Frugal Family: After Holiday Shopping Savings

Shopping after the holidays can mean big savings. According to a poll from Consumer Reports, four in ten Americans plan on doing some post-holiday shopping this week with 80 percent saying the post-holiday sales are the biggest draw. 

Dealnews, an online source for finding the best deals on the items you’re looking for, is reporting that consumers should expected post-holiday discounts on holiday items of as much as 88 percent from major merchants such as . 

While most bargain hunters go out to the stores on December 26, sales are going on all week at local retailers where you can stock up on holiday items for next year for a fraction of the price.

’s weekly ad features 50% off DVDs and Blue-rays as well as bargains valued at $3.99 when you get any for $19.99 or more. If your little one gets Cookie, My Playful Pup, he or she can also receive a free Snuggimals stuffed animal valued at $8.99 with their purchase.

A Consumer Reports poll found that 113 million Americans received gift cards last holiday season, and that 62 percent of adults planned to give them as gifts this year. With the sales, now is the time to get out and use them to get the most bang for your buck.  

Other deals include a free $75 Target gift card with the purchase of a PS3 or Xbox 360 bundle. Target also offers 30 percent off on children's toys and a $50 coupon for any Kindle if you trade in an older model.

Bfreedom, reports that Target’s post-holiday online sale is expected to feature e-readers and tablets with the lowest prices until summer.

is offering holiday storage totes for up to 50% off. If you check out their website they also have coupons available including those for free items such as Juicy Juice and Hershey Kisses. This is for Shop your Way Rewards members and requires a $25 purchase. You may want to check out their clothing sales with 60 percent off winter apparel and accessories for the family, and footwear up to 50 percent off.

is currently having a 25 percent off all fall clothing sale that includes marked down merchandise. Mark your calendars now because their sample sale for Spring/Summer 2012 is going to start on February 9th. I was told that people wait outside for hours for that sale so they can get designer clothing at wholesale prices.

is having a Buy One, Get One Free sale on items now through the end of January.

While you’re at Lehigh Valley Mall visit . Select holiday merchandise is marked down half price while available.

is also having its big sale with 50 percent off on select items. It advertises that a sale this big only happens twice a year. 

If you prefer something that sparkles you may want to visit . The owner, Paul Dreyer, is retiring at the end of the year so everything in the store is on sale.

Another local shop that glitters with gold is . Its special this month is 20 percent off your choice from the store's 14 and 18 Karat gold collection. A coupon from its website is required to take advantage of this offer.

Some important tips to keep in mind: Compare online and store prices. There are times when the in-store price will be higher and many retailers will give customers the online price if you ask; if they don’t you can always order it online using the ship-to-store option. Also, always check retailer’s websites for coupons that you can use for even greater savings. Finally, if a shop has a facebook page ‘like’ it so you’ll be ‘in the know’. The store may give fans a heads-up on savings.