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10 Walmart Items Retirees Should Buy Before the End of October

These fall finds won't last long.

Updated Oct. 20, 2026
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Fall is in full swing — but winter is on the way. That means Walmart's most popular autumn items are almost gone.

Retirement gives you more time but less money to spend. And that's why we searched the superstore's aisles for budget-friendly buys to snag before October ends.

So if you're looking for the best Walmart hacks to cut costs, we've got you covered with the top deals to grab ASAP. From playful pumpkin decor to seasonal hand soap, you don't have much time left to nab these affordable items. Even though it's still October, Walmart is already moving fall merchandise out and winter gear in.

Editor's note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location.

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Great Value Harvest Pumpkin Spice Air Freshener

pumpkin spice air freshener

Price: $2.57

It's not too late to fill your home with the scent of the season. We spotted a few of these well-priced air fresheners left in Walmart's cleaning products aisle. The 0.25-ounce limited-edition fall find has a cozy, inviting fragrance that covers odors and odd smells.

Don't worry about searching for a plug, replacing batteries, or filling this pick with messy oils. The convenient design makes it easy to place the freshener and go. It's ideal for bathrooms, laundry rooms, basements, closets, or almost any other small interior area.

Score serious savings on this Febreze dupe and get the Walmart generic for $2.57. The almost-identical brand-name buy (Febreze's Crisp Fall Breeze Bathroom Air Freshener) costs $3.99 at Target.

Carvable Faux Pumpkins

carvable faux pumpkins

Price: $14.97

Try something new this year and pass on plain pumpkins. Instead of wasting money on an overproduced gourd you'll just have to throw away, snag this faux forever fall find.

These 13-inch pumpkins may look like the real deal, but they won't grow mold or rot. That means you can reuse this pick every year, making it the best use of your retirement savings. And as a bonus, unlike plastic pumpkins, you can carve this budget-friendly bargain buy.

Choose traditional orange, or go for a chic Halloween look and nab a sleek black, rustic ivory, or glam metallic rose-gold pumpkin.

Duck Window Insulation Kit

duck window insulation kit

Price: $9.96

Winter is coming, and that means it's time to turn on your heater. But without the right amount of insulation, you could be throwing money out the window.

If your windows are older, drafty, or just don't hold in the heat, this kit can help. The easy-to-use clear plastic film installs in minutes, making it a cost-friendly and convenient option. For under $10, you'll get one 62-by-210-inch roll of film (fits up to five standard windows) and window tape. All you need to add is a pair of scissors and a hair dryer.

Walmart shoppers praise this pick. Customer Sarah gave the kit five stars in the product's review section, writing, "The adhesive holds up very well… After using my hair dryer, it literally looks almost like a window and is hard to even tell it is even here."

Yellowstone Salad Plate

salad plate

Price: $6.48

Thanksgiving is right around the corner. If your dinnerware collection looks lackluster, October is the perfect time to pick up a few new plates.

Forget about wasting your retirement savings on overpriced items from high-end retailers like Pottery Barn, Williams-Sonoma, and West Elm. Walmart has an affordable alternative with a sophisticated, upscale aesthetic. These reactive glazed ceramic Yellowstone-inspired salad plates have a rustic, earthy feel that only looks expensive.

Snag this bargain buy right now for $6.48. In comparison, a four-piece set of Williams-Sonoma's Cyprus Reactive Glaze Salad Plates costs $59.80 ($14.95 each).

Mainstays Textured Plush Throw

plush throw

Price: $9.97

Curl up on a chilly fall day under this cozy plush throw. Not only will this pick keep you warm, but its faux-fur design also adds a sophisticated touch to almost any interior space. Drape the 50-by-72-inch 100% polyester blanket over a sofa, loveseat, or armchair to quickly camouflage worn fabric, stains, or tears.

Choose from six on-trend colors, including Soft Silver, Dark Navy, Fresh Fern, Mauve Dusk, and Pink Smoke. Or, if you can't decide on one, nab a few of these ultra-soft throws. At under $10 each, you can afford to stock up.

How much can you save on this item? Pottery Barn's Faux Fur Ruched Throw costs $179, and Crate & Barrel's Textured Faux Fur Sierra Throw Blanket sells for $179.95.

Gourmia Digital Air Fryer

digital air fryer

Price: $56.26

Prep for holiday meals right now and scoop up this four-quart air fryer. Instead of drowning your dinner in fatty oils, use this small kitchen appliance to make a light, crispy, healthier chicken, vegetable, seafood, or pork dinner.

