Know when to shop

Think the best deals for your holiday shopping are the week before? Wrong you can shop all year and save more time, money and hassle shopping after holiday sales. Most people shop this way after Christmas, why not all year long and take advantage of this money savvy and thrifty way to indulge in a little shopping as well as some tremendous savings. Wait until about two days after a holiday, then go out shopping for items you need that are themed for that day at deeply discounted prices. Get a Mother’s or Father's Day card for next year the day after. Get Easter egg decorating kits and baskets with toys the day after Easter. Get wrapping paper and cards and the ilk the day after or a few days after Christmas (most places are 75% off at that point). The discounts are vast, and you can just put this stuff in the closet until next year, saving you a bundle.



I am famous for this, I have storage boxes full of gifts from shopping this way. I shop all year long and keep the items in a storage tote. I just bought all my St. Patrick's Day and all of my Easter stuff for next year. I bought them all on sale from local craft stores and larger chains too. Decorations, baskets, wreathes, items (non-perishable) to go in the baskets. My girls love hello kitty and trust me that stuff isn't cheap, however I bought stuffed versions of the characters for 75% off  the original amount. In July I purchase snow jackets for winter. I use a store coupon and I save big on these items.

I purchase scarves and gloves as they go out of season. I shop for tank tops in winter. It sounds crazy but I always have the best gifts. I have actually been asked to not buy so much for my family and friends as they feel they "don't do enough". I enjoy shopping and if I can go out and spend $25 on $200-$300 worth of items then why not?


This is great to do for everyday itemms for yourself as well. For instance if your favorite store has a semi-annual sale then find  coupons and answer those surveys to save on top of that or join their email clubs. Watch as that bill total goes from hundreds back down to double digits.

I do this with Bath and Body works. I get a $10 off a $30 purchase on the bottom of my receipt and I take the survey to get the code for it. It's very easy! Then when they have their 75% off semi-annual sale (roughly June and January) then I grab a bunch of items that are regularly $5.50 and up and watch as I purchase 30-50 items and only spend about $100. I have enjoyed the employee giggle as they are pulling through my mile long receipt and they tell me I have saved nearly 3 times what I spent.