Long ago in my Wal-Mart days, I had a boss that pointed out that he knew nail clippers and wallets would be half price the day after Christmas. He didn’t buy those things that he knew would be on sale. His point was to anticipate our customer to prevent marking these things down. That’s when I, as a consumer, expanded my shopping to include everyday items. Sure, I bought Christmas decorations and cards the day after Christmas, but I never thought about hairbrushes and nail kits. It was a new world open to me. Soon I had a closet like my grandmother, with gifts for all occasions. Easter baskets, birthday parties, I was ready for it all. This is my Black Friday. We coupon and I look for deals, but nothing beats a whole section of the store 50-90% off. I shop heavily for gifting the whole year. Since I had my son, it is a much leaner haul. However, now I have another reason to buy.
First I go to Wal-Mart at 7 or 8 AM. I’m looking for pencils. I give pencils every year, and they are 50 cents at Wal-Mart. I look for gift sets. Things I can split into bags. Multiple lotions (not so much with the body wash) accessory sets like sponges and loofahs, make up brushes, hairbrush sets, and large scented candles. I also look for things I can put into a child goody bag or prize bucket: tiny pens, bubbles, card sets, and general bags like brown paper bags. I will look at food and candy that is seasonal, but something I wouldn’t buy like Lindor Truffles or peppermint bark.
Then I go to Target. I look for the same stuff, but I’ll look for table items. The last couple of years I have found the electric candles. I will also look at the “men’s gift” items. I have been able to get things that I never thought existed, like a car fridge, for a few dollars. Target also does a big toy event December 26th.
Then I will go to specialty stores or department stores. Ulta has great deals on makeup sets while Kohls has everything from jewelry to lotion.
Here is a list of tips you might be able to use.
1.Try to make a plan. Know how much you can spend, and what you are shopping in anticipation. This keeps you from coming home with gold cuff links because they were on sale.
2.Wrap, tissue, and bows- Dollar Tree charges a dollar for wrap, bags, and tissues. If it is a dollar and it’s not a unique tissue or wrap, put it back. As far as multipacks, I wrapped some huge presents and only really used two rolls of wrap. I have over bought many years, so I won’t be buying wrap. Bows are another story.
3. Cards- I have bought cute unique cards…then I see them on 90% on Jan. 1. I have sent photo cards the last few years. I pay more for being individual, but they are entirely mine.
4. Candy- Under $1, only if you’ll eat it right away, and nothing “cheap”. Russell Stover will not go on Sale because of Valentine’s day and they can unwrap those boxes. If you like peppermint, it’s a great time to stock up. Remember you can’t save for Halloween, and Easter candy is much tastier.
5. Buy general items that usually don’t go on sale. I have bought table runners, placemats, and napkins that are general colors and have no holiday decor on them; Baskets with covers that can be taken off; and glasses and stemware that can be used year round.
6. You can bring coupons, but it may not be worth it. I’ll be honest, I don’t gift anything I could buy in the supermarket as far as soaps and shampoos. Also if the item is more than 50 cents than even if it has wreaths on it, it’s not worth your time
7. The big expensive name brand electronics will not be on sale, but the accessories will be. Sure there are sales and good prices. Chances are what you want (Ipad, Xbox, Playstation 3) are set prices. They give the retailers very little of the sales profit on these items. Accessories will be on sale because this is where they have room to mark things down.
That’s all for now.
Merry Christmas!
