Frozen Collection. Through December 31, save 25-50 percent off sitewide. Prices begin at $50 before the sale.  

BUY NOW

Winter Apparel Outerwear

Many retailers will be offering deep discounts on outerwear and winter apparel as they clear space for the next season. As winter progresses, discounts will deepen. 

Allen Edmonds: This men’s footwear brand is offering up to 40 percent off through December 31, including the waterproof Freeport Weather Lug Boot (originally $445, now $311)

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and the comfy Edison Suede Venetian Slipper (originally $195, now $117).

BUY NOW

Anne Taylor: This women’s apparel brand is offering the following sales from December 6-9:

  • Belted Funnel Neck Coat: This versatile coat features a funnel neck with hidden snaps, long sleeves, double-breasted hidden snap closure, and a self-tie belt. Available in Powder Purple and Deep Papaya. On sale for $100 (originally $248). 
BUY NOW
  • Textured Double Breasted Coat: This best-selling lined coat features a notched collar, long sleeves, and front angled welt pockets. Available in Rich Ultraviolet and Black. On sale for $100 (originally $248).
BUY NOW

Bernardo Fashions: This women’s apparel company designs sustainable, stylish outerwear at an affordable price point for modern women on the go. Through December 17 with code HOLIDAY10, save an additional $10 on select styles that are already on sale for $99, including the Washington Square Hooded Puffer Jacket, the Zip Around Sleek Puffer Jacket, and the Neo Active Scuba Jacket. To note, the brand suggests ordering by December 13 for on-time delivery for Christmas.  

BUY NOW

Carter’s: This baby and children’s apparel brand is offering 50-60 percent off items $5 and up through December 16 during their Stocking Up Sale. From December 17-24 during the Countdown to Christmas sale, save 50-60 percent off the entire store and site. 

BUY NOW

Cotonly: Until December 23, this sustainable, low-waste line of kids’ clothes, including warm fleece tights and sweatshirts (originally $20 and up), is offering 20 percent off sitewide with code HAPPY20.  

BUY NOW

Felina: Designed to inspire femininity and confidence in every woman, Felina carries everything from ultra-soft leggings and loungewear to stylish intimate apparel.  The brand is offering over 65 percent off select pj’s, including their adorable Micro Fleece Pajama Set, which is available in 7 patterns (originally $65, now $24.95), and the super soft and cozy Ultra Luxe Velour Lounge Set, which is available in 3 colors (originally $96, now $33.95).  Valid through December 31. 

BUY NOW

LOFT: This women’s apparel brand is offering the following sales:

  • Holiday Dog Pajamas: These fun pj’s feature a short sleeve top and elastic waist bottoms in tango red with a dog-themed holiday print (originally $34.50 and up per piece). From December 6-10, save 50 percent off PJ sets.     
BUY NOW BUY NOW

OshKosh B’gosh: This high-quality stylish kid’s apparel brand is offering 50-60 percent off items $5 and up through December 16 during their Stocking Up Sale. From December 17-24 during the Countdown to Christmas sale, save 50-60 percent off the entire store and site. 

BUY NOW

Vintage Foundry Co: These high-quality and comfortable shoes and boots feature vintage design elements with a modern esthetic, and are made of 100 percent Premium Leather Material (originally $99 and up). Through December 31, save 30 percent off and get free 2day shipping with code HOLIDEALS.   

BUY NOW

X Suit: Billed as the ‘World’s Most Comfortable Suit’ with 8-way stretch ‘Infinite Flex Fabric,’ the X Suit is as flexible as athleisure, and it’s machine washable. Proprietary nanotechnology adds resistance to wrinkles, stains, and odors making it ideal for business travel. Through December 31, get the X Suit for $345 (originally $495).  

BUY NOW

Toys & Games 

Contrary to popular belief, Black Friday and Cyber Monday are not the only time to get the best deals on toys, in fact, I’ve found that discounts in December are often deeper. You will see deal activity throughout the month, with a crush of deals earlier in the month and then heating up again as Super Saturday (Dec. 18) approaches. Target has been known to host a massive toy sale the week before Christmas. 

A Little Off Topic: This fun board game encourages children to be creative while stirring up some truly silly conversations. The game helps younger kids practice their spelling and improve reasoning & critical thinking. Through December 31 on Amazon, save 47 percent off $29.99.

BUY NOW

CMY Cubes:  These magical cubes create an ever-changing spectrum of color, providing endless entertainment. Each face of the translucent cube is coated in electromagnetically subtractive materials which appear as cyan, magenta, or yellow, and twisting and turning reveal new color combinations. Through December 31, save 20 percent off $19.95. 

