We actually shop the after season clearance sale for a lot of different items....
Colored hairspray and face paint for our fall carnival we normally get at Wal-mart, after Halloween, for pennies a can is just one example. We also pick up holiday napkins, plates, etc. after the season is over cheap.
We actually do the same thing with school supplies, after the "rush" is over and store then for later needs.
Our best purchase yet was 800 candy canes for $10.
I am not a big bargain shopper but LOVE the parents who are!
Heads up everyone, about four days after Halloween Target Supercenter in our area had a Halloween clearance sale on candy. Those bags of little bars that were $2.39 before Halloween were at first half price and then 80 percent off - 69 cents per bag(!) after Halloween a few days later. I fully expect Target to do this with Christmas specialty candy immediately after Christmas with greater discounts a few days later. I was in shock at Target and purchased dozens of packages to give to my high school's PTO for use as "good behavior" incentives as part of their normal incentive program.