15 Smart Walmart Buys If You’ve Got Room in Your January Budget

January is that rare sweet spot when the holiday rush is done, deals are still available, and you can finally be intentional with your purchases. If you've got some breathing room in your budget, it's a great time to save money at Walmart on everyday essentials, practical upgrades, and small "nice-to-haves."

Check out these 15 budget-friendly Walmart buys that make sense right now and won't leave you with buyer's remorse come February.

Editor's note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location.

Price: $21.99

If your home feels a little bare or tired after your holiday decorations came down, replacing curtains is a low-cost way to reset it. This textured curtain panel adds a subtle pattern and warmth with its woven wave design and rich red accent.

Shoppers like how it filters light, making rooms feel cozier during the darker winter months.

Price: $5.96

Cutting back on snacks in January is common, so this portion-controlled nut mix is a convenient pick. The blend of walnuts, almonds, peanuts, and pecans won't make you feel deprived as you snack on one of the seven one-ounce packs.

It's also less likely to go stale than a tub of Planters mixed nuts, which costs $10.59 at Target.

Price: $7.26

You may eat out less this month, but you don't have to give up restaurant-style meals. With this nine-ounce frozen poke kit — including cubed ahi tuna and a sauce packet — you can create a fresh meal at home.

It beats ordering a poke bowl that can cost over $20.

Price: $24.99

Gym memberships aren't always budget-friendly after the holidays, so why not work out at home? This resistance band set features multiple tension levels, handles, and attachments that suit full-body workouts.

Reviewers like Janene recommend these bands, which "help so much with mobility and stamina."

Price: $9.86

Post-holiday fatigue is real, and sometimes, it shows in your face. These six gold under-eye masks are designed to reduce puffiness and refresh tired eyes.

Compared with $3.99 eye pads from Walgreens, this affordable pack delivers visible results for much less: only $1.64 per application.

Price: $6.46

January is all about healthy eating, but comfort food still has its place. Made with whole grains and seeds, these organic burger buns offer more nutrition than standard white buns.

Shoppers praise them to high heavens: "I grabbed one in the middle of the night and [...] it was better than any roll I have eaten," writes reviewer P.

Price: $51.99

If your New Year's goal is organization, this lightweight dresser offers nine drawers for clothing, accessories, or household items. Available in three neutral colors, it's tall and easy to assemble.

Compared to solid wood drawers from Pottery Barn that can cost over $1,000, this option is an affordable way to declutter spaces.

Price: $2.68

Busy mornings aren't confined to the holidays. When they hit in January, this frozen breakfast bowl provides a filling, microwave-ready meal of sausage, gravy, and fluffy eggs.

"We tried all flavors and this is the best. Most moisture from the gravy," explains reviewer Helen, who's a fan of this sausage gravy bowl.

Price: $38.58

Do you want a spa-like experience without the eyewatering price? Pick this bamboo bathtub tray, which fits most tubs and holds essentials like soap, brushes, or a book.

For less than $40, you can enjoy some winter self-care. The Sky Teak bathtub caddy from Pottery Barn would set you back over $200.

Price: $41.83

Holiday lights may be a thing of the past, but cozy lights don't have to be. These 10 warm-white cork string lights fit inside empty bottles, creating a soft ambiance.

If you hate waste and enjoy repurposing bottles, they're a clever hack to keep spaces cozy through winter.

Price: $7.89

Instead of replacing shelves or drawer inserts, consider this inexpensive shelf liner that protects surfaces and adds a clean, finished look to cabinets and drawers.

Shoppers note that "they're easy to use, easy to wipe down; the print is clear and no flaws."

Price: $6.34

With 24 individual mozzarella sticks, this Great Value product helps curb takeout cravings in January. It's affordable and tasty, which shoppers appreciate.

Get it at Walmart instead of paying more than $9 for the same quality at Target.

Price: $20.29

Winter can make homes look lifeless, so add some greenery with this four-pack of faux hanging plants. They don't need watering or maintenance, but offer an instant visual refresh.

Reviewers appreciate the realistic look and versatility for shelves or bathrooms.

Price: $7.13

Eating healthy is a goal for many after the New Year. This ranch dressing uses avocado oil and cleaner ingredients than traditional versions. The eight-ounce bottle delivers a bold flavor, and the dressing is versatile.

"I wasn't really expecting it to be so good, but it's actually better than regular ranch," raves reviewer Donna.

Price: $12.99

To free up cabinet space when you're cooking more at home this January, consider this steel spice rack, which can sit on a countertop or mount on a wall.

It's a practical storage solution that doesn't set you back over $100, unlike spice racks from Pottery Barn.

A little extra room in your January budget doesn't have to mean impulse spending. With the right picks, you can make affordable upgrades that carry you through the rest of the year. These finds save you money on groceries, home goods, and everyday essentials, giving you quality, comfort, and convenience.

Want another tip? Sort Walmart's listing by price before checking out, and scan the clearance and rollback tags to find the same item in multiple colors or sizes at different prices. Then, grab the cheapest option.