COUPON QUEEN: How to shop holiday clearance

I'm excited for Christmas on Thursday; the lights, the traditions and the time with family. But if I'm being honest, there's something that happens after the holiday that thrills my frugal heart. In fact, it's the star of the show: clearance shopping. While many shoppers are done spending, savvy savers know this is when the real deals appear. Here's how to shop holiday clearance without overspending. Think ahead, not just right now The biggest mistake clearance shoppers can make is buying only for the current moment. Instead, shop with next year in mind. Wrapping paper, gift bags, bows, holiday cards and decorations are often marked down by 50 percent to 90 percent right after the holidays. You'll use them later, so grab them now and avoid paying full price later. Look beyond wrapping paper Items marketed as "holiday" can often be used year-round. Red candles, cozy blankets, serving trays, pajamas, kitchen towels and storage containers frequently land on clearance racks. These items aren't always wrapped for the holidays and can be used for future gifts. Holiday gift sets can be split into gift baskets, while candles and cozy blankets are easy to gift. Plan, shop clearance, and you'll save down the line. Set a budget Clearance finds can add up quickly, so keep in mind that just because it's on sale doesn't mean it should go in your cart. Create a budget and stick to it. A deal isn't a deal if you aren't going to use it in the future. Watch the calendar Right after the holiday, you'll see 30 percent to 50 percent off, but if you wait a bit, you'll see deeper discounts in the following weeks. The selection at stores may be smaller, but the savings are bigger. If you're flexible, wait it out. Check multiple spots Clearance items don't always live in one place. Look in end caps, seasonal aisles, back corners and even regular departments where holiday items get mixed in. Some of the best finds are hidden in plain sight. You are looking for special packaging with items such as snowmen, gingerbread men and snowflakes. They may even be in just red or green packaging. If you find the packaging outside of the clearance section, just take it to the scanner to check the price or ask an associate. Easter basket fillers With Easter still a few months away, it's probably not top of mind, but a bit of planning can lead to significant savings later. As you browse the stores, keep an eye out for basket-ready items like stuffed animals, small toys and wrapped snacks. Look for pieces without obvious Christmas branding, and tuck them into your gift closet. When Easter arrives, you'll be ready to fill baskets without paying full price or dealing with the last-minute scramble. Holiday clearance shopping is a great way to stretch your budget. Enjoy the Christmas season, then put on your shoes and meet me in the clearance section. This week's deal Here is a deal to grab this week at CVSBuy 2 Crest or Oral-B products 2/$7.98Use the $4 off two coupon found on the CVS app or websitePay $3.98Get back $3 Extra Bucks*Final cost 98¢ total – just 49 cents each!** Extra Bucks can be spent like cash in the store. Rachel Krych is passionate about helping others spend less and save more. In addition to her weekly column, she has a blog, Couponing With Rachel, which earns her compensation from Google for ads it places there, and from entertainment marketers whose promotional codes she touts. She doesn't write about entertainment in her column. Email her at rachelkrych@gmail.com.