What to Know About Hobby Lobby's January 2026 Sales Calendar

Whether you're hunting for scrapbooking materials, party decorations, or just a mountain of yarn, Hobby Lobby is a go-to for DIY enthusiasts. Of course, if you prefer buying finished handmade treasures rather than making them yourself, you might want to check out our Etsy promo codes for savings on unique artisan goods. However, for those who love the thrill of the glue gun and the paint brush, Hobby Lobby offers incredible year-round discounts that keep your project costs low.

From standard 50% off department rotations to seasonal markdowns for Valentine's Day, Easter, and Christmas, knowing the schedule is the secret to never paying full price. We've broken down the classic Black Friday expectations and the specific weekly cycles you need to watch. Here is your ultimate DealNews guide to saving big at Hobby Lobby in 2026.

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What Is Hobby Lobby's Sales Schedule For 2026?

If you are like me and frequently walk into Hobby Lobby for a single skein of yarn only to leave with a cart full of home decor "necessities," knowing the sales schedule is vital for your bank account. In 2026, Hobby Lobby continues to follow an incredibly structured approach to promotions. The strategy relies on two main pillars: weekly rotating discounts on core departments like art supplies and furniture, and a rigid seasonal markdown schedule that systematically drops prices from 40% to 90% off.

To help you plan, we've organized the major predicted sales events for 2026 into this easy-to-read calendar.

How "Markdown Math" Works for Seasonal Items

If you want to maximize your savings, you need to understand the "Markdown Math." Hobby Lobby follows a specific tiered system for clearing out seasonal goods (like The Spring Shop, Summer Toys, and Holiday Decor).

• Launch Phase: Items hit the floor at 40% off.
• Mid-Season: Discounts increase to 50% off (e.g., Summer toys in early June).
• Late Season: The discount deepens to 66% off (e.g., Spring Shop in late June).
• Post-Holiday Clearance: The week after a major holiday (Christmas, Easter), items drop to 80% or 90% off.

The Seven-Day Rule: Why Patience Pays Off

The most critical rule for shopping at Hobby Lobby is simple: if it is not on sale this week, wait seven days. Because of the rotating weekly schedule, categories like art supplies, metal decor, and fabric usually flip-flop between full price and 40% off every other week.

• Check "Always On" Categories: In 2026, furniture is always 30% off, and custom framing is always 50% off.
• Sign Up for Emails: This is the best way to find rare "Free Shipping" codes (usually on orders over $50), as standard shipping starts at $7.95.
• Shop Early January: The 90% off Christmas clearance in the first week of January is historically the absolute best value you will find all year.

Navigating the Hobby Lobby sales calendar in 2026 is all about timing. By understanding the rhythm of their weekly ad and the predictable nature of their seasonal markdowns, you can turn a standard craft run into a major haul for a fraction of the cost. Whether you are grabbing 90% off holiday clearance or utilizing the everyday savings on party supplies, DealNews is here to help you craft more and spend less.

Understanding the Hobby Lobby Sales Structure

Navigating the aisles of Hobby Lobby can feel overwhelming, but their sales schedule is surprisingly structured. In fact, it is one of the most predictable in the retail world, functioning like clockwork for savvy shoppers. The secret to saving in 2026 lies in distinguishing between the two main types of deals: the "Always On" discounts that act as everyday low prices, and the classic "Every Other Week" rotation that cycles through the rest of the store. Master this rhythm, and you will never pay full price for a custom frame or a skein of yarn again.

The Power of Retail Rhythm

The most important thing to understand about shopping at Hobby Lobby in 2026 is that the store operates on a "rhythm," not a random series of markdowns. Unlike other retailers that may surprise shoppers with flash sales, Hobby Lobby's discounts are both predictable and cyclical. This transparency is a gift to the DIY community; it means you never have to guess if a better price is coming. By learning this rhythm, you can effectively "schedule" your projects around the sales, ensuring that you're always buying your supplies at 30% to 50% off. If you see a full-price tag on a non-essential item, consider it a placeholder for the discount arriving in exactly seven days.

