By Caleb MorganHobby Lobby day after Christmas sales are one of the most useful post-holiday shopping windows for crafters, decorators and gift-wrap fans. This guide explains what the sales window usually covers, how to plan a trip that actually saves you time, and how to decide which categories are worth your attention. You will finish with a practical checklist and a clear sense of when to shop and what to skip.
Why the Day After Christmas Is a Strong Shopping Window for Crafts
Retailers that sell holiday decor, wrapping paper, ribbon, ornaments and seasonal floral often need to clear those departments quickly once December 25 passes. Craft and home stores generally shift shelf space toward winter and early-spring merchandise in January, which makes the days right after Christmas a natural time to move seasonal inventory. That does not mean every item will be marked down, but it does mean the seasonal aisles are where most of the action happens.
It helps to think of this window as a clearance period rather than a single event. Markdowns can roll out over several days, and different stores may time their changes differently. For a broader view of how these windows fit together across the year, see Holiday Sales Calendar: When the Big Sales Events Happen.
Step 1: Set Your Shopping Goals Before You Go
Most people who leave a craft store feeling frustrated went in without a list. Before you plan anything, decide what you actually need for the next 6 to 12 months. Post-holiday sales are excellent for storage bins, gift wrap, ribbon and ornament-making supplies, but they are less useful for items you will need in February or March that may not be on sale yet. For a deeper look, Best Personalized Gifts for Christmas covers this in detail.
If you are also shopping for family gifts during this same period, it may be worth reviewing How to Set a Christmas Gift Budget first so your craft purchases do not crowd out your holiday spending plan.
Build a Simple Priority List
- List projects you already have planned, with the supplies each one needs.
- Mark items you will use within the next three months as high priority.
- Mark items you might use someday as optional, and buy only if they are clearly discounted and easy to store.
- Note any sizes, colors or quantities so you do not have to guess in the aisle.
Step 2: Understand Which Categories Usually Move
Not every department behaves the same way after Christmas. Some categories are reliably more discounted than others, and knowing the pattern helps you spend your time where it counts. The table below summarizes common patterns. Store policies and inventory vary, so treat it as a general guide rather than a promise.
| Category | Typical post-Christmas pattern | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Christmas ornaments and decor | Often reduced as seasonal stock is cleared | Next year’s decorating, wreath bases, wreath-making |
| Gift wrap, tissue and gift bags | Frequently marked down | Birthday, baby shower and bridal shower gifts |
| Ribbon and bows | Commonly reduced | Gift packaging, wreaths, wall hangings |
| Storage and organization bins | Sometimes discounted as January resets begin | Holiday decor storage, craft room organization |
| Floral and faux greenery | Variable, often reduced in later days | Spring and summer arrangements |
| Paints, canvases and core art supplies | Usually not part of the seasonal clearance | Ongoing projects; check weekly ads for other events |
Step 3: Plan Your Timing and Route
Timing matters more than most shoppers expect. The first morning after Christmas can be crowded, especially at locations near busy shopping centers. Many shoppers find that mid-morning on the weekday after the holiday, or the later days of the week, offers calmer aisles and better access to shelves. Your own schedule matters most, so choose the window that fits your life.
Before you leave, check the store’s website or app for current promotions, and look for weekly ads if the store publishes them. Also confirm store hours, since holiday schedules sometimes change.
A Simple Route Through the Store
- Start with your highest-priority items, usually the ones with the fewest substitutes.
- Work through seasonal clearance areas next, since stock moves quickly there.
- Check storage and organization sections last, once you know how many bins or shelves you actually need.
- Stop at the register with your list in hand, and compare what rang up against what you intended to buy.
Step 4: Check Stock Before You Commit
Clearance inventory is often limited by size, color or quantity. A markdown is only useful if the item is on the shelf in the version you need. If you are buying a set, such as a box of ornaments or a roll of ribbon in a specific width, confirm the exact item number or description before you head to the store.
Many store apps let you check local availability. If you cannot check ahead, ask an associate whether a specific item is still in stock or whether a similar item is available. Keep your list flexible enough that you can accept a close substitute when the exact version is gone.
Step 5: Think About Storage and Future Use
Post-holiday purchases work best when they fit into your storage plan. Ornament-making supplies, extra gift wrap and bulk ribbon can take up more room than people expect. Before you buy in quantity, measure the bin or shelf where the item will live. If you are planning a larger project, such as a holiday decor overhaul or a seasonal rotation, you may also find Christmas Season Household Shopping List (Beyond Gifts) useful for thinking through the rest of your household needs.
Measurements to Note
- Shelf depth and height in inches, especially for bins and storage cubes.
- Ribbon width in millimeters or inches, since widths vary across brands.
- Roll length for wrap and ribbon, usually printed in feet or yards.
- Canvas or frame dimensions if you are buying blank surfaces for a project.
Recommended gear
These items are most useful once you have bought supplies and need to organize or store them.
- Clear stackable storage bins let you see contents at a glance and protect ornaments and ribbon from dust. Look for lids that snap closed. View on Amazon
- Ribbon organizer spools keep rolls from unraveling and make it easy to pull the width you need. View on Amazon
- Gift wrap storage tube keeps rolls flat and upright so they do not crush or tear. View on Amazon
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying seasonal items you will not use for eleven months without checking storage space first.
- Shopping without a list and returning home with duplicates of supplies you already own.
- Assuming every item is discounted. Some core supplies stay at regular prices.
- Forgetting to confirm the exact size, color or quantity before you leave the store.
- Overlooking the return policy on clearance items. Read the policy and keep your receipt.
Tips for a Better Trip
- Bring a tape measure and a photo of your storage space.
- Take a basket rather than relying on a cart so you can move quickly through crowded aisles.
- Keep a running note on your phone of projects, quantities and measurements.
- If you are also planning for upcoming events, you may find After-Christmas Sales: What Is Worth Buying helpful for comparing sales across categories.
- Think ahead to the next seasonal shift. Valentine’s Day Shopping: Planning Ahead Without Overspending and Best Christmas Decorations can help you decide which holiday items you will need next.
FAQ
When do Hobby Lobby day after Christmas sales start?
Markdowns on seasonal merchandise often begin around Christmas Day or the day after, but timing can vary by store and by item. Check the store’s website or app for current promotions before you go.
Are all items on sale after Christmas?
No. Seasonal and holiday merchandise is more likely to be reduced than everyday core supplies. Always compare the shelf tag and the register total against your list.
Is it better to shop the first day or later in the week?
The first morning tends to be the most crowded, while later days can offer calmer aisles. Stock levels differ, so the best day depends on what you need and how much selection you want.
Can I return clearance items?
Return policies can differ for sale and clearance merchandise. Read the policy posted in the store or on the receipt, and keep your receipt and packaging in case you need to return or exchange.
Should I buy gift wrap in bulk?
Bulk gift wrap can be a good choice if you give gifts often and have room to store it. Measure your storage space first and consider whether you will use the design within a reasonable time.
Do I need to check the store app before I go?
It is a good idea. Apps and websites often show current promotions and, in some cases, local availability for specific items.
What if the item I want is sold out?
Ask an associate whether a restock is expected or whether a similar item is available. If you need a specific size or color, a flexible substitute may be the practical choice.
Conclusion
Hobby Lobby day after Christmas sales can be a productive shopping window if you plan before you go. Set clear goals, understand which categories tend to move, check stock and measure your storage space. A focused list and a simple route will help you come home with the supplies you actually need.
Ready to choose one?
About Caleb Morgan
Caleb Morgan is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our holiday shopping calendar guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
