The holiday season might be known for gift-giving, but savvy shoppers know that some of the best deals come after the festivities end.
Post-holiday clearance sales are an excellent opportunity to stock up on everything from gifts and decorations to wrapping supplies and even next year’s holiday wardrobe.
If you want to make the most of these post-holiday sales, here are my best tips for scoring amazing deals and getting the most value for your money.
Know When to Shop
Timing is everything when it comes to clearance shopping.
Most stores begin marking down their holiday inventory the day after Christmas, and the discounts tend to increase as time goes on.
However, waiting too long might mean the best items are gone, so finding a balance is key.
- Day after Christmas (December 26th): Expect markdowns between 30-50% off.
- A week after Christmas: Discounts can go up to 70% or more.
- Mid-January: This is when retailers try to clear out any remaining holiday items, often slashing prices by 80-90%.
If you have your eye on something specific, check in early, but if you’re looking to score deep discounts on things like wrapping paper or decorations, waiting a little longer can get you amazing deals.
Stock Up on Wrapping Supplies
One of the best items to buy on clearance is wrapping supplies.
Stores deeply discount leftover gift wrap, bags, ribbons, and bows after the holidays, making it the perfect time to stock up for next year.
You can even repurpose solid-colored wrapping paper for birthdays and other celebrations throughout the year.
Tip: Don’t forget to buy next year’s holiday cards! They’re often discounted by 50-80%, and you’ll be glad to have them ready to go when the next holiday season rolls around.
Shop for Next Year’s Decor
Holiday decorations are another big item on the post-Christmas clearance list.
Whether you’re looking for a new tree, outdoor lights, ornaments, or festive home decor, this is the time to buy them at a fraction of the original cost.
Pro Tip: Look for LED Christmas lights. They’re energy-efficient and tend to be marked down significantly.
You can grab them for your home or even for next year’s outdoor display.
Buy Gifts for Upcoming Occasions
Holiday clearance sales aren’t just for Christmas items.
Many stores mark down a wide range of gifts that are perfect for other occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, and even Mother’s Day.
Look for discounted items such as:
- Candles and bath sets
- Perfumes and colognes
- Winter accessories (scarves, gloves, hats)
- Small kitchen appliances
By stocking up on these discounted items now, you’ll have a stash of gifts ready for those last-minute occasions throughout the year.
Get Discounted Holiday Apparel
Many retailers offer major markdowns on holiday-themed clothing, including sweaters, pajamas, socks, and accessories.
While some of these items are very specific to the season, you can often find cozy winter clothing that works well for the rest of the season or can be stored for next year.
If you’re feeling festive, snagging a discounted holiday sweater or some fun PJs for next Christmas can be a fun way to save.
Look for Non-Perishable Holiday Foods
Another great post-holiday clearance category is non-perishable food items.
Grocery stores tend to discount items like holiday candies, baking mixes, and even canned goods after Christmas.
You can grab some festive snacks at a low price or stock up on items you’ll use throughout the year.
Pro Tip: Candy canes, chocolates, and other holiday treats can be used for baking, gift baskets, or just as a sweet snack long after the holiday season ends.
Use Store Coupons and Rewards
To make the most of your post-holiday shopping, don’t forget to stack your savings.
Many stores offer additional coupons, loyalty rewards, or member discounts that can be combined with clearance prices.
If you belong to a store’s rewards program, keep an eye out for extra points or store credit offers that can sweeten the deal.
Shop Online
Don’t feel like braving the crowds?
Many retailers extend their clearance sales online, often with the same great discounts.
Some stores even offer exclusive online-only deals, and you can shop from the comfort of your home without worrying about fighting over the last discounted ornament.
Set up alerts from your favorite stores to be notified of post-holiday clearance events or special online-only flash sales.
This way, you can scoop up deals without having to leave your couch.
Get Ahead for Next Christmas
Believe it or not, post-holiday clearance sales are the perfect time to start preparing for next Christmas!
Here are a few items to consider stocking up on for next year:
- Holiday decor and ornaments: Buy trendy or timeless decorations at steep discounts.
- Gifts: Stock up on discounted gifts to keep on hand for next year’s giving.
- Wrapping supplies: Grab everything from wrapping paper to gift bags for a fraction of the cost.
- Festive tableware: Think holiday-themed plates, napkins, and serving ware for next year’s parties and gatherings.
Don’t Forget to Set a Budget
Just because something is on clearance doesn’t mean you have to buy it.
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of deals, but it’s important to set a budget before you start shopping.
Decide what you really need and stick to that list.
By shopping with intention, you’ll come away with great bargains without overspending.
Post-holiday clearance shopping is one of the best ways to score deals on everything from gifts and decor to wrapping supplies and food.
By planning ahead, knowing what to buy, and shopping smart, you can set yourself up for a stress-free and budget-friendly holiday season next year.
Remember, the key is to shop with intention. Grab the items you know you’ll use and pass on anything that won’t fit into your budget or needs. Happy shopping!
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