Mississippi Mom’s Guide to After-Christmas Clearance Sales

Written By Erin Brown

Once the Christmas gifts are unwrapped and the last cookie tin is raided, another season begins — clearance season. For Mississippi moms who love stretching their budget without sacrificing the magic, the days and weeks after December 25 are some of the best for scoring deals on décor, toys, clothing, and stocking stuffers for next year.

This guide breaks down the typical markdown timeline and what to expect at stores you’ll find across Mississippi.

Why Shop After-Christmas Sales?

Retailers move quickly to clear out Christmas items to make room for seasonal transitions like Valentine’s Day. That means big savings for smart shoppers:

  • Holiday décor for next year

  • Gift sets and toys to tuck away for birthdays

  • Winter essentials like pajamas, slippers, and coats

  • Wrapping paper, ribbons, and greeting cards

  • Holiday-themed groceries and baking items

If you shop strategically, you can save up to 75–90% during the final markdown window.

Typical Clearance Timeline

December 26–28 — Initial Markdowns
Most stores drop Christmas merchandise to 50% off. Selection is best right now, especially on décor and toys.

December 29–January 2 — Bigger Drops
Markdowns usually move to 70% off. This is a great window for practical items like storage bins, lights, and gift wrap.

January 3–January 10 — Final Discounts
90% off is possible — particularly at big box stores. Inventory will be picked over, but the deals are unbeatable.

Where to Shop in Mississippi

Here’s what we typically see at stores we all know:

Walmart

  • Discounts start December 26

  • Excellent for ornaments, stockings, candy, and children’s gifts

  • Check early mornings for replenished markdowns

Target

  • Fast markdown progression

  • Look for clearance on toys at the same time

  • Don’t forget the Target Circle app for extra stacking opportunities

Hobby Lobby

  • Huge seasonal sections with deep discounts into January

  • Stock up on stockings, garlands, wreaths, and nativity sets

Walgreens & CVS

  • Holiday beauty gift sets, candy, small toys

  • Great place to grab cards and themed household items

Home Improvement Stores (Home Depot, Lowe’s)

  • Artificial trees and outdoor inflatables WAY down after New Year

  • Smart time for upgrading lights

Mississippi Mom Shopping Strategy

  • Make a plan before you go — what will you actually use next year?

  • Price check online in case your local store sells out quickly.

  • Think ahead for birthdays and teacher gifts — neutral gift sets disappear fast.

  • Store smart so your bargains stay in great shape for next Christmas.

What to Buy Now and Store for Later

  • Classic ornaments and tree décor

  • Wrapping supplies and bows

  • Christmas pajamas a size up for the kids

  • Baking pans and cookie cutters

  • Stocking stuffers and small toys

  • Neutral gift wrap that works year-round

These post-holiday savings can easily cover next year’s Christmas basics — and help you enter the new year with a little financial breathing room.

Erin Brown

Erin Brown, mom of two girls [with a baby on the way] met her husband, Richie, at Mississippi State University. With degrees in journalism and sports marketing, she worked in marketing and design before shifting her focus to family and entrepreneurship. After Richie’s NFL career ended, they returned to his hometown of Long Beach, where they now run Beacon Contracting along with her ventures, The Mississippi Mom and FRAME – Branding Agency. Erin’s passion is encouraging women through faith, family, and community. She reminds moms: “Never underestimate the impact of grace in your parenting. The more you mirror Christ, the more lasting your legacy will be.”

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