10 Smart Shopping Finds to Snag This October

October is a great time to shop for things you need, and there are plenty of good deals out there if you know where to look. 

As the weather cools and the holidays get closer, stores start offering discounts on everything from clothes to home items. Whether you’re preparing for fall, planning ahead for winter, or just looking for the best buys, this month has something for everyone.

1. You Should Buy Halloween Decorations Early

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October is the perfect time to get your spooky decorations. Stores are fully stocked with everything from pumpkins to ghostly figures.

By shopping early in the month, you get the best selection before things start to sell out. 

Plus, you can set up your decorations in time for Halloween. Imagine your front porch glowing with eerie lights, pumpkins, and cobwebs—it’s all about getting in the spirit!

2. Stock Up on Cozy Sweaters

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As the days get cooler, you’ll want to stay warm and comfortable. October is when many stores put sweaters on sale because they know you’re starting to feel the chill. 

Whether you like thick wool sweaters or light cardigans, it’s the season to buy them before the winter rush. You’ll be ready to layer up for those crisp autumn walks or cozy nights by the fire.

3. It’s Time to Grab Discounted Summer Gear

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Oddly enough, October is also a great time to buy summer items. Many stores are clearing out last season’s stock to make room for winter gear, so you can find great deals on things like swimsuits, outdoor furniture, and grills. 

You might not use them now, but you’ll be thankful when next summer rolls around and you already have everything you need at a fraction of the price.

4. Invest in a New Gadget for the Holiday Season

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October is a great time to buy a new phone, a laptop, or even a television. Many retailers start offering big discounts on electronics, especially TVs, as they gear up for Black Friday. 

By getting one now, you avoid the hectic holiday crowds, and you can enjoy your favorite shows, movies, and sports in style during the colder months.

5. Pick Up Fresh Autumn Produce

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Farmers’ markets and grocery stores are filled with seasonal fruits and vegetables this time of year. October is harvest season for delicious produce like apples, pumpkins, squash, and sweet potatoes. 

These are not only tasty but also perfect for warm soups, pies, and comforting meals. Stock up on these autumn favorites while they’re at their freshest and most affordable.

6. You Should Grab Fall Scented Candles

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October is when the cozy, warm scents of fall really take over. Think cinnamon, pumpkin spice, apple cider, and crisp autumn leaves.

Lighting a fall-scented candle can instantly make your home feel like the season has truly arrived. 

Stores often have a big selection of seasonal candles this month, and you’ll want to stock up before they’re gone. Picture yourself relaxing on a cool evening with a book, wrapped in a blanket, with the scent of autumn filling the room.

7. Look for Sales on Lawn & Garden Tools

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With the gardening season winding down, stores are starting to discount lawn and garden tools. If you’ve been eyeing a new rake, leaf blower, or even a lawnmower, now’s the time to buy.

Prices will drop as stores clear space for winter items, so you can get great deals. 

These tools will come in handy as you tidy up your yard before winter, and you’ll be prepared for next spring’s gardening tasks.

8. Buy Discounted Camping Gear

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October is when outdoor gear shops mark down camping equipment as the peak season ends. Tents, sleeping bags, and hiking gear are often on sale, making this the perfect time to invest in high-quality items without paying full price. 

Even if you’re done camping for the year, having these items ready for next season means you’ll be all set for your next adventure. Plus, camping gear makes excellent holiday gifts if you want to plan ahead.

9. It’s the Best Time to Buy a Slow Cooker

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As the weather cools, you’re probably craving hearty, comforting meals like stews, soups, and casseroles. October is when stores put slow cookers on sale, knowing people want to start cooking warm, homey meals. 

A slow cooker makes cooking easier—you can toss ingredients in, leave it, and come home to a hot, delicious dinner. Whether you’re making chili for a fall football game or a cozy stew on a chilly night, a slow cooker is a must-have for October cooking.

10. Get a Head Start on Winter Coats

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Even though winter hasn’t arrived yet, October is a smart time to buy a new winter coat. Stores have just stocked their cold-weather gear, so you’ll have the best selection now. 

If you wait too long, the most popular styles and sizes might be gone. By getting your coat in October, you’ll be ready when the first frosty morning hits, without scrambling to find something warm.

Make the most of October’s deals and enjoy everything the season has to offer!

nancy
Author & Editor | + posts

Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.