I hate to be the one to suggest this, but it might be financially wise to start thinking about next Christmas… already. I know you’ve just hauled all the torn up wrapping paper to the dump, pulled the last bits of tinsel out of the vacuum cleaner, and popped the champagne for the New Year, but hear me out. Now that Christmas 2011 is over, stores are marking all that “out-of-season” stuff down to clearance prices. Why not stock up now and save yourself those last-minute trips to Target next year? You know, when it’s all full price again! It’s the same stuff now as it will be for Christmas 2012, the only difference is that price sticker.
Personally, I like to spend a little money on certain items after Christmas each year. I consider it an “investment” into my sanity and my budget for the following year. If you’d like to get into the habit too, here are 5 great things you should fill your attic with to help you save on next year.
Wrapping Paper & Supplies
I can go through roll after roll of this stuff without even blinking an eye. And the last thing I want to worry about when I’m shopping for holiday gifts is running out of paper to wrap them in! The good news is that all those shiny and glittery rolls of paper go on MEGA clearance starting December 26. So do the boxes, bows, ribbons, gift bags, and gift tags. Get one of those wrapping totes (also on sale, but we’ll get to that later) and fill it with all your wrapping supplies. Sometimes, the special “holiday packs” of Scotch tape go on sale too. Start shopping somewhere like Target to maximize your wrapping paper savings.
Artificial Trees
If you’re tired of the scattered pine needles trapped in your carpet until well after St. Patrick’s Day, it may be time to invest in an artificial Christmas tree. And if that’s something you’re thinking of doing, why not spend the money now, when those trees are on super sale? Shop online with retailers like Christmas Trees Galore for a full inventory of clearance-priced artificial Christmas trees today. You’ll find pre-let, unlit, LED, fiber optic, flocked, colored, and many other varieties of artificial trees—one for every taste. This larger up-front cost can save you hundreds over the next few years of Christmases and can save you sneezing, cleaning headaches, and the hassle of tying it to your car roof!
Decorations
The bargain hunters know that those abandoned, cluttered aisles of holiday decorations after Christmas are worth rifling through. But you can also find great discounted holiday décor items online with sites like Holiday Decorations Direct. Shop now to find tree stands, outdoor decorations and lights, angel figurines, holiday dinnerware, artificial wreaths, and much more—all on sale! The Clearance Center has lots of great bargains to be hunted down, so take a peek today. Load up on these great low-priced decorations and you’ll be ready to wow everyone when next holiday season rolls around.
Holiday Apparel & Accessories
While you’re browsing online, it’s a good idea to see which clothing retailers are having big markdown sales on their fall/winter collections. Shop stores like Kohl’s, Macy’s, and Bloomingdale’s to cash in on these savings opportunities, where some apparel and accessories are on sale for as much as 80% off (now through December 31). You’ll also find holiday-specific finds on sale to spread lots of Christmas cheer everywhere you go next season. Shop Old Navy before the end of the year to save up to 50% online and up to 75% off in stores in all categories, including women, women’s plus, maternity, men, girls, boys, toddler girls, and toddler boys. Then, find additional savings on holiday-themed apparel, like these Holiday Graphic Lounge Pants… featuring Mickey Mouse! Prepare for the rest of the winter season or next year’s holiday party scene with great buys just after Christmas.
Storage Bins
With all of this stock-piling you’re doing with after-Christmas sales events, you’re soon going to find yourself out of places to store it all. As I mentioned earlier, a wrapping paper bin is a great way to keep all your bows, tags, bags, and rolls easy to find and free from crushing in your attic. I have one that I’ve used season after season and I love it. Pick one up from a store like Target or K-mart, where they’re going to be super affordable this time of year.
You’ll also want to get some totes and storage bins for those wreaths, ornaments, dinnerware, and everything else! Find lots of specialty storage bins and organizers from the pros at The Container Store and save a bundle while you’re at it! In fact, with these great prices on assorted items and the elfa storage tools, you can “make 2012 the year of organization!” Get that attic and basement in order this year so that you’ll have an easier time finding all the holiday decorations for next Christmas. Picking up a small fleet of red-and-green totes for my Christmas decorations and other items was a very smart move on my part. I never have to search through my endless collection of totes, opening all the lids!
So as you’re relaxing, trying to recover from this year’s holiday festivities, don’t be afraid to start thinking ahead. There are many great reasons to shop now to save yourself time, money, and energy on 2012’s holiday preparations. Give “future you” a break with these great online shops and stock-up purchases. And don’t forget to look for our coupon codes for any site you’re shopping! Who knows what other savings opportunities exist online?
