What to Buy in May

If you’re looking for some bargains, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s what to buy in May:

What to Buy in May

Spring Clothing

May is one of the best times to score some deals on spring clothing. The downside to this is that the selection will be lacking but there are still some chances to find pieces to add to your wardrobe. Stores want to clear out their stock and make way for summer lines. They tend to start cutting prices at the beginning of May but in general, the best deals can be found starting a few days before Memorial Day weekend.

Home Appliances

As I’ve mentioned before, Black Friday is the absolute best time to find the lowest prices in home appliances. But other holiday weekends tend to see good savings on them as well and Memorial Day is one of the best. If you’re in the market for any home appliances and can’t wait until Black Friday, this is the time to look for them.

Cosmetics, Perfumes, Jewelry, and other Typical Mother’s Day gifts

As with many of these types of holidays, it’s pretty common for items commonly advertised and purchased as Mother’s Day gifts to go on sale in the weeks leading up to it. Just remember not to wait until too close to the holiday itself. Sometimes retailers will raise those prices again hoping to take advantage of last minute shoppers.

Garden Plants

It is traditional where I live to wait until around May 24th or at least until our Victoria Day weekend to plant our gardens. This is usually when it’s safe to put them in the garden without fear of having them destroyed in one last freeze of the season. Of course, purchasing in the days/weeks leading up to this date means the best selection but it also means the highest prices. If you can hold off until just after, you can often score deals of 50-75% off.

Party Supplies

Obviously, once again, it is during the holiday season that you see the biggest savings here. BUT, party supplies suitable for backyard BBQs, beach parties, picnics, and the like will often be placed on sale in May. Stock up for your summer gatherings!

Bathing Suits

Other than waiting until end of season to pick up a new bathing suit at a discount, May is generally the best time to buy one (although you may still find bargains in June). Prices will often double and triple in July and August.

Star Wars Items

With May the 4th being Star Wars Day, many companies selling Star Wars items put them on sale right around this time. The sales are often in the neighbourhood of 50-60% off too so it’s a good time to stock up on items to use for birthday party gifts and Christmas gifts. (What? You don’t buy them this early? I buy them when they go on sale and squirrel them away. They’re perfect for other occasions too – or things like road trips and get well trinkets.)

In Season Produce

As always, look for the deals on the produce that is in season. Right now, we’re still finding good deals on local asparagus, spinach, and garlic. Starting now and going into June, we’ll see prices drop on rhubarb, strawberries, cherries, and apricots too.

Thrift Store Deals

May is often when an influx of new items begin appearing in local thrift shops. It starts out as a result of spring cleaning and then leads into the garage sale leftovers. While these discards may not be just what you’re looking for, thrift stores can become overly full as a result and you may see additional discounts because of it.

National Hamburger Day

May 28th is National Hamburger Day. Some restaurants will cut their prices on burgers or even give some away for free! You may also find grocery stores putting their fresh and frozen burgers as well as burger accompaniments – buns, condiments, and the like – on sale too.

What deals will you be shopping for this month?