The Sunday Advantage: Planning Your Week

The Hobby Lobby weekly ad comes out every Sunday. Even though the physical stores are closed on Sundays, the digital ad goes live on their website and app so you can plan your attack for Monday morning. The discounts listed in the ad are valid from Monday through Saturday. Now, I know what you're thinking: Weekly ad? Not "Every Other Weekly"? It's true—while the ad comes out weekly, the actual deals inside often reflect that bi-weekly rotation we all know and love.

How the Bi-Weekly Department Rotation Works

While Hobby Lobby releases a "Weekly Ad" every Sunday, it is more accurate to think of it as a bi-weekly rotation for many departments. The store is divided into core categories that essentially play a game of musical chairs with discounts. For example, if "Table Decor" is 50% off this week, it will almost certainly return to full price next week while "Wall Decor" takes the spotlight. This alternating pattern applies to almost everything from Art Supplies to Fabric. To shop like a pro in 2026, use the Sunday digital ad as a forecast: if your specific category isn't listed, it's not an "off week"—it's simply a "wait until Monday" week.

Timing Your Seasonal Shopping Strategy

Timing your seasonal hauls requires looking at the calendar, not the weather. In 2026, the Spring Shop actually makes its debut at 40% off in late December 2025, holding steady through May before climbing to 66% in June and hitting a final 90% clearance by mid-August. Fall Decor follows a similarly aggressive path, launching at 40% off in mid-July. By the time the leaves actually start to change in October, the selection is often picked over, but those who wait until the week after Thanksgiving can score the remaining 80% to 90% off clearance. Christmas remains the heavyweight; it hits the floor at 40% off in August, moves to 50% in November, and reaches the legendary 90% mark starting January 2, 2026.

Using the Hobby Lobby App as a Forecast Tool

To stay ahead of the crowd in 2026, your best tool is the official Hobby Lobby app. Since stores are closed on Sundays, the digital ad drop is your "sneak peek" window. We recommend setting a recurring calendar alert for Sunday afternoon to browse the app. This allows you to build your shopping list and verify which half of the bi-weekly rotation is active before you start your car on Monday morning. Also, keep an eye on "digital-only" alerts; as paper ads continue to disappear, the app is increasingly the best place to find rare 24-hour flash deals or free shipping windows.

Sticker Transparency vs. Loyalty Programs

When deciding between Hobby Lobby, Michaels, or Joann, the choice usually comes down to Sticker Transparency vs. Loyalty Points.

When deciding where to source your project supplies in 2026, the choice usually comes down to a trade-off between Sticker Transparency and Loyalty Points. While Hobby Lobby remains the king of predictable, in-store rotations, other major retailers offer different advantages depending on whether you prioritize fine art, fabric, or furniture.

Hobby Lobby continues to lead the pack for shoppers who value simplicity and "no-fuss" pricing. Their greatest strength is their "Sale as Marked" model; you don't need to download an app, join a rewards program, or hand over your phone number at the register to get a deal. In 2026, Hobby Lobby remains the most cost-effective destination for home decor, storage solutions, and seasonal accents. Because their base prices are often lower than competitors to begin with, their 50% off sales represent a "true" discount rather than an inflated starting point.

Wayfair has emerged as a major competitor for the home decor and furniture categories traditionally dominated by Hobby Lobby. In 2026, Wayfair is the go-to for DIYers who prefer to shop from their couch rather than navigate a retail aisle. While they don't have a weekly "rotation" like craft stores, they are famous for their aggressive first-order promotions. By signing up for their newsletter, new customers can almost always secure a 10% off coupon for their entire first purchase. When combined with their massive "Way Day" sales events and frequent "Closeout" deals, Wayfair offers a level of inventory variety and shipping convenience that physical craft stores struggle to match, particularly for large-scale furniture and lighting projects.

Michaels remains the specialist for fine art supplies and children's activities. In 2026, their model leans heavily into the Michaels Rewards program. Unlike Hobby Lobby's broad rotations, Michaels uses targeted "daily coupons"—often 20% to 40% off—that require you to scan a barcode from their app. While this takes more effort, Michaels often has the edge for professional-grade brands like Liquitex or Winsor and Newton. They also remain famous for their "Grab Bags," where you can snag a mystery box of seasonal leftovers for a fraction of their retail value.

