Start Planning For Next Year’s Valentine’s Day Now
Here it is, the day after Valentine’s Day, and the sales are just beginning. I don’t recommend trying to buy roses or candy and save it for an entire year (although, I would eat chocolate that had been in the freezer for a year, but that might just be me) but there are many Valentine-related shopping deals to be had today and this weekend. Here are just a few ideas:
If you have kids, they probably have to bring in valentines for their classmates every year. Go buy a few boxes today. Depending on the age of your child, they’re not going to care that much if they were last year’s Valentines. My son picked out Dora Valentines for this year, and I’ll be stopping by the store this weekend to pick up another box of whatever they have left that he likes. As long as it is shiny, he is happy.
Speaking of kids, stock up on little goodie bags as well as assorted trinkets like pencils, erasers, and even Valentine Playdough. Go shopping this weekend and I guarantee there will be a display of anything you can imagine, all at least 50% off. Do you send in a Valentine treat for the teacher? You can find mugs, picture frames, and other memorabilia on the cheap for any special “heartfelt” occasion.
How about for your sweetheart? Check out those bargain bins! Anything from those teacher gifts I mentioned (mugs, picture frames) to silk flowers (hey, I’m allergic to real ones, I love a nice silk flower) and even sometimes Valentines cards can be found for much less than they were yesterday.
I have a special area in our guest room closet just for holiday-related merchandise I got on the cheap in advance. From Halloween costumes to Valentines, I keep it all in one place, and it makes it simple to pull out what I need and know if I have to supplement with new items. Save yourself some money next year by planning ahead today!
February 15th, 2008 at 8:13 am
This is a very good point. My wife does a great job at buying holiday things on extreme discounts. We have gotten really expensive Halloween costumes for 90% off or more.
February 15th, 2008 at 9:15 am
I couldn’t agree more. Every year, I buy next year’s box of valentines. The kids never care what year they are from as long they get to pick them out.
I also stock up on items that are sold for Valentine’s Day, but serve other purposes as well. At Target, they have a ton of Valentine’s stuff that will go on clearance today that can all be used for other things. I usually stock up on pink and red colored items for my girls-cupcake papers, pretty little washcloths, etc. that are deeply discounted and my girls love them.
I often times, find things that will work for me as well. Last year, I bought a heart shaped muffin tin set and use them to make all sorts of goodies for everyone’s birthdays.
No matter the Holiday, you can always find me at the stores in the days following, loading up on next years goodies! I’d rather spend an extra 15$ now than spend $50 later.
Take Care
LJ
February 15th, 2008 at 10:22 am
Thanks for the tip – i included a link to this post in my post-valentine’s roundup..
February 15th, 2008 at 11:24 am
Just not the candy. Ugh. I was once give year-old Christmas candy by some well-meaning person. Had to toss it out, it was so icky.
February 15th, 2008 at 4:40 pm
My 2 boys had enough unused valentines left over from their boxes (of 32 each to start) that next time around I’ll probably only have to buy one box to supplement these! I can’t wait to go hit Target later this evening or tomorrow morning for the deals!
February 15th, 2008 at 7:16 pm
Very good points! This year was my first year experience the Valentine thing with school. Now I will be better prepared! We made our own this year because construction paper was cheaper than the valentines!
February 16th, 2008 at 12:25 pm
I just forego the celebration of artificial holidays.
However, my mom’s birthday falls a week after V-day so I get a steal on candles and the like!
February 16th, 2008 at 1:31 pm
@ deepali – I can say I forego the celebration of artificial holidays (and for me and the spouse, it is true basically) but I’m not going to make my kid be the only kid who doesn’t bring in Valentines for his classmates. At least, not until he’s older than 3.
February 19th, 2008 at 9:48 pm
Last year, or maybe two years ago, on the Valentine’s clearance, I bought some really cute candy dishes and matching place card holder things. The design for these pieces is based on a Valentine cupcake.
Anyway, on Valentine’s Day this year, I pulled out two of the place card holders from my holiday decor storage box. And I put my Valentine card to my husband in one.
He thought the decor piece was cute, and made sure his card to me was set in the other holder.
These little table items will be used for many years to come, I am sure.
February 20th, 2008 at 12:52 pm
Someone said it! CUPCAKE PAPERS! I know I am probably the only one in the world that makes at least one dozen cupcakes or muffins a week (8 this week!) but the papers are often multi use! After Christmas I bought a bunch of red with white “snowflake” looking things on them for cheaper than the plain white ones were! Those are the ones I used for all the V-Day ones I made last week! Now I have a new stock of pink and red and can honestly not wait till the pink and green ones go on sale at Hobby Lobby! Yeah for multi-use post-holiday sales!