What To Stock Up On In January
Have you wondered what to stock up on in January? I started this series because I’m hoping there will be one or two items that you need that can be picked up on sale.
Here’s the deal, we can’t buy everything at once to be prepared for the unexpected, right? The good thing is, that I will be updating these monthly posts each year since products and needs can change from one year to the next.
When I first started my blog, I wrote about what to buy for 52 weeks. I had a food item and a prep item. Those posts have been deleted and I want to share more broad ideas to get us prepared NOW.
Be sure and watch for my monthly “What to stock up on” series near the first of every month. Some of the “prep” items may not be on sale, but the season is prime for them, I am just giving you the heads up.
But you can always find other food items, paper goods, and prep products you need for emergencies. This year has shown us empty shelves, a semi-broken food chain, and the continuation of weather challenges. What will next year bring, I ask? We must be prepared for the unexpected no matter what may come our way.
It’s not going to be hard if we keep up on it, I promise. One thing I highly recommend is teaching your kids and grandkids how to cook from scratch. It will be critical to know this skill. If you have already been doing this, I applaud you. You are way ahead of the game. I worry when I see the fast-food chains lined with cars bumper to bumper waiting for their meals. In case you missed this post, Cooking From Scratch 101
My goal is to encourage others to start with one or two prep items a month by saving money on other items each month.
What To Stock Up On In January
Seasonal Foods
This is a really good month to purchase food that’s in season during January. Do you love it when you bite into a really juicy orange? Fruits and vegetables taste so much better when they’re fresh, as in season.
January is a great month for oranges, grapefruit, beets, artichokes, carrots, and cauliflower.
Brussels sprouts, radishes, spinach, turnips, clementines, lettuce, and fennel are some fruits and vegetables to consider stocking up on. This month grapefruit tastes better than ever!
Pineapples
Oh my gosh, someone gifted us two fresh pineapples during the holidays this year. They were so good! I took this picture because the grocery store had these on display. They are so sweet this time of year!
Pomegranates
I love pomegranates, and these beauties were front and center when Mark and I entered the grocery store today. My parents lived in Las Vegas and we would pick fresh pomegranates from their backyard tree when visiting for the holidays. So delicious!
Garden Seeds
January is a great month to stock up on heirloom garden seeds. Is your garden soil just waiting for you to plant seeds? I love it when my hands are digging in the earth and I’m outside in the fresh air. Life is so good when we grow our own food. This is where I buy my garden seeds: SeedsNow
How I store my garden seeds:
Let’s get organized this year with a container to store your garden seeds. I use a labeler to label every individual container inside the large container.
Plastic Photo Container and Label Maker
Electronics
After the holidays, most big box stores have their electronics on sale because they don’t want to carry the inventory for very long. If you think about it, electronics are changing all the time.
In other words, new stuff is coming out every month. This is a perfect time to buy last year’s TV, or if your computer is going out, as in extremely slow or outdated, this may be a time to update.
If your tablet will no longer accept new updates you may want to snag a good deal on a new one. Mark and I tend to keep ours for years, but there does come a time when we must replace our computers.
Mark and I are not the types that need the newest electronics that come out. In fact, it stresses me out a little when I have to update my cell phone. I just don’t have the time or the money to fiddle with upgrading, until it dies or just doesn’t do what I need it to anymore.
Candy and Chocolate/Baking Items
This is a perfect time to stock up on candy and chocolate. Here’s the deal, if you want red or green sprinkles, get them now. I went to the store to get some red and pink sprinkles for sugar cookies and I had to go to two stores before I could find any.
Let’s talk about chocolate. Now, if you see chocolate on sale, grab the ones without nuts, unless you plan to eat them quickly. Of course, you could always buy some with nuts and eat them in the next month or two. Remember, nuts can go rancid pretty quickly.
Please remember nuts need to be in the freezer if you go without eating them for an extended amount of time since they could go rancid. I use my FoodSaver to store about 12 quarts of chocolate in my food storage stash. Can you tell I LOVE chocolate?
If you don’t have a FoodSaver, I highly recommend getting one. Will you use it every day, no. But it will save you money in the long run. Just look for one that has the accessory hose.
