Do you agree or disagree with the three things I share in this video? Are there other items you’d suggest waiting until after Christmas to buy? I’d love to hear.
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This article was released today and made me think of your vlog:
http://money.msn.com/saving-money-tips/post.aspx?post=23c52e9e-778d-475f-9b7f-4ba7ed59dba3
Towards the end of January, our Target has their men’s khaki pants 75% off. My dh wears them to work each day as a hospice chaplain and after 52 washes and pressings they are ready to be switched out the next year. I also go ahead and buy my teenage boys black ones – even though they say they don’t need them – because I know they will need them at some point during the year.
I don’t agree on the coats, sure they will go on sale , but Sears have had winter coats 60% off already.
Sheets and blankets are much less expensive during the January white sales.
I have proof of buying a jacket in January! I went to Walmart in January and I saw a fleece jacket (walmart version of a northface jacket). There was an XL that was too big for my husband but it was ONLY $3! It was originally 15 or 20 before being put on clearance. I swear they bring back the same jackets every year, too, so my husband thought I was crazy and guess what? We are giving it to HIS dad for Christmas this weekend and it is our little secret that his brand new jacket only cost $3. Shh! My friends at work all got jackets for their kids and they said they only cost $1 at Walmart last year!
I just wanted to say I like watching a video every now and then instead of reading. This was perfect info for a video because it was only a few things, so it was short.
Can’t hear you very well.
Make sure the volume is turned up all the way on your computer and on YouTube. It’s really loud and clear on my computer, but I’ve heard it’s not always as clear on other computers.
I think waiting until January to buy a coat is a hit or miss deal. I got my daughter’s very first coat on clearance in January. Her second coat, I waited again until Jan in order to score another coat on clearance but unfortunately could not find a coat in the next size up! Very frustrating since I was counting on the clearance deals! This year I decided to not take any chances and bought her a coat last week for 60% off.
I would generally agree, however with Old Navy’s 30% off coupon this week I scored 2 coats at great prices since they were already marked down. I got one for only $10 and another for only $14. Last year I waited and most places were out because they had started clearancing or running specials in December and by the time January rolled around the stock was low and I missed out.
Sorry if I missed this, but I get Christmas cards right after Christmas too.
Got 6 boxes for 90% off at Target last year! and they were pretty ones I liked!
I live abroad but the same rules generally apply here too. We were really bummed when our TV died in the beginning of November. Out came an old smaller TV from the garage- and it died within 2 hours of plugging it in! We waited it out until the middle of December, but then we decided that watching Christmas specials was worth it and we broke down and bought a very nice TV (on sale and within our budget). Sometimes the enjoyment from an item outweighs extra savings- we’re happy!
Thanks for the tips! I was thinking about a new coat this week (it was half off with an additional 40% off and free shipping at Land’s End, but I may just wait until Jan. now and that would be better for our budget anyway. I had a nice coat I bought from a friend at her yard sale but it got burned by a heating vent this week (almost caught on fire too!)
I TOTALLY agree! We actually got a treadmill on Freecycle.com – TOTALLY free in February – LOL! it isn’t fancy, but they just wanted it out & it totally works – we also got CHEAP hand weights on craigslist early in the year too – people get excited & then just want it gone when they don’t stick with it. My hubby dropped his gym membership last year – mine is a year long membership – i still use it, but i plan on ditching it when I need to renew – no reason – I’ve got weights and a treadmill already =)
Consumer electronics are usually good to purchase in January for last years model. The CES show is usually in January and that’s when they unveil the latest greatest items.
I agree! So expensive! Even as a long time Mac user, I ventured out and got myself an inexpensive netbook at a black friday sale… For $157 it’s super portable, and will do everything I need to do.
Admittedly, it’s a little bewildering but I figure I can learn some new ways for the amount I saved… 😉
Past couple of years I’ve gotten my kids winter coats at Gymboree on Black Friday or I’ve gotten them second hand. This year I wanted Lands End. I bought their outerwear with a coupon before Thanksgiving and I’ve re-purchased/returned my kids coats and boots from Lands End two times since then to take advantage of markdowns and addl % off for significant savings. However, the color and size I wanted for my daughter is gone, but I got a good second choice. So waiting too long can have disadvantages – some items are slim pickings.
