The 5 Worst Christmas Gifts
2 Retailers know that people love to buy holiday gifts, and they definitely use our giving holiday spirits to their advantage. Unfortunately, the months of November and December are not always the best time to buy those big ticket tech items. Here are five things you should steer clear of this holiday:
Televisions
New television models start hitting shelves in March, which makes February the ideal month to give someone the gift of HDTV. The very best deals are right on the tails of the Super Bowl – We’re talking a few hundred dollars here! So instead of buying your honey that fancy new flat screen this Christmas, why not go with a small gift, and agree to save the extra money for a later purchase? You’ll save money AND have something to look forward to in a few months!
Tools
Tools are the go-to gift for Dad’s and Grandpa’s who already seem to have everything they need. Men love to fix and tinker with things, so a new tool set seems like a fun and practical gift to give. But hold on! Prices on tools typically slash by 25% in June, so I would consider waiting a few months for another special holiday (Father’s Day gift, anyone?). The men in your life will be proud you took their penny-pinching advice and held off.
Cameras
From simple point-and-shoots to higher end DSLR’s, cameras are one of the most popular holiday gifts to give. Families are especially picture happy during this time of year. Of course if would be nice to give your spouse a brand new camera to snap candids of the kiddies, but you may want to consider purchasing a new camera in February. Like televisions, the best electronic trade shows happen in January and February, where all of the new models are released. By the later weeks in February, older models can be purchased at discounts of 30% or more! Presidents’ Day weekend is an especially good time to shop the sales.
Cars
Sure, we all dream of the big red bow on top of a brand new car on Christmas morning, but New Year’s Eve is actually the best time to purchase a new vehicle. Forget the notion of a car in the driveway on Christmas morning. TrueCar, which collects automobile data, estimates prices on all vehicles nationwide will average 9.3% below sticker price on December 31 — the steepest discount of the month! (Yahoo!).
Gym Memberships
Are you one of the millions making a 2012 New Year’s resolution to lose weight? Gyms and health clubs love to draw the eager masses by waiving new sign-up fees and slashing monthly prices! If you’re willing to work out and eat healthy at home for a few months, June and July offer even better prices, as the business of indoor gyms drop when people turn to the great outdoors for exercise.