Here are the items you will need to store in quart mason jars. FoodSaver AND Accessory Hose-Wide Mouth-Regular Mouth
You may want to check Sam’s Club or Costco for what you a FoodSaver, they usually have great sales from time to time. You need the one with an accessory hose. Please note, don’t use your FoodSaver to seal a mason jar with powder-like food, it may get sucked up into the tube and your FoodSaver may break. I know this because I saw someone do it at a food storage company where I was teaching classes.
Christmas Decorations
Do you have some Christmas decorations that have seen better days? Then, this is the best time to grab super low prices on some new ones.
I have been decluttering my home and boxing up some Christmas decorations my
I still like to look at some fresh ideas for my holiday decor, but I want less stuff these days. Christmas brings me joy and so do the colors red and green. Life is good around the holidays.
Have you watched the Netflix TV series called, “Tidying Up?” I watched the series with one of my granddaughters and, oh my, it makes you want to slim down your “stuff.” We both giggled through the whole thing while binge-watching it. It has changed how I view things in my closet and what really brings me JOY.
Anyway, this is a great time to pick up Christmas lights, wreaths, trees, ornaments, wrapping paper, package ribbons,
If you do an ornament exchange, this is a great time to pick up gifts for next year. I have seen tree stands, tree skirts, and much more. Oh my
So next year, after New Year’s Day go grab a few things you may need for Christmas next year.
After Christmas Toys
I remember when Mark and I raised the girls we would look for after-Christmas sales on Fisher-Price toys, etc. Those were popular back then, and if we could get them half-price it was considered a great deal!
Then you have to hide the presents for a year and hope they want them the following Christmas (lol). This works well for the little ones, right?
I remember buying toys that the girls could give for birthday gifts when invited to birthday parties. I had a stash in the closet and they could choose the gift they wanted to give to their friend at the party.
The cool thing about this, is I didn’t have to go shopping and find a gift that was full price. Life is awesome when you save money on things when they are on sale knowing you will put them to use throughout the year.
This is a great time to pick up board games because the stores may have a surplus, and why would you want to pay full price on the games you have that are missing way too many parts, right? Buy them now when priced at a discount.
Sometimes the stores may have some excess Christmas books they want to unload, therefore they will be drastically reduced.
Diet Food/Snacks
This is the month for New Year’s resolutions, and the stores put out all sorts of diet foods and snacks. It’s so funny because I walked into three grocery stores only to find all these diet foods and snacks front and center when I walked through the door. You can get some of them at extreme discounts. I saw shakes, bars, and snacks galore.
And the exercise equipment was also close to the front of the store. I’m assuming they are saying, “If you need to lose weight, grab a jump rope or yoga mat.” It’s a great marketing idea.
Winter Clothing
If you need a new coat, a sweater, or a sweatshirt, this is the time of year to snag one and save the most money. If you need new gloves, wool socks, mittens, scarves, and hats, check out the bargains.
Their spring and summer apparel will be arriving very soon, so here again, drastically reduced prices.
If you snowboard or ski, look for that equipment and all the accessories that go with them. Most people have purchased this year’s models for Christmas, so the stores want to unload the previous year’s models.
If you need regular boots or snow boots, this is the time to get the deals. Winter blankets come to mind here as well.
Cold and Flu OTC Medicine
It’s that time of year when colds and influenza are rampant, so the stores have aisles of cold medicine, cough syrup, fever reducers, and humidifiers on sale at the lowest prices.
They realize this is a great time to market them, but they also want to get rid of the big shipment quickly, so this is why everything may be on sale in January. Please be sure and look at the expiration dates on the boxes.
Preps I recommend for January
Please make a plan for the year regarding which preps you really need or want. Some preps are needed more than others, ASAP. But we still need to get started based on the budget we can afford.
Here are the areas we all need to concentrate on (this list will change and vary every month):
- Water
- Food
- Cooking Sources like a Butane Stove, Dutch oven, Sun Oven, Kelly Kettle, etc.
- Cooking Fuel
- 72-Hour Kits
- Portable toilet
- Portable washing machine: My favorite is the LaVario (currently unavailable)
- Car Survival Kit Linda’s Car Survival Kit
What Should I Stock Up On During the Other Months?