I agree with 2 and 3, but I didn’t know about #1. Good to know.
What camera did you use to film? I am in the market for one – of course in January. 😉
Thank you!
Kristen @ DemGoldenApples
I also found that we were able to get new furniture (at least in our area) for pretty cheap after the New Year. I don’t know if it’s a regional thing but it seems like all the furniture stores here try to empty their stores to bring in new stuff!
I find that the best time to buy winter gear is around mid-December. I went shopping last year on 12/26 and all the coats, boots, hats, gloves, etc. were mostly picked over. By January they are mostly gone.
This is one of the most useful posts. I learned a lot from the video and comments. I am going to write these down. Thanks! I am so in need of a winter coat, boots and perfume. And any idea when the luggage sets go on clearance?
I definitely agree with the fitness and coats. However, as others have mentioned some stores have had great deals. Old Navy you could find scarfs and gloves for $1 already and your post for Land’s ends hats yesterday was great!! I think if you know the price point you’re willing to spend then when your out you know if it’s a steal or not. I haven’t had to buy coats in several years because of buying ahead.
Another BIG thing we budget for is toys in January. Especially Target. That’s when they have there big clearance ( and July) With that sale I stock up. Every gift we’ve needed this year came from a bin in my basement!!! I love it!!
Great video! I’ll add that fireplace accessories and space heaters also will go on sale/clearance in January to make room for the Spring seasonal. I’m patiently waiting for the prices to lower! 🙂
After Christmas, Target normally has HUGE clearances(end of aisles) for toys and “home” products. You can get pictures frames, etc. for great deals.
Toys are already on clearance at our Target. Some of the holiday food items are, too (not candy).
I agree. I am a fitness professional and I always tell my clients to get used fitness equipment in Feb/March. It will be almost brand-new and at great prices. If you are going to buy new equipment, Jan truly is the best time as companies roll out big discounts.
The first 2 make sense. #3 is absolutely true! It may be hard especially if you were wanting to gift a TV or something, but my husband installs home theaters and all sorts of technology into homes for a living and he always tells everyone to wait until January or February to buy their electronics.
Lands End runs some really good deals on winter coats in the fall and in December. I’ve run into the problem of not being able to find a style I like in the size I need when shopping in Jan. I’ve always tried to watch for coats for my kids in Jan. Sometimes it has worked and sometimes it hasn’t! Sometimes I feel like buying ahead doesn’t work out that well for me. I’d rather watch for a great sale and get something I really like even if I spend a little more. I really like Lands End, because you can get free shipping almost always and return stuff anytime at a Sears!
right after the super bowl is the best time to buy a television.
I disagree with waiting to buy winter coats. Yesterday at carters, there was only one coat left in my infant’s size, an NO boots left, because they had already been reduced to 50%. I was shocked, but lesson learned.
I learned my lesson last year when I waited to buy my daughter’s winter boots. I ended up finding one last pair in her size at Target after checking many stores, but they weren’t all that reduced in price. I won’t wait so long again.
The northeast was hit with an early snowstorm this Halloween. In my area, there are hardly any boots left at the big box stores and winter technically hasn’t even started yet.
I picked up boots in September (a little larger than their then-current sizes) and it was a really good thing I had since there have been hardly any boots available under $50/pair since our lovely Halloween snowstorm.
I wouldn’t wait on things needed for the current year but buying next year’s coat/boots/stuff 80% off- heck yes.
I’ll agree with the first two. Although electronics may go on sale in January, your reasoning is not accurate. My techie husband said that new products announced at CES do not typically come out anywhere near the date they are announced & often aren’t released for another year or more.
You’re right that not everything intro’d is available for sale right away, but a number of the reputable sources I checked in preparing this post (Consumer Reports, finance sites, etc.) agreed that the CES is one of the major contributing factors (along with post-Christmas sales) to why older model electronic prices fall in January. Even if the new model isn’t out yet, because people know it’s coming out, it makes the older model of less value–thus motivating sales and specials on the older models.
Thanks so much for commenting so that I could clarify my comments!
Not just winter coats – winter clothes in general will go on clearance in January as stores make room for spring/summer merchandise.
Also granola and oatmeal always seem to have great sales (with matching coupons) in January
My teen loves name brand expensive perfume sets. These all go for half after Xmas.
