Cash register lines were filled with shoppers Saturday — some making holiday returns, others looking for after Christmas sales, and many who could not wait to redeem gift cards.

“I am using mine for baby diapers,” Eddie Arnold, 38, of Nederland said of the gift card someone had given him as a Christmas gift.

Arnold and his wife, 37-year-old Laurie were out shopping early at Target in Central Mall with 4-month-Amy.

Earlier they had been to Hobby Lobby to hit the after Christmas decoration deals, where the couple purchased Christmas cards for their church to use next year.

“It’s not about the gift for me at Christmas, but if we happen to get money or a gift card, we use it for whatever we need,” he said pointing to the pack of diapers in his buggy.

Others couldn’t wait to get to the mall and cash in their gift cards on presents meant especially for them.

My Nguyen, manager of Elite Nails at Central Mall surveyed the nail shop mid-morning Saturday, noting that the chairs were already filling fast.

“We will have people coming with gift cards all day and all next week. They get them for Christmas, and come and get a pedicure or manicure for New Year’s,” she said.

Krista Webber, 27, of Groves and her mother Jennifer Garsee, 43, of Groves were doing New Year’s shopping too.

“We’re looking for New Year’s party outfits, trying to catch after Christmas sales,” Webber said.

Garsee said the pair were planning to go to the beach, and also looking for warm weather clothing.

“My sister rented a beach house so we need to be ready for the cold,” Garsee said.

Kadee Daniel, assistant manager at Rue 21 said the day so far Saturday was not as busy as Christmas Eve, but most customers were there redeeming their gift cards.

Others — armed with coupons — took advantage of sales.

“I hit up the sales every year on the day after Christmas,” Brittany Gage, 30, of Port Arthur said. “Usually the day after is not nearly so cluttered as before Christmas, but right now I’m done, going home, and through with shopping.”

Jamie Morgan, 34, of Hamshire was out shopping with her mother, Linda LaFleur, who was down from Greenwich, R.I. and her daughter 6-year-old Kehlan.

“It’s less stressful today. I know I have everything done and don’t have to rush home,” LeFleur said.

“I’m kind of sick of it, just tired, and ready to go home,” Morgan said.

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