- What to Stock Up On In February
- What to Stock Up On In March
- What to Stock Up On In April
- What to Stock Up On In May
- What to Stock Up On In June
- What to Stock Up On In July
- What to Stock Up On In August
- What to Stock Up On In September
- What to Stock Up On In October
- What to Stock Up On In November
- What to Stock Up On In December
Unique January Holidays
- January 1: New Year’s Day
- January 2: National Cream Puff Day
- January 4: National Spaghetti Day
- January 5: National Bird Day
- January 5: National Whipped Cream Day
- January 6: Bean Day
- January 8: Bubble Bath Day
- January 12: National Hot Tea Day
- January 14: Dress Up Your Pet Day
- January 15: National Bagel Day
- January 15: National Hat Day
- January 19th: National Popcorn Day
- January 20: National Buttercrunch Day
- January 20: National Cheese Lover Day
- January 21: National Hugging Day
- January 22: National Blonde Brownie Day
- January 23: National Pie Day
- January 25: Opposite Day
- January 26: Spouse’s Day
- January 27: Chocolate Cake Day
- January 28: Fun at Work Day
- January 29: National Cornchip Day
- January 30: National Seed Swap Day
- January 30: National Croissant Day
Final Word
I never recommend using a credit card for anything if you have the cash available. If you use a credit card, then you may not have the money to buy the item. You may be one of those who
I like to wait until I have the cash because it’s a great time to stock up. I hope my “what to stock up on in January” tips help get you started prepping or adding to the preps you have now. If you happen to find other worthwhile items you think need to be added to my list, let me know and I’ll share it with my readers, they really appreciate the input. May God bless this world, Linda
Copyright Images: Cozy Winter Still Life Deposit photos_88758674_s-2019
January is the perfect time to do a true self assessment of what you need, might need and desire.
It’s also the perfect time to do a self assessment on your physical fitness and training. Be the best you that you can be.
Make a list and develop a plan. Then next January reflect on it and figure where and why you fell short or if you exceeded your goals.
Hi Matt, I have been walking now every morning for 30 minutes (5 weeks). It’s a lot for me, but I’m determined to get my lungs up to par. I love seeing other humans as well. I love the idea of making a plan and comparing it next year. Great comment, Linda
Matt, great comment. I need to do the same as you. The New Year is a good time to reflect and start a new plan for the year. I need to make a list of my plans for the year. I think I’ll do weeks or months.
Hi Linda
Just a tip for using the food saver jar attachment for powders. I do a lot of them & have found if you only fill the jar to the shoulder & invert a paper cupcake liner in the top of the jar the powder does not clog the attachment & you get a good seal on the jar. Thanks for the article lots of good stuff in it, as usual. Have a great New Year!
Josal, I use a coffee filter in the attachment when I vacuum seal cans. It works good for me. I use the wide mouth jars.
Deborah, You use the coffee liner in the attachment not in the jar?
I put the coffee filter on top of the lid and jar. This is what I was told to do on a blog I went to. It works.
Hi Josal, oh, I love this cupcake liner idea. Thank you!!!!! Happy New Year, we sure need one! Linda
I watched a YouTube video on how to use the Food Saver with powders – both in jars as well as in the bags. I have some flour and cornmeal sealed in bags!
I’m one of those who uses a credit card for almost everything and pays it off monthly. I rack up enough points annually to pay around three months of credit card bills. Means I’m basically getting everything I buy at a 25% discount.
Love the coffee filter/cupcake liner ideas. I’ve been using coffee filters that way for years, even though I don’t drink coffee. Comes in handy when vacuum sealing jar meals that contain powdered ingredients. The cupcake liner trick seems like it might even be easier.
I always find gems in your monthly what to buy series.
Hi Ray, life is good when we save money! I like your credit card point idea! Linda
Hello: We also use coffee filters when vac. sealing powders. AND we also rack up points on our AMEX cards. So far, we have used points to fly to Israel for a tour (about 3-4 years ago), have flown to Sarasota, FL several times, once was for our 40th anniversary, to Montana for funerals, etc.) We love having our Amex/Delta points!
