Feeling financially stressed after the holidays? We hear you. Gift-giving can be good for the spirit but hard on the wallet, particularly if you’re on a fixed income.

You may be ready to take a long break from shopping. But paradoxically, spending a little more right now might be the smartest money move.

Retailers offer big discounts after Christmas to clear out inventory. Next to Black Friday sales, post-holiday deals offer some of the year’s deepest discounts. Stock up on gifts for grandkids' birthdays, buy holiday cards and decorations for next year, or buy winter socks and classic Henleys for the men in your life.

“I always tell people that if they have the money and the storage space, shop with the entire next year in mind,” Josh Elledge of SavingsAngel told Investopedia.com. “Rock-bottom pricing is available on everything from electronics to clothing to jewelry.”

Here are a few areas where you can expect significant savings.

Winter clothes

When cold weather clothing hits stores in late October, it’s often at jaw-dropping prices. But after the holidays, retailers will want to clear their shelves in January and February to make room for their spring lines. That means you can score some great deals on winter gear.

Don’t forget sleepwear, either: cozy items like slippers and PJ’s are often up to 70% off. If you’re buying for young grandkids, be sure to choose a size or two larger.

If you need a winter coat or new ski apparel, stores like Dick’s Sporting Goods, REI, and Kohl’s offer steep discounts in January.

Find out how to save money year-round with store brands.

Toys

Once the holidays are over, stores are left with heaps of toys that they move over to the clearance bin. You can stock up on toys for grandkids’ birthdays at bargain basement prices. Walmart, for example, has been known to offer 90% discounts off certain toys the day after Christmas.

And don’t forget about gifts for your furry friends, too. Hit outlets like PetSmart to pick up holiday-themed toys, sometimes at up to 95% off! Just stash them in a closet until next year.

Gift sets

Now is also the time to stock up on gifts for all the adults in your life. After the holidays, stores work overtime to get rid of extra gift sets, especially luxury ones like cosmetics and spa baskets. Bath & Body Works, for example, has a Winter Semi-Annual Sale that starts the day after Christmas and lasts for about three weeks. You may find the biggest discounts on holiday-themed items: scoop them up now and save them for next year.

Electronics

You may think of Black Friday as the time to scoop up great electronic deals, but the truth is, some of the best sales occur around December 27th. One reason why: the Consumer Electronics Show occurs every January to show off new models. Stores want to get rid of last year’s models, so they have room for new ones.

Seasonal items

Start your holiday decoration shopping for next year now. Major retailers like Target and Walmart slash prices by as much as 90% for things like wrapping paper, candles, ornaments, and artificial trees. Hold out as close to the New Year as you can. Day-after-Christmas sales will usually offer these items at half price, then lower them each additional day they stick around. By the time New Year’s Day rolls around, you can pick up some incredible bargains.

Food

Grocery prices have spiked this year, which is why you’ll want to keep an eye out for Christmas clearance supermarket sales. Many regular items will be marked down. It’s the best time to stock up your pantry! You can also freeze perishable items to use in the weeks to come.

If you have a more gourmet palate, keep an eye on luxury food sites like Williams Sonoma or Harry & David. They’ll have all sorts of delicacies marked down as they try to clear out inventory.

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Furniture

If you need a new sofa or a new kitchen set, you may want to do some shopping. Stores like Pottery Barn often have end-of-year or warehouse sales with deals of up to 70% off. Online sites like Wayfair and Amazon also often slash prices on furniture, bedding, decor, appliances, and kitchenware.

The bottom line

Get a jump start on next year’s holiday shopping and take advantage of post-holiday sales now. You’ll save a lot of money. But plan ahead. Put together a list of target items. That way, you won’t miss anything, and you won’t spend money on impulse items that you don’t really need.

If you can, wait as close to January as possible. While you’ll see prices drop right after Christmas, they’ll continue to drop more every day. You’ll know you’re getting the best deal when something drops to 80 or 90% off!

Can a Medicare plan help you save money?

There’s no getting around it – healthcare and insurance can be expensive. That’s why it’s smart to compare your options when picking a Medicare plan. Look beyond the premium, and consider co-pays and out-of-pocket limits. And see what coverage your premium is buying. Are vision and dental included? What about a discount on OTC items, or coverage for a gym membership? Check out the plans available in your area with our easy-to-use Find a Plan tool.

Additional resources

• ClearMatch Medicare: Find a Medicare Plan
• Investopedia: 6 Things to Buy After Christmas
• The Krazy Coupon Lady: Items to Buy on Christmas Clearance
• Reader’s Digest: Day After Christmas Sales
• CBS: Best Days of the Year for Holiday Deals on Electronics