The holiday season is over, but the savings are just beginning. After Christmas, the sales season kicks into high gear, and savvy shoppers know this is the time to score incredible deals. Whether you’re looking to shop for next year, treat yourself, or snag a gift for a loved one, after-Christmas sales are a goldmine if you know where and how to look. Here’s a guide on how to find the best deals during after-Christmas sales.

1. Start Early, But Not Too Early

While the days between Christmas and New Year’s often feature some of the deepest discounts, the after-Christmas sales start as early as Christmas Day in some stores. Many online retailers, like Amazon, will begin offering discounts immediately after Christmas dinner. However, shopping too early can mean limited stock or overwhelming crowds in physical stores. To maximize your savings, try shopping the day after Christmas (December 26) when the prices are slashed further and inventory is still plentiful.

If you’re an online shopper, keep in mind that certain websites may have exclusive “flash sales” or time-limited offers that last only a few hours. Signing up for email newsletters or setting up alerts for specific products you’re interested in can help you stay ahead of the game.

2. Know What to Expect to Go on Sale

After Christmas, retailers clear out holiday inventory to make room for new items in the spring and summer. Understanding what tends to be discounted can help you target your shopping. Here’s what you can typically find at deep discounts:

Holiday Decorations and Gifts: Wrapping paper, lights, ornaments, trees, and other holiday decor are often heavily discounted. If you love to get a head start on next year’s holiday preparations, buying after Christmas is a smart way to stock up on decorations and gift wrap.

Toys and Games: Many stores clear out unsold toys and games in the days following Christmas. Look for markdowns on popular toys, especially those that didn’t sell out. These items often come back into stock or are offered at a reduced price for a limited time.

Clothing and Winter Apparel: Cold-weather gear like coats, scarves, gloves, and boots will often be marked down after Christmas, especially if they’re in seasonal colors or patterns. You can also find post-Christmas sales on winter apparel that won’t break the bank.

Electronics and Tech Gadgets: Though major electronics sales typically happen during Black Friday and Cyber Monday, the after-Christmas period still offers discounts, especially for older models or discontinued items. Look for deals on TVs, headphones, laptops, and smart home devices.

Home Goods: Furniture, bedding, kitchen gadgets, and cookware are often discounted in the post-Christmas sales. Many stores offer discounts on holiday-themed items, such as holiday-themed plates or tableware, or even more general home decor items that are winter-themed.

Gift Cards: While not a product, you can often find discounted gift cards after Christmas. Many retailers will offer bonus cards (for example, buy a $50 gift card and get an additional $10 free), which is a great way to get future savings.

3. Use Coupons, Promo Codes, and Cashback Offers

While stores may have already marked down their prices, don’t forget to look for additional ways to save. You can often stack promotions or use special coupon codes to increase your discount.

Cashback and Reward Apps: Platforms offer cashback on your purchases when you shop through their links. Even if you’re already getting a great sale price, you can earn additional savings.

Store Credit Cards: Many major retailers offer discounts or additional rewards for using their store credit cards. If you’re a frequent shopper at a specific store, using their card during after-Christmas sales can maximize your savings.

4. Compare Prices Across Multiple Retailers

Even during a sale, prices can vary significantly between retailers. Whether you’re shopping online or in-store, take a few extra minutes to compare prices. Use price-comparison tools like Google Shopping or apps like to ensure you’re getting the best deal.

Don’t be afraid to check out smaller, lesser-known stores or online marketplaces like eBay or Overstock. Sometimes, these retailers offer steep discounts, especially on products that large retailers no longer have in stock.

5. Consider Buying Off-Season Items

After-Christmas sales are not just about holiday-related goods. It’s a great time to snag items that are out of season but still needed for the upcoming year. For example:

Swimwear and Outdoor Gear: Even though it’s winter, retailers will often begin marking down outdoor gear, including summer clothing like swimsuits, camping equipment, and hiking boots, to make room for new spring inventory.

Fitness Equipment: Many fitness-related items, like gym equipment or workout gear, will be discounted after the holiday rush. It’s also a good time to find deals on fitness trackers, dumbbells, yoga mats, and other workout essentials.

6. Don’t Forget the Clearance Section

Physical stores and online retailers will often mark down items even further to clear out stock. If you’re shopping in-store, always head to the clearance section first. For online shopping, check the “clearance” or “last chance” tabs on the retailer’s website.

Some retailers also run “doorbuster” deals that only last for a limited time, often found in their clearance section. These are usually discounted items that they’re trying to move quickly, and can offer steep savings if you’re flexible on what you’re buying.

7. Shop with a Plan

It can be tempting to get caught up in the excitement of after-Christmas sales, but impulse shopping can lead to overspending. Instead, set a budget and make a list of items you really need or want. By staying focused, you can avoid purchasing unnecessary items that won’t offer long-term value.

If you’re shopping for next holiday season, make a list of decorations, gift ideas, or party supplies you may need. This way, you won’t be distracted by flashy deals on things you don’t actually need.

8. Be Patient and Flexible

Finally, remember that the best deals often take time. If you’re patient, you might be able to score a better deal as retailers continue to mark down prices over the following days or weeks. If you’re flexible on brand or style, you’ll have an easier time finding a great deal.

Conclusion

The after-Christmas sales are one of the best times of the year to save money, but to truly get the most value, it’s important to plan ahead and be strategic. Whether you’re hunting for holiday decorations, winter clothes, or discounted electronics, by knowing what to look for, using additional coupons, comparing prices, and sticking to a budget, you’ll ensure that your after-Christmas shopping experience is both enjoyable and financially rewarding. Happy shopping, and may your savings be as bountiful as the holiday cheer!