After Christmas sales

[QueenIsabella]

I just went to Walmart early yesterday morning (the re-opened at 6am). I wasn't looking for much, but DD23 had mentioned that she was disappointed that I didn't get her a shaving set for Christmas (you know, one of those gift boxes with a razor and shaving cream). So I got her one. I also bought Christmas gift bags--I realized I needed them when, on Christmas morning, my family had used various non-Christmas themed ones (we had Toy Story, Princesses, and assorted spring-themed ones). And, because I'm a sucker for foil paper, but also cheap, I bought 10 rolls of fancy paper. I got a couple rolls of paper that could be used year-round--you can find non-Christmas-themed paper mixed in with the Christmas stuff.

 

[SUSIEQ]

One of my friends scored big Disney holiday stuff at 75% off at Lowe’s.

I really wish I would have done that, but I was too lazy to drive to a Lowe's store.

 

[afan]

I agree, and it makes me sad. I really like Hallmark, but a lot of the time their prices are just really high on wrapping type items and cards, which is what I usually look for after Christmas. I do think their stuff is really good quality, and I adore their decorative and house ware type things. There's just only so much quality I really need out of a card or gift bag that'll likely be thrown away, so I usually go to Dollar Tree for those type things. Last year I sent DH to grab something at the mall and he stumbled upon a Hallmark store closing. They had Christmas paper 90% off and he got several really nice rolls. It was a heck of a deal. The year before in Feb or March I happened into one that still had some Christmas clearance. I got some really nice Disney ornaments (not the ones in boxes, more the ones that have Emoji style faces) for like a buck each. Perfect to add into gifts for the little kids on my list.

Since I don't really need anything this year, I think my strategy for them is going to be to stroll in around the new year and see. It'll likely all be gone or pretty picked over, but I can afford to wait this year so that's fine. If I score something on a really great deal, all the better.

The new dollar tree that opened by me a few months ago has hallmark cards instead of whatever the others were. I haven't been to another dollar tree to see if it's changed everywhere or not. I think it's a line and not cards from the actual stores but I'm not positive. I haven't needed a card since the store opened but I generally get mine there or buy 99 cent cards elsewhere. 5 bucks for a greeting card is nuts.

 

[kaddjr]

5 bucks for a greeting card is nuts.

I have looked at some that were more than that! You are right- it is nuts! For everything but weddings, I start at DT or the .99 cent section. For weddings, I try to stay around $3 max.

 

[fifthdimensiondweller]

@afan Yes my Dollar Tree has started carrying the Hallmark line too! I was surprised to see that, and I like the cards a lot.

 

[wendow]

I have looked at some that were more than that! You are right- it is nuts! For everything but weddings, I start at DT or the .99 cent section. For weddings, I try to stay around $3 max.

I really despise Mother's Day cards. If you pay attention, you will notice Mother's Day cards are a couple dollars higher than Father's Day cards. This last year, I am pretty sure each of our Mother's Day cards were like 6.99. It's like the card makers know you CANNOT skimp on that card, of all the cards you buy. My mom and dh's mom would both totally flip out if they got a 50 cent Dollar Tree store card. No way would that go over well...so we way, way overpay...the card makers know and charge accordingly

 

[afan]

I really despise Mother's Day cards. If you pay attention, you will notice Mother's Day cards are a couple dollars higher than Father's Day cards. This last year, I am pretty sure each of our Mother's Day cards were like 6.99. It's like the card makers know you CANNOT skimp on that card, of all the cards you buy. My mom and dh's mom would both totally flip out if they got a 50 cent Dollar Tree store card. No way would that go over well...so we way, way overpay...the card makers know and charge accordingly

My grandma used to buy my mom a wallet for a gift often and would include a buck fifty or maybe it went up to 2 bucks in it for her card. My mom would do the same but I don't think it was wallets she was giving her but I can't remember. If my mom and I are at the store looking for cards near her birthday or mother's day I will sometimes just pick a card out and say here you go, she reads it and it gets put back. She generally only buys cards at the dollar tree too and she doesn't keep cards. I do keep some cards, if it was cute or extra funny I'll stick it in my memory box but most just go in the recycle after whatever holiday. I think she'd flip out if I spent 6 bucks on a card for her.

 

[wendow]

My grandma used to buy my mom a wallet for a gift often and would include a buck fifty or maybe it went up to 2 bucks in it for her card. My mom would do the same but I don't think it was wallets she was giving her but I can't remember. If my mom and I are at the store looking for cards near her birthday or mother's day I will sometimes just pick a card out and say here you go, she reads it and it gets put back. She generally only buys cards at the dollar tree too and she doesn't keep cards. I do keep some cards, if it was cute or extra funny I'll stick it in my memory box but most just go in the recycle after whatever holiday. I think she'd flip out if I spent 6 bucks on a card for her.

Sadly, both my mom and dh's mom are a bit on the shallow side. I tell my kids and dh...do not buy me a card...make me one or tell me what you would want to say. Both of our moms absolutely want an insanely mushy card praising their motherhood. My mom got it honestly as my grandmother is the same way. She always is given an 'event' for Mother's Day, birthday or Christmas and she likes to read each card aloud to everyone present. It's really, really important to her that the card be impressive. Maybe it's a southern thing??

