50 Must-Have Items You Should Wait Until After the Holidays to Buy
MAKE YOUR LIST AND CHECK IT TWICE—BUT DON'T BUY THESE ITEMS JUST YET
You may already be in the holiday spirit, but fighting off that urge to blow your paycheck on presents at your favorite store could save you big in the long run. Strategically waiting out the holiday season for certain items—think bed linens, coats, and jewelry—means you can nab all those holiday must-haves at bargain-basement prices.
Whether you're shopping for friends and family or practicing a little self care by way of retail therapy, there are tons of stores that feature their best sales after Santa closes up shop for the season. And whatever's on your list, it'll feel that much sweeter if it doesn't break the bank, so read on to find out which items to save in your wishlist, instead of your cart.
1
Adidas by Stella McCartney Yoga Warpknit Tights
$120; buy now at Adidas
Looking to get fit and fabulous in the New Year? Yoga apparel and workout gear often go on sale just before New Year's Eve, just in time to start getting serious about those resolutions. Not sure which brand to buy? These leggings from Adidas by Stella McCartney are some of the most flattering on the market, with a sculpting shape, smooth nylon feel, and an eye-catching cutout pattern.
2
Roar + Rabbit Organic Crisscross Duvet Cover + Shams
From $34; buy now at West Elm
If you're considering a bedding and bath upgrade, it's best to hold off for White Sale season and buy after the holidays. Starting in January, many retailers begin slashing prices on their white sheets, duvets, towels, and more, sometimes offering up to 70 percent off. This simple, white textured duvet bed set from West Elm lends an air of minimalist sophistication to any bedroom decor, and can be dressed up with some of the season's other hot looks, like a cozy velvet throw.
3
CB2 Avec Apartment Sofa with Brass Legs
$1,499; buy now at CB2
If a new sofa was in the cards for you this season, chances are you already pounced on a Black Friday deal. But if those sales came and went and you're still sitting on the same old beat-up couch, don't despair! Many furniture companies hold major end-of-year sales, where you can land items like this vintage-cool CB2 Avec Apartment Sofa at a deep discount. This 1950s Parisian-inspired design pairs the rich jewel tones that have been dominating this season with an unfussy shape that is effortlessly elegant.
4
Moët & Chandon Rosé Impérial
From $52.19; buy now at Clos19
Christmastime is a season of perpetual dinner parties, meaning you may be tempted to invest in a few bottles of bubbly so that you're never left scrambling to find a wine shop at the last minute. But if you buy after the holidays, retailers often offer major discounts on Champagne as New Year's approaches. Moët & Chandon remains a timeless classic—one your hosts will undoubtedly appreciate—and selecting the Rosé Impérial updates the tradition with an of-the-moment twist. Grab a case to stow away for future celebrations!
5
Gucci New Ace Sneaker Basic
$580; buy now at Neiman Marcus
Neiman Marcus is holding a pretty major sale at the moment—up to 50 percent off certain designer items—but if you can hold off until February, when the department store holds its next semi-annual sale, you can get even more top-of-the-line items at bargain prices.
Wait until then to score big on currently full-priced designer items, like these white-hot, white leather low-tops from Gucci‒one of this year's most coveted brands.
6
allen + roth Reclaimed Wood Bevelled Wall Mirror
$99.98; buy now at Lowe's
Lowe's offers major sales for Presidents' Day weekend in February, so if your wishlist includes items that you don't mind waiting for, you'll be rewarded with great deals when the time comes. When you go, be sure to pick up this allen + roth Reclaimed Wood Bevelled Wall Mirror, a handsome, understated décor piece with farmhouse and industrial touches that can fit seamlessly with countless design schemes.
7
Alice + Olivia Inka Strong Shoulder Mock-Neck Dress
$395; buy now at Bergdorf Goodman
After the rush of the holidays, while you're hanging up your most festive party dresses for the season, many department stores are preparing for clearance events to make room for the next season's inventory—particularly for evening wear. This is the perfect opportunity to invest in a new dress or two, like this Alice + Olivia midi-style dress, which leans into the season's obsession with metallics.
