Annual Retiring Items List

Every year, we see the annual retiring list from Stampin’ Up!. There are always the expected retiring items like:

In Colors, by way of ink pads, ink refills, markers, blends and paper.

Designer Series Paper and other specialty papers, embellishments and the like.

Assorted stamps, dies, punches and embossing folders.

Limited Time and Quantity For Retiring Items

But, there are some surprises on the retiring items list too! And to make things worse, we only have a limited time to get these retiring items. Even more difficult for us is the quantity of what is left in stock.

The items slated for retirement are only available until May 2, or sold out. Sadly, I have to report that a lot of items are already “sold out”.

To add to the disappointment of not getting retiring items, Stampin’ Up! is not making stamp sets to order as they have in the past. Yup…you heard it, gone is gone. Forever.

My Top 3 Most Missed

So from that long retiring list, how did I come up with my Top 3 to not miss? It was easy! I chose items that do not have a comparable replacement in the new upcoming catalog.

Question: What does that mean?

Answer: You won’t find anything like this retiring item to take its place. If you don’t get it before it is gone, you won’t be able to buy anything similar that will take care of a papercrafting need.

Let’s take a look at my list now:

1. Deciduous Trees Dies

This came as a shock to me, but all of the deciduous looking tree dies are retiring. And the only tree dies left will be “pine trees”. There are 2 die sets on the extinction list: Inspiring Canopy Dies and the Beautiful Trees Dies. If you enjoy tree themed cards (great for masculine and sympathy cards!), get your dies while you still can.

*The matching Beauty of Friendship Stamp Set to the Beautiful Trees Dies is also retiring.

*The bundled Inspired Thoughts Stamp Set to the Inspiring Canopy Dies is not retiring, the stamp set will be back in the new catalog. The dies will not.

2. Playful Alphabet Dies

Once upon a time, Stampin’ Up! offered Large Alphabet Dies, that were roughly 2″ tall per letter. When they retired, along came the Playful Alphabet Dies, at a mere 3/4″ tall. These adorable dies made it easy to spell words on card fronts and scrapbook pages alike.

But, now the alphabet dies are going away. And there is no other die set that is going to replace them. If you are a fan of stamping individual letters, your needs will be met when the new catalog drops. If you prefer a perfect die cut, better get a set of letters while you still can!

3. White Stampin’ Chalk Marker

Even though it made my list, the White Stampin’ Chalk Marker is already sold out. I am still sad that is has left. This minimal cost but highly productive item was featured in my January Winter White Bootcamp on my Positive PaperCrafters FaceBook Page. (Join our community to view all the trainings from this free event!)

I loved adding in touches of white with this special marker. First, we lost the White Gel Pen, and now this. There is nothing of its kind to replace it in the new Stampin’ Up! catalog. If you have one (or two!), good for you, enjoy it for as long as you possibly can.

The Days Run Short…

Time is really running out to get items off the retiring list! As I mentioned earlier, the last day to shop for them is May 2. And, if they sell out first, you are stuck with higher prices on Ebay and secondary sellers, if you can find them at all.

So, don’t delay any longer. Take a look at what is left by shopping my online store. Under “Shop Now’ look for ‘Sales & Specials’, then ‘Last Chance Products’. You may even save up to 50% on essential craft supplies. This really is your “last chance”!