Christmas Shopping to Last All Year

Regardless of how you feel about holidays - the sales afterward are undeniably fantastic.  However there are only so many Christmas tree shaped candy dishes and boxes of ornaments...and that's when thinking outside of the box comes in.  If you want to make the most of you post Holiday shopping just take a little time to think about what you might need for the rest of the year (birthday parties, valentines day, st. patricks day, dinner parties, heck even easter!).

I've been shopping like mad the last few days and have found tons of stuff for Christmas and beyond!

I went to Crate and Barrel a few days ago and instantly fell in love with everything in the store.  Take for example these stylish and bold appetizer plates.  They're in with Christmas but this bold red adds a splash to any party and with Valentine's Day coming up you're guaranteed at least one use!

Or these packages of hot chocolate shavings.  If you read the ingredients all that is in it is very high quality shaved dark chocolate.  Perfect for any baking, a fancy dinner party (or even a cup of hot cocoa like I had tonight sprinkled on top of whipped cream).  Aside from the Christmas tin, there was nothing Christmasy about these chocolates!  

Then the last two days were made out of mad dashed to SIX Targets.  Luckily I love bargain shopping, but you needn't go to that many to find tons of great stuff.

Here is a gorgeous serving set, with absolutely no Christmas markings on them whatsoever.  In fact, I plan on using these for my upcoming wedding in August!  And they were a steal.  7.50 for the two tiered platter and 6.25 for the trays.  These could also easily be used for any kind of party, not just Christmas or a wedding.

 

I also got a great bright green tinsel wreath which I plan to use for St. Patrick's Day.  Just add a few Shamrock picks from the Craft Store and you've got a totally unique St. Patrick's Day Wreath.

So what are my top After Christmas Shopping Tips? -

• Shop as early as possible.  While the sales do get better as time goes on, that item you loved just may not be there if you wait for it to go 75% or 90% so make the decision about whether its something you must have or not.
• Check the packages...a lot of Christmas candy that's marked down isnt even in Christmas packing and could easily be used for Thank you Gifts, Valentine's Day or just a special treat.
• The same goes for the wrapping section...more and more stores are coming out with bows, wrapping paper and tissue paper in bold colors and not all of it has Christmas symbols.  I got tons of bright colored bows and tissue paper (in plain solid colors)...enough to last all year long!
• Don't be afraid to check more than one store, if you have the time.  We hit up several Targets when they went 75% off and each store had a totally different selection of items so if you've got the time and inclination but dont see what you want at the first store try another!
• Don't buy anything you don't love.  While its exciting shopping at such great bargains, it doesn't matter that gift bags are only .25 cents if you buy twenty and you don't need any.  Always buy things you know you'll use.
• If you've got kids you can't do better than the clearance spots at Target.  There is so much to be found in the Stocking Stuffer and Dollar Spot area that can be used for birthday goodie bags, Easter baskets, or even saved for Stockings next year.  A lot of the adorable toys in those areas aren't even Christmas themed.
• If you have room, don't be afraid to stock up for next year.  For example I saw the cutest little packets of hot cocoa in different Christmas packages that didn't expire until 2013 and would absolutely still be good to give next year as little favors or in goodie bags!