A Shopper’s Guide to Post-Christmas Sales

Congratulations, you’ve made it through the last-minute holiday shopping rush. Chances are, the gifts you’ve purchased are now sitting pretty under the tree. Perhaps they’ve even been handed off to loved ones.

But if you have the stamina for just a little more shopping, you might consider heading out to the stores tomorrow. You’ll find plenty of deals – with some promotions lasting into 2013.

The week between Christmas and New Year’s Day is one of the busiest for retailers. It’s also a shopper’s paradise – with promotions ranging from white sales and clothing markdowns to discounted toys. Here’s what you need to know…

1. What to look for

It’s no secret that holiday Christmas decorations are cheapest right after the holiday. But mistletoe and ornaments aren’t the only markdowns you’ll find. Anything with a holiday flair – whether it’s candy wrapped in holiday packaging or PJs with a Christmas tree pattern – usually goes on sale. Other things to look for:

• Clothing – winter apparel, pajamas, denim
• Toys – everything from video games and board games to popular LEGO sets and Nerf products
• Holiday decorations – ornaments, lights, artificial trees, wreaths, stockings, tinsel, and mistletoe
• Holiday food items – baking goods, anything in holiday-themed packaging
• Tableware – holiday-themed plates, glasses, mugs, and serving sets
• Electronics – namely brand-name HDTVs
• Linens – look out for white sales at retailers like Macy’s and Sears

2. Where to shop

Most stores have yet to announce post-Christmas sales, but we reached out to several companies and were able to get some upcoming promotions. Here’s a sneak peek:

Best Buy

Between Dec. 26 and Dec. 29, several HDTVs will be marked down, including the Samsung 46-inch LED 1080p HDTV for $579.99 (save $300), the Insignia 39-inch LCD 1080p HDTV for $279.99 (save $70), and the LG 24-inch LED 720p HDTV (save $50). There will also be markdowns on several laptops and a Kindle.

Macy’s

The retailer has deemed the seven days between Christmas and New Year’s Day “the week of wonderful.” Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll find on sale.

Known as Macy’s biggest denim sale of the season, you’ll get a $10 savings pass with any denim purchase from brands including Levi’s Jeans, Calvin Klein Jeans, Buffalo, Tommy Hilfiger, and more. You’ll also find 25 percent off Style & co. jeans, and $39.99 Levi’s jeans for her and him (reg. $54-$58).

For home goods, you’ll find 60 percent off all quilts and flannel bedding. Pillows are buy one on sale, get an extra 50 percent off second pillow from Charter Club, Lauren Ralph Lauren Home, and more. Hotel Collection Microcotton bath towels are on sale for $9.99 (reg. $25).

In other categories ranging from decorations to clothing, shoppers will see more discounts, like 50 percent to 75 percent off holiday ornaments, dinnerware, candy, and cards. There’s also 25 percent off activewear; plus, an extra 20 percent off athletic shoes. You’ll find 50 percent off winter coats from DKNY, Tahari, Via Spiga, and more. There’s also a buy one, get one free deal for dress shirts and ties for him from Michael Michael Kors, Kenneth Cole Reaction, and more.

Sam’s Club

On Dec. 26, Sam’s Club members will see reduced pricing in-club on seasonal decor and giftables like gift baskets, housewares, and select appliances.

SamsClub.com

Members can visit www.samsclub.com/auctions to bid on a variety of gifts they may have wanted but didn’t receive. All bids start at just $1.

Sam’s Club Auctions features a wide variety of merchandise including electronics – TVs, cameras, and laptops – jewelry and accessories, sporting goods, toys, video games, and popular kitchen appliances like Kitchen Aid mixers. Christmas decor and similar items will likely be available on auctions in mid-January.

New items pop up every hour of the day, and all items are new and in original packaging. Membership is required to bid on items – but not required to look.

The Container Store and ContainerStore.com

All 58 stores and online will offer 30 percent off elfa – the store’s best-selling shelving and drawer system – and 30 percent off installation from Dec. 24 through Feb. 12.

Toys “R” Us and ToysRUs.com

The following deals and discounts will take place from Dec. 26 to Dec. 29:

Buy one get one 40 percent off deals for video games, movies (in-store only), and Skylanders figures and accessories.

Buy one get one 50 percent off deals for all LEGO City, Hero Factor, and Star Wars construction sets, Hasbro board games, Nerf items, Crayola arts and crafts, Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Toys, and books.

All of the Toys “R” Us deals listed above require the item must be of equal or lesser value to the lowest-priced item purchased. Offers cannot be combined, and selection varies by store.

Walmart

The retailer is offering 50 percent off select Christmas candy, toys, and seasonal decor. Kids and Baby Licensed Sleepwear starts at $6. The sale begins Dec. 26 and continues while supplies last.

3. Take advantage of gift cards and coupons

Did a family member or friend give you a gift card this holiday season? Use it on Dec. 26 when items are already marked down to maximize its value. And don’t forget that you might be able to use your gift card at other stores owned by the same parent company. Sam’s Club, for example, accepts Walmart gift cards.

Also check the Internet and circulars for coupons. When looking online, enter a search for [product name] + “coupon code” in your favorite search engine and see what comes up. Also check out sites like RetailMeNot.com, CouponCodes.com, Coupons.com, and the MoneyTalksNews Deals Page.

And if you’re still in a food coma and would prefer shopping from your couch this Dec. 26, check out 10 Ways to Get the Absolute Best Price Online for tips to save even more.