The following is a guest post from Alyssa Francis of Keeping the Kingdom First and my partner on Lifetime Moms Steals & Deals.
After the rush of the Holiday Season, shopping may be the last thing on your to-do list. But for serious bargain hunters like myself, there is no better time to score some amazing deals on deeply discounted clearance items.
Wear your most comfortable shoes, shop early to avoid crowds, and stock up on items that will save you money throughout the year.
Here are my Top 5 recommendations for your post-holiday shopping excursions:
1. Wrapping Paper
- Likely marked 50% off or more at many stores, this is the time to build up your wrapping paper collection. Select colors and styles that are versatile and can be enjoyed for birthday gifts and beyond. Don’t forget the scotch tape!
2. Christmas Decor
- This is the time to score some major deals on big ticket items, like pre-lit trees, wreaths, stockings, advent calendars, and tree skirts.
- LED Lights are a worthy investment for years to come. They cost more than traditional lights, so if you find some on clearance, don’t hesitate to buy some!
3. Candy
- Holiday candy is actually quite versatile. Anything red and anything chocolate is the perfect choice for Valentine’s Day.
- Have you considered using Candy Canes to decorate? They do not go bad, so stock up now and pack them away for next year. Just be sure to store them where they are not at risk of melting.
4. Toys
- Consider all of the Birthday parties your children will attend throughout the year. Buy age appropriate, gender neutral toys to have on hand. Store them away from curious eyes, like in a gift closet or Rubbermaid tote.
- Target is legendary for their post-holiday toy clearance. You can find deep discounts of 75-90% off at many stores. Don’t miss these hot printable LeapFrog coupons!
5. Special Occasion Clothing
- Consider those fancy Christmas dresses or sweaters for your children. If you can anticipate future sizes, you can score those special items at a fraction of the retail price for next year.
As with all bargain shopping, stick to a list and avoid buying on impulse. A deal is not really a deal unless you need it and can afford it!
Alyssa Francis is a Christian mom of four blessings who loves finding creative ways to reduce spending. She and her husband began a journey out of debt in 2007, and haven’t looked back since. Motivated by a desire to share her frugal ways, Alyssa founded Keeping the Kingdom First, where she encourages and equips others to save more and give more, one coupon at a time.
Serendipity is Sweet
Some great ideas. Thanks :D
Myra
Great tips Alyssa! I need to go shopping for some holiday clothes for next year!
Sheena
Yeah, I love the post holiday clearance! Target here in my area finally went to 75%! Yeah, rolls or wrapping paper for 39 cents and gift bags for 25 cents up to a dollar for the huge ones!
Debi
Oh yeah. Yesterday, someone beat me to the 300 count lights at Acme. She bought an entire cart full – I think there were 30 boxes or so – for $1 each. I was wondering what she was going to do with that many lights, when it hit me – yard sale or flea market. I did buy a bag of small bows that didn’t look so Christmassy regularly $3.49 for $1.
Don’t just think of stores like WalMart and Target. The best buys are in the grocery stores who only have a limited amount of space for seasonal items. In the past, I used to work at Safeway and I have seen things with deep deep discounts like bags of Hershey candy for 25 cents a bag.
Laura
Another must buy: holiday Ziploc bags! I found a 30-ct box of gallon freezer bags for $1!
Dawn
Target still has coupons on their website for Christmas candy. Today I got 3 boxes of the Premium M&Ms FREE! (actually I made .13cents on each box) They are on 75% off clearance, for .87 and the coupon is for $1. I also got a box of Twixels free plus overage.
Tiffani
Thanks! Those are great! I always stock up on sprinkles, cup cake liners, and even the throw away aluminum pans! These are part of the 50% and 75% off sales, and these things do not go bad either!
Amanda
Great ideas! We have a few wedding during the up coming year, the holiday clothes may work!
Jennifer
I hit up Target today too and got the free with overage Premium M&Ms.. yummy…and Dove 9.5oz bags for 25c after coupon :)
terri rice
Don’t forget those fancy Christmas Cards. That’s the only time I’ll buy is at least 1/2 off.
Christina
Candy canes don’t go bad? I’ve had stale ones before :)
I got some monogrammed stockings for both of my kids from land’s End for $10.99 each with free shipping.
Rebecca
I found BIG Beautiful Christmas Stockings at my Lakeland, FL Sams Club for $2.91! I bought enough to use as gift bags for all the kids in the family next year! Most everything was 60%+ off
Renee
Do you happen to still have these in the box? If so can you tell me who made them? I bought 3 last year and loved them! I need one more this year, but there are no markings or tag info in them. Thanks so much!