Valentine's Day clearance starts today with most stores moving items to 50% off immediately.
Others are much slower. Dollar General will drag it out, only marking items 25% off the first week after the holiday.
Typical markdown schedule tips:
Drugstores and most big box stores:
First week after the holiday basically today through Sunday or next Monday - items will be 50 percent off.
Second week after the holiday -- 75 percent off.
Third week after the holiday March 1 until supplies are gone -- 90% off.
Stores to check:
Of course the obvious - Walmart, Kmart and Target.
But don't forget:
Boutiques
Grocery stores
Hallmarks
Locally -- Smith's Variety in Mountain Brook.
What to look for:
Red paper goods for patriotic holidays
Red candy for patriotic holidays
Treats, Valentine's and favors for future goodie bags.
Birthday party items you can easily use as party favors.
Crafting items.
Baking items
Holiday theme groceries -- versions of the products you would normally use but they have holiday themes. They may be clearanced down to well below the average price for the product.
Even homegoods and products like bath towels, blankets and more.
Pink throws with hearts on them can easily be transformed into a sweet baby girl gift or little girl gift.
Mother's Day items.
Candy for Easter baskets.
BARGAIN MOM TIP -- IF YOU WILL HAVE A STUDENT ENTERING KINDERGARTEN IN THE FALL MAKE SURE YOU THINK AHEAD.
1. YOU'LL BE SENDING TREAT BAGS ON CHRISTMAS AND VALENTINES
2. YOU WILL PROBABLY WANT TO HAVE SOME SORT OF BIRTHDAY EVENT OR PARTY WITH YOUR CHILD'S CLASSMATES - THINK IN TERMS OF PRIZES, BAGS, PLATES OR NAPKINS.
3. 100 DAYS OF SCHOOL EVENTS - THEY'LL HAVE TO BRING SOMETHING TO COUNT, SO IF YOU SEE SOMETHING REALLY CUTE THAT'S UNIQUE AND CHEAP = GRAB IT.
4. WHEN YOU GET READY FOR BACK TO SCHOOL {THIS IS FOR ANYBODY} AND THE TEACHER REQUESTS 12 SHARPENED PENCILS -- You can send the holiday themed pencils especially if you get them for pennies.
5. Teacher gifts are appropriate on Christmas, Valentine's, the first day of school and teacher appreciation week. {even the last day of school}
6. Your teacher will also ask you to provide treats for the TREASURE BOX-- this is a great opportunity to capitalize on cheap toys.