Saturday, December 27, 2025 • 3 min read |
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My cure for post-holiday blues? A little retail therapy, just for me. Here's how I make my gift cards work hardest for me and my closet. |
When you buy from links in The Checkout, Yahoo may receive compensation. Pricing and availability are subject to change. |
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Photo Illustration: Yahoo News, photos: Coutgo via Amazon, Anrabess via Amazon, Gap |
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Don't wait forever: I used to chronically save my gift cards "for later." Then I learned the hard way that waiting can actually shrink their value. I once held onto a gift card for so long that the store's prices went up and inflation ate into it. Now I use them faster and treat them like permission slips. When I'm stuck, a soft and cozy loungewear set from Gap is a safe bet — I wear mine nonstop.
- Make the most of after-Christmas sales: The week between Christmas and New Year's Eve is peak markdown season, as retailers clear out inventory. I’m putting my funds toward pieces like this chic polo sweater while it's on sale to stretch them further.
- Put your credit toward That Thing you've been wanting: Even if it costs more than the gift card covers, think of it as an instant discount on those boots you've been eyeing. January is tough enough — let's take the easy win.
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Must-shop post-holiday sale |
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Photo Illustration: Yahoo News, photo: courtesy of Nordstrom |
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Speaking of post-holiday deals, you won't want to miss out on Nordstrom's Half-Yearly sale. To get you started, I found three of the very best styles that are majorly marked down: |
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An organized over-nighter: Béis' Nylon Shoulder Tote is the ideal bag to take to the gym, to work (it fits most 13-inch laptops) or on a quick weekend trip. It even has a bottom compartment for shoes, dirty clothes or accessories. Snag it while it's 40% off in three colors.
- A cozy and festive sweater: Stay warm even when the temps drop in this classic Fair Isle crewneck — currently 35% off. It's soft enough to hang out on the couch, but stylish enough to wear to holiday get-togethers.
- Toasty slippers to wear 24/7: There's nothing better than a fluffy new pair of slippers to pad around in, so you should definitely treat yourself to these shearling slides, now $15 off. Shop them in five neutral shades.
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More ways to use those gift cards |
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Photo Illustration: Yahoo News, Getty Images |
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Fancify a daily habit: I love using my new funds to upgrade a basic I wear every day. My go-to? Award-winning socks (you read that right!). Want something more colorful? This $11 five-pack of pretty patterned socks is a Yahoo reader favorite.
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Spring for winter gear: Spring inventory is already en route to stores (wild, I know), which means big markdowns on winter items like coats and boots. I love saving on things that I know I'll be wearing nonstop for the next few months, like a $57 faux fur coat.
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Snag gift sets on sale: OK, holiday gift sets offer the best value any time of year, even when they're full price — and right now, prices are even lower. I have bought face masks every single year for at least a decade — this set of collagen sheet masks is over 60% off right now.
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Want one more reasonable indulgence? |
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The Checkout team
The Checkout is written by Jessica Teich with additional reporting by Julia Webb. Today's issue was edited by Rachel Roszmann and copyedited by Janelle Randazza.
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