8
Holiday Llamas Wrapping Paper
$9.95; buy now at Paper Source
In case you hadn't noticed, 2018 has been the year of the llama: Their fuzzy little faces have begun popping up everywhere from cakes to ceramic planters to pillows and beyond. This wrapping paper is not only a nod to this year's most surprising trend, it's also cute and whimsical enough that it will still feel fun a year from now. Just wait to buy your gift wrapping items until after the holidays for the lowest prices.
9
Sam Edelman Women's Hilty Leopard Print Calf Hair Booties
$159; buy now at Nordstrom
Need a heel that will instantly elevate your look (no pun intended)? These popular booties embrace the animal print trend that's been everywhere since fall in a balanced, chunky-meets-sleek silhouette that feels on-trend without being overly trendy. And with year-end sales at Nordstrom, you won't pay an arm and a leg for this hot trend.
10
Chloe Alphabet Charm
$93.07; buy now at Harrods
Bag charms, keychains, and baubles were everywhere this season, and they make perfect gifts for the woman in your life whose taste in bags is more expensive than your total gift budget. This initial charm by Chloe, Italian-made out of gold-tone brass, adds a thoughtful touch to an item that could otherwise seem impersonal in its novelty. These have been flying off the shelves at American department stores like Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, and Bloomingdales, but British retailer Harrods appears to have a full stock—as well as an upcoming Boxing Day sale!
11
The North Face Men's Thermoball Snow Triclimate Coat
$349; buy now at The North Face
Get ready to see this trendy shade of yellow everywhere—and not just because it's impossible to miss! This 3-in-1 performance jacket from The North Face hits the sweet spot between mountain- and city-ready: waterproof, insulated, utilitarian in its strategic layering options, and yet perfectly at ease on the streets of New York. Prices for coats are at their lowest in January and February, and of course the longer you wait to buy after the holidays, the more steeply those prices fall.
12
Victoria's Secret Floral Lace Plunge Bralette
From $24.50; buy now at Victoria's Secret
Even if you're feeling newly-inspired by the recent Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, you might want to wait just a bit longer to make any purchases at the famed lingerie store. The company typically holds semi-annual sales in January and June, at which point prices plunge lower than their garments' necklines. The Floral Lace Plunge Bralette is one particularly hot item to pick up at one of these sales: it's comfortable, versatile, and designed to be seen.
13
Pendleton Yakima Camp Blanket
$149; buy now at Pendleton
Like coats and winter boots, blankets tend to go on sale after Christmas. That's why the Pendleton Yakima Camp Blanket is the perfect gift for the family member you won't actually see until the holidays have passed. For indoor or outdoor use, it's rugged yet fashionable and made of a fine virgin wool that's soft to the touch. Pair it with their leather carrying strap for the serious "glamper" in your life.
14
L'Occitane Holiday Cracker Set
$34; buy now at Sephora
One of the best British holiday traditions is the Christmas cracker: a roll of paper that cracks open when you pull the ends, revealing a fun prize. Traditionally, these contain cheap plastic children's toys, but this year, brands have caught onto what a blast these crackers can be at holiday parties. Each cracker from this L'Occitane set holds a special treat from their holiday line: miniature bath gels, soaps, shower oils, and more. Buy them after the holidays when they're steeply discounted and delight your guests at your next dinner party!
15
L.L. Bean Men's Bean Boots 8"
$135; buy now at L.L. Bean
While these would be a welcome gift under the tree, you'd be wise to wait until L.L. Bean's winter sale—which runs in January and February—to nab them at their lowest possible price. Make sure to act fast when sales arrive, though: These waterproof duck boots have a famous cult following and not only do they regularly sell out, they have nearly 60,000 tags on Instagram to prove their popularity.
