Shopportunist:
Just because Christmas is over does not mean you should cease search for savings.
Chances are, the last thing you want to do is shop after several frenzied weeks of holiday sales and spending, but don’t rest your weary wallet just yet.
Significant sales are afoot now that Santa has put his feet up.
Retailers looking to reduce heaps of holiday inventory have slashed prices on products like holiday decor, wrapping paper, bows and ribbon. But, you can also expect tantalizing steals on toys, clothing, personal care products, small electronics and more.
The key to shopping these sales is foresight — and maybe shelf space. Try to stock up on items you can use in the weeks and months ahead or ready yourself for next Christmas, now.
Here are some of the best bargains: Wrapping paper and other gift
■ garnish: Stock up for next Christmas, but don’t stop there. Rummage through the rolls and racks and grab versatile gift wrap, tissue paper, ribbons and bows. Some wrapping paper comes in non-traditional Christmas shades, like white, blue and pink, and can easily be used on birthday presents with no one the wiser. I, for one, have accumulated enough discounted, generic paper to shroud birthday gifts for generations to come.
Holiday decor and treats: Demand ■ for lights, garlands, ornaments, holiday cards and Christmas treat tins plummets on Dec. 26, and so do prices. You can save upward of 80 percent if you buy holiday decorations and store them for next year. Need treats for your New Year’s Eve party? Pick up Christmas tins of cookies, popcorn chocolates and fudge. Or, take advantage of this opportunity to think ahead and pick up stockings and stocking stuffers (and hide them from the kids) to save yourself a last-minute trip to the store on Christmas Eve next year.
Box-set gifts: Box sets of fragrances, ■ bath bombs, cosmetics, personal care products and accessories make popular gift choices for those who need generic stocking stuffers or a last-minute present. These items are less popular after the holidays, and they’re often contained in sparkly holiday packaging that limits their shelf life to New Year’s Eve at the latest. That’s why you’ll find gift sets deeply discounted right after the holidays. Use them for your own self-care, or rewrap and regift them.
Toys and games: Clearance sales
■ on toys started before Santa even hitched up, but expect prices to slide even more. Target will start marking down toys and games just after the holiday. Expect price reductions to peak – 70 percent off or more – in midjanuary. Stock up on games and toys that will make great birthday gifts.
■ Video games: Gaming consoles top many kids’ Christmas wish lists. Naturally, those lucky enough to receive a new Nintendo Switch or Xbox One will also want some software. Stores will compete and offer added incentives and BOGO deals to those looking to beef up their game libraries. Amazon has historically offered steep discounts on PC games post-christmas. ■ Winter clothing: Bring on the bikinis. Stores start shifting to spring — and summer — fashions in late January. So now is the time to buy winter gear, like heavy sweaters, coats, scarves, hats and gloves.
■ Candles: Seasonal candles will get marked down almost immediately following Christmas. So be on the lookout for anything pine- or cranberry-scented, as well as candles decorated with snowflakes and other winter or holiday motifs.