Christmas shopping the month after Christmas ends may be one of the best financial decisions you can make. I have compiled a list of reasons why Christmas shopping after Christmas might be a better idea than the Holiday Season (Black Friday & Cyber Monday excluded).
1. After Christmas Sales
It is amazing how the price drops on so many items days after Christmas ends. There are a variety of reasons that so many items go on sale. Overstocked items are a big problem during the Holiday season. Everyone is returning things that do not fit, things they already have, or even things they simply don't want. These may not always be the best known name-brand models, but can be a
good value, as long as they are available. These items are usually the
first to go. Clothes, Electronics, Christmas Decorations, and Furniture are some big items that typically drop in price this time of the year. So obviously with #1, after Christmas shopping is a great way to save money.
2. You Have More Money
Lets face it, many people fail to Christmas shop simply because they cannot afford it. Christmas usually brings job bonuses, money gifts, and other things that help you get more money. After Christmas is the time of the year where shoppers typically have the most money. Waiting until after Christmas to shop will allow you to have a better shopping experience without the worry of how much money you really have. Your grandmother or mother could have given you $100, you could have gotten a gift card to Amazon, or worst case, an item that you do not want. Now I realize that these items are supposed to be for you, as they were gifts to you. Gifts to you mean that you can use them for whatever purpose you wish for, which may be to buy gifts for someone else.
3. Better Idea of What to Buy
This one may be confusing so let me explain. Lets say you have a kid, parent, or significant other that you spend a lot of time with often. Maybe after they opened up all gifts and the Holiday season is over, they mention something that they wish they had gotten that they didn't get. They could see something that someone else got and mention that they would like to have it. This is the perfect opportunity to jump on it and get the item. Have you ever been around someone who constantly says they don't know what they want, or that they don't want anything and you get stuck giving cash or a gift card? I think this a very good way to avoid something like that.
4. Less Crowded
Shopping after Christmas typically means less people at the stores. If you are someone who hates to be around people, shopping on a weekday after Christmas is the way to go. Shorter Lines, more availability of items, and a less hectic day are just a few things to look forward when shopping after the Holidays.
What is the best way to go about after Christmas shopping? Christmas is obviously passed, and you don't want to be that person who shows up with no gifts to give. This is obviously best in small groups. For example, couples could talk beforehand and agree to celebrate Christmas around New Years, allowing them to shop around and after Christmas. In my case, I am in a long distance relationship, so I am away from my significant other until mid-January. Sitting down and thinking about how much you really can save (or buy extra ;) ) during the post-holiday season is a great idea and worth looking into.