16
KitchenAid Deluxe 4.5 Quart Tilt Head Stand Mixer
$199; buy now at Walmart
Though KitchenAid mixers tend to go on sale in time for Christmas, they often hit their all-time lowest prices the day after, on December 26th. Walmart holds major sales that day, so if you're buying for yourself, plan on waiting and to buy until after the holidays!
17
Marble and Brass Monogram Coasters, Set of 4
$29.95; buy now at Williams Sonoma
Looking for a present that more than makes up for its late arrival? Personalized gifts, like these handmade Marble and Brass Monogram Coasters from Williams Sonoma, make it clear to your loved ones that while the gift may come after Christmas, it was far from an afterthought.
18
Hallmark Santa's Sleigh Village 3D Pop Up Christmas Card
$12.99; buy now at Hallmark
If the standard price tag on a Hallmark pop-up card turns you into The Grinch, it's time to start planning ahead. Greeting cards will dive to their lowest prices after Christmas, and you'll finally be free to stock up on items like this Sleigh Village 3D Pop Up Christmas Card, a charming scene of Santa and his reindeer making merry over a quaint village.
19
Marc Fisher Izze Genuine Shearling Lace-Up Boots
Photo credit: Bloomingdales
$249; buy now at Bloomingdale's
Winter boots should be at the top of your post-Christmas list. They routinely drop in price shortly after the holiday, just in time for some of winter's roughest weather. These plush shearling boots from Marc Fisher couldn't be a more cozy, practical, or stylish choice.
20
Ember Temperature Control Ceramic Mug
$79.95; buy now at Amazon
Looking for a gift for your busiest friend? Pick up this Ember Temperature Control Ceramic Mug. This mug allows you to remotely set your preferred temperatures for different beverages, and enjoy your drink at that temperature whenever you finally get to it. Amazon typically drops its prices after Christmas, so if you're on the fence about the price tag, hold off until then and buy after the holidays!
21
Herschel Supply Co. Little America Backpack
From $99.99; buy now at Bloomingdale's
You've probably seen these popular backpacks everywhere, and for good reason: they're handsomely designed with a look reminiscent of classic mountaineers and the great explorers of yesteryear, and yet practical for everyday use. Throw in padded mesh for comfort and sturdy leather straps, and you've got the perfect gift for anyone on your list (including yourself). Try to snag one during Bloomingdales' after-Christmas sale for your best shot at a reduced price tag.
22
Diptyque Pine Tree of Light Small Candle
$38; buy now at Neiman Marcus
Candles usually hit rock-bottom prices after the holidays anyway, but pair that with Christmas-themed packaging and you're sure to get even the most coveted brands for the lowest cost. Diptyque's Pine Tree of Light Small Candle is luxuriously packaged, with a subtle scent of pine and cedar that will be welcome in your home well into the new year.
23
Gucci Bloom Eau de Parfum for Her Gift Set
$100; buy now at Sephora
Looking for a new signature scent? Buying yourself small gift sets post-holiday can be a real treat, and a practical trial period before committing to a full bottle of something new! Wait until gift sets are no longer selling like hotcakes and grab this Gucci Bloom perfume pairing, which has garnered non-stop praise from critics and reviewers all season.
24
Shun Hiro SG2 8-inch Chef's Knife
$299.95; buy now on Amazon
Shun knives are known for their quality, but typically rest at a price point that's attainable for hobbyist home chefs. The Shun Hiro 8-inch Chef's Knife is a handcrafted masterpiece that's truly a cut above the brand's other chef's knives, featuring 65 layers of Damascus nickel and an inlaid, steel-forged samurai crest on the handle. It's one of very few Shun knives on Amazon currently not marked down by roughly 20 percent, which means that waiting to buy after the holidays could very likely translate into a notable discount.