JOANN is the undisputed destination for the sewing and fiber arts community. If your 2026 project involves apparel fabric, upholstery, or high-end sewing technology, JOANN is the clear winner. However, their pricing strategy is the most complex of the "Big Three." To get a fair price at JOANN, you almost always have to engage in "coupon stacking," using multiple digital and paper coupons for different items in a single transaction. It is a high-effort, high-reward model that appeals to those who enjoy the "thrill of the hunt" for the deepest possible discount.

The Three Pillars of Hobby Lobby Savings

When it comes to Hobby Lobby, the "best time" to save isn't just about waiting for a big holiday. It's truly a dance between knowing what's always on sale, what rotates every other week, and when those glorious seasonal clearances hit their deepest discounts. Your shopping strategy should embrace all three pillars to ensure you never pay full price.

"Always On" Categories: Discounts You Can Count On

Some categories at Hobby Lobby are perpetually discounted, meaning you never have to wait for a weekly ad or a holiday to snag a deal. These are the items you can pick up any time your crafty heart desires.

Deal Spotlight: We often see niche items like the Green Tree Gallery Helmet Mirrored Display Case fall into these "Always On" categories, frequently discounted to $65 (50% off).

For many other beloved Hobby Lobby departments, the key is the "every other week" schedule. If it is not on sale this week, chances are it will be next week! This predictable pattern means you can almost always plan your bigger purchases around these rotations for a solid 30% to 50% off.

Deal Spotlight: Even everyday party supplies get a boost! Look for specific items like the Brother Sister Design Woodland Large Paper Plate 20-Pack, often available for a mere $2.99 (50% off) during these weekly rotations. And keep an eye on cozy essentials like Blankets and Throws, which often hit 40% off.

Scoring the Deepest Seasonal Clearance Deals

Beyond the consistent weekly rotations, the absolute deepest discounts at Hobby Lobby come from their seasonal clearance events. This is when items for holidays (like Christmas, Easter, or Halloween) or specific collections (like The Spring Shop) drop dramatically.

• Initial Markdowns: Seasonal items typically launch at 40% off.
• Mid-Season Bump: Discounts climb to 50% or 66% off as the holiday approaches.
• Post-Holiday Goldmine: The week after a major holiday is your prime target, with discounts often hitting 80% or 90% off to clear out remaining stock. This is the ultimate time to stock up for next year!
• Year-Round Clearance: Always check the dedicated clearance aisles, both in-store and online, where you can find items from various departments marked down by up to 75% off (and occasionally higher).

The Fine Print: Stacking Discounts at Hobby Lobby

One of the most common questions from long-time shoppers is whether you can stack discounts to save even more. In 2026, the answer remains a firm no. Since Hobby Lobby retired their famous "40% off one item" coupon years ago, they have shifted entirely to a "Price as Marked" philosophy. This means the percentage you see on the shelf tag or the aisle sign is the absolute final discount available. You cannot combine these weekly sales with any other promotional codes, and even the 10% organizational discount given to schools and churches typically cannot be "stacked" on top of an item that is already on sale. The simplicity of this system means what you see is what you pay, so your best strategy is to wait for the specific 50% off rotation rather than hunting for extra coupons.

Does Hobby Lobby Have a Price Match Guarantee?

Yes, Hobby Lobby offers a price match guarantee, but it is one of the strictest in the industry. They will honor a competitor's price (like Michaels, Joann, or Walmart), but you have to follow their rules to the letter. It is often easier to just wait for Hobby Lobby's own 40% off sale than to try to get a match, but if you want to try, here is what you need:

• Physical Ad Required: You cannot show the cashier a price on your phone. You must present a current, physical, printed ad from a local competitor.
• Exact Item Only: The item must be identical in every way—brand, size, weight, quantity, and color. If the ounces on the yarn skein differ by even a fraction, they will deny the match.
• Specific Price vs. Percentage: They will match a specific price point (e.g., a competitor advertising Crayola markers for $2.99). They will not match "percent off" offers (e.g., "All Markers 20% Off" or "Buy One Get One Free").
• No Online Matching: They do not price match websites, including Amazon or even the online prices of competitors like Michaels.com.
• Exclusions: Clearance items, closeouts, and "doorbuster" deals are strictly excluded.

