• After-Christmas sales are a good time to stock up on gifts for the rest of the year.christmas presents under christmas tree image by Maria Brzostowska from Fotolia.com
  
  After-Christmas sales are among the best opportunities to stock up on gifts and other items for use throughout the year. Shop ahead for next Christmas; buy things you'll need for birthdays, Valentine's Day, Easter, 4th of July and more, or stock up on craft supplies. Post-holiday markdowns can be utilized for all kinds of uses and occasions.
  
  

Food and Snacks

• Use red and green candy for Valentine's Day and St. Patrick's Day.cookie decorations image by Pix by Marti from Fotolia.com
  
  Stores cannot sell food decked out in holiday packaging at full price once the holidays are over. Since only the packages are out-of-date, take this opportunity to stock up on nuts, cereal, cookies, popcorn, and chocolate as well as many other foods. Drug stores and department stores are especially good places to search for marked-down food as well as other sale merchandise, as they generally do not receive as much foot traffic as other stores for after-Christmas sales. Give red candy as Valentine's Day gifts and green candy for Saint Patrick's Day.
  
  

Craft Supplies and Returned Merchandise

• Red ribbon can be used for Christmas or Valentine's Day.red ribbon image by Liz Van Steenburgh from Fotolia.com
  
  The sales following the holidays are a fine time to load up on craft supplies for making your own gifts and more. Red craft supplies are perfect for Valentine's Day and the Fourth of July while green supplies are excellent for Saint Patrick's Day decorations. Use holiday-themed ribbon next Christmas.
  Open-box merchandise and returned item tables in the electronics and clearance sections of stores are convenient places to find marked-down and still usable items. Also try browsing through thrift stores, as they get a lot of year-end donations from those looking for a tax reduction.
  
  

Gifts and Special Occasions

• Turn Christmas stocking stuffers into Easter basket gifts.easter eggs in easter motive image by Maria Brzostowska from Fotolia.com
  
  Take advantage of these sales opportunities to buy gifts for birthdays, anniversaries, Mother's and Father's Day and Valentine's Day. Stocking stuffer presents make welcome additions to Easter baskets, while gift sets in holiday packaging can be rewrapped and given at any time of year. Solid-color gift wrap can be used any time of year, too, and solid-color party supplies such as plates, napkins and cups are ideal for birthdays and barbecues. Look for wedding presents, or decorations that match the colors you want at your own wedding. "Baby's First Christmas" items will be on sale as well, and they make perfectly acceptable presents for friends or family members expecting a baby in the next year.