Best things to buy in March (hawaiionthecheap.com)

Every month of the year, certain items are discounted due to overstock, holiday sales, or transitions from one season to the next. Here are the shopping highlights for March in Hawai’i stores. Of course, we think the best way to save money is not to spend it! But, when you need or want to, plan your spending to take advantage of the times of the year when what you buy is at the lowest possible price.

Special events with shopping discounts and deals in March include National Frozen Foods Month, National Craft Month, “Pi” Day (3.14 aka March 14), and St. Patrick’s Day (March 17). For more information holidays & special events this month, visit: Affordable March events and entertainment (hawaiionthecheap.com)

Seasonal items to buy in March

Gift cards

Next to December, March is the best month to buy gift cards. You can find deals such as $100 worth of gift cards at a 10% discount or a $25 bonus card. So, think ahead to birthdays, graduation gifts, or just as a gift for yourself for everyday needs, whether household purchases at a big box store or celebratory meal at a favorite restaurant.

Chocolates and candy

Chocolates and candy leftover from Valentine’s Day will be deeply discounted. But sweets are usually grabbed up quickly, so go very early in the month.

Jewelry and perfume

Valentine’s Day is past, but Mother’s Day and graduation is coming up. Since sales are lagging, you can find deals on jewelry, watches, and perfume if you want to shop in advance. Prices for popular gift items tends to rise when a special day draws near.

Cruise vacations

February and March can be two of the best months to book a cruise depending on the location you desire. Cruise deals can be found, from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean. As with all “deals”, be sure to carefully read cancellation policies and other rules before you plunk down a deposit or pay for anything.

Craft supplies photo byderek@hatfielddesign.com via Depositphotos

New products to buy in March

Craft supplies

March is National Craft Month, so expect some stores and online retailers that sell art and craft supplies to offer deals and inspiration with new ideas and spring projects. In addition to retailers selling art & craft supplies, also check out yarn shops, bead shops, and fabric stores.

Barbecues and grill accessories

March is a good time to think ahead for Father’s Day and outdoor cooking in less rainy weather. So, check out deals on gas or charcoal barbecues, a portable grill for the beach, and related supplies such as fuel. Look for deals on accessories, too, such as smoking woods, barbecue covers, long-handled utensils, gloves, fire starters, grill baskets for vegetables and fish, cleaning tools, a burger press, or any other tool to make your outdoor cooking easy and fun.

Golf clubs and gear

Golf clubs, golf shoes, golf travel bags, and other golf accessories.

Cleaning products

Get ready for spring cleaning by taking an inventory of your supplies and stocking up for the year when prices are low on chemicals, gloves, mops, and other cleaning supplies. Here are some of our tips for Spring Cleaning:

Luggage

March is a good month to buy new luggage, including duffel bags, carry-ons for air travel, wheeled luggage, “personal item” bags, and other travel accessories. Here are some considerations for buying luggage:

Number of wheels. Many travelers prefer four-wheel luggage for maneuverability; make sure they spin 360 degrees. Two-wheel luggage is best if your primary use is for business or to walk along uneven city streets and over curbs.
Wheel integrity. Whether you prefer two wheels or four, play with the wheels and make sure they’re firmly attached; screws are more long-lasting than rivets. And recessed wheels are less likely to get lopped off inadvertently.
Metal zippers are sturdier and more difficult to break into than plastic zippers.
Retracting handle. If the handle retracts, it should feel sturdy and smooth as you pull the bag. A handle that retracts completely into the bag is less likely to get damaged. And check how much space inside the bag is taken up by the handle.
Hard or soft? This is mostly a personal preference. A hard-sided bag offers more protection and security, while a soft bag can be over-stuffed when needed. Hard-sided bags tend to weigh more than soft materials.
Bag size. Measure the bag to ensure it meets regulations for the airlines you travel frequently. Generally, the domestic carry-on size is a 22-inch bag, or a total of 45 linear inches (9-by-14-by-22 inches) including wheels if they are not recessed. But the requirements vary from one airline to another and the rules for international travel are different—carry-on sizes are often smaller for international carriers.

Frozen foods

It’s Frozen Food Month, so if you have freezer space, it’s a good time to stock up on foods you know your family eats regularly. It might come as no surprise that Clarence Birdseye got the idea for preparing commercially frozen foods when he worked in the Arctic and saw how the Indigenous people (Inuit, Yupik, and Aleut) kept their fish fresh by freezing quickly in the cold northern climate. He experimented with the process and introduced frozen foods to the public around 1930. Of course, you know the rest of the story.

Before you shop for frozen foods, look for digital and paper coupons. Bone up on couponing and money-saving techniques in this ultimate couponing guide, plus this couponing advice for men only. And check out this source for coupons as well as advice on saving money without coupons.

As for what frozen foods to buy in March, here are some quick recipe ideas using frozen foods:

Pasta primavera: Simmer your favorite frozen vegetables (such as corn, carrots, broccoli, spinach, California blend, or Italian blend) with marinara sauce (bottled or homemade). Serve over cooked spaghetti or pasta with some grated Parmesan cheese. If you wish, heat frozen meatballs or shrimp in the sauce as well.
Stir-fry over rice: Stir-fry meat or fish (frozen shrimp, seafood blend, meatballs, boneless chicken), frozen stir-fry vegetables, and stir-fry sauce (bottled or homemade—soy sauce “jazzed up” with garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and sugar to taste). Serve over rice.
Fried rice: Cook scrambled eggs in a small amount of oil or butter, add frozen vegetables (peas and carrots are common, but any favorites will do) and stir-fry sauce (bottled or homemade) and heat to simmer. Tossed with cooked rice or another cooked grain such as barley (my favorite), bulgur wheat, or quinoa. You can also add some cooked meat with the vegetables–Chinese sausage, diced chicken, and shrimp are classics.
Vegetable Soup (with or without protein): Simmer cooked meat, fish or other protein (meatballs, sausage, chicken, shrimp, edamame, diced tofu, etc.) with frozen mixed vegetables, frozen chopped spinach, frozen ʻulu or potatoes, and broth or water to cover. Add seasoning (Italian blend or your favorites), salt, and pepper to taste.
Breakfast Smoothies: frozen fruit (such as berries or mangoes) and plain or fruit yogurt, blended until smooth. Other vegetables and flavors can be included such as kale or spinach, carrots, ginger, and honey, to name a few.

One of the best ways to save money is to buy only what you need – photo via Depositphotos_85490384

Tips for frugal living

We think one of the best ways to save money is to have an on-going “wish list”—items you would like to buy, but don’t urgently need. By putting it on a list for future purchase avoids impulse buys–buying from “want” rather than “need”. A wish list also reminds you to keep an eye out for the item, noting features and prices. If you are familiar with what’s available, then you will know a good deal when you see it.

The funny thing is, sometimes when you find a deal for an item on your wish list, you realize you don’t really need the item–you’ve made do without it or re-purposed something else that fulfilled the need.

Upcoming shopping & saving events

Featured Events are list first each day, highlighted by a photo. Featured events are unique or annual events that we or our advertisers don’t want you to overlook.