52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Do Holiday Shopping AFTER the Holidays {Week 42 of 52}

Welcome to my 52 Ways to Save $100 a Month series. We’re serious about saving money in 2016. Sometimes it’s the little things and sometimes it’s the big things. I’m here to walk you through some little things that can add up to BIG savings. 52 little things to be exact. Every week, join me back here for another small money saving tip or idea that might not seem like significant savings until you see the overall yearly savings. It might just blow your mind. So pop in each Tuesday and read a new tip that will help you on your way to save $100 a month!

So it’s pretty common knowledge that you can find some awesome deals on Christmas decor, toys, and wrapping supplies after Christmas. I try to stock up on the sales when they hit about 70% off, and it’s an awesome way to be prepared for next year. But have you ever done this for other holidays? Here’s how you can utilize the after holiday shopping mentality to stock up and save big time!

Red, White and Blue: This patriotic combo is great because you can buy low and use lots! After Memorial day, Labor day and the 4th of July, you’ll always find festive plates, cups, napkins and tablecloths. I often find the discounts are so deep that they are cheaper than regular paper goods. I buy up what I think I’ll need over the next year at any holiday-themed BBQ I host. Then I store them away in a closet so I’ll have them on hand and I won’t have to pay a premium price to get them around the holiday.

All Things Easter: People like to focus on Easter candy sales right after the holiday, and they really do have some deep discounts on sugary goods, but I look for the Easter basket fillers that can be used for other purposes like party favors, stocking stuffers or birthday gifts. I also buy Easter egg dying kits {or I used to when my kids were still into coloring eggs!} after Easter for next year. If you hit the sale right, you can get them for less than a quarter a kit!

Fall Holidays: If you’re hosting Thanksgiving, dig through the discount bins the day or two after Halloween. I often find a little something for a candy bowl to set out for guests, or some small decorative pumpkins for fall table displays.

Toys Galore: The after Christmas toy purge that most stores participate in will lead to some cheap toys, but you can also find some great toys for future birthdays, Christmas presents, etc. when seasons change. Stores will restock their toy shelves seasonally, much like they do with clothing. When they do that, they’ll deeply discount their toys. After summer sales have lead to some crazy good deals on Nerf guns, water toys, summer Barbies, etc. If you have a target near you, their semi-annual toy sale is the best I’ve ever seen. They discount their toys up to 80% off twice a year and they’ll normally tell you when the sale is coming.

Greeting Cards: Need a Valentine’s Day card? A Christmas card? A Mother’s Day card? Why pay full price when you can stock up the week after the holiday and score holiday-specific cards for some change! Store them in a file and then pull out and use when needed! All the thought of a hand-written card for a fraction of the price.

How Much Can You Save:  Hundreds. This amount would obviously vary greatly depending on how much you budget for parties, gifts, etc. Regardless of your budget, you can typically save up to 80% off retail prices if you shop after holidays!

More Ways to Save:

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Clean Out Your Closet {Week 1 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Break Up with Cable {Week 2 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Barter Better {Week 3 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Change Your Own Oil {Week 4 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Adjust Your Thermostat {Week 5 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Take Advantage of Your Perks {Week 6 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Pack Your Lunch {Week 7 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Make It Yourself {Week 8 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Preserve Your Bounty {Week 9 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Keep the Change {Week 10 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | The Art of Borrowing {Week 11 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Ditch the Gym {Week 12 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Clip a Coupon {Week 13 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Start Your Garden From Seed {Week 14 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Learn to Cut Hair {Week 15 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Become a 1 Car Family {Week 16 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Make a Phone Call {Week 17 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Shop Christmas in July {Week 18 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Grow a Garden {Week 19 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Just Say No {Week 20 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Go Generic {Week 21 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Make a Budget {Week 22 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Use the Library {Week 23 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Kick the Soda Habit {Week 24 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Improve Your Credit Score {Week 25 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Shop Online {Week 26 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Save on Lodging {Week 27 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Play for Free {Week 28 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Save Big on Birthday Parties {Week 29 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Back to School Clothes on the Cheap {Week 30 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Inexpensively Entertaining {Week 31 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Buy Used College Textbooks {Week 32 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Buy Used {Week 33 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Buy In Bulk {Week 34 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Skip a Meal {Week 35 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Save on Medical Expenses {Week 36 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Save on Christmas Spending {Week 37 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Reduce Convenience Foods {Week 38 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Stop Paying Interest {Week 39 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Eat Less Meat {Week 40 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Curb Impulse Buying {Week 41 of 52}