After Christmas Strategic Shopping
I typically do more shopping after Christmas than before. I've been a bargain hound since way back.
We don't need the usual Christmas lovelies, like lights or gift wrap. I've managed to stockpile that long ago. Nowadays, it's the fancy stuff like Godiva chocolates and the extra cute Christmas cards I found this year.
At this time of year we're usually loaded down with homemade treats from the neighbors so I freeze the chocolates until we come up against a dreary day when only the best chocolate will do.
Sadly, stores have gotten savvy to bargain hounds like me. Inventory is computer-controlled now. They know what stock will move and what won't and they buy accordingly. There's always a margin for error which is why there are still some items leftover after Christmas, but it's not like the old days.
I feel sorry for younger shoppers today. They'll never know the thrill of overstock.
If I can give you one tip for buying after Christmas sales, shop for items that are not tied directly to Christmas.
• Cloth napkins trimmed with silver thread will serve long past the holidays. Whereas, snowman-themed napkins are a once a year item.
• Holiday dishware: Last year I bought several place settings of gold rimmed dishes for 75% off. (I waited for the very end of the clearance.) They're great for big gatherings when paper plates won't do.
• Gift wrap in solid colors can be used year round.
• Holiday candles can be used for any festive occasion.
• Christmas-themed, quality dog toys (don't bother with the cheap stuff) is good for any occasion. Dogs don't care if they're chewing on Santa's leg. It's all good.
Speaking of dog gifts, please avoid any rawhide made in China. Too many dogs have died from Chinese products. Because of their size, little dogs are even more susceptible to any toxins. If you can't verify where it was made, don't chance it.
• Don't forget the necessary extras like tissue paper, tape, and baking tins. If they're in the Christmas aisle, chances are they're also marked down.
• As you glance at the pre-packaged Christmas gifts, stock up on things that won't expire. Pajamas, bed throws, slippers, and neck massagers almost invariably get marked down. Now's the time to get them for next year's gifts. Note: If you buy anything with a cord, be sure to check that it works before you put it away.
Did you get anything good for Christmas this year? We don't buy gifts for each other anymore, though somehow Greg managed to get a few toys for himself. Men!
We don't need the usual Christmas lovelies, like lights or gift wrap. I've managed to stockpile that long ago. Nowadays, it's the fancy stuff like Godiva chocolates and the extra cute Christmas cards I found this year.
At this time of year we're usually loaded down with homemade treats from the neighbors so I freeze the chocolates until we come up against a dreary day when only the best chocolate will do.
Sadly, stores have gotten savvy to bargain hounds like me. Inventory is computer-controlled now. They know what stock will move and what won't and they buy accordingly. There's always a margin for error which is why there are still some items leftover after Christmas, but it's not like the old days.
I feel sorry for younger shoppers today. They'll never know the thrill of overstock.
If I can give you one tip for buying after Christmas sales, shop for items that are not tied directly to Christmas.
• Cloth napkins trimmed with silver thread will serve long past the holidays. Whereas, snowman-themed napkins are a once a year item.
• Holiday dishware: Last year I bought several place settings of gold rimmed dishes for 75% off. (I waited for the very end of the clearance.) They're great for big gatherings when paper plates won't do.
• Gift wrap in solid colors can be used year round.
• Holiday candles can be used for any festive occasion.
• Christmas-themed, quality dog toys (don't bother with the cheap stuff) is good for any occasion. Dogs don't care if they're chewing on Santa's leg. It's all good.
Speaking of dog gifts, please avoid any rawhide made in China. Too many dogs have died from Chinese products. Because of their size, little dogs are even more susceptible to any toxins. If you can't verify where it was made, don't chance it.
• Don't forget the necessary extras like tissue paper, tape, and baking tins. If they're in the Christmas aisle, chances are they're also marked down.
• As you glance at the pre-packaged Christmas gifts, stock up on things that won't expire. Pajamas, bed throws, slippers, and neck massagers almost invariably get marked down. Now's the time to get them for next year's gifts. Note: If you buy anything with a cord, be sure to check that it works before you put it away.
Did you get anything good for Christmas this year? We don't buy gifts for each other anymore, though somehow Greg managed to get a few toys for himself. Men!
Comments
Maria we do not buy presents for each other either, easier to set a price limit and buy for ourselves that way we get not only something we may need but something we actually want and will use.
So often we give things that are nothing more than pacifiers--stuff we give because it's expected.
Re: after Christmas sales
It was surprisingly empty in the stores, but then we went early. We got front door parking and were in and out in minutes.
We don't exchange gifts either for hubby or me. I like to wait until we need something or want something rather than trying to come up with something just to have a gift to unwrap.
betty
We don't get each other anything either. My mom did send some nice sweatshirts for both of us, though, so we had something to unwrap. And the Kid sent a package of home-baked goodies, so when that arrives, it'll be like Christmas all over again. =o)
Sometimes I go shopping on Dec 26, but I didn't this year. Got busy doing other things. It's not like I enjoy shopping--I don't--but I do like a bargain. Maybe next year. :)
The only time we had it easy financially was during the 80s. We didn't make any more money, but things were cheaper.
I hate having to look for little things like that so I keep tape and scissors in nearly every room.
Me? I don't want to go shopping at all! :)
I never leave the house on Black Friday if I can help it. We have thirty-one years of accumulated Christmas stuff (including a huge bin of wrapping paper), and I can make almost anything I need, so I don't shop before or after Christmas sales. I do buy all our household calendars and planners a couple days after Jan. 1st; BAM usually has them marked down 75% after New Years.
One of our neighbors always has such nice outdoor Christmas lights that I mentioned it to my guy, and he told me something funny -- that neighbor returns his lights to the local home improvement store every year after Christmas, exchanges them for new sets, and then stores the brand new sets for the next year. It seems almost like stealing to me, but at least now I know why his lights never burn out -- they're always new!
I should change my name to "Never Pay Full Price Maria", but that's a little long for a business card. :)
Re: neighbor
That's a naughty neighbor. What he's doing is stealing. I read recently that retailers are trying to crack down on repeat returners by keeping a tally. It's sad when people take advantage of the system.
The other day I ordered a new mouse online for my old squeaky mouse. Unfortunately, they sent me one that not only had been returned but it was missing the wireless usb connector.
Happy New Year to you and Greg and all the critters on the farm!
Happy New Year, Anne!
I tend to shop after Christmas. I always hit the LUSH store since they have their Christmas gift boxes at 50% off. I've stockpiled enough for at least 6 months :)