Best things to buy in May (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 May 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 May include Boy’s Day/Cinco De Mayo (May 5), Free Comic Book Day (first Saturday), Mother’s Day (second Sunday), and Memorial Day Weekend (last Monday). For all events this month, visit: May events and entertainment – Hawaiʻi on the Cheap

Image via Depositphotos_85490384

Seasonal items to buy in May

Gasoline

Be sure to fill up your tank well ahead of the Memorial Day weekend if you can. Prices will be higher after Wednesday that week.

Mother’s Day

For a special Mother’s Day, try to think outside the box. A few budget-friendly “spa” or pampering toiletries from the drug store you know she would like (scented soap, bath salts, body scrub, facial mask, foot cream, etc) in a basket or tied up in a pretty towel. Typical “mom” gifts tend to see a price increase, such as jewelry, perfume, and flowers. For unique gifts, try a museum store where there is an interesting selection at a range of prices, as low as $10-$20 and on up. Be sure to check for discount items. We always encourage you to shop at small, local businesses.

Clothing

Department stores and major brands usually have great sales in May on outgoing spring clothing and accessories. Hold out for Memorial Day Weekend to get the most bang for your buck. Stores will have holiday sales and discounts.

Thrift Stores

As with April, people clean out their homes and closets for spring, so secondhand stores continue to see a surge in goods. The month of May can be another good opportunity to peruse thrift stores for recycled clothing and household items.

Memorial Day Weekend Sales

Every holiday weekend is like a mini-black Friday with discounts on many items at mall retailers and factory stores on a wide range of goods including clothes and household items. For Memorial Day, start looking for bargains in the middle of the month.

New products to buy in May

Here are the discounts and deals to expect during the month of May.

Household Goods

From refrigerators to vacuum cleaners and toasters to knives, there are deals to be had on a variety of large and small home appliances and kitchen gadgets. Besides household needs, think ahead to weddings and college dorm room supplies for students in your household (but take care not to overbuy).

Mattresses

If you are shopping for furniture or need a new bed mattress. May is one of the best months for a mattress purchase because supplies are high, while prices are some of the lowest of the year. Don’t forget a mattress cover–something I consider a necessity in our tropical climate to keep a mattress clean and bug-free.

Outdoor stuff

You’ll see new arrivals at some attractive prices on lawn and garden products, outdoor cooking accessories, picnic and party supplies, camping gear, and outdoor toys. Steep discounts of course come later as summer winds down elsewhere, but there are deals to be had on outdoor goods of all kinds now. (I’ve been looking for a croquet or bocce ball set and hoping to find a good selection that wasn’t available through winter.) Check barbecue prices carefully, you might find a better buy in June ahead of Father’s Day. You might also like these articles from our national site, Living on the Cheap:

Upcoming shopping & saving events

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