8 Reasons to Do All Your Holiday Shopping in October

Consumers have yet to feel the full impact of tariffs because many retailers stockpiled goods before the new taxes on imports took effect, and some companies have been absorbing the added costs instead of passing them on to consumers. But that could change as pre-tariff inventories get depleted, Rossman says.

Therefore, shopping for holiday gifts sooner, rather than later, can help you hedge against the possibility of rising prices.

3. Spread out your spending

With prices rising, many shoppers are worried about affording holiday gifts, according to Bankrate’s survey. Of holiday shoppers, 36 percent said inflation will change how they shop, and 29 percent said holiday shopping will strain their budgets. Moreover, 28 percent expect to take on debt to cover their holiday shopping costs. Doing your shopping early can help you free up cash for other end-of-year expenses. “Perhaps even more important than buying early, though, is coming up with a plan,” Rossman says. “Set money aside from every paycheck between now and the holidays. Building that holiday fund is a valuable buffer against high-cost credit card debt.”

4. Nab popular items before they sell out

​The longer you wait, the more you have to worry about out-of-stock items and shipping delays. For example, toy imports fell 31 percent amid tariffs in June 2025 compared with June 2024, following a 28 percent drop in May, according to The Toy Association. That could mean fewer toys on store shelves this holiday season.

Also, an exemption that allowed packages worth $800 or less to enter the U.S. tariff-free ended on Aug. 29, causing a massive disruption to mail traffic from overseas shippers. “There’s always a chance that foreign companies could find it no longer worth it to ship to U.S. buyers,” Ramhold says. “If you’re looking at shopping at a business outside of the U.S., it’s worth doing so ASAP to ensure you can get the items on your list without issue — or at least with fewer issues.”

5. Rack up rewards

If you use rewards or cash-back apps, websites or credit cards, doing your holiday shopping in October can pay dividends later in the season. “You could tap into those rewards in December to help pay off those last-minute gifts,” Woroch says. For example, Fetch Shop is a web browser extension that rewards you with points for online purchases that can be redeemed for gift cards to a variety of stores, such as Costco, Home Depot, Target and Walmart. Or you can earn cash back when you shop through sites or apps such as BeFrugal, Rakuten and RetailMeNot.

If you don’t already have a cash-back credit card, Woroch recommends looking for one that offers a big sign-up bonus, such as a $200 cash reward after spending $500 in the first three months. “Since the holidays are upon us, you will easily hit that $500 spending minimum,” she says. “It’s like getting a free $200 back, plus additional cash back or rewards for a variety of purchases.”

6. Give better gifts

Last-minute shoppers know all too well about the pitfalls of buying in haste. When you’re in a hurry, you could overspend and grab gifts that may not be a hit with your recipients.

“By being ahead of the game, you can take your time and be mindful about your purchases, making sure to get just the right thing, rather than feeling rushed and buying something last-minute that you aren’t totally sold on,” Ramhold says.

7. Avoid the crowds

​If you hate jam-packed parking lots, crowded aisles and long checkout lines, get your holiday shopping done now. Malls and stores are typically less crowded in October compared to November and December, when holiday shoppers often turn out in droves, Ramhold says.

8. Get more time to celebrate and give back

​With your gift shopping out of the way, you’ll have more space on your calendar in November and December to enjoy time with family and friends and to give back, which is what the holidays are all about. “If you do your shopping in October, then you’re going to be ahead of the game, which means cutting out major sources of stress during the holiday season and being able to relax and enjoy being with those you value,” Ramhold says.