Where do you find expensive perfume gift sets at half of?
I was wondering that too…I don’t like perfume, but my husband has to have cologne and he is very particular and will only wear name brands. He typically gets from Macys, but that averages 70 for an oz. Let us know where you get yours please!
Its also the best time to buy fake Christmas trees. I got a $350 one for $25 two years ago
Before or after Christmas to buy Christmas trees??
As for winter clothes sales, I think it depends on what area you live in. Like many have posted, they go on super sale right now and by January they are usually cleared out. I think this is because I live in CA, which typically experiences nice weather Feb-Nov. However, since I live in a desert area, our temperatures are much more extreme in both summer and winter than the cities 45min away.
The same thing happens for summer items here too. I am not sure if everyone experiences this same sale cycle happens everywhere or if it is even true – just my conclusion 🙂
TV’s usually go on sale again just before Super Bowl.
Great job on the video, Crystal!
yes to all three AND cars!! (well in my family we don’t usually give cars/vehicles for Christmas presents like they do on tv) once 2011 ends, all the 2011 models (and earlier) will be greatly marked down!! shop for vehicles at the end of january and into february.
love your site!
I waited till February to buy a mattress and got it at half off. That seemed to be the time when stores were discounting heavily to bring in new products. If I would have done my homework, I could have gotten a floor model for 80% off.
Totally agree on the electronics. My younger brother just bought a mac lap top and spent over $1k. My dad and I both told him to wait until after Christmas because it would more than likely go on sale. Did he listen? No…of course not because we can’t possibly be right. He’s going to regret it; I know…
Actually unless he was buying an older model or a refurbished laptop Apple products usually don’t go on sale. Sometimes the price will drop before the new model comes out but after it has been announced or they will run a special to get a printer when you buy a computer or get a gift card with a purchase but as a general rule they don’t have sales. It is part of their marketing strategy and they even control the prices at authorized dealers to make sure they never drop down.
For most electronics the prices will go down in January but Macbooks rarely if ever go on sale.
It’s actually a great idea to wait to buy a mac. While it’s true they don’t deeply discount their products, this also makes your money better-spent if you wait to buy the newest model (rather than dropping $1k and only to see the new model announced the next week). This website “predicts” whether you should buy now, wait or find a different model. http://buyersguide.macrumors.com/ It’s all based on the past history of how often they update and if they are “due” based on that to update soon or if it looks like they may discontinue a product or model. Mac’s are so expensive! It makes sense to do your research 🙂
I spent that on my Macbook pro, but as a grad student it came with free printer and iPod. Totally, worth it would not pay for any other type of computer.
Use your Christmas travels to score deals: when I go home to Texas for Christmas/New Year’s, I can find AMAZING deals on cold-weather clothing there, because San Antonio typically does not get that cold so they always have too much stock of winter merchandise. That’s how I got my first set of ski gear super cheap at Academy. 🙂
I’d love to see your video tips transcribed. The video thing doesn’t work for me (I read much faster!) and it’s better for SEO, too. 🙂 Love your blog, though, and follow it everyday! Thank you for ALL the wonderful tips, hints, links and ideas. The marshmallow shooters were a huge hit at our party this weekend (for the 10 kids that received them). They brought a little “snow” to our SO CA Christmas celebration.
I have yet to find a way to do it easily and efficiently–and then where would I post the transcription? Right under the post? That seems weird or odd or something. And then it kind of defeats the purpose of video blogging, ya know?! 🙂
Maybe someday I’ll discover a brilliant and efficient way! In the mean time, I just throw videos in sometimes to change things up a little and for people to get to hear and see me, rather than just read words on a screen.
But if videos aren’t your thing, just scroll right past. 🙂
Many news videos have the transcription directly below them. It’s not only handy for those who can’t watch the video, it’s also great for checking back on a single detail when you’ve already seen the video. Just a thought…
Do you happen to have an example of this on a news site? I’d love to see it and see if there’s a way I could implement it.
http://gallery.usgs.gov/videos/508
The government has to put transcription for videos to be ADA compliant. The link above isn’t anything that is of interest to this blog, but just an example that I pulled off a webpage.
I prefer to read than to watch as well. I can read so much faster and feel like I’m waiting to listen.