Hi Joyce, oh how wonderful to be able to travel. My daughter works for an airline so we get benefits and its for sure a blessing. Plus, she is then our tour guide! LOL! Life is so good seeing different areas of the world, great comment! Linda
Like Ray, we have always used our credit card for everything possible for the last 40 years. The rewards have totally over $30,000. (I keep track of numbers) no annual fees, no interest. I will admit it takes willpower.
I do have one big problem that will need help. I bought a lot of chocolate on sale after Halloween for my pantry. Now I can buy chuck roasts and turkeys with the plan to make one a month, an stick to the plan, but I am too weak a person, to leave the chocolates alone!! HELP!!
Chris, I’m happy to help you with your chocolate problem. Just send a big box of them to me. 🙂
Hi Ray, LOL! The chocolate, oh my we need chocolate! Thankfully Chris reminded us to stock up on some. Linda
Hi Chris
I will help you with the chocolate. My family loves candy (so do I to my detriment) but I like to keep some in my freezer and have it handy for things like Easter that way they don’t eat too much nor do I but it keeps me from having to buy a lot at other holidays.
I agree with Matt that we need to assess what we need and want for our preps. I don’t purchase gift wrap for holiday gifts – I made reusable gift bags one year and reuse them every year. Since they are made from cloth, I can wash and iron them, roll them down if the gift is not large. I now have one for each of my grandkids with their names on them! This year, my 6 year old grandson said “This one’s mine!!” before he even saw his name on it because it is the one he has been getting his gifts in for a couple of years now. I made them big enough for most things that I would be gifting them.
Also, I have been the type of person that bought all sorts of things after Christmas for birthdays and such but found that when the birthdays roll around, I either didn’t remember or couldn’t find what I had purchased! Or the gift was no longer appropriate! So I don’t do that anymore.
Hi Leanne, oh my I LOVE LOVE LOVE the homemade gift bag idea!! WOW! That is an awesome idea! Love it, Linda
Leanne, I love your gift bag idea, especially since we almost ran out of gift bags this year since we have not entered the stores. I am not a great seamstress, but I do have 4 bright red pillow cases that would work if I opened the wide casement to add a drawstring. What do you think? My youngest daughter could paint their names on.
Chris – the pillow cases would work very very well! You could also turn them inside out and on the bottom corners, simply stitch across making a “triangle” that would then when turned right side out, make the bottom “boxy”. Another idea rather than opening up the casement is to stitch ribbon or ties on one side to tie.
Leanne, Thank you. Since I don’t sleep very well, I spent my time designing the bags with faux fur trim and ties and the square bottom like you suggested. My sister, the family seamstress, is making 24 small stockings to fill with chocolate as an advent garland for my son’s famIly. My daughter, will number the stockings and the names in a matching font.
Chris ~
I love the stocking garland advent idea. I think I will get started on this right away! I have 4 grandchildren and that always means 4 advent calendars. This year for some odd reason they only had one and it caused a lot of distress/stress!! So making stockings in a garland, each stocking would be big enough (I will make sure they are) for 4 candies or small toys or love notes! Love it.
Hi Linda,
LOVE your idea of buying discounted toys after Christmas for kid’s birthday parties! I’m definitely going to implement this idea, thank you!
All those birthday party presents add up to a big chunk of change.
Hi Amy, when the kids are little they love all presents. I raised four girls so back in the day, we bought all the discounted Barbie stuff, anything thing that went with Barbies, and FisherPrice stuff, I even bought the plain colored gift bags so if we got an invitation, they could choose from the closet and grab a bag. I saved so much money and time. Linda
Hi Linda,
Another thing to buy in January are seeds. Most of the seed catalogs get sent out for free in January and many online sites have huge discounts for them, so you can stock up on the seeds needed for the upcoming gardening season or for preps. Better yet, you can buy heirloom seeds and then save your seeds for the next year.
