What to Buy in May

The Best Things to Buy in May

As the warm weather moves in and schools let out for the summer, May is the time to buy household goods and entertaining essentials. Prepare for graduation parties and Memorial Day barbecues by finding deals to keep your food cool (refrigerators and cookware) and your guests happy (outdoor furniture and party supplies). You'll also find continuing discounts on some of the best things to buy in April, but May is the month for stocking up ahead of summer celebrations.

Outdoor Patio Furniture.

The timing couldn't be more perfect for sales on outdoor furniture. This May, scoop up deals on deck chairs, outdoor tables, poolside loungers, and all-weather cushions. As new patio furniture ships into stores, retailers will discount older models to clear up space on the showroom floor. They may even advertise sales on new outdoor furniture to capture customers early on for the summer season.

Mattresses.

If you have an old, saggy, or lumpy mattress, May is the best time to buy a new mattress. This month, take advantage of mattress deals as retailers try to clear inventory ahead of the new stock. Retailers also deeply discount mattresses for Memorial Day sales, so see what deals are offered during those events.

Vacuums.

It's not too late for spring cleaning. Expect more sales on vacuum cleaners as stores continue to push out older models from April. As with mattresses, check Memorial Day sales for discounts on appliances, including vacuums. You may find one of our recommended cheap vacuum cleaners for even cheaper.

Refrigerators.

Along with spring cleaning season comes the home renovation frenzy. Stores receive shipments of new refrigerators in the summer, so retailers advertise sales of older models in May - just in time to feed hungry summer hordes and make room for new models. Again, check Memorial Day sales events for some of the best prices on refrigerators.

Cookware.

Another deal continued from April, cookware promotions are plentiful in May as retailers target the college graduation and wedding season. For more discounts, keep an eye out for Mother's Day promotions - cookware makes a great gift for Mom. Give your college grad a set of new pots and pans for his or her first apartment, or shower newlywed friends with cookware that will last for years.

Party Supplies.

Party supply stores gear up for summer when graduation parties, wedding events, pool parties, and casual weekend barbecues take towns by storm. May is the best time to stock up on party supplies for your next shindig, whether it's a luau or a bridal shower. Even if you're not planning any celebrations in May, this is the time to stock up for the rest of summer's picnics and dinner parties.

Foods in Season.

For your Memorial Day barbecue, stock up on the foods in season in May. This month, vegetables at their peak include peas, spinach, asparagus, spring onions and rhubarb; summer veggies like okra and zucchini also begin to appear at market. Fruits in season in May include cherries, apricots, and strawberries. Wow guests at your barbecue with our cheap summer meal ideas using seasonal produce.