Cheers to good health, peace, and happiness for all in 2026!

Now it’s all about After-Christmas Sales!
If you’re not completely burned out from holiday shopping, the first week of January is the perfect time to score amazing deals. Look for holiday leftovers like Christmas cards, lights, décor, wrapping paper, bows, and paper goods. These are often marked down 50% or more. If you’re lucky enough to find items in solid colors, you can use them all year long. Traditional holiday designs can be neatly packed away for next season. And don’t forget to check online clearance sales sometimes the best bargains are just a click away!

With the Super Bowl right around the corner, you’ll start to see discounts on HDTVs and more. Now is a good time to buy if you are thinking about upgrading or buying a new system.

January White Sales will be popping up online and in big-box stores. Replacing your worn out towels and sheets now will save you a lot. Plan ahead! Donate your used ones to animal shelters. They always need these items.

January is prime time for fitness deals. Gym memberships and fitness equipment often cost less this month since many of us are eager to get back in shape after a little holiday over-indulgence. If you feel comfortable going to a gym, especially with all the COVID and flu hubbub, shop around and compare offers. Many gyms run New Year promotions, including 2-for-1 deals if you bring a friend. Also, don’t overlook online fitness classes. They can be taken safely at home and often come with equally attractive savings.

Small kitchen appliance deals heat up at the start of the year. If any of yours are on their way out, now is the time to buy. Retailers often discount items like coffee makers, blenders, toasters, and air fryers right after the holidays. It’s also a smart time to shop for upcoming wedding or shower gifts, or for friends and family moving into a new place. You’ll get useful, appreciated gifts at a much better price.

Still need toys? Look for big reductions. If you’re shopping for toys, especially to help the less fortunate, keep an eye out for deep discounts on items tied to current movies and TV shows. Retailers need to clear these off shelves while they’re still relevant, which often means excellent markdowns. It’s a wonderful way to stretch your dollars while making a meaningful difference for others.

If self-care is a New Year’s resolution, the stores will be discounting a variety of beauty and personal care items to help you keep yours.

Cold-weather sporting goods start to go on sale this month. It’s a great time to buy when others stop thinking about it! As everyone’s thoughts turn toward Spring, retailers begin marking down gear for cold outdoor activities. There’s still plenty of Winter left, so chances are you’ll be able to use your purchase right away. And if not? The worst that can happen is you’ll be all set and ready for next year!

Martin Luther King Day 1-19-26. Sales associated with the holiday weekend typically begin a few days prior and run through the actual holiday. You’ll find savings on Home Goods & Appliances, Electronics & Tech, and Apparel & Winter Clearance.

January is a good time to shop for furniture. Many furniture companies introduce new items and lines in February so stores will try to make room by reducing their inventory.

Costume jewelry will be reduced up to 75% off because the glitz and glamor of the holidays is over. Look for bargains.

Getting organized is usually another resolution. Look for deals on storage, closet organizers, and cleaning items to help you keep your promise.

In the supermarket it’s National Oatmeal Month. Look for Quaker products, as well as other brands to go on sale. Oatmeal has a long shelf life so feel free to stock up. National Spaghetti Day is on January 4, look for pasta specials early in the month. Everyone will probably be dieting due to all the luscious desserts we ate over the holidays. Use coupons (if you can find them!) in combination with sales on diet food, protein shakes, soda, frozen finger foods (for Super Bowl), leftover Christmas chocolate, and cold and flu medications, as well as vitamins. Seasonal produce such as oranges, pears, grapefruit, tangerines, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, celery, chard, collards, kale, kiwi, avocado, cabbage, and spinach will all be at lower prices.  There will probably be some coupons for these items (not the produce!) in the upcoming Sunday newspapers (fingers crossed!). Plus, check Ibotta and Coupons.com for additional selections.

Have a Happy, Healthy, Safe 2026!