Holiday decorations are not just a way to get into the festive spirit; they are also an investment in joy and family traditions. However, buying these decorations can sometimes be costly, especially when retail prices peak during the holiday season. Savvy shoppers know there are strategic times throughout the year when holiday decor is deeply discounted. Here are the 5 best times to buy holiday decorations cheap:
1. Post-Holiday Sales
Right after the holidays, when the festivities have concluded, is prime time for snagging holiday decor at a fraction of the cost. Here's why:
- Christmas: Starting from December 26th, retailers rush to clear out holiday inventory, offering steep discounts to make room for new stock. You'll find 50-90% off on Christmas trees, lights, ornaments, and more.
- Valentine's Day: On February 15th, all red hearts, love-themed items, and decorations will go on sale, often with significant markdowns.
- Easter: From the Monday after Easter, bunny and egg decorations see massive price reductions.
- Halloween: November 1st transforms haunted houses into clearance sale opportunities for skeletons, pumpkins, and spiderwebs.
💡 Note: While shopping post-holiday, prioritize items with minimal damage or easily fixable wear-and-tear. Also, steer clear of perishable decorations like candy-themed ones.
2. Off-Season Stocking
During non-festive months, many retailers stock up on holiday items early, often at much lower prices:
- Christmas: In mid to late summer, around June or July, you can find holiday ornaments and decorations on sale as stores start preparing for the next season.
- Halloween: June is the key month for Halloween bargains with a good selection of spooky decor at lower prices.
- Easter: Look for deals in the last quarter of the previous year, when retailers clear out old stock to make way for new.
💡 Note: Off-season purchases might not offer the latest designs, but you can certainly find timeless decorations at steep discounts.
3. Black Friday and Cyber Monday
These shopping events signal the beginning of the holiday season:
- Black Friday: Expect doorbuster sales on holiday decorations, often packaged as part of larger sets or bundles.
- Cyber Monday: Online-only deals emerge, potentially offering discounts on hard-to-find or exclusive items.
💡 Note: With items selling out quickly, plan ahead and have a shopping strategy in place.
4. Mid-Summer Clearance
Retailers often conduct clearance sales around mid-summer:
- Home Improvement Stores: They're eager to clear out old stock for new seasonal items, offering huge discounts on holiday decorations.
- Department Stores: Similar deals can be found for various holidays as they transition to back-to-school and fall merchandise.
💡 Note: Check the warranties and quality as some stock might be older and less reliable.
5. Liquidation Stores
Where overstocked or discontinued goods end up:
- Year-Round Deals: These stores often carry holiday decor at perpetually discounted prices.
- Irregular Inventory: Stock is not always predictable, but you can find excellent deals with some patience.
💡 Note: Keep an eye out for name-brand items at liquidation stores, as they can represent extraordinary value.
The strategy to buy holiday decorations at a budget-friendly price is to anticipate the market's cyclical nature. Understanding when to shop, how to find the best deals, and where to look ensures that you can celebrate every holiday with festive joy without emptying your wallet. These timing tactics not only save money but also can turn holiday decorating into an exciting treasure hunt.
When is the best time to buy Christmas decorations?
+
The best time is right after Christmas, from December 26th, when retailers slash prices to clear inventory. Additionally, during the summer months, particularly in July, you can find off-season discounts.
Can you find good deals on Easter decorations after the holiday?
+
Yes, Easter decorations are heavily discounted the day after Easter, offering the perfect opportunity to buy for next year.
Do liquidation stores sell holiday decorations?
+
Liquidation stores carry overstock, discontinued, or liquidated merchandise year-round, so they can be an excellent source for holiday decor at a bargain.
What should you look out for when buying holiday decorations?
+
When buying holiday decorations, check for quality and ensure that the items are durable or fixable. Pay attention to warranty coverage, and avoid perishable or themed items that might not be relevant the following year.
Are Black Friday and Cyber Monday good times to buy holiday decorations?
+
Black Friday and Cyber Monday can provide excellent deals on holiday decorations, especially when bundled or as doorbuster specials. However, items can sell out quickly.
