Get Movin' Monday: Best Holiday Buys

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Many of us will be spending the month of December buying gifts for other people. But the deals are so good on some items, you might want to pick up something for yourself.

Pioneer Press deals expert Nancy Ngo gets us movin' with the best buys you can find only this month.

If kitchenware is on your holiday wish list, why not ask for the expensive brand? You may find it cheaper this month than anytime of the year.

"You'll see high-end things that are sometimes marked down up to 20 percent off and that's not what you'll see other times of the year, so it's a good time to have your eye on higher-end brands such as Cuisinart and Vitamix," Ngo said.

When there is snow on the ground, you may not be thinking about golf, but Ngo says you should be.

"This is when you see the biggest mark downs throughout the year," she said.

The reason?

Manufactures are introducing 2015 merchandise and stores want to clear the shelves, Ngo said.

"You'll find a club that runs for $400 marked down as much as $150 off," she said. "So you're seeing pretty good prices, 20-30 percent off."

Another summer item to have your eye on is bikes.

"You have a time when bikes are at an off-season and not many people are thinking about biking in the snow and ice," Ngo said.

Bicycles are at some of the lowest prices you'll see throughout the year, as much as 20 perfect off. That can make a big dent for something that can costs hundreds of dollars.

And if you're in the market for fitness clothing or equipment, buy now. Prices are expected to climb in January when stores capitalize on people's New Year's resolutions to get in shape.

"It's never too early to start those New Year's resolutions," Ngo said.

Champagne is also a good buy in December. Liquor stores are competing for your business therefore tend to drop the price of bubbly in anticipation of holiday festivities.

This is also a time when you could see a drop in prices for wedding dresses. With other items on the minds of consumers, dress shops tend to offer promotions.

And a heads up for online shoppers, mark your calendar. Dec. 18 is Free Shipping Day. More than 500 retailers are signed up to participate, some are offering added discounts.