Yes, on our local news websites they often have the story transcribed below the video clip. I enjoy that because sometimes the content of the stories are not child appropriate so I can still catch up without having to play them. Not that that’s an issue for this site, but it’s also nice for working individuals who are catching up online during a break and don’t want to disturb the neighboring cubicles.
I actually enjoyed seeing your face and listening to you :)) You are right, once in a while it is good doing something that breaks the monotony. Thank you for all you do.
😉 It’s nice to know someone enjoys them. I was wondering if maybe I should give up the idea of video blogging since most people were saying they didn’t like them/just skipped over them. They are more effort than a normal post to pull off, so I’m debating whether it’s something I should do on a regular basis or not. Thanks for the input!
I prefer reading posts rather than watching videos, too. I love this blog, but I usually skip the videos.
Unfortunately I usually skip the videos too…not that you should stop doing them Crystal! But no matter what computer I’m on, they just seem to take forever to load for me.
DITTO on the transcript please!! I am deaf and so I have to forgo the videos. However I am scrolling down all the comments and gleaning tips from your readers that way. The “audio transcribe” option is a joke (if that’s what you mean? hopefully it’s something better than this!) because what you read is very much gibberish and very dependent on perfect diction by the speaker.
Even if you CANNOT transcribe your whole spiel, PLEASE — AT LEAST caption the highlights, the measurements, the items, the instructions (if a how-to) and any important tips!!!! We will miss out on your personality (how you say things, etc) but we will at least get the important info you’re sharing which is the point of your video blogging (called vlogs – very common in the Deaf community! But those vlogs are usually SIGNED, not spoken, so we get the info!)
Anyway, keep up the good work! More readable posts than video posts are appreciated!!
Merry Christmas to you and yours!
I try to buy my calendars and planners the first week of January. They are usually on clearance by then. Most of my calendars and planners have January of the next year included so I can use that until I buy the next year’s. (Yes, I still have uses for the good old “write it by hand” planners even though I keep a lot of my date info in online calendars!)
I was curious and looked up Consumer Report’s listing (Jan 2011) of the best things to get on sale in January, so I’ll share them here. Looks like you are in agreement with them on the winter clothing, exercise equipment, and the electronic goods. Here is the Consumer Report list:
Bedding
Carpeting
CDs & DVDs
Computers
Cookware
Houses and condos
Linens
Swimwear
Toys
Treadmills and ellipticals
TVs
Winter clothing
I had to smile at CR’s mention of houses and condos – they seem to be at a deep discount regardless of the time of year.
Great video – thanks!
I’m gonna add the obvious. Christmas items, of course. One super great idea for those super cheap light and decorations you can get AFTER Christmas is to get enough supplies to make gift baskets for couples that will be getting married in the spring and summer. New couples generally don’t have lot of extra money to spend on Christmas decorations so the baskets will be a big help. You can include Christmas lights, ornaments, wreaths, stockings, gift cards, wrapping paper, etc. You can get it for SUPER cheap after Christmas so you can make an extra big basket of goodies!
What a great idea!
i love this idea. my husband and i got married this past january, of course i was knee deep in wedding crap and didn’t even think about getting christmas stuff for our home. so this christmas has nothing but homemade decor because i refuse to pay full price. i wish someone had given us christmas stuff for our january wedding!!! you’re brilliant!
Heehee….we got married in February ’06 and got _THREE_ nativity sets for wedding gifts. Seriously….three VERY LARGE nativities of wildly differing styles. That seemed like a really odd wedding gift to me. Especially by three different people!
I wish I had this basket of goodies when I got married. Instead, our first year was not much decorated and then we were able to get more items after Christmas for our next year. 🙂 Great idea!
What a great idea! I never thought of that!
One of our favorite wedding gifts was from family friends of my husbands’ family. They gave us several beautiful Christmas ornaments and a Christmas photo book to fill with pictures of our first Christmas as a married couple. Every year as we put out our Christmas decorations, we put up those ornaments and open up that photo book and remember back to that first Christmas together. Every year we always say that that was such a great wedding gift.
When I got married in June 2 years ago, I was shocked to open a gift and find Christmas decorations. What a thoughtful gift. I was more than prepared for Christmas. Instead of spending a lot of money on decorations, we were able to set more aside to buy gifts for our families. When I open that box of decorations each year, I am reminded of the thoughtfulness of that sweet individual.
