Buying airplane tickets as a gift is never cheap. Unless you are planning to fly the recipients to the nearest city to you, you are going to be shelling out several hundred dollars, especially if you want them to fly back as well. When is the best time to purchase plane tickets then? Studies show that, in fact, 21 days before your flight will ensure that you get the best benefits from airline pricing. Often, there will be plenty of deals posted at least 21 days before your departure date because airlines are trying to fill the seats.
However, make sure you buy the tickets at that point because airlines will jack up the price 7 to 14 days before the departure date to cash in on latecomers.
Appliances
Buying a fridge or a dryer for that special someone? It may seem like an odd gift to give but nothing brightens up a kitchen like a brand new stainless steel fridge. If you are looking to save money on that fridge, buy it on a holiday weekend. It doesn't have to be a Black Friday type of weekend, as retailers will often have deals on Columbus Day and other smaller sale weekends.
Cars
If you want to be someone's best friend, then buy them a car. Everyone loves a new car and it is the one gift that is guaranteed to get a great response. Sadly, it can also cost an arm and a leg to buy unless you know when to catch the deals.
Buy a car on a weekday morning in September and you will benefit from the dealer trying to get rid of last year's models as the new models will have just arrived. There will be very little foot traffic at the dealership then as well, giving you plenty of time to negotiate a great deal.
Electronics
Is it time for a new computer for a friend? Well, wait until just after a new model is launched. Much like cars, retailers will be trying to dump the slightly-older models in favor of the new models, giving you deals on computers that work perfectly fine.
Gift Cards
These gifts can be a dicey one, and usually provide benefits only for the retailers, but if you buy one, do so only a day or two before you give it. They often contain hidden fees and dormancy charges that lower the value the longer you wait to use it. Prevent these from taking a bite out of the card by giving it away right away.
Televisions
For the first time in decades, televisions are going through a revolution. That gives you many more options than just buying a color model. You can now get plasma, high-definition or flat screen models. If you wait 6 to 12 months after a new model is launched, you will reap big benefits.
So, with a bit of patience, and a good sense of timing you can save a great deal of money on the gift you want to give to a friend, relative or family member.