Blessings,
JP from Shieldbearer of Faith
HiJP, oh, yes, indeed I need to go add that right now!! Heirloom seeds are the best!! Thank you! Linda
Lynda:
I downloaded November to December and will download some more tomorrow. I want to have the lists with me to see wheat I need a month in advance. I usually buy Turkeys when they are rock bottom prices and use them for New Years, My Birthday, Our anniversary, Passover/Resurrection Sunday (As a Jew I call it Resurrection Sunday) All our other Jewish Holidays. I buy Game hen’s for both of our wedding anniversaries (We have 2 our Betrothal and our civil wedding) and My husbands Birthday and I usually make a few game hens where we would steak or beef (my husband can’t eat Beef). But the majority of our holidays have either Turkey, Game hens and sometime I sneak in a ham like at Christmas and New Years.
Don’t be surprised that I eat pork. I am a Messianic Jew. I keep the holidays and I eat the foods that are traditional in them but you can’t beat a good ham, bacon or Sausage at times.
Hi Jackie, oh I LOVE LOVE LOVE your comment! You can’t beat a good ham, sausage, and bacon! I got the giggles, I love bacon! Great reminder to stock up for many holidays!!! Love it, Linda
As we look at what we need to work on in the coming year, be sure to work on not only your physical needs, but your spiritual ones as well. Both are very important for us and our families.
HI Cheryl, oh, you are so right! We must all be ready physically and spiritually! Linda
My preparations with never equal Linda’s, Matt’s or Ray’s, but with the help from everyone on this list, I AM prepared for this inflation. My pantry is full at much lower prices than are available now. I will continue to shop the sales and count my blessings, for my husband, my family and my friends, which I count all of you. God Bless you all and please have a Safe, Healthy and Happy New Year.
Hi Chris, thank you for your kind words. I love love love hearing you are prepared for this crazy inflation. What a wonderful feeling. I feel the same way about our group here, we are all friends helping one another to achieve preparedness. It’s a blessing, it really is. Linda
Chris:
The way I stock up is to buy things with coups from the stores and then I put them up. I know I went to Smiths Grocery Store and bought about 50 bags of pasta made in Italy. They were anywhere from $0.50 a bag to $1.00 a bag depending on what the past was. They did not have coupons for them but at such a great price that I could not pass it up. I though about clearing the shelf but seeing people clearing the shelf on the coupon show I know I could not do that with others having problems themselves.
Hi Jackie, that was a great buy on pasta! Love it, Linda
I agree with your shopping methods Jackie. I used coupons far more in the past but there aren’t as many available lately. Like you, I shop the sales in quantity. I have always been amazed at the new and like new things we have found at garage sales. From Bath and Body Works soaps and shampoos to furniture and clothes, often with tags still on them. From necessities to luxuries from dishes to Waterford crystal and Longaberger baskets…..usually 10 cents on the dollar. Even dinner out at Longhorn with gift cards from our kids and a coupon, includes a dozen loaf of their great bread for our freezer, complete with butter for less than $10. Life is good if you know how to make it work. Happy New Year!! Stay warm and safe.
Hi Chris, great comment, Happy New Year to you and your family! Linda
Is there an easy way to print out the monthly lists…..in just list form. I love the posts and comments that are here.
Hi Karen, let me ask you this, are you talking about What To Stock Up On In January: Seasonal Foods, etc.? I was wondering about having some printables made. What would be the best thing to have made? Linda
YES…printable would be good…..We are in our 70’s and have a good bit stored, but I am sure that there is some things that I have overlooked. All monthly buys and seasonal would be of help. I really was just looking for a listing of items…..oh whatever you can do.
Thanks
Hi Karen, I’m so glad you mentioned this, I will work on it!! Thank you so much!! Linda
Linda:
I would like a printable with your monthly and other lists of seasonal things in a List form with a estimate of what we need to buy
Hi Jackie, that’s a great idea, I know you can print my posts without the ads for sure but also without the pictures. The estimate would be hard for me to predict for every family. My book breaks out what to but for 2 people, etc. Linda
Linda:
You would just have to put the items in the first row and put what 1 or 2 and let the others figure out how many they would need. That would be easier for you
Back for another year of What to stock up on!!! I always get a little something from the blog post as well as from the comments. Love reading the older comments as well.
So as you know, Linda, my daughter and her family moved to Wyoming this year – December 2022 – 2 weeks before Christmas! and 6 weeks before baby #5 is due! They are loving it. That now gives me a whole new realm for gifting!! I will be flying there in January so I will be able to see what they need and then the gifts will start coming. I know they are going to do some remodeling so gift cards are always a good idea for Home Depot/Lowes or other of those types of stores. I am eager to see their place and start making plans.