Does Hobby Lobby Offer Price Adjustments?

Yes, but it is a bit of a manual process. Hobby Lobby offers a 14-day price adjustment policy. If you buy an item at full price and it goes on sale within two weeks, you can get the difference credited to you. However, you cannot just bring the receipt; you generally need to bring the physical item back to the store so they can process it as a return and immediate re-purchase at the lower price. Also, keep in mind that this does not apply to clearance items.

The Post-Coupon Era: Why the New Strategy Works

If you are a long-time shopper, you likely remember the "Golden Age" of the 40% off single-item coupon. However, starting around 2021 and solidifying through 2025, Hobby Lobby shifted its strategy entirely. Instead of making you clip a coupon for one item, they moved to a predictable model of broad, category-wide discounts that rotate weekly.

Looking back at the last few years gives us the perfect roadmap for 2026. Here is the historical breakdown of how their sales have evolved:

• 2020-2021 (The Transition): This was the era where Hobby Lobby began phasing out their famous 40% off coupon in favor of "Always On" pricing. By 2022, the coupon was effectively gone, replaced by the weekly ad rotations we see today.
• 2023 (The "New Normal"): The schedule stabilized into the reliable rhythm we use now. The 90% off Christmas Clearance hit shelves around January 2–4, establishing the first week of the year as the absolute best time to shop.
• 2024: The retailer became aggressive with seasonal overlap. We saw Spring Shop items launching in late December, and Fall Decor hitting 40% off as early as July. The Black Friday sale (starting online around Nov 24) cemented the "50% off Storewide" trend for the holiday kickoff.
• 2025: Last year followed the pattern perfectly. Easter Clearance hit 80% off the week immediately following the holiday, and the Spring Shop Clearance peaked at 66% off in June.

Key Takeaway for 2026: If history repeats itself (and at Hobby Lobby, it almost always does), you can expect the massive 90% off Christmas Clearance to land between January 2 and January 7, and for Fall Decor to begin its markdown cycle in mid-July.

Hobby Lobby vs. Michaels vs. JOANN: The Final Verdict

When you are deciding where to buy your canvas or yarn, the choice often comes down to your specific project rather than just the price tag. Hobby Lobby generally wins on everyday home decor prices and sheer volume of seasonal merchandise, but they lack the loyalty perks of their biggest rivals. While Michaels and Joann rely heavily on rewards programs and complex coupon stacking, Hobby Lobby prefers a simpler "price on the sticker" approach with their weekly rotations.

Here is a quick look at how the big three compare in 2026:

The biggest difference lies in the "coupon math." At Michaels and Joann, you almost have to use their app or a coupon to get a fair price, and their base prices can sometimes be higher to compensate for those coupons. Hobby Lobby typically has lower base prices, meaning their 50% off sale is often a "true" deal without needing to scan a barcode at checkout. However, if you are a fabric sewist, Joann is still the clear winner for variety, and if you need professional-grade art supplies, Michaels has the edge in quality and brand variety.

Does Hobby Lobby Have A Senior, Military, Or Student Discount?

Generally speaking, the answer is no for individuals, but there is a major exception for groups. Hobby Lobby does not offer a standing discount for seniors (unlike Michaels, which has a senior discount day) or students. However, they do have a specific policy for non-profits and schools.

• Military Discount: There is no year-round military discount. However, Hobby Lobby honors veterans with specific savings events, typically around Veterans Day in November. During these limited windows, veterans and active-duty service members can usually receive a discount by showing valid ID.
• "Organizational" 10% Discount: This is the big secret. Hobby Lobby offers a 10% discount to schools, churches, and national charitable organizations. Those interested should contact their local store's manager to receive the discount, as purchases must be made in-store.
  • What it covers: It applies to most items but usually excludes clearance and sale items, meaning you can't stack it on top of that 50% off decor deal.
  • The Catch: You must pay with an official organizational check or credit card. You generally cannot pay with a personal card and ask for the discount, even if you are a teacher buying supplies for your classroom.

