It's no secret that I love to shop. Generally, my two favorite shopping days are (i) the day after Thanksgiving and (ii) the day after Christmas. I know most people despise the crowds and craziness, but (while I have no love for lines), I do enjoy all the decorations, sales and general excitement.
I normally do not really have a "strategy" for Black Friday shopping since that is driven by where I am spending Thanksgiving and what Christmas presents I have left to buy. Usually I'm about 75% done with Christmas shopping by Thanksgiving since I shop all year long for Christmas. However, I have developed somewhat of a strategy for the day after Christmas over the last 10 years or so.
What is my strategy?
1. Buy Christmas Cards and Wrapping Paper for the next year. If you wait until the following Christmas, you will usually have to pay full price or get a small discount (e.g., 20-25%). If you get your cards and wrapping paper and trimmings (gift tags, ribbons, etc.) the day after Christmas, you save from about 50-75% usually. My favorite places? Papyrus and Crate & Barrel. This year I also plan to check out Paper Source because they had some super cute wrapping paper. For those who don't want to brave the stores after a cozy Christmas, you can usually buy this online for the same discount.
2. Buy Christmas Ornaments and other decor. I adore decorating for the holidays but paying full price can really add up. For the last few years, I will always add to my "collection" after Christmas because again I enjoy discounts from about 50-75%. It's also a great time to buy Christmas lights if you can find them. Because I've been doing this for many years, I really am looking for more special/unique ornaments and decorations. Papyrus and Crate & Barrel will usually have a small selection of lovely ornaments. Other stores I go to for ornaments: Henri Bendel (because I collect their ornaments), Bloomingdales, Cost Plus World Market, Swarovski (for gorgeous crystal ornaments). I also will check out Anthropologie and Paper Source this year since I liked some of their ornaments for the year. Generally if you saw something while you were out and thought it was too expensive, you may want to check it out again after Christmas to see if there's a good discount. Ornaments are also great Christmas presents for the next Christmas since most people will want pretty baubles to decorate their trees.
3. Get What Was Missed On Your Wish List. So now it's after Christmas and you are a bit bummed you didn't get that special something you were pining for. Check if it's on sale - there's nothing wrong with gifting yourself. Actually I buy myself gifts every year - wrapped and placed under the tree. That way I am ensured I will not be disappointed. (And yes, my family and friends make fun of me every year.... You'd think they would stop by now after 20 years or so...)
4. Buy Candles. I like candles all year round but I hate paying full price. After Christmas is a great time to stock up year round. And while there are lots of holiday scents on sale, I usually am able to find appropriate candles for every season. Candles also make lovely gifts so I like to get extras as hostess gifts.
5. Buy Wardrobe Basics. I can always use some basic Tshirts, black pants, black skirts and the like. If you have patience like me, after Christmas is a great time to get deep discounts on clothing. I like to try things on so I don't mind getting up early to go to Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdales, Jcrew or Macy's, but if you are comfortable with online shopping for clothes, you can easily do this from the comfort of your home.
I will usually go bright and early to Beverly Center (Papyrus, Bloomingdales, Macys, Henri Bendel, Club Monaco, etc.) and Beverly Connection (where there is a Saks Off Fifth outlet and a Nordstrom Rack). Then I might head to the Grove (Crate & Barrel, Anthropologie, Cost Plus World Market). If I still have energy I might head over to Beverly Hills near Rodeo (Saks Fifth Avenue, Barneys New York, etc.). If I run out of energy (or money), I will go home and browse online for any super special deals. This year, I'm really not looking for anything other than Christmas decorations, cards and wrapping so it'll probably be an easy day out for me. At least that's what I'm saying now.
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