Oh and loving the coffee!! it is so so smooth.
Leanne, A new baby!!!!! I am SO jealous!! I love the smell and the cuddling. Enjoy! Happy New Year.
Hi Chirs, we have a New Year starting today! Happy New Year everyone! Linda
Hi Leanne, oh my gosh, you will have so much fun in Wyoming! Boy, they moved right in the middle of this crazy snow front! I’m glad they made it safely. Grandbaby #5, oh those little ones are so fun to cuddle. Grandkids are the best gift git ever. The best gift is gift cards or cash to Home Depot or Lowes for remodeling! A new chapter in their lives!! Linda
Don’t forget to stock Ammo!
Hi Harry, nailed it! Thank you my friend! Linda
Linda ~ I always love your posts on what to stock up on.
For those who have dehydrators or freeze dryers, when you buy fruit and vegetables, save some freezer space and dehydrate or freeze dry some of those foods. Also, if frozen fruits and vegetables go on sale for a really good price, you can dehydrate them right away and store in jars to save freezer space. Bonus – if they power goes out, you are not risking all your fruits and veggies.
I am with Harry – buy ammo!
Hi Leanne, truth about the ammo. Yes, freeze drying or dehydrating fruits and vegetables take up less space! Thank you for you kind words, Linda
Happy New Year Linda! We have just gotten a weather alert that we may possibly get 3 – 8 inches of snow for the weekend in New York City. We have not had any snow in 680+days but am hoping it will be rain although we don’t need any more rain. I am blessed that I do not need to “stock” up but “top off” what I already have. I’m glad I read your What to Stock Up on for January before I went shopping and checked my cabinets. I will pick up several cans of fruit, ravioli, Salmon, tuna fish and cat food until the delivery comes on Saturday. Thank you for all that you do to keep us informed. Blessings and a Happy and safe New Year to all!!!
Hi Mildred, thank you for your kind words, my sweet friend. I love hearing you just have to “top off” what you have! What a blessing. Stay warm, healthy and safe, Linda Yes, Happy New Year to all!
Hi Linda, I see that you are a fan of the food saver pump but, is there a problem with using oxygen absorbers? I do a lot of freeze drying and use oxygen absorbers with meats and vegetable’s. Some things like Prego or eggs I will but in mason jars with an oxygen absorber or two.
Hi Mike, yes, I am a fan of FoodSavers and (using the sealer pump). I’m a Master Canner Preserver, I took the 12 weeks course even though I had been canning and dehydrating for over 50 years. I use my dehydrated fruit and vegetables within the year that I dehydrate them. I would love a freeze dryer but I’m stocked with what I need I’ve been doing this for more than 20 years with commercially processed food. I would use the oxygen absorbers if you follow the directions according to the product and the weight. Ten years ago I dry packed $1200 worth of food, dehydrated at a local church cannery. We opened the cans after a year and all the food was rancid. Then I had neighbors who had dry canned food at the same canner, different city (which by the way has been shut down and can no longer be used). It was a voluntary coop and the people there had no idea what they were doing. Keep in mind they did the best they could with the knowledge they had. They were handing out open bags of oxygen absorbers. Sorry, long story, but if you do your research I would use them. It was a very expensive mistake on my part to trust the dry canning church in Sandy, Utah. Live and learn. Linda
Linda, This January my focus is somewhat different. I have gathered all the electronic cords, chargers and adapters. I regulated to the garage sale stock anything that doesn’t work with what we have now, or cords that appear worn. I also checked all outlets and managed to eliminate two extension cords. I replaced a phone and tablet cord. There have been several serious house fires and we are doing our best not to be one of them.
Chris
Hi Chris, wow, that’s a great idea. I worry about the bathroom “ventilator” deals in the ceiling, they can be a fire hazard, I think. I don’t think these have ever been changed. I’m going to go get a new one. I think they just snap in, not sure. I think anything we can do to declutter those items that may have frayed cords, or safety concerns, toss them. Great tips, my friend. Linda