What to Buy After Christmas

 

You’ve seen the sales after Christmas.

 

It’s all too tempting.

 

Though there are remarkably less piles of merchandise spilling out of stores the day or two after Christmas, they’re still there.  And they’re calling out to us all. It’s partly a marketing ploy (as they have overproduced for the holidays just for this reason) and also just another example of gross over-consumerism standards in big box stores.

 

Sorry to get dark so quickly.

 

As a self-proclaimed anti-consumer (I’m working on it), I’m trying my best to not buy anything just because it’s on sale. After all, are you really benefiting from a purchase if you’re buying something you don’t need/want? With that in mind, I don’t think it’s criminal to shop post-Christmas sales if you’re looking for something specific. In fact, I think it’s pretty normal during the Christmas shopping phase to see something you want and to wait to make sure someone didn’t buy it for you first.

 

If you think you can resist the temptation to buy things you don’t want or need, shopping post-Christmas sales can be great for your wallet. Everyone’s holiday needs vary, so some of these won’t be relevant for all. But these are things that I think you can easily (and in good conscience) purchase post-Christmas:

 

1.  Wrapping paper, tissue paper, bows, string, cotton yarn, silk wrapping scarves etc.  Even if you can’t use it til next Christmas, you won’t regret having beautiful new supplies lying in wait under your Christmas ornament bins.  There is nothing wrong with having a good supply of this, if you don’t use reusables (or if your reusable supply is running low).
2. Ornaments, wreaths, baubles, etc. if you have a niche decorating style.  Christmas decorations really  do come in “styles” and sometimes your style might  “go-out” so to speak and won’t be readily available next year!  Point in case…look at popular pinterest pins this year.  They won’t be the same in a year or two from now.  So if that canvas-feather anthropologie-vibe woodland animal ornament collection is your thing, buy it.  Because next year, the stores might be doing vibrant jewel-toned trees and decor.
3. Christmas gifts!  If you haven’t exchanged gifts with someone, as crazy as that sounds, then buy their gift after Christmas.  Depending on the gift, there is a likelihood that it will be on sale.  And even though you’ve probably given almost everyone their Christmas gift…you still may have one or two people that you haven’t seen yet that you’re planning to give to.  Now’s the time to get their present!
4. Christmas-themed crafts. If you have littles, they probably do seasonal crafts. If this is you, go ahead and buy craft kits during the post-Christmas sale. Store them with your decorations, so they don’t take up space in your regular crafting area. Your kids will be excited to do crafts just as much next year (but for a fraction of the cost).
5. Last but (duh!) not least…body care!  All the lavender salt baths and special-edition makeup, nail polish, and hair accessories are out right now.  And many of them are on sale.  Get them now (if you regularly use them) because they won’t be around forever.

 

Things NOT to buy.  More toys, just because they are on sale.  You bought enough already.  More kitchen gadgets, just because they are on sale.  Your kitchen is full enough. Perishable Christmas foods–mixes, kits, and tins of goodies. These treats are fun in small, time-appropriate doses.  You won’t want to make a gingerbread house in March, so you don’t need to buy another kit just because it’s on sale.  That stuff will taste better (and be fresher) next year when it’s been 11 months since you last had it. This list could go on and on…but basically, don’t buy extra “stuff” that doesn’t have a purpose in your future Christmas.

 

What did I miss? Are there any other things you should buy in a post-Christmas sale? Drop a comment if you’ve got an idea to add!