How to Maximize After Christmas Clearance Sales

After Christmas clearance sales are some of my favorite of the whole year because you can save a lot of money on essentials and gifts for the months to come. It requires a little bit of planning and creativity, but once you know what to look for, it is fun and easy!

Here are 10 ideas of things to shop after Christmas clearance sales for.

Shop candy sales: Valentine’s Day is a mere six weeks after Christmas. Look for candy packages that can be opened up (ie: boxed candy, truffles, etc.) and then used in Valentine’s Day packages. This year I bought giant boxes of Sour Patch Kids to use for Valentine’s Day treats for my kids’ friends.

Stock the pantry: Stores often have boxed or packaged sets of things like coffee, hot sauce, bbq, hot chocolate, etc. These can all be enjoyed after Christmas.

Buy home essentials: Products like paper plates, napkins, tissues, plastic cutlery, etc. all go on sale after the holidays, oftentimes just because of the print on the box. If you don’t mind a little red and green, shop for these items and you can save 50% off or more. Sometimes these items will be in with the regular items (vs. back in the seasonal department) so scan your shelves.

Shop for Easter baskets: Stocking stuffers vs. Easter basket gifts don’t really differ, so look for items that will work for Easter baskets. Sometimes, all it takes is removing some packaging and you are all set.

Look for birthday party favors: You can often find sets of things that can be broken apart and work for party favors. One year I bought packs of bath paints that I used in party favor bags that spring.

Support teachers: You can often find things that are helpful for teachers or that would make great gifts. For instance, one year I bought $25 blakets for $2.50 a piece to gift to all my kids’ teachers. I also have bought lots of fun things for classroom parties, like holiday decor and holiday party essentials.

Buy craft supplies: Craft stores and big box stores often have holiday craft kits that can be enjoyed after the holidays. Or save them for next year and you will be set for activities during winter break.

Find discounted beauty products: Beauty products and sets are hot Christmas gifts, so you can usually find many on clearance after the holidays. It’s an awesome time of year to buy favorites at a significant discount. Last year I bought Native body wash for 99 cents a bottle (full-sized). Again, be sure to walk the aisles of your stores for items that might have been missed.

Buy future gifts: From birthdays to holidays like Father’s Day/Mother’s Day, you can get GREAT deals on gifts for the future. If you are worried about remembering what you have bought, start a Note in your phone or an excel sheet to track the gifts. Admittedly, I have been known to buy future Christmas gifts on 12/26.

Update your holiday decor: You can save a lot of money on beautiful holiday items by shopping after Christmas sales. However, be sure to get rid of stuff you no longer want before packing it all away. You’ll be glad you did next Christmas.

You will typically find the best deals in stores, so I recommend shopping stores like Target, Walmart, Walgreens, Michaels, Joann, and Hobby Lobby. Typically the lowest markdowns happen after January 1.

For more after Christmas clearance tips, read this post on shopping Target Christmas clearance.