I agree with buying winter clothing items. A few years ago I was able to get a really nice pair of gloves in January for very little. I think they were 70 percent off.
You can get lots of good deals shopping at Goodwill and other second hand stores in January. Lots of people donate their kids old toys, clothes ect before Christmas to make room for new ones. Also in January people make resolutions to declutter their house. They give their unwanted stuff usually to a thrift store.
I disagree with coats, hats/gloves, and boots. There are some great sales right now. And the selection is very slim in January and February. We used to buy our kids new calendars for Christmas, but now we wait until a week or two into January when the calendars are 50% to 75% off. Also wait to buy plastic tubs and organizing items.
I agree about the selection!
If I waited until January to buy winter items, my little guy would have frostbite!
Iowa is cold….I normally buy in October, November and more mittens in December! LOL
I did find a 2-pair set of mittens at Dollar General for around $2. I stocked up…glad I did since we are on about pair #6 and it’s not even Christmas!
I just bought my son a coat and they were already on clearance most places, I could barely find his size. But the coat was 60% off 🙂
Too bad my elliptical (sp?) was my Christmas present, LOL.
One more thing in January – organizing stuff! Bins, shelves, closet stuff – everyone makes resolutions to get organized, so this stuff is always on sale at Home Depot, Target, etc. in January.
Any help with the best time to buy a mattress? Thanks!
I just bought a sterns and foster mattress that was regular $4500 for only $1200. They are changing their models and are clearing out all of their old modles. If you are looking for a high end matress…go check them out. Also ask at your closest matress store…”When do you put your floor models on sale”. The high end matress’s get very little ‘trial time’ and you can get amazing discounts of around 70% off. And you still get the full warranty, free shipping, etc.
I have heard September, just like a car, they need to get rid of old models and have new models to put out. Hope that helps.
Mary, my hubby manages a mattress store. Anytime is the right time to buy a mattress. New items come on the market frequently, so the old has got to GO! Floor models will also be sold at deep discounts. Oftentimes the store will negotiate free delivery or a free mattress pad or a free (old) matress disposal in order to close the deal. Don’t be afraid to ask! You may be very surprised! Good luck and sweet dreams! 🙂
summer holidays…. Mem Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day are usually the best time. We just bought really nice sealy mattress sets for our kids at Big Lots of all places on Labor Day for just $100 a set.
Thanks everyone, so helpful. Thanks!
We bought ours during the Labor Day sales and got an amazing deal. I think they do the same around Memorial Day at most retailers.
I have been waiting for plastic storage totes to go on sale. Usually in January Target and many other stores put them on sale. It’s a great way to start the year and get organized!!
So good to know! I have been buying some to organize the kids toys this year as I purge them before christmas but I only purchased a few various sizes to try them out and I need to buy some more. Thanks for the tip!
January is also the “white sale” – where towels and bed linens are on DEEP discounts. I’m about to move out in Feb. and we’re scrounging up deals coupons (Macys and Kohls mostly) to be able to stock up on the towels and sheets we want at much better prices (did you know a queen sized sheet set runs around $70 now? WHO pays that much???)
I am waiting for the white sales too for towels that need replacing. Several of ours really should be relegated to rag work. Discount store towels just don’t have the quality either — on sheets or towels.
I agree in general. Some BF deals are good on electronics and winter coats, though. The key is to price compare months before Christmas so you know what is a good deal. We are waiting until Jan. to replace our failing television. We found a great deal on a digital camera this month for my daughter for Christmas; Sony with a rechargeable battery on sale for lowest we’ve ever seen it and we were able to use Best Buy reward money towards it, as well. Last year we found a great deal on a winter coat for my teen son at JCP that was on sale in December, then 30% off plus we could earn rewards for it… I think we paid about $28 for it. Trust me, when your kids get to be teens they get really picky and waiting for an $18 winter coat they will not wear is not a smart purchase.
My kids were so much easier to dress when they were little 🙂
Amen to that! Deals are much harder to come by when teens want a particular style/brand.
