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Some Post-Christmas Advice

I thought I would share a little bit of after-Christmas shopping advice that comes from years of experience.

1.  Potpourri may be very inviting when it is half off in the days following Christmas but you really only need one bag per year.  You may say they will make great visiting teaching gifts later on but resist the urge to buy extra.  One bag will do.

2.  When you have a great neighbor gift idea for the next year and decide to stock up on tons of wrapping paper, get your gift out before someone that is more organized than you does the same thing.  You will be stuck with paper to last a lifetime.  I am still begging to give that stuff away.

3.  Gingerbread house kits are already hard so it doesn't matter if you buy those a year ahead!

4.  The best way to decorate a 10 ft. tree is a little each year.  I started 8 years ago and it is almost as full as I would like it!  Just don't get too close to the sides and back.  I spend about $20 a year at after-Christmas sales and as soon as I get it just perfect I will probably want to start on a whole new set of decorations.

5.  If you do a countdown box like I do, buy the prizes now for next year.  They are so much cheaper that way.  Party stores are a good choice or the $ bins at Target.  Then pack the prizes away with your advent box.

6.  Buy some totes!  I have been using cardboard boxes from Douglas' baby swing and the ones we used for moving into this house.  It is time to make the switch.  They are on sale everywhere right now.  I got some great ones at Lowes.

7.  You can't go wrong with 1/2 price Christmas books and CD's. 

8.  Things are still only 50% off this week.  If you can live without it, it is more fun to wait until next week when it will all be 75% off.  If you have to have it, don't wait.

9.  Get a little something frivolous that you would never pay full price for.

10.  Some clearance Christmas items are useful all year round.  For example, Target has their Scotch Tape 3-packs on clearance.  Why not stock up?  How about a nice extension cord or a remote for your outdoor lights?  I have a red dining room and can find lots of linens that may not be too Christmasy.  Keep an open mind.

11 Buy a few bags of clearance chocolate now and save them for one-of-those days later on.  You really won't care what color the wrapper is!

Good luck and happy bargain hunting!
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Comments

Kimberly said…
One of the many reason that I love Jenny! I think you should write a book about bargain hunting.
December 30, 2008 at 8:34 AM
wylie said…
You know I LOVE your sale shopping tips!

I'm trying to hold out for the 75% off for a new Christmas tree (yes we do artificial). My previous 75% off tree from Target lasted 10 years--it is time for a new one!
December 30, 2008 at 5:06 PM
Amy said…
Great tips Jenny... You and I could have a great time shopping together.. That I am sure of..
December 31, 2008 at 10:13 AM
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