I didn't rush out this morning to go Boxing Day shopping for the first time in years. :-)
I wandered through Target, Sears, and the mall at around 3:00 this afternoon, and didn't see anything fabulous. I watched people at Target load up on Christmas items at 50% off, and I picked up a few relatively new-release teen books for my classroom for 50% off. Honestly, if you need gift wrap, wait until about August and buy one of the big rolls from Costco for around $10. I've had a roll of great-quality paper for two years. I've wrapped huge gifts with that one roll of paper (multiple shirt and sweater boxes, boxes of toys, Cheer board Christmas gifts, a roaster oven, a Keurig, and a barbecue), and it still looks like a full roll that may last another two Christmases!)
I know there are some doorcrasher specials that people really want, but after a few years of Smartcanucks, I know that some of the best deals on stuff I use actually happen later... I'm sure Target will have 70% off on Christmas stuff soon. Last year, Walmart cleared out Christmas bags at $0.25 each in January. Superstore clears out toys at 75% off in February. Some Shoppers locations really clear stuff out at giveaway prices just around the new year. Sears has 40% off clearance now, but there will be further markdowns accompanied by widespread clearance and extra discounts in February as well, followed by another major clearance in July. Last year, Walmart cleared out kids' winter boots at $5 a pair at the beginning of March. I picked up Lego at Target for 50% off before Christmas, as well as $5 fancy dresses and sweaters for my nieces' birthdays next August. Carlton Cards clears out greeting cards for 10 for $1 a couple of times a year, so I'm sure something will be happening in the next few weeks with their rack Christmas cards.
I really think we need somehow to develop a community calendar of when the really major deals have happened. Retailers are always sending out ads for their "big sales", but it would help if we could track when the really great deals have appeared so we all know when to buy!