What you should and should not buy in November

NEW YORK (FOX5NY) - November is typically known for its Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, but there are some great deals earlier in the month.

Slickdeals smart shopping expert Trae Bodge says November is a big shopping month. While the unofficial kickoff to the holiday season is Black Friday, Bodge says plenty of deals are available before then, so don't have a shopping moratorium.

Clothing deals, in particular, are starting already.

Banana Republic Friends and Family runs through midnight on November 6.

Shopbop tells me their Friends and Family is coming in November as well.

Look for even more deals Veterans Day weekend.

Trae says fall apparel will be on sale, especially in Macy's, Nordstrom, Old Navy, and the Gap.

Macy's is giving 20 percent off with the code VETS November 8-12 and another 20 percent off November 16-21 with the code SCORE as a Black Friday preview. It is one of the department stores worth watching this holiday season. Trae says whether it is Veterans Day weekend or the big shopping holidays, you can always rely on Macy's to have really good deals across several categories.

Appliances are also on sale this November, a little later than usual. According to Slickdeals, this year the large appliance deals are happening in November rather than September and October. Trae says to keep your eyes open for deals on washers and dryers, and dishwashers this month. Sears, for example, has up to 35 percent off appliances.

Hold out until Thanksgiving weekend for televisions.

But, if you're shopping for toys, you might not want to wait. Trae says hot toys, especially Hatchimals, Fingerlings, and the new Nintendo Switch, may sell out. If you see a sale on those toys right now, and if someone on your list is clamoring for that item, scoop them up now.

Don't wait for a deep discount because it might not come. When in doubt about what to buy, follow Trae's advice.

Leading up to Black Friday and Cyber Monday, if you see 40 percent off or more, Trae says take it, especially if is an item on your holiday shopping list.

When you get to Black Friday if you see 50 to 70 percent off, take it.

So what should you avoid this month? Trae says wait until December to buy holiday decorations. They'll be cheaper then. Also avoid furniture shopping. Furniture typically goes on sale in December and January to make room for new models coming in February.