This week, I wanted to share my post-holiday clearance haul.
See, I love a good deal – clearance, a coupon, a rebate, you name it. I also don’t love spending money on gifts. Don’t get my wrong; if you are a good friend, I’m ready to shell out some cash. But with three kids and an active life, we are invited to so many things: kids’ parties, baby showers, and more.
I don’t always have the budget for these last-minute celebrations, but I still want to give generously.
So, I like to budget some funds post-holidays and shop the clearance deals. Often, retailers will mark items 70-90% off! For example, I will never pay full price for wrapping paper or gift bags. I buy them a year ahead instead when they are clearanced out.
Valentine’s Day just passed, and I was able to score a ton of stuff that can be used as gifts throughout the year!
Here’s a brief overview of some of my finds:
- Heart-shaped snack boxes: you can put anything in these to make a special gift! Candy, trinkets, or crafting supplies. Or you can use them as a lunch or snack box for a trip to the beach or playground. Originally $10, I scored each box for $0.99!
- Bead crafting sets: originally $5, these were marked down to $0.50. Plenty of little girls would love one of these added to another item for a special birthday gift.
- Baby clothes: each item was 90% and rang up between $1.00 and $1.80. Timeless outfits to add to future baby shower gifts.
- Stuffed animals: these $10 stuffed monsters were marked down to $0.99 as well. I have a couple of younger nieces who will absolutely love these.
- Party supplies: at 80% off, these items were too good to pass up. With Party City closing locations, they are drastically marking down items. I’m all set for this year’s birthday parties for my seven- and nine-year-old children. My son will love a Pokemon-themed party, while my daughter is already excited about her mermaid party. And the candy items marked 80% off will be perfect for pinata stuffers.
- Pinatas! Not pictured, I found several pinatas for $5. A major steal!
While birthday party supplies are fun, they can be super expensive. Plus, many party supplies are disposable, one-time-use items.
I don’t love having a bunch of stuff around, but I make an exception for finds like these. It costs far more to buy a birthday gift or party supplies at the last minute, so I’ve started to keep two bins in my basement.
One bin holds party supplies and the second is for easy gift items. When we’re invited to a party or a shower, even if it is a last-minute affair, I am always prepared. Paired with a little gift card or a treat, the stress is taken out of gift giving!
Clearance sales happen at different points throughout the year. I scored these items after Valentine’s Day and because of Party City’s closures, but know that Target always has massive clearance sales in January and July.
In July, I always set aside some cash to restock my gift bins or shop ahead for Christmas gifts. I am choosy then, careful to select items that my nieces, nephews, or other gift recipients will actually enjoy, but I always have success.
If you’re tired of paying full price or find yourself scrambling whenever an invitation comes your way, give this clearance-shopping method a try!