Household Items You Can Buy Today for a Cheaper Christmas

Christmas is just a few short months away, and most Kenyan households are already looking forward to the joyous tradition of family gatherings, feasting, and celebration. Yet, the festive season is immediately followed by the January financial crunch, a direct consequence of heavy December spending. The single biggest culprit in this festive financial drain, in most cases, is food.

Additionally, December is also the month when food prices skyrocket. The spike is usually driven by the usual suspects: increased demand, supply chain bottlenecks, and retailers cashing in on the holiday rush.

So, if you’re hoping to enjoy a hearty, stress-free Christmas feast this year, the smartest move is simple: start shopping now.

Here’s a breakdown of household items you can buy today to save money later, plus tips on how to make the most of upcoming deals in supermarkets.

Dry Foods

Dry goods form the backbone of most Kenyan Christmas meals, from pilau and chapati to ugali and stews. These items have a long shelf life, so buying early makes perfect sense.

a) Rice

Rice is a must-have during the festive season, whether it’s for a pilau feast or a simple family meal. Prices for popular brands can spike during the holiday. You can buy in bulk to take you through the festivities

b) Flour (Maize & Wheat)

From ugali to chapati, flour is the heart of every household. You can buy sealed packets (2kg or 5kg) and store them in a cool, dry place. You can also take advantage of ‘Buy 2 Get 1 Free’ offers in supermarkets around mid-November.

c) Cooking Oil

Cooking oil prices have been volatile in recent months, and they can inch upward during the holidays as demand peaks. Look for bulk packs (5L or 10L jerricans) and store them in the house. You can also take advantage of upcoming Black Friday offers.

d) Sugar

Sugar prices have been unpredictable lately due to regional shortages, but buying early can save you hundreds. Avoid open-air markets for bulk sugar and opt for sealed packets to prevent moisture and contamination.

Other dry food items that can be purchased now include cereals such as Kamande, beans, and groundnuts, among others.

Read more: 6 Profitable Businesses You Can Start Today and Make Money During Christmas

Meat Products

For many families, Christmas isn’t complete without mbuzi choma and chicken. But the reality is that prices of livestock shoot up in December as demand surges across the country.

a) Goats

In October, a medium-sized goat sells for around Ksh6,000 to Ksh8,000 in most rural areas. By December 20, the same goat can fetch Ksh 10,000 to Ksh 13,000.

If you have access to a trusted farmer, buy now and ask them to keep it for you until December. Many farmers offer ‘pay now, collect later’ arrangements, sometimes even feeding the animal for you at a small fee.

b) Chickens

A local chicken that goes for Ksh700–900 in October can cost as much as Ksh1,300–1,500 during Christmas week.
If you live upcountry or have relatives there, consider buying several now and having them reared until the festive period. Alternatively, buy day-old chicks this month for Ksh150, they’ll be mature enough by mid-December.

House essentials 

Beyond the main ingredients, don’t forget the small but essential items that make cooking smoother and tastier.

• Salt and spices: Pilau masala, curry powder, cinnamon, and cloves are often pricier during the holidays. Buy sealed packets now — they’ll last up to six months if kept dry.
  
• Baking supplies: If you love baking cakes or mandazis, stock up on flour, sugar, baking powder, and margarine early. These are classic “December rush” items.

Food aside, Christmas also stretches household budgets for cleaning and personal care products. You can consider buying items such as soap, detergents, and tissue paper

Notably, November is a golden opportunity for savvy shoppers. Black Friday is now embraced by major Kenyan supermarkets is no longer just for electronics. You’ll find massive discounts on household items and non-perishables.

Smart shopping tips:

1. Make a shopping list and budget — avoid impulse buying.
2. Compare prices across stores before buying.
3. Focus on non-perishables and long-shelf-life items.
4. Store everything properly — moisture and heat are the biggest threats to dry goods.