How Can I Get Free Shipping At Hobby Lobby?

Finding free shipping at Hobby Lobby is a bit like finding a needle in a haystack—it's rare, but it does happen. Unlike many other major retailers, Hobby Lobby does not offer free shipping as a standard everyday perk, nor do they offer in-store pickup (BOPIS) for online orders. Here is exactly how the shipping policy breaks down:

• The Standard Cost: Shipping charges are tiered based on your order subtotal. Fees start at $7.95 for orders up to $15.00 and increase incrementally as you spend more.
• The "Free" Window: The retailer occasionally releases a "Free Shipping on orders over $50" promotion. These are typically limited-time offers (often lasting just 24 to 48 hours) or tied to major holidays like Black Friday or Cyber Monday.
• Carrier Surcharges: Be careful when ordering furniture or large decor. Even if you snag a free shipping code, oversized items often carry a separate "carrier surcharge" that the code won't cover.

Pro Tip: Do not trust third-party coupon sites promising "Hobby Lobby Free Shipping Codes." These are almost always fake. The only reliable way to get a code is to sign up for Hobby Lobby's official email list, where they send alerts the moment a promotion goes live.

What Is The Hobby Lobby Return Policy?

You have 90 days to return items to Hobby Lobby, which is pretty generous. If you have your receipt, you will get a full refund to your original payment method. If you lost the receipt, don't panic—you can still return the item, but you will receive store credit based on the lowest selling price of that item over the last 60 days. Just remember that online orders over $250, or bulky items like furniture, cannot be returned to a store and must be mailed back.

Is Anything Excluded From Hobby Lobby Sales?

Seasonal items are the big exclusion from most regular sales, along with "Your Price" items (with yellow tags). Custom floral designs and items labeled "floral accents" are also excluded from regular discounts, as are precut bundles and fat quarters of fabric, and tulle sold by the yard.

Other Ways To Save At Hobby Lobby

If you think the weekly ad is the only way to save money at Hobby Lobby, you are leaving cash on the table. While the "Every Other Week" rotation is the backbone of their pricing strategy, savvy shoppers know there are plenty of other levers to pull. Since Hobby Lobby does not have a traditional loyalty program like Michaels Rewards or Joann Smiles, you have to get a little creative—from utilizing their dedicated credit card to knowing exactly which aisle to check for hidden clearance gold.

Email Signup Benefits

If you want free shipping, this is your only real option. Signing up for the Hobby Lobby email list via their website footer is the primary way the retailer distributes Free Shipping codes (usually for orders over $50). Beyond shipping, the email newsletter is often the first place to announce when the massive 90% off clearance events begin, giving you a head start before the shelves are picked clean.

The Hobby Lobby App

While it doesn't offer point tracking, the Hobby Lobby App (available for iOS and Android) is an essential tool for the modern crafter. It provides instant access to the Weekly Ad so you can check sales while standing in the aisle. It also occasionally pushes exclusive digital deal alerts that aren't always advertised on the main website.

Cashback Apps and Third-Party Savings

Since you can't stack coupons in-store, using third-party cashback apps is a great way to "stack" savings on the backend. Platforms like Rakuten, Swagbucks, and Capital One Shopping frequently offer cashback percentages on Hobby Lobby online purchases.

Pro Tip: Always check these apps before checking out online. Even a 1-2% cashback return can offset the cost of shipping.

The "Saturday Night Shuffle" Strategy

One of the best-kept secrets among Hobby Lobby employees and super-shoppers is the Saturday night advantage. Since Hobby Lobby is closed on Sundays, the staff has to do the hard work of switching out the sale signs on Saturday evenings, usually starting an hour or two before closing.

