7 Things You Should Buy in December

Lots of retailers offer gift card bonuses during the holidays to encourage you to give them as gifts, but that doesn't mean you can't also buy some for yourself. If there's a store or restaurant that you frequent, go ahead and grab that $50 card while they're throwing in an extra $10. As long as you have the money to do it, it's a brilliant way to stretch your budget.

• Holiday Gift Card Bonuses

Flour, chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk – if it's used for baking, it's a great deal this month. Stock your pantry with enough baking supplies to last you until Easter because you won't see these prices again until then.

And don't forget your coupons. If you pair them with a sale, you should be able to score some pretty sweet freebies.

• Printable Coupons

Computers, tablets, cameras, TVs, cell phones -- they're all popular gifts, and that means they're on sale right now. If you've been contemplating an upgrade, now is a good time to do it. But don't sweat it, if you don't have the cash just yet. Many of these items will still be on sale in January and February.

While you're buying batteries for all those new toys, go ahead and grab enough to power your remote controls, smoke detectors and other gadgets. Office supply stores often run free-after-rebate battery promotions during the holidays.

Have a home improvement project coming up? Buy any tools you'll need now. You won't see deals like this again until June. Everything from drills to generators will be on sale in the weeks leading up to Christmas.

Thrift stores receive a flurry of donations this month, as taxpayers race to snag last-minute deductions. And that means stores are flush with new merchandise. Get in first, so you can grab the best loot.

• How to Save More at Thrift Stores

A car is a big expense, but if you buy this month, it'll be a little less of one. Dealers will be eager to thin their inventory before the end of the year, and that means you have the upper hand.

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