 

[tvguy]

I really despise Mother's Day cards. If you pay attention, you will notice Mother's Day cards are a couple dollars higher than Father's Day cards. This last year, I am pretty sure each of our Mother's Day cards were like 6.99. It's like the card makers know you CANNOT skimp on that card, of all the cards you buy. My mom and dh's mom would both totally flip out if they got a 50 cent Dollar Tree store card. No way would that go over well...so we way, way overpay...the card makers know and charge accordingly

If they carry Hallmark cards now at Dollar tree, how would anyone but you know what you paid?

 

[wendow]

If they carry Hallmark cards now at Dollar tree, how would anyone but you know what you paid?

I'll be honest and say that I have not see what the current offerings are ...how good are these Hallmark cards!?! In general, our moms like Dayspring. Very long, very sappy. Hallmark would have to put on a very good show to appease.

ETA: My mom, in particular, loves long cards that go on and on about her...If Dollar tree can deliver, I'm thrilled

 

[tvguy]

I'll be honest and say that I have not see what the current offerings are ...how good are these Hallmark cards!?! In general, our moms like Dayspring. Very long, very sappy. Hallmark would have to put on a very good show to appease.

ETA: My mom, in particular, loves long cards that go on and on about her...If Dollar tree can deliver, I'm thrilled

Well, I guess we all have different experiences and preferences, but I grew up with Hallmark being the Gold Standard in greeting cards. I am not familiar with Dayspring, but the only stores around here that carry Dayspring are Walmart. The seem to be more of an online greeting card company.

 

[wendow]

Well, I guess we all have different experiences and preferences, but I grew up with Hallmark being the Gold Standard in greeting cards. I am not familiar with Dayspring, but the only stores around here that carry Dayspring are Walmart. The seem to be more of an online greeting card company.

Ah, ok. Dayspring are pretty norm around here...walmart, mardel, all grocery stores...They are definitely not just online around here. My mom loves dayspring cards!! I am not sure but they tend to be Christian cards.

 

[kaddjr]

I really despise Mother's Day cards. If you pay attention, you will notice Mother's Day cards are a couple dollars higher than Father's Day cards. This last year, I am pretty sure each of our Mother's Day cards were like 6.99. It's like the card makers know you CANNOT skimp on that card, of all the cards you buy. My mom and dh's mom would both totally flip out if they got a 50 cent Dollar Tree store card. No way would that go over well...so we way, way overpay...the card makers know and charge accordingly

My mom would have been so mad at me for spending that much on a mother’s day card. I made most of her cards (I’m a crafter). After she passed away, I found them all in a dresser drawer and still have them.

 

[willowsnn3]

My mom would have been so mad at me for spending that much on a mother’s day card. I made most of her cards (I’m a crafter). After she passed away, I found them all in a dresser drawer and still have them.

Truthfully I only buy cards for my grandkids birthday & they only care about what's in the card, lol. So I buy the 2 for $1 at Dollar Tree.
I have on occasion bought a special more expensive card tho. Last September I paid a good bit for a birthday card, one of those that opens up with pop up thingys singing Happy Birthday, really cute for an online friend of about 20yrs that I have never met. She had been in the hospital and was doing well and I felt called to send her a special card. She loved it and sent me a video of her opening it and playing it for her family. She passed away suddenly a few days later. So, sometimes a special card is needed by someone.

 

[Teal03]

I really hate how there’s never an after Christmas sale on Apple products. I was so looking forward to making an unnecessary purchase of an IPad and Apple Pencil.

 

[wenrob]

I really hate how there’s never an after Christmas sale on Apple products. I was so looking forward to making an unnecessary purchase of an IPad and Apple Pencil.

Most Apple products were on sale at various retailers for a good two months before Christmas. Apple themselves rarely puts their products on sale. After Christmas sales are about getting rid of extra inventory. Apple doesn’t need to do that. People pay full pop year round.

We went to Target today and came home with a ridiculous amount of candy. Other than that DD grabbed me about 200 labels and 100 bows there for under $20. We both forgot to look for tape.

 

[Teal03]

Most Apple products were on sale at various retailers for a good two months before Christmas. Apple themselves rarely puts their products on sale. After Christmas sales are about getting rid of extra inventory. Apple doesn’t need to do that. People pay full pop year round.

We went to Target today and came home with a ridiculous amount of candy. Other than that DD grabbed me about 200 labels and 100 bows there for under $20. We both forgot to look for tape.

I’m aware I was just broke lol. Now I have a few thousands of dollars from eBay and Christmas gifts and they’re full price. I didn’t want a 9.7 anyway just the cheap price. I hear they’re about to release a budget 10 or 11 inch very soon so I’m sure the 9.7 will be on sale again. No biggie for me since I just wanted it to draw.

 

[wenrob]

I’m aware I was just broke lol. Now I have a few thousands of dollars from eBay and Christmas gifts and they’re full price.

I know they tend to go on sale around graduation time. Have you looked in their refurbished section? Good as new if not actually new and same warranty.

 

[Teal03]

I know they tend to go on sale around graduation time. Have you looked in their refurbished section? Good as new if not actually new and same warranty.

I have and will check again once they release the new ones. I’m in no rush to get one.

 

[ArielRae]

What day is Target expected to go 75% Off this year? I was thinking possibly the 30th or 31st?