Couponing to Disney

January through April is my fave clearance season. You get all the hits. Christmas clearance and toy clearance in January, Valentine’s Day clearance in February, and then Easter clearance in either March or April, depending on when Easter falls. Sometimes there is a little smidge of St. Patrick’s Day clearance in there, too. It’s not a given but it’s a nice bonus when it happens.

I was worried about navigating this busy clearance season with an extra kiddo in tow. It’s not just about going to a store and being outnumbered by children. It’s also about schedules. The Teacup is still in that unpredictable newborn phase, so making plans around her is anyone’s guess. And with three kids and the Glass Slipper’s pre-school schedule to contend with, a plan must be made.

We often find ourselves making five or six different plans and then each of those plans has a backup. “Ok, so if she wakes up and eats before 9, then we’ll do A. If she wakes up after 9 and eats, we’ll do B. If she wakes up at 9, but doesn’t want to eat, we’ll do C. If she wakes up before 9, doesn’t want to eat, falls back asleep, wakes up after 9, does want to eat, but then is gassy and needs to do tummy time for a bit, we’ll do D.”

Our first attempt to hit up the Valentine’s Day clearance was on Thursday itself. We thought we would take a nice family trip to Target and browse the newly discounted merch while the masses were off enjoying their romantic dinners. Nope.

Then we thought we would try Friday. It’s just one day later, surely there will still be plenty of deals to be found. Nope.

Saturday! Saturday would be our day! Third time is a charm. Saving fairies smile upon us. The Teacup is fed, watered, and we’re off the store. Success!

On Saturday, two days after Valentine’s Day, it was 50% off merchandise and 30% off food items. The selection was dwindling down, though there were still a lot of cool gifts to be found. By the time you read this, on Sunday, I wouldn’t be surprised if merchandise went to 70% off and food was 50%. They had already started putting Easter candy out, which was very disorienting. There were these bags of heart shaped candy next to the eggs shaped candy and my sleep deprived brain couldn’t take it.

You know the drill. Once it hits 70% off, grab what you can, since 90% isn’t guaranteed. And as always, availability and discount drops will vary by store and region.

You know candy is fancy when it comes in a box.

That’s what happens when you stroll in on the 16th.

Cards at 50% off. Great time to stock up for next year.

Make sure you’re always checking out your arts and craft sections. There are a lot of Valentine’s themed art supplies that go on clearance and may not get moved to the clearance section.

So many cute little gifts that will be perfect for Christmas stockings or Easter baskets.

This cart was just abandoned on the clearance aisle. I wanted to look through it, but I don’t know what the etiquette is there, so I just took a picture and scurried away.

I like this, but I could currently wallpaper my house in lost or discarded puzzle pieces. Still, if it goes to 70% off…

Perfect for any occasion for unicorn lovers. Mine now!

Ah, the traditional valentine’s day paper clips. The most romantic of gifts.

Lots of candles and other home type gifts at 50%. Great for teacher or colleague gifts.

 

Adorable decor for $2.50.

Truth or dare date cubes! Perfect for a Galentine’s Celebration.

$2.50 for this busy bee tea set.

I love when holidays include baking because then there are great deals on baking accessories.

What a fun gift idea for a teen or otherwise normally grumpy person.

Obsessed with these best friend mugs.

Valentines that include little doo dads are my kiddos fave.

$1.50 for these wooden toy sets. A great option for the toddlers in your life.

Only $.50 for individual wooden toys. I appreciate a nice wooden toy. A lot harder for my littles to destroy.

Socks and plushies. Perfect for a cozy movie night themed gift.

These were gorgeous and marked down to $7.

I love you. I know. I’M DEAD. These are perfect.

Fizzy bath bombs for the bombshell in your life.

This is decor, but doesn’t it also look like the perfect storage for Tsums Tsums?

More discounted art supplies for my moms, teachers, and general lovers of finger paints.

These storage bins for arts and crafts or legos are amazing. I’m kind of kicking myself for not grabbing a few.

More delicious treats at 30% off.

Make sure you check out your bakery as well! They need to move all those heart covered cupcakes.

Character tins filled with candies are great because you can reuse the tin for toy storage.

I’m not sure what a friendship exchange is, but hey, princesses!

Gift packs are great for re-gifting because you can open now, eat the chocolate, and give the mug at a later date. Or so I’ve been told.

This giant marshmallow Poppy lollipop made me laugh for like 2 minutes straight. This looks like something the Trolls would actually eat. Lollipops that look like them.

You know these bears will be Care Bear Staring all the way to my house for that price!

Check your grocery aisles for holiday themed food and carve out some space in that grocery budget.

This is my favorite. These mini candy bars have standard wrapping, it’s just the outside bag that’s all lovey dovey. I can use the chocolate for Easter and no one is the wiser.

Check out these awesome ceramic to go coffee cups. I grabbed a bunch for Easter presents. Which I will then fill with the aforementioned candy. Clearance finds for the win!

Did you manage to get to the Valentine’s sales before I did? Grab anything good? What discount percentages is your store at? Gimme the deets in the comments!

Kristen B. is wife to the best Prince around, mama to the spunkiest little princesses, and lover of all things Disney. She started her savings journey three years ago and is now dedicated to making her family’s wishes come true one coupon at a time. She is so excited to take her love of saving to the next level and share her journey with you! Click here to catch up on Kristen’s Savings and join in on your own savings adventure!