Gourmia's "FryForce 360 Technology" lets you cook with up to 80% less fat (compared to traditional frying techniques). Other features include 12 one-touch cooking presets, a dishwasher-safe nonstick basket, a crisper tray, an intuitive touchscreen display, optional preheat and turn food reminders, guided cooking prompts, and a sleek, compact design.

Walmart customer Shane raved, "Great price, and works even better than I had anticipated."

Great Value Organic Chicken Broth

organic chicken broth

Price: $1.98

Whether you're already in Thanksgiving planning mode or just stocking up for cozy, warm winter meals, this 32-ounce container of organic chicken broth is literally a "great value."

Yes, that's the name of Walmart's exclusive generic brand. But it's also true in this case. Compare $1.98 for two pounds of the ready-to-use soup base to $4.59 for brand-name Pacific Foods' 32-ounce carton of Organic Free Range Chicken Broth (also at Walmart).

Use the flavorful broth to make hearty stews, chicken noodle soup, gravy, sauces, and more. You can even add this savory selection to rice or quinoa instead of water.

Midea Infrared Quartz Heater

infrared quartz heater

Price: $52.64

Keep your home warm and toasty with this electric indoor infrared space heater. The 1,500-watt quartz design features three tubes that deliver instant, even heat to smaller interior areas (up to 200 square feet).

Features include three heat settings for customizable comfort, an adjustable thermostat dial, a tip-over safety switch, and a built-in heat sensor to reduce the risk of overheating.

For just over $52, this deal is a steal. Take it from one satisfied Walmart customer: "I bought several when my furnace broke during freezing weather, and they have kept the house warm enough. We were comfortable, and the pipes didn't freeze. They are a lot of heater for the price. I highly recommend."

Duncan Hines Snoopy The Great Pumpkin Bundt Cake & Glaze Mix

pumpkin bundt cake glaze mix

Price: $3.96

This pumpkin-packed pick is a nod to nostalgia. Fans of Charlie Brown and the whole Peanuts gang will get a kick out of this limited-edition fall find. The Snoopy-themed seasonal selection is part of a new collection that won't stay in stores for long.

Not only is this an adorable item, but it's also affordable at under $4. For $3.96, you'll get a 20.53-ounce box of Duncan Hines' flavorful pumpkin bundt cake mix and a decadent glaze to drizzle on top. Simply add water, eggs, and vegetable oil before baking this indulgently delicious dessert.

Are you looking for more Peanuts treats? The new collection also includes Charlie Brown-ie Blondie Mix ($2.96) and Snoopy Crinkle Cookie Mix ($1.96).

Get a protection plan on all your appliances

Did you know if your air conditioner stops working, your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover it? Same with plumbing, electrical issues, appliances, and more.

Whether or not you’re a new homeowner, a home warranty from Choice Home Warranty could pick up the slack where insurance falls short and protect you against surprise expenses. If a covered system in your home breaks, you can call their hotline 24/7 to get it repaired.

For a limited time, you can get your first month free with a Single Payment home warranty plan.

Get a free quote

Pumpkin Scent Softsoap

pumpkin scent softsoap

Price: $1.24

Pumpkin spice season is almost over. But you still have a few weeks left to grab the last of this year's fragranced fall finds. We spotted this pumpkin hand soap along with the brand's latest winter holiday scents.

Stock up on this bargain buy before it's gone. Cold and flu season is already here, and that makes washing your hands regularly more important than ever. Instead of wasting your retirement fund on overpriced soaps from specialty stores, get this 7.5-ounce pump for $1.24.

A slightly larger nine-ounce bottle of Pumpkin Apple Cleansing Gel Hand Soap from Bath & Body Works costs $7.95. In a price-per-ounce showdown, Walmart wins at $0.17 versus $0.88.

Bottom line

MarekPhotoDesign.com/Adobe entrance sign for walmart store

It isn't always easy to save money in retirement. That said, savvy shoppers know the financial benefits that superstores like Walmart offer. Instead of wasting cash at overpriced specialty shops, you can score deals on everything from pumpkin-flavored bundt cake mix to an infrared quartz heater this October.

Walmart's inventory of affordable autumn items won't last long. That's why it's important to snap up these deals before the end of October. But if you already have snow, Santa, and sugarplums on your mind, you can start shopping immediately. We spotted bargains on Christmas decor, cozy coats, and so much more.

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