I can’t get my teenaged son to even WEAR a winter coat. He has one, but seems to think a hoodie is warm enough for winter weather! I agree with you about picky teens. I could get so many cheap clearance clothes for my teen daughter but she is very picky and will not wear them, so it would be a waste of money.
Thanks for the great tips. Of course, I am guilty of buying one of the suggested items– just purchased a winter coat for my son from Lands’ End because of the 40% off entire purchase. I could have waited, but I have done so and then not been able to find the right size before, so I went ahead and pulled the trigger. Have a great holiday! I love the website.
Same here. If you wait too long and don’t grab a Lands End deal, they tend to run out of sizes. Set your price point and then pull the trigger when you see a great deal. There may be a better deal later but don’t do that unless you really don’t need the item.
I love Lands End! You really can find super deals if you wait for %40 + free shipping!!
If you can wait to buy boots for your kids, they’re usually on major sales in January!
I think some retailers are changing their sales tactics. I got great boots at Lands End for 67 percent off with free shipping at the end of November. It seems like stores are pushing to get spring items on the shelves right after Christmas, which works in some areas of the country, but for us, winter has hardly started!
See my post above. if you live in a snowbelt, good luck finding boots for kids in January. The stores are already picked over here.
If you live in the snow belt good luck finding boots in November;0! lol
Thanks for the tip on electronics. We need a new laptop and I had said we should wait until after Christmas, now I feel good about that decision.
I agree with waiting to buy winter coats, electronics (especially) and fitness items after the first of the year.
I am ALWAYS able to get my sons’ clothes at Carter’s for an AWESOME deal right after Christmas.
Anyone know when a good time to buy a car seat is? I’ve been waiting waiting to find a good deal but my 1yr old is already (over) maxed out on his infant seat.
February and September are when most baby manufacturers do their new models and semi-annual clearance sales (authorize retailers like Walmart or Target to put their products on sale at a deep discount).
If he’s over the max the seat is no longer safe. It’s better to buy something full priced than have him be injured in an accident because his seat is too small.
Yes, typically the best sales are in February and August, but if your child is already over the weight or height limit for your seat, I wouldn’t wait until February to buy one.
http://www.albeebaby.com I bought 3 Britax car seats from them – all $100+ off of everywhere else b/c they were getting rid of that particular pattern.
I love allbeebaby. We have purchased two carseats and a nice diaper bag from them and never been disappointed with the deal or the quality!
I’m also an after Christmas/January (or February) coat shopper. Two years ago, I found the next year’s size coat for my son at Wal-Mart on clearance. I am NOT a fan of kids in cammo – to me, war isn’t play. But I broke my rule for a nice, warm winter coat for $2.
Camo is also used for hunting. And trout fishing.
Definitely! We love to hunt! When you say camo, that’s the first thing I think of!
Definitely camo for hunting here too. Just to add, my boys wear their camo hunting coveralls for outdoor play. I never have to buy winter coats. They just want light-weight jackets or hoodies for running around town or going to school. Definitely saves me from buying so many coats.
For $2, I would have bought it too!! That is an amazing deal.
I agree with waiting for coats and fitness equipment. I’m not sure about electronics — sometimes the deals around Black Friday and throughout December are pretty good. (It’s also harder to buy the last generation product when the new, shiny one is being offered everywhere. But that’s more of a willpower issue than a price issue. 🙂 )
😉
Sometimes it’s just good to wait for the new, shiny one, too. We’re waiting for the iPad 3 (expected in Feb. or early March) instead of buying the 2 now and having it be outdated 2 months later.
Yeah – this definately depends on what you’re using it for. My MIL will never ever use electronics to their potential – more for convenience she got an iPad (on a great deal) but it’ll last her ages. But my husband uses technology for work and so computers really do need replacing every 2-3 years or he becomes unable to do his job. So if the tech stuff you’re looking at is for a gift for someone not too tech-savvy then sales on the just-outdated model are great!
The only exception I know of with the winter coats is this: Old Navy Black Friday deals!!!!!
Every year, and I mean EVERY year they mark down their winter coats big time- I get my girls winter coats at Old Navy on black friday ever year and I always get the super fancy, trendy, furry ones for nearly 60% off by taking advantage of the black friday sale and coupons. This year thier coats ran me $18.00 a piece… which I think is awesome!!!
Great tip! What a deal!