25
Pier 1 LED Pre-Lit Forever Fresh 6' Garland
$41.99; buy now at Pier 1
It'll come as no surprise that you can save big bucks on holiday decorations by buying in bulk come January. Pier 1 is a great place to go for everything you'll need to stay festive for many holiday seasons to come, including this pre-lit faux-garland that would be a perfect addition to any mantle, doorway, or staircase. You'll thank yourself next year.
26
Zara Faux-Fur Coat
$129; buy now at Zara
By mid-winter, warmer coats become discounted at record rates—so if you can make it through some chilly early-December nights, you should hold off for the best deals and buy after the holidays. This faux-fur coat from Zara is in vogue with the recent rise of teddy coats, which come in cruelty-free soft, plush fabrics that mimic the vintage shearling versions.
27
Old Navy Open Front Cardi-Coat for Women
$45; buy now at Old Navy
This little number from Old Navy walks a fine line between coat and cardigan, and you'll sure be glad to have it on those in-between days. Woven in a cozy, thick-knit stretch yarn, it manages to look both casual and put together with neutral tones and a cut that looks more Eileen Fisher than Old Navy. Wait until their after Christmas sale, and with any luck, you'll be wearing this in time for spring.
28
Bonobos Premium Italian Wool Suit Jacket
$700; buy now at Bonobos
January is considered the best time of year to buy a suit, when most companies hold clearance sales to make room for new lines of inventory. This two-button, single-breasted wool suit jacket from Bonobos is made of 90 percent wool and 10 percent cashmere for a luxurious feel; buy it in navy for an endlessly versatile look.
29
Hamilton Tickets
From $275; buy now on Ticketmaster
If, like everyone else, you've been dying to finally see Hamilton, your chance may be coming up! Broadway ticket sales are at their annual lowest in January, and you may be able to find an affordable seat at some of the most popular shows by buying after the holiday season.
30
Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine
$945; buy now on Amazon
It's almost New Year's, and you know what that means: This is the year you finally get in the best shape of your life! But you're going to need some equipment first—and luckily, there are tons of sales on fitness-related products heading into January. Wait until the holidays have come and gone and you should be able to find exciting deals on great gear, like this Concept2 rowing machine. Enjoy a low-impact, efficient workout in your home without taking up an entire room in the house!
31
Tai Small Rainbow Huggie Hoop Earring
$115; buy now at Neiman Marcus
It's hard to ignore the major moment rainbow jewelry has been having. These colorful gold-plated brass hoops are a nod to the year's brightest trend while still maintaining subtlety due to their petite size. As department stores like Neiman Marcus clear out inventory to make room for 2019's new looks, things that scream 2018 this boldly will likely be discounted, despite still being a fan favorite.
32
Gourmet Gift Baskets Classic Champagne Gift Basket
$64.99; buy now at Gourmet Gifts Baskets
Who says edible gift baskets need to be used as gifts? They make excellent instant-spreads for any upcoming dinner party you may have planned, and with post-holiday discounts, you can save big. This Classic Champagne Gift Basket includes everything you need for a night in with a friend or special someone, including cheese, crackers, chocolates, cookies, and of course, some bubbly.
33
Old Navy Quilted Sweater-Fleece Bomber for Men
$55; buy now at Old Navy
Bomber jackets are effortlessly cool and, despite being steadily popular for about a decade now, they feel decidedly current. This soft, quilted fleece iteration from Old Navy is a great addition to your spring coat line-up, and will likely see a discount after Christmas with the store's post-holiday sale.
33
Fjalraven Yupik Insulated Parka for Men
$499.95; buy now at Back Country
Hooded parkas are all the rage in winter wear for men, and of course, there's no better time to land one than after the holidays. This parka from popular Swedish brand Fjalraven is reinforced with a weather-resistant membrane that claims it will keep even "a single snowflake from seeping through." It also includes a variety of functional waterproof pockets that can store devices and valuables safely away from the elements, and a removable hood for more mild days.
