Have you ever visited the seasonal section of a store the morning after Halloween? The candies and decorations that were priced normally just the day before suddenly have yellow clearance stickers on them.

Last year, I got so excited seeing that scene that I mindlessly filled my cart halfway. But when I got home, I realized half of it was stuff I had no use for.

This year, I set some criteria for what to buy and what to skip before going. I learned the hard way that not everything at half price is a great deal.

First, timing matters. Stores like Target and Walmart usually start marking down Halloween items around November 1st, and the first discounts often range from 30% to 50% off.

If you wait a few more days, the discount rate goes up. However, the downside is that popular items are often sold out by then.

Also, this can vary greatly by store. It's common for the price you see in the app to not match the actual shelf price, so it's best to check the store you plan to visit in advance.

This year, Halloween falls on a Saturday, so the next day is Sunday. Since it's the weekend, it might be crowded, so I plan to go early in the morning.

One more thing: don't just look at the discount stickers; also check what the original price was. Sometimes seasonal items are priced high to begin with, so even at half price, they might not be much cheaper than regular store prices.

Now, let's talk about items to target. The first is individually wrapped chocolate candies.

According to a consumer publication, milk chocolate can last about a year if stored properly before opening. But this is just a general rule; ultimately, you should check the best by date on the packaging.

I buy chocolate and keep it in the freezer, chopping it up to use in cookies or brownies. If you enjoy home baking, this is a great deal, and they're also nice to pack as snacks in lunchboxes.

The second item is orange and brown fall decorations. Items like pumpkin-shaped decor or autumn leaf wreaths can easily transition into Thanksgiving decorations.

On the other hand, Halloween-themed items like skeletons or ghosts will just sit in storage for a year, while fall decorations can be used throughout November. Even if they're both half price, the usage period difference is significant.

As a side note, chocolate can develop a white coating if kept in warm conditions. It's best to store it in a cool place, not in the car or by a window.

The third item is LED lights or decorative candles with timers. If the colors are neutral, you can use them again at Christmas.

The fourth item is storage bins. Sometimes, bins for storing decorations go on sale after the season ends, and these are useful year-round, regardless of Halloween. Even if they have orange lids, no one will notice once they're in storage.

The fifth item is plain party plates, napkins, and disposable cups. If they're solid black or orange, they can be used for birthday parties or any gathering without standing out.

Lastly, I'd also recommend batteries. Some stores display bundled batteries for decorations, and if they're on sale, it's a good idea to stock up at home.

Now, let's discuss items to avoid. Honestly, this is even more important.

First, large air inflatables. Even at half price, they can be quite expensive, and more importantly, there's no place to store them.

I bought one last year, and it took up a whole spot in my garage for a year due to the box size, and when I took it out this year, the motor sounded strange.

Second, trendy character costumes. There's no guarantee that a character that's popular this year will still be in style next year. When you pull it out a year later, it often looks outdated.

Kids' clothes are even worse. After a year, there's a high chance they won't fit, so unless it's a generously sized outfit, it's better to pass.

Third, real pumpkins. Since they're organic, they spoil quickly, so if you don't plan to use them within a few days, don't buy them even at half price.

Fourth, seasonal limited-edition snacks shaped like pumpkins or ghosts. They often have shorter shelf lives than regular products, so be sure to check the back for expiration dates.

Fifth, face paint or Halloween makeup products. Since these are applied to the skin, you need to consider the ingredients and expiration dates, and using old products isn't ideal.

Seasonal stores like Spirit Halloween typically have their final sales after Halloween and usually close within a few days. If there's one nearby, it's worth checking out on the last day, but be prepared for more people than products.

And make sure to keep your receipt. Clearance items may have different return policies than regular items, so it's wise to ask about the store's policy before checking out.

My principle is simple: if it's something I'll use this month, I'll buy it, but if it's something I'll have to wait until next October to use, I won't.

Getting tempted by discount percentages ultimately means spending my money. Even if it's 50% off, if I don't use it, it's a 100% loss.

This year, I'll only buy some chocolate, storage bins, and a few fall decorations. One mistake of filling my cart halfway is enough. I recommend writing down what you plan to buy on your phone before you go in.