Shopping deals: What to buy in October

NEW YORK (FOX5NY.COM) - October is here and while it may be the last day of the month, Halloween is top of the shopping list, especially for parents.

This is how Halloween works: if you have a specific costume that your child must have, just pay full price and get it now, according to Trae Bodge, a smart shopping expert with Slickdeals.net. As the month goes on, the prices will drop but the selection will thin as well.

You will find some Halloween discounts throughout October, but don't expect major deals till the end of the month.

Spirit Halloween.com is giving 20 percent off any item with an email signup. Target is giving $5 off when you spend $30 or more on costumes, decorations, and candy through October 6. Kmart is giving 25 percent off costumes plus an extra 10 percent when you spend $40 or more.

This is also a great time to start thinking about holiday travel.

Trae says if you package things together, the discounts will be better. If you only need a flight at the holidays because you're staying at Mom's house, you might find a discount but it won't be as good as if you're renting a car and getting a hotel at the same time. Slickdeals has codes for up to 30 percent off at Budget.com.

You will also find great sales on cruises. VacationstoGo.com and Cruise.com have deals to the western Caribbean, Cozumel, and even the Panama Canal.

Cookware and small appliances are also on sale in October at places like Bloomingdale's and Best Buy. Trae says to look for 20 percent to 40 percent off.

Sneakers are also on sale this month, with the best deals around Columbus Day. Trae says popular athletic brands like Puma and Adidas will have sales.

Walmart, Target, and Bloomingdale's will also have sneaker sales. Foot Locker has up to 50 percent off Adidas. DC Shoes has an extra 40 percent off sale. And East Bay has 20 percent off training gear with no minimum purchase, plus free shipping.

The friends-and-family sales are also happening right now at places like Bloomingdale's, Saks 5th Avenue, and Neiman Marcus.

The Columbus Day sales are already in effect in a lot of stores, too. Macy's has an extra 20 percent off for Columbus Day.

Plus, look out for Macy's Home Sale from October 24–28.

Just avoid electronics, such as laptops and TVs. Black Friday and Cyber Monday are sooner than you think—and the deals on those days can't be beaten.