NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 29: Times Square Alliance and Countdown Entertainment, co-organizers of Times Square New Years Eve, along with presenting sponsor, Planet Fitness test the air worthiness of the New Years Eve confetti from the Hard Rock Cafe marquee on December 29, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images)
The 2016 shopping season is just about over but there are still good deals to be had through New Year's Eve as we all get one last chance to save.

Final clearance sales will continue through January on discontinued models and seasonal merchandise at many retailers, but most will begin to transition to new displays and these year-end deals will disappear.

Department stores and brands will send inventory to outlets and flash sales sites like Rue La La, and some will find its way to liquidators as stores begin closing and the rest will be disposed of behind the scenes.

Many brick and mortar stores will keep limited hours and close early on New Year's Eve, but online sales continue through midnight.

If you've subscribed to emails from a favorite brand or opted into push messages, now is the time to open them for extra deals.

A subject line in my inbox beckoned with a "last chance" message and now a new mobile phone case is headed my way at half price.

All cases by Speck are 50% off and Otterbox has a buy one, get one 25% off deal online.
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Best Buy is offering up to 50% off clearance and open box items though the end of the year.

One of my favorite year-end deals includes gift certificates or cards. Many restaurant chains and entertainment properties offer a free certificate after a base amount has been met.

Darden Restaurant group offers versions of this for many of its banners. Customers who spend $50 on Carrabba's or Olive Garden gift cards receive a $10 certificate as a bonus.
Many national chains have similar deals including Maggiano's Little Italy and TGI Fridays. Even local favorites offer this deal, including one in my neighborhood that we frequent monthly.  For every $100 purchased, we'll get a $25 gift card that can be redeemed through March. The remainder are good through 2018.

It's a great deal if you dine out often and can afford to stock up on gift cards to use as cash throughout the year. Just be sure to check the redemption rules for the bonus certificates - many are good for just a short period or have other restrictions.
And finally, New Year's Eve is a good time to get a jump on that New Year's resolution to start working out. Lifetime Fitness is hosting a flash sale that waives the initiation fee. Pay nothing to join, through midnight.
Then raise a glass and Happy New Year!
Follow me on Twitter @lfheller