BUY NOW

Creative Beast: This brand makes lifelike dinosaur action figures with intricate details and vivid colors. They’re the perfect collectible gift for action figure aficionados, science lovers, and Jurassic Park/World fans. The brand is having the following sales through December 31:

  • Raptor Series 2nd Release bundle: This bundle of 4 Deluxe Raptor dinosaur action figures that are 12″ long x 5″ tall with 26 points of articulation. Each package also includes bases, multiple posing rods and attachments, interchangeable closed running toes, collectible trading cards, and instruction sheets. Save $20 off $179.96.
  • 1/18th Adult Triceratops Action Figure: This fan-favorite measures 18″ long and features 20 points of articulation. Save $10 off $130.  
BUY NOW

CVS: This national pharmacy chain is offering discounts on a number of fun toys for the kids, including: 

BUY NOW
  • Play Doh Rising Cake Oven Playset (originally $24.99) – This set includes a play oven with 2 attachments, sprinkle maker mixing bowl, decorating tool, spoon, spatula, plate, and 5 cans of Play-Doh.
BUY NOW BUY NOW
  • Cry Babies Goodnight Starry Jenna (originally $24.99) This 12” baby doll cries LED light-up tears when you remove her pacifier. She also makes 8 realistic baby sounds and plays up to 10 minutes of five soothing lullabies.
BUY NOW

From December 5-11, save 20 percent off orders $60+ on CVS.com with code SAVE20. 

From December 12-18, save $20 off orders $80+ on CVS.com with code SAVE20. 

From December 19-25, save $15 off orders $75+ on CVS.com with code SAVE15.  

Good Banana: The 4-piece Loud Mouth plush collection of voice-changing, furry friends that talk back to you is on sale for just $59 Through December 24 with code LOUD21 (a savings of $40.)

BUY NOW

IAmElemental: This brand of fierce female action figures for kids is having a sale on its award-winning figures, books, and accessories (skateboards are excluded). Through December 12, save 25 percent off. Prices begin at $25.

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The Kindness Elves Christmas Kindness Family Pack:  This kind and gentle alternative to Elf On The Shelf includes whimsical elf dolls that inspire kids to do good deeds and show kindness by way of little notes, like “Give your sister a big hug today” or “Share your new toys with your friends.” The set includes The Kindness Elves House, 2 Kindness Elves, an illustrated storybook, 8 sheets of stickers, mini postcards, and a bottle of Magic Sprinkles. Through December 15, save 20 percent off $79.  

BUY NOW

Mint Mobile*: If a kid on your list is clamoring for a phone, it’s a perfect time to make your move. Mint Mobile, which was just voted the #1 wireless carrier in 2021 by USNews, has a fantastic promotion where you can get a Samsung Galaxy A12 or OnePlus 100 phone, plus a year of service for as low as $15 per month. If iPhone is more their speed, they can get an iPhone SE plus a year of service for as low as $25 per month. And if they already have a phone, you can buy them three months of service with any Mint Mobile plan and get three months free!   

BUY NOW

Ollie’s Bargain Outlet: This closeout merchandise and excess inventory retailer with 430 locations across the US is offering up to 70 percent off toys and other merchandise (in-store only) through December 24. Popular toy brands include Hot Wheels, VTech, Crayola, and LeapFrog. In addition, on December 12, Ollie’s will be hosting an exclusive in-store event for its customer rewards members called “Ollie’s Army,” where consumers will receive 25 percent off toys and holiday items, and 15 percent off everything else in the store.

BUY NOW

Osmo:  This award-winning STEAM learning system for kids 6-10 years combines hands-on learning and digital gameplay to make exploring concepts fun while helping your child become more confident and creative.  The brand will be offering up to 60 percent off at PlayOsmo.com from December 10-17, and on December 13, get 45 percent off of their popular Genius Starter Kit (originally $99) on Amazon.  

BUY NOW

PLAYMOBIL: This award-winning toy brand helps kids explore the far reaches of their imaginations through diverse playset themes. Starting December 6, the Playmobil webshop will be doing a 12 Days of Daily Deals where select items will be up to 30 percent off, including the Volkswagen T1 Camper Bus, Stunt Show Shark Bull Monster Truck, and Dino Rock.

BUY NOW

PlayShifu: These toys combine physical and digital learning by translating what kids are doing in the physical world through the power of technology, like AR and interactive touch ($49.99 and up). Kids will be able to develop 20 key skills while engaging with mindful screen time. Through December 31, save 15 percent on orders $49+ and 30 percent on orders $65+.  

BUY NOW

QB54:  This football toss game is built into two camping chairs, making it a fun outdoor game that plays like cornhole but with a football! Through December 26, save $100 when you buy two sets (originally $139.99 each).   

BUY NOW

Skip Hop: This trusted resource for toys and accessories for babies and toddlers is offering up to 20 percent off select items from December 5-16.

BUY NOW

What Not to Buy in December

Fitness and Wellness: Gym memberships, workout DVDs, fitness equipment, and workout apparel are all more favorably priced in January. This year, we saw deals from sports retailers and gyms, including Dick’s, 24-Hour Fitness, and Footlocker. 

Linens: Since the late 1800s, January has been the month of “white sales”, when all manner of linens go on sale. Many stores, like West Elm, Pottery Barn Kids, and JCPenney, slash prices on sheets and bedding to make way for new spring merchandise.

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*I have a financial relationship with CouponFollow and Mint Mobile.

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Smart Shopping Expert

Trae Bodge is an accomplished lifestyle journalist and TV commentator who has specialized in smart shopping, personal finance, and retail for more than a decade. She has appeared on TV over 1,000 times; including Today Show, GMA3, NBC Nightly News, Inside Edition, and network affiliates nationwide. She has been named a Top Voice in Retail by LinkedIn, and her expert commentary has appeared in Forbes, USNews.com, Kiplinger, Yahoo Finance, and numerous others.

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