AARP Hearing Center
Best Things to Buy in October 2026
Between preholiday sales and big markdowns on seasonal items, there’s no shortage of deals
AARP (Getty Images, 3; Shutterstock, 2)
Key takeaways
- October preholiday sales offer Black Friday–like discounts, making it a smart time to start holiday shopping.
- Shoppers can find savings on cookware, electronics, fall apparel, luggage, grills, patio furniture and toys.
- Some October discounts reach up to 75 percent off.
Don’t let all things pumpkin spice distract you from the big event this month: preholiday sales. It might seem a little soon to start your holiday shopping, but 66 percent of consumers surveyed by marketing platform Optimove have begun checking items off their lists or plan to by Halloween. “In October, you’re kind of hitting the shopping sweet spot,” says Mackenzie Shand, executive editor at BlackFriday.com, a website dedicated to Black Friday deals. “You have several major retailers hosting sales. And even if they aren’t calling them pre–Black Friday sales, they typically feature savings that are similar to what you’ll see during the Black Friday season.”
Here is a list of products you’ll find on sale in October.
More Ways to Benefit
- Related Benefit 1
- Related Benefit 2
- Related Benefit 3
- Related Benefit 4
- Related Benefit 5
Electronics
Preholiday sales events will offer significant discounts on tech gadgets and smart home devices, Shand says. “The upcoming sales provide a prime window to upgrade your gear or acquire new gadgets,” she says. Amazon Prime Big Deals Days, running Oct. 6–7, will offer deals exclusively for Prime members. (Nonmembers can sign up for a free 30-day trial.) Members of Target’s free Target Circle loyalty program can take advantage of savings on electronics during Target Circle Deal Days on Oct. 6–7. Both Best Buy and Walmart will have sales Oct. 5–11 that are open to all shoppers.
Where to look for deals: Amazon, Best Buy, Target, Walmart
Potential savings: Up to 50 percent off
Cookware and small appliances
October is a great time to replace any pots, pans, blenders or food processors that have seen better days. “Retailers start their preholiday cooking push, and brands offer great promotions to help get kitchens ready for Thanksgiving,” says Kyle James, founder of Rather-Be-Shopping, a frugal-living website.
For example, Walmart is promoting discounts of up to 40 percent on small kitchen appliances during its sales event that runs Oct. 5–11.
Where to look for deals: Amazon, Costco, Target, Walmart
Potential savings: 25 to 50 percent off
Fall apparel
This month is a good time to shop for denim, sweaters, sweatshirts, lightweight jackets and other layering pieces, as retailers mark these items down during their fall sales events. “For shoppers, October can be a sweet spot for fall apparel because there is still plenty of the season left to wear these pieces, while retailers are increasingly promoting seasonal styles alongside their early holiday sales,” Shand says.
As the month goes on, look for retailers to mark down some fall items even more as they move unsold inventory to the clearance racks.
Where to look for deals: Gap, J. Crew, Macy’s, Nordstrom, Old Navy, Target
Potential savings: 25 to 40 percent off
Grills and patio furniture
Even if you’re not a snowbird, who flocks to a sunnier locale in the winter, buying items for your outdoor space in October can make sense, as many retailers offer deep discounts on remaining grills and patio furniture. But act quickly to increase your chances of finding the items you want before they sell out.
“The early bird gets the worm,” says Melissa Cid, a consumer savings specialist for MySavings.com, a coupon and deal website. “If you’re flexible on brand, model or style, you can score a great deal, but if you’re waiting on a specific model, you may be too late to the game.”
Where to look for deals: BJ’s Wholesale, Costco, Home Depot, Lowe’s, Sam’s Club, Walmart
Potential savings: Up to 60 percent off
Luggage and travel gear
If you’re planning to take a fall foliage trip or to travel during the holidays, now is the time to buy new luggage. “Post-summer travel season means overstocks,” James says. “Throw in some early holiday promos and you can find some great deals in October.” Look for coupons on select luggage sets and carry-on bags to save even more.
Where to look for deals: Kohl’s, Macy’s, Samsonite
Potential savings: 30 to 50 percent off
Summer apparel
Retailers are eager to clear out any remaining summer clothing in October to make room for fall and winter apparel, Cid says. Look for clearance racks with deeply discounted shorts, T-shirts, swimsuits and sandals. “It’s one of my favorite times to buy summer clothes for next year,” she says.
Where to look for deals: Kohl’s, Macy’s, Target, TJ Maxx
Potential savings: Up to 75 percent off
Tires
Whether you’re checking out options for winter weather or need to replace a worn-out set, buying new tires in October can save you money. “Good deals abound, as fall safety campaigns kick off right before winter travel,” James says.
In addition, look for manufacturer rebates and deals on installation. For example, Tire Rack is offering a $90 rebate on qualifying General Tire purchases; the rebate is $180 if you use a General Tire credit card to make your purchase.
Where to look for deals: Costco, Discount Tire, Walmart
Potential savings: Up to 12 percent off, plus $50 to $180 in manufacturer rebates
Toys
Gift shopping for the grandkids? October is a good time to buy popular toys before they sell out, Shand says. Hitting stores this month can also help you score deals. For example, Target is marking down select Barbie dolls and other toys up to 40 percent during its Target Circle Deal Days sales event Oct. 6–7.
Where to look for deals: Amazon, Macy’s, Target, Walmart
Potential savings: 25 to 40 percent
AARP Membership
Join AARP for only $15 per year with automatic renewal. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of benefits, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP The Magazine.
More From AARP
10 Money-Saving Moves to Make This Fall
Take advantage of seasonal opportunities to reduce expenses and avoid costly mistakes
9 Worst Things to Buy Online
Experts share which purchases are worth making in person
How Home Equity Loans Differ From HELOCs
Compare borrowing costs, repayment terms and flexibility before tapping your home equity