10 Items to Buy After Christmas

The Christmas sales are already well under way, but we all know the really GOOD sales will start the day AFTER Christmas. Here are some of the 10 items to Buy After Christmas so you get a head start on net year and save a lot of money, too. 

I am NOT usually an after-Christmas shopper. 

Okay, I digress.  I didn’t used to be an after-Christmas shopper until I realized a few years ago how much money I could save for the following year if I took advantage of the after-Christmas sales.  Some of the discounts can be as much as 75-80% off if you wait long enough.  Here are my 10 Items You Should Buy After Christmas Checklist. 

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The key is to buy these items before they all run out.  That is why the day after is generally one of the best days, while the stock is still reasonably selective. 

I generally will make a few trips out over the days following Christmas and New Year.  Especially if there is an abundance of items, I may wait a bit longer.  But, if there isn’t, I will go ahead and purchase them.  Here are the ten things I always have on my list which are must-buy’s.  One tip I have:  establish a large bin so these items can go in as soon as you get home.  That way, you don’t “put them somewhere where you will remember them” and then promptly forget where they are.  😀  (oh wait, maybe that’s just me.)

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1.) Christmas Lights 

We had to replace all of our outdoor Christmas lights this year because of a flood in our basement.  I am telling you folks!  We could have taken a short cruise for what we spent on lights and garland.  (insert injured debit card here)  Ouch!  So, I will definitely be taking advantage of the after-Christmas sales to stock up on not only exterior lights but also interior lights, too.   ‘Cause in this house, there’s no such thing as too many lights. 😀

Now is also the time to think of other holidays that you may decorate and need lights for.  Pink lights for Valentine’s Day; Green lights for St Paddy’s Day…red, white and blue lights for July 4th.  Buy them now while they are available and cheap!

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2.) Stockings and Tree Skirts:

Have you been thinking of replacing your stockings and tree skirt because yours are getting worn and torn?  After Christmas is definitely the time to do it.   

Love the cute monogrammed and personalized stockings but don’t like the prices?  Buy your stockings at a great discount after Christmas and take them to a local trophy or t-shirt shop that does custom embroidery.  It usually only costs a few dollars per stocking. 

How to Decorate Plain Christmas Stockings with Inexpensive Bells 

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 3.) Christmas Baking Supplies

If you’re like me, I like to start my Christmas baking early.  I freeze containers of cookies and even make some of my doughs early to freeze too.  That way, I can pull out the dough and bake them when we are ready to decorate them.  Now is the time to stock up on cupcake liners, sprinkles and sugars, cookie cutters, baking pans and other baking paraphernalia.  

Buy extra baking products.  They make great hostess gifts for next year when wrapped in cute baskets.

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4.)  Gift Wrap, Gift Bags and Boxes

Three years ago, at 1am, I was still wrapping presents to go under the Christmas tree.  Yes, I was.  Why?  Because I give a whole new meaning to procrastination.  Two things occurred that night… I swore I would never put off wrapping gifts until a few hours before everyone woke up Christmas morning; and, I would never run out of Christmas paper (and tape!) again – which I did that night.  

I am happy to report that I have kept at least one promise.   To help you figure out which, I was up at          1am this morning wrapping gifts. LOL  But, I did NOT run out of paper.  That is because paper and boxes and (tape!) are always something I purchase lots of after Christmas.  In fact, I like to buy papers which will coordinate with next year’s Christmas decor theme.  

Now is also the time to be on the lookout for other papers that could be used throughout the year.  Red and white striped paper can be used for Valentine’s Day.  Polka dot papers can be used for birthdays.  Plain brown paper can be decorated with rubber stamps and used for any occasion. 

