We’ve all been there—December rolls around, and suddenly the holiday panic hits. You’re scrambling for wrapping paper, your favorite cookie cutter is nowhere to be found, and that one must-have gift? Already sold out. The holiday season is magical, yes—but also kind of chaotic if you wait too long to get ready.

The good news? Most of that last-minute stress is avoidable. With just a little planning and a few smart early purchases, you can skip the seasonal panic and actually enjoy the holidays.

Here’s what to buy ahead of time if you want your December to feel calm, organized, and (dare we say) joyful.

1. Wrapping Supplies Before They Vanish

It always seems like there’s plenty of wrapping paper… until suddenly there’s not. The best prints, reusable bags, and coordinated gift tags go fast—especially if you want something a little more stylish than Santa-on-a-snowmobile.

Why buy early:

• Wider selection and better quality
• Avoid dollar store leftovers on Christmas Eve
• You’ll actually have time to wrap without panic

Pro tip: Stock up after the holidays when prices drop to 70% off and stash them for next year.

2. Baking Essentials and Spices

Nothing kills a holiday baking mood faster than realizing you’re out of cinnamon—or worse, you bought cloves instead of nutmeg. Flour, sugar, vanilla, spices, cookie cutters, parchment paper… they all go fast.

Why buy early:

• Popular spices and extracts sell out quickly
• Rising prices closer to the holidays
• Fresh ingredients = better cookies

Check your pantry in October and restock anything low. Your gingerbread army will thank you.

3. Holiday Cards (and Stamps!)

You know what’s harder than writing 30 cards? Finding good ones in stock when you finally sit down to do it. Most stores sell out of quality designs by mid-November, and post offices get slammed.

Why buy early:

• More time to write personal messages
• Beat the post office lines
• Better chance your cards arrive on time

Grab your stamps early too—because yes, the holiday ones do run out.

4. Advent Calendars and Countdown Gifts

If you want anything fun, themed, or handmade for the 24 days leading up to Christmas, you’ll need to act early. The good ones disappear fast—especially those from popular beauty brands, toy companies, or chocolate makers.

Why buy early:

• Limited edition calendars go fast
• Shipping delays hit this category hard
• Great gift option for kids or friends who “already have everything”

Some brands even drop theirs as early as September.

5. Outdoor Lights and Decorations

Planning to hang some lights or add a festive touch to your porch? Don’t wait. By early December, you’re left with a few tangled strings and a questionable inflatable reindeer.

Why buy early:

• More color and style options
• Easier to replace anything broken or burned out
• You can decorate at your own pace

Get your extension cords and timers at the same time—because those vanish too.

6. Matching Pajamas and Cozy Gear

If your family does holiday jammies (or you just want to lounge in comfort), buy them early. Matching sets are one of the first things to sell out—especially in all sizes.

Why buy early:

• Full size runs are rarely available in December
• Prices spike mid-season
• You get more days to actually wear and enjoy them

Look for flannel, fleece, or thermal materials for max cozy factor.

7. Shipping Supplies (Yes, Already)

Planning to send gifts across the country? Stock up on tape, boxes, bubble wrap, and address labels before everyone else does. Carriers also tend to run out of free flat-rate boxes during peak season.

Why buy early:

• No running to the post office last minute
• More control over delivery timelines
• Everything gets where it needs to go, on time

Make sure you know the holiday shipping cutoff dates for USPS, UPS, FedEx, or whichever service you’re using.

8. Gifts That Tend to Sell Out

Every year, there are those few things—hot toys, bestselling books, cult-favorite beauty sets—that sell out well before Black Friday. If you already know what you want, don’t wait for a “better deal” that might never come.

Why buy early:

• Avoid paying markup to resellers
• More time for exchanges if needed
• Lets you focus on smaller stuff in December

If it’s something personalized, custom, or handmade, ordering in October or early November is even safer.

9. Holiday Scented Candles and Home Fragrance

If you love your home smelling like pine, gingerbread, or cinnamon orange, act fast. Stores tend to rotate their scents quickly, and the good ones go early.

Why buy early:

• Seasonal scents are limited-run
• Stock gets low by mid-December
• You get to enjoy the vibe longer

Same goes for diffusers, room sprays, and wax melts. Don’t wait until the scent you like is gone.

10. Travel Essentials (If You're Visiting Family)

Flights and hotels? Obviously book early. But don’t forget the little stuff—travel-sized toiletries, luggage tags, power banks, warm outerwear—tends to disappear in late November too.

Why buy early:

• Better availability and pricing
• Less stress during holiday rush
• Makes packing easier when you’re in a hurry

Also, buy your travel snacks ahead of time. Airport food courts in December? Not the vibe.

A Few More “Buy-Early” Honorable Mentions

• Gift wrap storage bins: Great to grab before January
• Reusable gift bags: The good prints sell fast
• Slow cookers and air fryers: Always go on sale early November
• Cozy throw blankets and candles: Easy backup gifts if you’re stuck
• Board games and puzzles: Great for family nights, but stock goes quick

Holiday prep doesn’t have to be stressful. Most of the chaos comes from the crunch—waiting too long, fighting crowds, and crossing your fingers that shipping works out. Buying a few essentials early gives you more time, more options, and way fewer headaches.

So take a look at your list now. What can you grab this week instead of next month? What always seems to be out of stock when you need it most?