The best thing about the post-Christmas rush is no longer having to rush around shopping. In fact, a lot are trying to figure out how to make a little extra money to make up for what they spent on holiday gifts. There is a group of people, however, who think about how to maximize their dollars for the next holiday shopping season. In order to do that, they brave the after-Christmas sales – in real life and virtually – to stash stocking stuffers, replenish their wrapping paper supply or stow away pricey, coveted toys for next Christmas. [photo via flickr]
The after-Christmas shopper knows exactly where to turn for the deals. Both the online and brick-and-mortar shoppers will venture into Target, Toys R Us and Best Buy. What will they find? Percentage off deals on Wii, Xbox 360 and PS3 games and accessories at all three stores; however, Toys R Us stands out as having the best deals on games whereas Target is the place to shop for a Wii or 3DS, according to TechnologyTell.com’s after Christmas sales post.
Some of the smaller and highly popular toys like Fisher-Price’s little play sets, Thomas the Train’s special cargo toys and VTech’s MobiGo software are priced to move and just a click away at Amazon.com. Before making hasty purchases, take a little time to research, organize and develop a plan. Here are six easy steps to get you started:
- Instead of throwing away sales flyers that come in the mail peruse them and compare the prices to those listed on the store’s website as well as similar merchants.
- Compile a list of people you’re shopping for that includes what type of item you’re shopping for as well as any other detail about them that will help you in your purchases.
- Make a list of the things you’re looking for and compare your list with what’s on sale.
- For online shopping, make a note of when the Christmas sales begin and end. Click to stores with limited stock or short sale times as soon as the sale begins to ensure you don’t miss out on the items on your list.
- To maximize your money, shop through a cash-back program like Ebates and keep your eyes open for free shipping or percentage off codes.
- While you’re shopping, sign up for your favorite stores’ newsletters and updates. By doing this, you’ll be kept abreast of upcoming sales and deals throughout the year.
While you are enjoying the success of nabbing a good deal, decide on where you will squirrel away everything. Maybe there is a locked cabinet or chest that little snoopers can’t access or an empty closet at the grandparents’ homes. Whatever you buy and wherever you stash your swag, you can rest easy knowing you have a big head start for the next Christmas shopping rush.