If you visit during this window, you can get a sneak peek at exactly what will be on sale Monday morning. While the registers might not ring up the new sale price until Monday, seeing the physical signs allows you to plan your week perfectly. Conversely, if you are eyeing an item that is currently 50% off but about to go back to full price, Saturday night is your absolute last chance to grab it before the discount disappears for another two weeks.

Ask For A "Damage Discount"

One of the easiest ways to score a deal is to keep your eyes peeled for imperfections. If you find an item with a minor defect—a chipped picture frame, a bent metal sign, or a package with a missing piece—don't put it back. Instead, bring it to a cashier or ask for a manager. You can politely ask if they can offer a discount for the damage. In most cases, they are empowered to knock 10% to 15% off the marked price just to clear the imperfect inventory off the floor.

Check Cross-Departments

Hobby Lobby categorizes its inventory very strictly, which can work to your advantage if you know where to look. Often, you will find very similar items located in completely different aisles at different price points. For example, "beads" in the Jewelry Making section might be priced at $5.99, but similar "kids' beads" in the Crafts aisle or "party favor beads" in the Party Supplies aisle could be significantly cheaper. Before you toss an item in your cart, check the other departments to see if a budget-friendly duplicate exists.

Look For Hidden Price Drops

Inflation hits retail shelves just like it hits the grocery store, but Hobby Lobby doesn't always re-tag old inventory. Sometimes, employees will place newer, higher-priced stock at the front of the hook while older stock with a lower base price sits at the back. It pays to take a second to peek behind the first few items on the shelf. If you find an identical item at the back with an older, lower price tag, the register should honor that specific sticker price.

Mastering The Clearance Walls

Every Hobby Lobby location has a dedicated clearance area, often referred to as the "Red Tag" wall. Unlike the weekly sales, which are temporary, the items here are marked down permanently to clear inventory. You should make this your first stop every time you enter the store.

These walls are where the post-seasonal magic happens. You will typically find seasonal decor (like Fall pumpkins or Christmas ornaments) hitting 80% to 90% off here. However, it's not just for holidays; discontinued home decor, art supplies, and fabrics often end up here with slashed prices simply to make room for new planograms. If you see a red tag with a price you like, grab it immediately—inventory on the clearance wall does not restock.

Are Hobby Lobby Discounts Worth Pursuing in 2026?

The short answer is yes, absolutely. While some shoppers still mourn the loss of the single-item 40% off coupon, the current Hobby Lobby sales model is actually arguably better for equipping entire projects. In 2026, the predictable bi-weekly rotation allows you to buy all your yarn, all your table decor, or all your floral stems at 40% to 50% off at once, rather than having to make multiple trips to use a single coupon.

If you are willing to embrace the "wait one week" rule, Hobby Lobby remains one of the most cost-effective places to shop for home decor and crafts. The base prices are often lower than competitors to begin with, so when you layer on a 50% discount or a 90% clearance tag, the value is undeniable. Just remember that patience is your currency here; buying anything at full price is almost never necessary if you just check the schedule.

How We Find and Verify Arts and Crafts Promotions

At DealNews, we treat sale tracking like a science. Our team of expert editors manually reviews the Hobby Lobby weekly ad every single Sunday, comparing current discounts against decades of historical data to ensure a "sale" is actually a deal. We don't just scrape the internet for coupons that don't work; we verify the specific terms of every rotation, ensuring that when we say "furniture is on sale," we know exactly which categories are included.

We also monitor the competitive landscape, tracking prices at Michaels, Joann, and online retailers to see who really has the best price on a Cricut machine or a set of Prismacolor pencils. By combining real-time ad data with our knowledge of seasonal markdown patterns, we can predict exactly when prices will drop, helping you plan your purchases for maximum savings.

Why Trust DealNews for Hobby Lobby Discounts

We have been in the business of saving you money for over 25 years, and our passion for a good deal is only matched by our love for a well-executed DIY project. We verify every deal we post to ensure you are getting accurate, up-to-date information without the fluff or broken links. To make sure you never miss a rotation or a flash sale, sign up for the DealNews Select Newsletter to get the best offers delivered straight to your inbox, or set up a custom deal alert for your favorite craft categories so you are the first to know when prices drop.