Shopping for Next Christmas starts NOW!

Greetings Appleseed Readers! :D I apologize for the delay in new posts; with the holidays and some changes in my personal life, this blog got away from me a bit :)  My counterpart Nichole has been busy with the holiday season, as well :)

We are planning a giveaway very soon (details forthcoming!) and we hope you all had a Merry Christmas/Happy Hannukuh/Winter Vacation! 

I'm going to be heading out today to stock up on Holiday Gifts that will "keep" until next Christmas.  Things like holiday themed gift sets are 50 to 75% off right now, and the discounts will get steeper as we head into January.  While that gold/glittery headband/coffee mug/ornament may seem totally "off season" now, think ahead to next year! Who will be on your shopping list?  If you have kids, consider things like buying the "next year's size" of Holiday Themed t-shirts or pajamas, for example.  You will pay much less, and they will still be "brand new" for your kiddos come next year.  

Target:

I love Target, and while the holiday candy starts out at just 30% off (I'm waiting for 50 to 75% before stocking up), yesterday I got these Orla Keily designed Method soaps for just $1.74 each and the Watkins hand soaps (in gorgeous glass containers that can later be refilled) for just $3.99 each.  These items are shelf stable and also are environmentally friendly, so a two in one win! :)  You can also find wrapping paper and ornaments/decor here.

Craft Stores:

I also love to check out craft stores like Michaels or Jo Ann Fabrics...they often carry "holiday" decor items that can be repurposed year round.  For example, a fake holly berry wreath can be utilized for any autumn decor, and "neutral" items (such as all white ceramic vases) are fantastic year round, especially grouped together with different shapes and sizes.  Additionally, you can find holiday craft kits for kids and other seasonal goodies for next year at half or more the price they were just a few days ago.

Fred Meyer/Grocery stores:

Don't forget your local grocery store!  There will be holiday candy and toys galore.  Holiday candy can be good for months to come, if stored properly.  Who cares if the tin foil on that chocolate bar is red and green? It will taste fantastic anyway :)  Also look for holiday themed baking items like sprinkles, icing, and flavoring.  These items often last well into the next holiday season and you will be stocked up and ready to go!  

Remember too that you can find holiday gift sets (especially fragrance sets and holiday items/decor) at the drug store.  Check out the clearance section; you may even find lights and lawn decor for next year!

Department Stores:

Macy's, JC Penney, Kohl's, and many others will be clearing out holiday themed items (jewelry etc) as well as cold winter wear (coats/gloves/scarves) and specialty items such as brand name porcelain ornaments and glass. They also have small specialty appliances (cake pop maker anyone?) and holiday platters etc.  These could make great gifts for next year.

While you are shopping, remember.....

• Consider looking for Christmas themed storage items.  Things like take and toss tupperware will be steeply discounted if it has "Christmas" designs on it, and will work just as well as "plain" ones.  Also check out things like under bed storage bins; no one is going to care if the tops are red or green, and they will store the same amount of items :)  Places such as Target, Wal-Mart, and Fred Meyer (in the Pacific Northwest) often will have boxed gifts (random things such as manicure kits, car phone adapters, etc) that are at least 50% off and will make great gifts or stocking stuffers for next year.
• Don't forget online!  Many department and "mega" stores are having after Christmas sales, including boutique children's clothing items.  I highly recommend checking out the Seattle Mom's Dealfinder blog for up to the minute deal tips for kids (anywhere in the country really; they often post online sales there):  http://www.seattlemomsdealfinder.com/

As a quick recap, here is a list of stores that I will be keeping an eye on for clearance today and in the coming weeks:

Target

Fred Meyer

Wal-Mart

Michaels

Jo Ann Fabric

Walgreens

Rite Aid

Macy's

Kohl's 

JC Penney

Amazon.com

Old Navy

Let us know what great after Christmas steals you find!  Also, if you have any other stores we should all check out, please post in the comments below :)

Happy Bargain Hunting!

Megan