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5.) Christmas Ribbons

There are two times of the year that I buy Christmas ribbons.  The first time is right before Christmas and the second time is right after.  The reason is availability.  I buy a lot of ribbon just as soon as Christmas ribbons comes out, which may be as early as September or October.  That is because stores get a certain amount of ribbon early on and when it’s gone, it’s gone.  The ribbons that sell out fast are more specialized French wired ribbons.  But, after Christmas, you can still find some great deals on other ribbons which stores buy in abundance such as burlap ribbon, plaid ribbon, velvet ribbon, etc.   I like buying these types of ribbons for gift wrapping.  Wired ribbons and decorative ribbons make beautiful packages, and when you are buying them as much as 80% off regular price, it’s an inexpensive way to create gorgeous gifts. 

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6.) Christmas Ornaments and Decor

You know those expensive wreaths or those pretty ornaments you admired but passed on because they were too pricey before Christmas?  Chances are, lots of others passed them as well, for the very same reason.  Half price or more is better than full retail.  Shop selectively though.  Don’t buy that expensive Christmas Cake Stand just because it’s a good price.  Will you actually use it?  That’s always the hard decisions I have to ask myself to keep from getting carried away. 

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7.) Christmas Cards

Am I the only one who can’t believe how expensive Christmas cards have gotten over the years?   Maybe it’s because people simply don’t send as many Christmas cards as they used to, so they gotta make up for the loss.  Either way, after Christmas is definitely the time to stock up on cards for next year.  

Want a cute Christmas decorating idea?  Look for cute cards that can be framed as Christmas art, or can be cut out and used as ornaments, etc. 

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8.) Christmas Sweaters, Clothes and PJ’s

From ugly Christmas sweaters to leggings covered in candy canes to cute Christmas pajamas…now is the time to stock up on some of these items while they are prices at incredibly low discounted prices.  When I purchase for my grandchildren, I buy a few sizes larger to anticipate their growth for the next year. 

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9.)  Faux Christmas Trees, Garland and Greenery

I have been collecting life-like greenery for years now, and finally have a decent collection.  Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE the real stuff, just not inside my home.  While the outside is usually decorated with yards and yards of real greenery garlands, inside I keep the real greenery to a minimum.  The key to using faux greenery is to use the most realistic products you can find.  My test?  If you have to actually feel of it to make sure its real or not, it’s worthy of my decor.  I look for stems, picks and garlands.  Don’t be afraid of cutting a garland up into small lengths or bits, if needed.  Faux greenery and garlands can be quite costly – so that is why I have always tried to buy this product after Christmas.  

The same goes for Christmas trees. NOW is the time to buy a tree for next year.  These can be soooo expensive when they first hit the stores and when you need it most. (just before you decorate it).  Places like Michael’s Crafts are great.  You can buy a discounted tree and if you time it right, add in another discount coupon if one is available. 

If you buy a tree after Christmas, as much as it sounds great to do, don’t just buy it and pack it away in the box immediately.  I really suggest you take it out, assemble it to a degree where you can check the lights and make sure all the bits and pieces are intact and working. My good friend purchased a very large and very expensive tree last year, only to discover only half the lights worked this year when they pulled the tree out for the first time.   It’s a pain in the you-know-what, but better to be safe than sorry.

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10.) Toys

I hear you!  You’re all toy’d out right?   I’m not suggesting you go out and buy brand new bicycles that you have to store for a year.  But, it’s not a bad idea to buy some of the smaller gifts that you know will be wanted next year.  Sports equipment, video games, Legos, Movies, etc.  Now is certainly the time.   Just don’t forget where you stored them. 🙂

One of the things I try to do is plan ahead.  I have three grandbabies which means three birthdays.  And we are always invited to at least 2-3 birthday parties a year.  So…. I try to take advantage of the great after-Christmas sales to buy birthday gifts for the coming year. 

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So there you go!  The top 10 Items to Buy After Christmas.  I’m sure there are lots more you can think of, but these seem to be the ones I concentrate on the most.  After all, if you’re like me – you’re already borderline broke and facing a month of eating Ramen Noodles to recover.  😀   But, I think as far as your budget is concerned for next year, these are items where you can save a lot of money on which will allow you to eat less ramen Noodles next year.   

Thanks for letting me share!

xxoo, Barb

“…finding joy in the everyday!”

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