34
Pottery Barn Classic 820-gram Weight Bath Towel
From $9.50; buy now at Pottery Barn
If there's one thing you should definitely stock up on during the end of year White Sales, it's these Pottery Barn towels. These soft, cozy towels are made of 100 percent cotton, and each purchase supports Pottery Barn's commitment to responsible materials through the Better Cotton Initiative. Monogramming is available, which adds a nice touch for a gift!
35
FCTRY Holo Umbrella
$42; buy now at FCTRY
This sheer, iridescent umbrella of the future is sure to turn heads as you walk down the street. Yet it's so popular that many online stores have repeatedly run out, and promise to restock after the holidays. You likely won't want to bust out this airy, ethereal accessory during the winter months anyway, so feel free to wait until the frenzy is over, then buy in time for spring showers!
36
National Tree 6.5 Foot Carolina Pine Tree with Flocked Cones and 750 Clear Lights
$279; buy now at Amazon
Perhaps because of the major strides recently made in craftsmanship, or a heightened expectation of convenience in an Amazon era, artificial Christmas trees have seen a sudden burst of popularity. According to Forbes, in just one year (from 2015 to 2016) sales jumped from 12 million to over 18 million faux firs! Of course, the best time to buy one is just after the holiday season, when online traffic comes to a halt. This National Tree Carolina Pine Tree looks surprisingly like the real thing, and comes pre-lit with Christmas lights to save you the trouble.
37
Clarks Men's Desert Peak Chelsea Boot
From $139.95; buy now on Amazon
Clarks boots should be on every guy's wishlist: They offer a level of versatility that covers you in just about any situation imaginable. Shoes for the office? Check. For a date night out? Check. For your everyday city stroll? Check. And made with 100 percent premium leather and a crepe sole, they hold up over time. Given Amazon's regular sales of other Clarks styles (like their Classic Desert Boot), it seem very likely that these Chelsea style boots should be available at a discount in upcoming months.
38
Cozyna Air Fryer XL
$89.99; buy now on Amazon
Air fryers are one of the most popular kitchen gift items on Amazon this holiday season, but unlike the similarly popular Instant Pot, air fryer prices haven't yet plummeted. They're newer to the scene, but if you can hold off just a bit longer, Amazon sales are likely to offer some interesting deals in the coming months.
39
Harry & David Bear Creek Gift Box
$59.99; buy now at Harry & David
Holiday-themed food items go on sale every year starting on December 26th, when their packaging puts a damper on their popularity. But Harry & David gift sets, like this Bear Creek Gift box, would still be welcome on many a doorstep come the new year. The delicious arrangement includes pears, apples, Moose Munch, cookies, mixed nuts, crackers, assorted cheese, meats, and more.
40
Jonathan Adler Gold Interior Muse Votive
$38; buy now at Neiman Marcus
As candles go on sale after the holiday, so do some votive candle holders—especially those sold in department stores with after-season sales . This popular Jonathan Adler design goes back to Adler's roots as a potter. As described in a recent Elle Décor interview, the design mogul's work is loved for its "exuberant personality and eclectic, refined taste," plus his penchant for "unique, one of a kind art pieces." This votive is all of that in one quirky yet sophisticated package.
41
Rove Concepts Diamond Chair
$285; buy now at Rove Concepts
One of the best times of year to buy furniture is right after the holidays, and this Diamond Chair from Rove Concepts is one to watch. Easily adaptable for the seasons, this chair looks just as good unadorned in the summer as it does in the winter, styled with a faux-shearling plush throw. Both delicate and industrial, this chrome-plated iron and premium leather chair is truly a work of art.
42
Swissmar Sierra 1.6-Quart Cast Iron Meat Fondue Set
$74.95; buy now at Amazon
Since last year, we've seen a resurgence of the popular '70s trend of fondue (you may have noticed the raclette on menus as of late, another French delight that treats melted cheese like a main food group). This 11-piece set is made of enamel cast iron for even heat distribution, and comes with six color-tipped forks, a splash guard, and is outfitted in a lovely deep shade of blue. If you're on the fence about paying full price for your fondue set, pick one up during Amazon's after Christmas sales.