Agreed with Old Navy– they are actually still priced great now. On Saturday, I got my Sister-In-Law a $50 coat for $10 and some change. It was a nice lined pea coat marked down (sale price, not clearance) to $16 plus there was a coupon. Also got her a $50 sweater for around the same price. So her (retail price) $100 present only cost me $21. 🙂
They have been 75% off since then. My future DIL works there and told us about it.
I found one of my daughters a warm down-filled coat for $39 (orig $115) at JC Penney a couple of weeks ago, and my other daughter a warm wool coat at Beermans’s for $29 (orig I think $70). Sometimes you can find great deals before the new year. I agree about the problem with sizes. If you wait too long they are often picked over.
i also buy blank christmas ortaments that I can cuatomize the year on after christmas. Also wrapping paper Nand body sets. Like the ones walmart sells with perfume and body washes in them, you can buy them for 2 to 4 right after christmas and new years. I buy my perfume and stock up for birthday presents and gifts throughout the year. The kids sets are really popular with the kids friends and they only cosr a couple dollars. And buy plain color wrapping paper and use it all year.
The second and thirdI totally understand – and great tips! But the waiting for winter coats, that is just not always plausible. Many people travel to visit relatives or for vacation during Decemeber and if, like us, you have relatives that live in snowy states, then last year’s too small coat or just a hoodie isn’t going to cut it. Starting to buy ahead is a great tip for NEXT year, though! 🙂
Yes, that tip only works if you bought ahead last year or if you can make last year’s coats last until January. 🙂
Waiting to buy a coat is great in theory but last year I tried that and the only decent quality wool coat I could find in my size (14/16) was in winter white. Um, no. I loved it but it just didn’t feel like the wisest move. 🙂
Yeah, I had the same problem with medium petite. They were so picked over I ended up using my old shabby coat yet another year. I survived, but got myself a new one already this year.
If you’re buying coats just to visit relatives, visit a thrift store or consignment shop. Don’t waste your money paying full price for a coat you’ll never wear but a couple of weeks. If that’s not plausible for your home location, wait if possible until you get to your destination, especially if you’re flying.
Yeah…I tried looking for a coat last year in Jan./Feb. and there was nothing left! That could have something to do with that fact that I live in Wisconsin… 🙂
Definitely a great idea – just more plausible for those who live in the not-so-frigid areas of the U.S. 😉
Same with winter snow boots for kids. Good luck finding any in January, esp. in the snowbelt.
Good ideas! I know last January was the time to stock up on Special K and other health foods, for me at least!
I guess my family should wait a few more weeks before buying our new TV 😉
Agree! And especially on #2, since demand is high in January because of New Years’ Resolutions, think about even waiting till February. In years past we’ve saved tons of money by waiting till February to buy the big-ticket fitness items, because demand isn’t quite as high as it is right at the New Year.
On the other hand, if you’re looking to raise cash by selling stuff you already own on craigslist or ebay, get ready to sell that fitness equipment right at the beginning of January! Seriously!
oh! Great tip to sell fitness products on Criagslist and eBay in January!
=) I just sold some weights on Craigslist yesterday!
Good stuff. One other thing I would like to add is Christmas decorations, lights, etc. Thanks
I totally agree on the winter coat! I sadly saw this after I already got mine. I bought mine early in December thinking it was already a good deal and as of today, the price of the same jacket I bought was marked down further and I would’ve gotten it half the price I paid for it.
Thanks for the tips and will keep those in mind!
Can you return your current coat and buy the coat at the lower price?
Hmm seems like a good idea especially that winter coats are expensive although at this point I don’t think I can since I already wore it. Thanks for the idea though!
If you already wore the coat and they won’t do a price adjustment, you can buy the coat again at the lower price and return it with the older receipt. Some people may disagree with this, but I don’t see the issue if it is the exact same item.
Thanks for the response Sarah. That is a very smart workaround! In a good way, if I am to return the product, at least it is still new. I’ll think about that.
Sarah’s idea would probably work and you’d pocket a few dollars. But the receipt is not for the item you’d be returning and that is dishonest, a form of theft.
We want retailers to be squeaky clean but lying and cheating is OK on the customer’s part?
Personally, I’d walk in with the item and receipt, tell the manager the whole truth, and ask if there’s any adjustment they can make.