What to buy or not buy in May

After fewer deals in March and April, May brings a resurgence in saving opportunities. From May the Fourth to Memorial Day, there are many chances to shop for great deals from the beginning of the month to the end.

Check out this guide to learn what to buy in May and which items you shouldn’t spend money on now, as recommended by DealNews.com.

Star Wars items on May 4

May 4 is Star Wars Day, so you’ll have the chance to pick up themed products such as apparel, toys, and collectibles at a discount.

Nontraditional Mother’s Day gifts

Flowers and jewelry are traditional Mother’s Day gifts, but in early May, the prices may jump before the holiday. If you don’t have a gift yet — Mother’s Day is May 12 this year — it’s time to think of nontraditional gifts to save. Compare prices for clothing, shoes, and bed and bath items.

Major appliances

May is a great time to buy major appliances whether you need a washer or dryer or are going to outfit a new kitchen. Look for $300 off or 30 percent or more discounts. Check the website of manufacturers because they may offer big discounts, too.

Mattresses

Another item worth shopping for in May — especially during Memorial Day sales — is mattresses. Deals of 30 percent off and higher are easy to find.

Small appliances

While May is one of the best times of year to shop for major appliances, it can also be a decent time to find deals on small appliances. Check Amazon and local retailers such as Best Buy.

Spring apparel

May is part of the spring season, but, for many, it’s considered the unofficial start to summer, especially for Memorial Day late in the month. Because it’s toward the end of the season, May is a good time to start shopping for spring apparel on sale. Retailers will be making way for new summer items, and that means you could get deep discounts on spring looks.

Cookware

May brings big celebrations, including Mother’s Day and graduation. And it also kicks off the summer wedding season, although summer and early fall are still the most popular times to get married. Cookware is one of those items that makes it onto wedding registries as well as gift lists for new graduates; it can even be a good gift for Mom, too, if she enjoys cooking. Look for deals of 30 percent or more.

Home goods

White goods in January are one of the best times to purchase home goods such as bedding and bath items. But May is a decent time as well. Watch for bath towels for as little as $2, while 15-piece kitchen towel sets could go for around $12.

5 things not to buy in May

For athletic apparel and lingerie, wait until June to buy. Get perennial plants and summer apparel in August and September. For grills, the sweet spot is September or October.

Good luck finding great deals. Be sure, as always, to compare prices.

Comments

[Laurie Stone]

Good stuff to know! Always want to save some money.

[Rebecca Olkowski]

My favorite Mother's Day gifts are experiences like going out for lunch with my kids. I've also read that many mothers want some type of help like a housekeeper to do a deep clean or a massage to relax.

[Rita]

Yes, experiences are always a great Mother's Day gift, especially when you can do them with your kids.