After Christmas Sales Shopping
by Mary Jo Rulnick
http://FranticWoman.com 

Ah. You breathe a sigh of relief now that the holidays are over. And just think, you won’t have to step foot into another store until--possibly 
March. 

Wrong!

Well, if you want to catch unbelievable, rock bottom prices, you need to slip on your walking shoes and head to the nearest store A.S.A.P.

That’s right.

Now is the time to stock up on everything your wallet can afford to buy. Those darling gift sets available and packaged just for the holidays; food, tools, flashlights, lotions, health and beauty, stationery, and much, much, more.

Not to mention gift-wrap, bows, ribbons, cards, paper products, etc. 

But it’s all Christmas, you say.

Red wrap, bows, paper products and such, can be used for Valentine’s Day and the Fourth of July. Blue can be used all year long. Green is perfect for St. Patrick’s Day. Glittering white will shimmer for a wedding. Silver and Gold are for friends, but can also accommodate Weddings and Anniversaries. 

Let’s think beyond holidays. What color represents the decor in your 
home? Mauve and burgundy wares are very popular for decorations now. Where can you work it into your theme? Look at table runners, napkins, placemats, tablecloths, towels, etc. for bargains. Basic items are sold during the festive season in many colors besides the traditional ones and you can use these year-round. 

Now, let’s talk about the kids. Think about their school’s colors? Are 
they red and blue, blue and white, red and gold? Pick up coordinating paper supplies for upcoming parties. Do you have a child graduating in 2002? New Year’s napkins often have the year rather than "Happy New Year" on them and you can pick these up for pennies. Same goes for the cups and plates. 

On a different note, look at the little packages of crayons, books, 
snacks, metal tins (ones that look like the old-fashioned lunch boxes), C.D. holders, etc. These make great Easter basket supplies. If the metal tin comes with candy and you don’t think it will be fresh, eat the candy and save the tin for the bunny to give. Be creative.

Let’s move on to the food gift sets. Spice racks complete with spices will stock up your pantry. So what if you don’t need the spice rack, donate it. Would you say no to 24 filled spice jars for $5.00? Beef sausage, cheese, cocoa mixes, cookies, etc. will help keep your grocery bill down. And what you can’t use right away, freeze. Don’t forget those fabulous filled popcorn tins. Would you pass up three flavors of popcorn for $1.25 in a decorated tin? The tins make great storage containers and the kids love the snack. 

The boxed sets of tools, flashlights, crystal, lotions, shampoos, 
perfume, housewares, etc. are great gift items year-round. Unless, of 
course, you’re purchasing a holiday platter. But these items are great gift closet keepers. How many times has a birthday come up and you don’t have the time or notion to drive to the store, search for something and buy it. Well, peek into that closet and presto, one present coming up.

One last thought. If someone you know is graduating this year, search for items she will need in the dorm or apartment. Several bargains recently bought included trendy glasses and dishes with a bubble design for 50 cents each and desk lamps for $l.92. These will make great additions for graduation baskets. 

Now, grab your wallet and get shopping. 

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