I do this all year round too! I have totes for each holiday, but I don't just look at stocking stuffers and toys.  I usually try to get hand towels, candy dishes, etc for neighbors or the secretary.  I check out kids clothing too, I can usually find some cute shirts with funny sayings for my son and daughter the next size up for next to nothing.  Hallmark usually does some great clearance sales during the summer to get rid of extra holiday stuff before they put out the new year's ornament collection.  I've gotten great gifts, yankee candles, wrapping paper, and bags for 90% off!!

posted on 5/3/2012 3:42:18 PM

I do this all year round. Clearance toys are great for the parties the kids forget to tell you about. We have containers in the basement the kids can just go grab a gift out of them.

posted on 4/26/2012 9:30:55 PM

I do this too but don't shy away from the marked down candy!  If you have freezer space, it will keep for months.  I store chocolate chips in the freezer all the time and they stay fresh for more than a year.

posted on 3/7/2012 12:28:54 AM

I do this after Valentines Day, Easter and Christmas!!!!!! Saves a LOT of money!!!!!!

posted on 2/24/2012 1:02:40 PM

I love to do this. It is really a blessing when birthdays come throughout the year Also at the next christmas

posted on 2/17/2012 11:59:24 AM

Good idea

posted on 2/16/2012 10:45:03 AM

The candy usually has expiration dates on the package. Many times the dates are far away. Candy canes and hard candies are usually at least a year or 2. I have candy canes bought after Christmas a year agowe didn't get to this year, that will still be good next year! Just keep them at room temperature and they will be fine. I did this with suckers for Halloween too.

posted on 1/25/2012 12:28:19 PM

Don't skip the candy...buy the Christmas-colored individually wrapped ones and sort them: red for Valentines Day and green for St Patricks Day.

posted on 1/25/2012 10:37:14 AM

I do this every year and I don't just wait for after CHristmas, I look at all clearance, all the time.  I don't go crazy, I usually budget twnety dollars a month max - but when I do, I bring my son and we shop for others.  These hot deals are what we use for Angel Trees, Toys for Tots, etc.  I don't limit it to toys but hats and gloves too.  It helps us give more even when times are tough.

posted on 1/22/2012 8:52:05 PM

I like to watch all year for great gift ideas and pick them up when I see them on sale

posted on 1/22/2012 4:06:54 PM

Good idea.

posted on 1/19/2012 1:20:50 PM

I do this every year. Great for saving money I even found something for myself. I wanted a Cris Isik magic game but it was not in my budget. I found it for 75% off, now I can dazzle and amaze my grandchildren!

posted on 1/18/2012 4:11:55 PM

I love doing this! I buy lots of stocking stuffers for Salvation Army stockings and Operation Christmas child shoe box gifts.  I feel like I can do so much more.....I bought many many pairs of gloves from Target at 70% off and feel great about it!

posted on 1/14/2012 9:12:24 PM

I have done this in prior years but for the last couple of years prices and specials before Christmas often beat the after Christmas sales and I do not have to worry about storage space for a whole year.  Thanks for the tip.

posted on 1/10/2012 7:07:37 AM

Good idea - I usually just get hte candy!

posted on 1/6/2012 10:25:28 AM

I always start after Christmas for the next year. I already have something for each family member baught for next Christmas. 

posted on 1/4/2012 12:57:51 PM

Great idea!  Thanks for sharing.

posted on 1/3/2012 10:25:07 PM

I do this every year. I have tubs with extra gifts for those partys you forget about!

posted on 1/2/2012 9:28:27 PM

We usually wait till a few days after to shop, but the clearance sales at Walmart were still only 50% off on New Years Day and most of the items weren't marked down at all!!  Will try the drugstores next!

posted on 1/2/2012 1:52:07 PM

And this is true for other major holidays as well - Valentines' Day, Halloween ... go the day after, and stock up for next year.  That's really the only way we can afford to get new stuff for the holidays, as these items are "nice to have's" and not "necessities".

posted on 12/28/2011 7:02:59 AM

CVS, Rite Aid and Walgreens have fantastic markdowns- dont forget to bring your coupons which they take on all the 50-75% off items!  

posted on 12/27/2011 5:21:31 AM

I try to stock up with after Christmas sells, but do not like the crowds of people. Hopefully will be able to get some good items.

posted on 12/26/2011 11:16:48 PM

I love after Christmas sales. It depends on what I am looking for when I go. I too find that the next day is not always the best. I tend to go and get a few things, and then a few days later I go back out. I keep my eyes open for about the next 2 months because between Christmas sales and end of Winter sales there are SO many awesome deals out there!

posted on 12/26/2011 7:27:27 PM

this is a great idea I have a drawer that I place all next christmas purchases in.

posted on 12/26/2011 5:36:12 PM

I always wait till the 27th or 28th to get some deal the stores often have things really cut down by then and I can stock up on paper goods. I put my Christmas paper plates and napkins with my decorations so I remember where I  put them.

posted on 12/26/2011 11:33:43 AM

I love shopping after most holidays to get the usuall 50-75% off items!!!

posted on 12/26/2011 5:22:45 AM

I love to shop clearance at Wal-Mart!!

posted on 12/26/2011 5:19:18 AM

Bummed, I have to work the Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday after Christmas, no sales!

posted on 12/25/2011 11:20:56 PM

Sounds like a great idea, but I am just trying to figure out where to put everything the day after christmas and feel like I don't have the time. Maybe that will change when my kids are a little older.

posted on 12/25/2011 10:53:11 PM

Shopping the day after Christmas is the only way I go!  Have always purchased gift bags, tissue paper, etc. and can use this all year long for many occasions.  Seems like my children are always needing a gift bag for friends's birthdays and other holidays through the year.

posted on 12/25/2011 12:16:35 PM

Layaway big items, clearance rack, and coupons....all are helpful. The day after Christmas best time to get a jump start on birthday gifts, baby showers and weddings...

posted on 12/25/2011 1:30:27 AM

this is my favorite part of Christmas!! I always try to stock up on tons of stuff, including gift bags, tissue paper (plain white especially cuz it can be used all year!), gift tags, gift boxes, ribbons, etc etc. and I'll be looking at clothes & toys this year too, since I am expecting in April, I plan to find tons of baby clothes on clearance for next winter. i'm ready to clearance shop!!!

posted on 12/24/2011 9:25:33 AM

Hard enough getting through this Christmas without thinking ahead to next year now!

posted on 12/23/2011 2:43:14 AM