Items You Can Buy In September To Save Big On Holiday Cooking

September marks the end of summer and the return of cozy fall weather. For many households, it’s back-to-school season, and the holidays are not top-of-mind. While it’s true there are several months between the start of fall and the first major holiday, it doesn’t mean you can’t begin preparing for the busy holiday season in September. Shopping early can save you a lot of money on your holiday feasts.

Some of the best items to buy in September to save money on holiday cooking include canned goods, dried spices, extracts, chocolate, jams, and holiday herb plants. You can often find great deals on serving platters, baking sheets, pie plates, and cookware at thrift stores in the early fall. Check expiration dates before buying products, and look for sales on high-priced gourmet ingredients.

Between buying gifts, attending parties, and hosting family gatherings, holidays can be very costly. If you’re tired of paying full price and emptying your wallet every winter, start shopping smarter and earlier. Keep reading to learn the products you can start purchasing as early as September to save money on holiday cooking.

Nine Items You Can Buy In September To Save On Holiday Cooking

1. Themed Serving Dishes

Thrift stores are one of the best places to shop for holiday items and save money on your festive family gatherings. From decorations to serving platters, these stores have it all. If you wait until the last minute, the holiday merchandise may be gone, so it’s smart to shop for Thanksgiving and Christmas items in September.

In the fall, you can often find serving platters, cookware, and other kitchen items with holiday colors and themes. Regularly visit these stores throughout the fall, and you will likely score some amazing deals. You might even be able to find all the items you need to host a holiday feast at your home.

2. Spices And Extracts 

Dried spices can stay fresh for upwards of a year, so you can buy them several months before the holidays. At full price, they can be quite costly, which is why it’s great to start stocking up on your holiday spices whenever you notice them on sale. Nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, pumpkin spice, and cloves are just a few seasonings you will likely use throughout the holidays, so ensure you grab them at a discount this fall.

3. Canned Goods

Food packaged in cans can last for years, which means you can start stocking up on holiday canned items before a single leaf starts to change color. Even if you prepare most of your holiday menu items from scratch, you'll likely use at least a few canned items.

From pumpkin puree and cranberry sauce to cream of mushroom soup and condensed milk, you can buy and store these items in a cool, dark area of your pantry as you begin to stock up for the holidays.

4. Decorating Supplies

If you like to make beautiful themed cookies, cupcakes, and crafts to go with your dessert displays, then you know some of these items can be pricey and hard to find. By shopping for decorations and supplies in September, you can save money and also have a good idea of what you'd like to make and create for the holidays.

5. Holiday Herbs

Nothing compares to fresh herbs, especially when you’re cooking an elaborate holiday spread or making seasonal cocktails. You can grow several herbs in your garden and indoors and use them throughout the holidays. Some of the best varieties to start growing in September so they are thriving this holiday season include Rosemary, sage, thyme, and mint.

6. Chocolate

Chocolate is a staple in many holiday desserts, but the price of this rich, creamy ingredient has been climbing. Luckily, it can stay fresh for several months, especially if you store it in a cool, dark place or even the freezer. Buy chocolate chips or bars (depending on what you use them for) starting in September, any time you see them on sale.

7. Jams

Jams, including berry and fig spreads, are quite popular in various holiday recipes. If you use a lot of it, or like a specific type, you may want to start shopping early. This sweet, fruity treat can last many months in your pantry, making it a great item to buy in the fall.

8. Baking Sheets

Everyone who cooks during the holidays needs baking sheets, and over time they can get warped and sticky. If you need to replenish your inventory, September is a great time to start looking for baking sheets. Instead of buying low-quality ones right before the holidays, take your time at the beginning of fall to find a brand that will last for years.

9. Pie Plates

If you plan on making pies throughout the holidays, September is a great time to start shopping for one or more of these oven-safe kitchen tools. If you aren’t picky, you can often find stock at second-hand stores, including Goodwill and The Salvation Army. They are often on sale at home goods stores, too, specially in the fall before the holiday season.

Tips For Scoring Great Holiday Deals In September

1. Shop At Thrift Stores 

One of the best ways to snag deals on holiday merchandise for your kitchen and entire home is at a thrift store. Many feature specific themed items closer to the corresponding holiday, but you can often find deals months in advance.

If you plan to host several holiday gatherings, start checking out the kitchen sections at your local thrift stores. You can find incredible cookware, baking pans, and serving platters for a fraction of the regular price. September is a great time to get the first pick, as inventory tends to dwindle as Thanksgiving approaches.

2. Check Expiration Dates

If you’re buying canned goods or shelf-stable dry goods in September, check the expiration dates before you make a purchase. Most canned goods won’t expire for years, but if you bought them on sale, the cans might be closer to their sell-by date than you think.

Since you know the exact date you plan to use the products, it should be easy to determine if the items you buy early will be safe to use during the holidays.

3. Wait For Pricey Items To Go On Sale

Several specialty items, including vanilla beans, certain extracts, truffle oil, saffron, gourmet chocolate, and other products, can fluctuate in price by more than 25%. If you know you want to cook with specific ingredients, keep an eye on the price and purchase them when prices are reduced. Sales can occur any time of year, but it’s always a good idea to find stores or websites that regularly place the gourmet items you need at a special price. 

4. Wait Until November To Buy Flour And Other Perishable Items 

It can be tempting to buy all your baking essentials and dry goods in September if they go on sale, but sometimes you should resist. While some flour can stay fresh for six months or longer, specialized flour, especially wheat and unrefined blends, lasts less than three months. Make sure the pantry supplies you buy in advance will still be at peak freshness come the holidays.

5. Let Amazing Deals Inspire Your Menu And Craft Ideas

If your main goal for shopping early is to save money on holiday cooking and gifting, approach it with an open mind. Instead of being dead-set on your menu and DIY crafts, consider letting the sales guide some of your choices.  When you find good deals, let them inspire new projects and menu items you otherwise would never have considered. 

Wrapping Up Items To Buy In September To Save On Holiday Cooking

Hosting holiday feasts for your family can be expensive, especially if you save all your shopping for the last minute. To lower your costs and ease the stress of holiday meals, start shopping as early as September for some items. You can purchase chocolate, spices, extracts, jams, and canned goods months before you use them. You can often find holiday-themed serving trays and cooking supplies at thrift stores, including pie plates and baking sheets. Avoid buying perishable items too early, and always check expiration dates on food products before buying them.

Related Guides:

• 14 Ways To Save Money When Hosting A Family Holiday
• 14 Common Mistakes To Avoid When Hosting A Holiday Gathering
• Quick Tips To Get Your Home Holiday Ready