After Christmas Shopping In Baltimore
When someone says "after Christmas sales" what do you envision? A somewhat milder Black Friday? Shopping through returned gifts or that sad leftover Christmas tree? Done right, shopping the after Christmas sales can get you what you'd wished for but didn't receive (for less) and give you a jump start on your holiday supply shopping for next year. Don't think of it as leftovers. Instead, think of the money you'll save and headaches you'll avoid pre-Christmas next year.
I have a general rule of thumb for shopping after Christmas sales: shop where you'd actually want to buy things anyway. If you don't like the quality of the clothes or home goods any other time of the year, you're still not going to like it when it's on sale. Use the after Christmas sales as an opportunity to buy the things you would normally buy (for less!) or to buy from stores you've been wanting to try out. I'm recommending a couple of national stores but these practices apply to both national and local stores.
Best Buy
600 East Pratt Street
Baltimore, Md. 21202
(410) 234-6023
Hours: Sunday, 10 a.m.–7 p.m.; Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.–9 p.m.
http://bestbuy.com
Maybe you didn't see that one coming but let me explain before you write it off. Best Buy has great after Christmas sales. And they're one of the few places where you can still buy one of those archaic musical discs…oh, a CD. Music hasn't gone completely digital and classic holiday songs are just that, classic. They're like black flats and A-line dresses. They're never going away. So, stop by Best Buy after the holidays and buy holiday CDs on sale. Then go digitize them if you must. Also, keep your eyes open for phone accessories, thumb drives, ear buds and any other could-have-been-stocking-stuffers. And did you know Best Buy sells books? And small kitchen appliances? These items would make great gifts year-round.
Michaels Arts & Crafts
5212 Campbell Blvd
Baltimore, Md. 21236
(410) 933-8443
http://michaels.com
Michaels Arts & Crafts sells more than just glitter and glue (though I have a personal weakness for both, I must say). I prefer real ribbon when wrapping holiday gifts so I love to stock up on ribbon whenever it's on sale. Shopping at Michaels after Christmas, you're bound to find very affordable ribbon, candles, home décor items and don't forget to check out the baking supplies. Often Michaels has coupons that they'll honor on top of their amazing sales. Be sure to pick up their circular if it's out when you stop by. They have a lot of "bin sales" where everything in a bin is $1, for example. If you've got the time and the patience, I'd recommend digging in.
Old Navy
8123 Honeygo Blvd
Baltimore, Md. 21236
(410) 933-3650
http://oldnavy.gap.com
Stop by Old Navy after the holidays to rack up savings on outerwear. By now, you've worn your winter jacket through at least one snow, not to mention all the other days it's been in the freezing temps here in Baltimore. Freshen up your outerwear options with a new coat, sweater or scarf. They also have great deals on gloves, hats and even boots!
Bath & Body Works
8123 Honeygo Blvd
Baltimore, Md. 21236
(410) 933-6787
www.bathandbodyworks.com
After the holidays is a great time to stock up on toiletries from this sale-happy store. Many seasonal aroma candles and soaps will still smell in-season even in January and February. Keep your eyes open for year-round home décor items such as candleholders, infusers and those cute soap dispenser holders they make. Also, check out their men's line while you're there and pre-shop for Valentine's Day!
Ikea
8352 Honeygo Blvd
Baltimore, Md. 21236
(410) 931-5400
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
www.ikea.com
Rounding out our list is a doozy: Ikea. The store is huge…in fact, it's so draining, they have a restaurant inside where you can refuel. And I recommend doing so! Never go to Ikea without a plan. It's too dangerous (financially) and time-consuming. Before you go, sign up for Ikea Family. It's free and you can sign up online or in the store. You'll save money and get discounts on food when you visit the store. During the holidays, Ikea sets up a tent outside with the holiday stash. Go there first. They really have the cutest wrapping paper, very affordable tissue paper, ornaments and holiday decorations. Since you're already there, you might as well go inside the store and see what kind of other items are on sale. Be sure to check for things like votive candles and fabric seasonal items such as tablecloths and napkins.
Elizabeth Eadie lives in downtown Baltimore. She is a Baltimore graphic designer, a maker of watercolor stationery and a design blogger.