43
Library of Flowers Forget Me Not Bubble Bath
$36; buy now at Kohl's
Forget Me Not Bubble Bath from Library of Flowers was one of Oprah's favorite things this year, and we can see why. Its blend of cocoa butter and green tea leave your skin deeply nourished and its fragrance of ginger, lemongrass and white orchid bring the spa experience home. But don't rush out to buy it just yet—Kohl's usually holds a major after Christmas sale, and you may be able to pick this up at a generous discount.
44
Bottega Veneta Nodini Flap Leather Shoulder Bag
$1,200; buy now at Neiman Marcus
Move over, ultra violet! The new color in town for this coming spring is yellow. 2019 should bring a whole range of items in this mustard hue, providing endless opportunities to add bold statement pieces to your wardrobe. This Bottega Veneta shoulder bag is the perfect pop of color in just the right shade, but if past years' sales are any indicator, you might be able to avoid breaking the bank to get your hands on it.
45
Tiffany Eau de Parfum
From $64.60; buy now at Nordstrom
Tom Ford, Gucci, Le Labo: these are just some of the brands that come to mind as dominating the modern fragrance landscape this year. One additional brand stands out, however, for its blend of modern appeal and traditional, old world glamour: Tiffany Eau de Parfum. This update on an old classic features notes of iris flower, mandarin, and patchouli for a surprising citrus-floral profile that will add a bit of glitz to your new year. Try snagging a gift-sized bottle at Nordstrom after the holidays for your best chance at a lowered price tag.
46
Boll & Branch Waffle Blanket
From $160; buy now on Boll & Branch
Looking for white bed linens doesn't have to mean purchasing a drab bedding set. This heirloom-quality Waffle Blanket from Boll & Branch upgrades your bedding with a simple-yet-luxe, crisp and clean look that's also impossibly soft and comfortable. Look out for this and similar items during the upcoming White Sales!
47
Ganni McKinney Checked Brushed-Felt Coat
$540; buy now at Net-a-Porter
This gorgeous mid-weight coat touches on a few of this years biggest trends‒it's long, designed for an oversized fit, and color-blocked, yet it walks a fine line between au courant and timeless. Ganni's Creative Director is quoted on the Net-A-Porter website as saying, "When we started, I insisted that we were not allowed to do anything that we didn't want to wear ourselves." We agree that this coat is endlessly wearable.
48
Brock Collection Orsolina Ruched Cotton A-Line Dress
$945; buy now at Barneys
If Harpers Bazaar's recent forecast is any indication, we're about to see both ruched dresses and prairie dresses everywhere in 2019. This Orsolina Ruched Cotton A-Line Dress from Brock Collection marries the two‒and the results are effortlessly chic. Get this after the post-holiday markdowns, but before the spring rush to buy light and airy outfits.
49
Stone and Strand 14k Gold and Diamond Ring
$675; buy now at Net-a-Porter
It may be fun to give or get jewelry on Christmas, but unfortunately, 'tis the season for astronomical prices. The costs come back down to Earth after Valentine's Day, so if you can hold off for another occasion (her birthday, perhaps?), that might be your best bet. When you do finally make a purchase, be sure to check back in on this perfect little ring from Stone and Strand, which features a nod to one of the season's hottest trends: oversized gold chain jewelry.
50
Beats by Dre Studio 3 Wireless Headphones, Crystal Blue
$349.99; buy now at Best Buy
Best Buy is known for their end of year sales, and they're already knee-deep in discounted merchandise for the Christmas season. But if you had your heart set on a particular product—say, these Beats by Dre headphones in dreamy Crystal Blue—be sure to check back after the holidays. The same headphones in other colors are discounted by as much as $150, and eventually, the full range of colors are likely to drop in price.
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