April Showers have long passed us and now we can look forward to the beautiful May flowers. Of course, if you’re a fan of the month of May then you’re more than likely going to fall in love with the amazing shopping deals you’ll find in this month too. With many fun holidays, like May the Fourth, Cinco de Mayo and Memorial Day, there’s sure to be a sale right around the corner. However, you may want to show some restraint when it comes to some shopping areas. Luckily, there’s ten great areas to check out if you’re looking to spend a little money on upgrades or fun this month. So, enjoy the refreshing weather and grab your favorite shopping bags, because these deals are going to make your month spectacular.
1. Mattresses
May is pretty much notorious for having amazing deals on mattresses. In fact, this is largely due to Memorial Day sales that pop up in all major chains and local shops. So, if your mattress is looking like it might not last another year then you may want to hit the stores to price some of the best mattresses on the market. Of course, if you’re going to be shopping for a mattress you may want to begin to price mattresses that would be an upgrade to the one you currently have. There’s a lot of new mattresses on the market that won’t just help you sleep better, but can also improve your health substantially. You should also ask around to see if the store will offer free shipping on your item. Although your mattress may be on sale, you should also check to see if there’s a manufacturer’s rebate on the item too, which should make your mattress an absolute steal.
2. Caribbean Vacation
Get ready to have some fun in the sun, because Caribbean vacations are a great price if you plan on traveling there in the month of May. The weather in the Caribbean isn’t always what people stereotypically love, so the region sees a bit of a down period during the month of May. This will work out to your advantage too. Since the weather will still be warm, you should be able to enjoy all of the typical tourist activities. You may just have to put up with a bit of rain during your vacation, which will give you time to check out some of the indoor attractions that often get overlooked in the area. You may find that with less people in the area, you’ll be able to enjoy your vacation even more than if you had during the high season. Make sure you still look around for hotel deals, as sometimes calling up the establishment may bring even more savings for you.
3. Spring Clothes
Although it may seem like spring has just arrived, spring clothing should be hitting the clearance rack during the month of May. This will allow you to find some great steals for the rest of the season. Shopping for spring clothes late in the season can really help you make your wardrobe stretch further for the money. A lot of spring clothing can easily be worn in the summer time too, thanks to the light colors and fabrics. Of course, you can always cut some of the clothing into shorts or use a shirt that’s meant to be layered on its own. If you’re not into wearing out of season clothing, then simply get some shopping done for next spring. This is also a great time to stock up on school clothing for next school year. Jeans should be on sale as summer tends to be too hot to wear them. You should also be able to find light coats and clothes for layering that will be a perfect fit for back to school weather. Make sure you shop a size or two bigger though, to ensure the clothing will fit when summer is over.
4. Appliances
If you plan on renovating your kitchen this summer, then you’ll also be able to start fresh with new appliances. This month, appliances both big and small will be on sale, which is sure to make your home function more efficiently. You may even find a bundle of items that will cut the cost even more. Of course, while you’re shopping you may want to take into consideration any potential wedding or graduate gifts you might need to buy. These items tend to be easy gifts for those just starting out in life. Of course, you should also ask about free shipping and rebates when it comes to these items too. Also, try to look for energy efficient appliances as they will add even more to your overall savings, especially when the price of electricity goes up in the summer time.
5. Sunscreen/Bug Repellent
With hot summer days and warm summer nights headed your way in a hurry, you may want to stock up to help fight some of the risks that the hot season brings. This month, you should be able to find some pretty awesome deals on sunscreen. With the UV index already high in some areas, you should make it a goal to stock up on sunscreen for the entire year. Make sure you get a good SPF rating, so you can protect your family from future dangers. Bug repellent is also going to be a must this season. With the Zika outbreak everywhere in the news, you’ll probably want to keep the mosquitos as far away from you as possible. Of course, you will also want to stock up on other bug repellents too. For instance, ants often make their way into the home during the warm months. Fleas are also a major problem during this time too, so protect your pets and your family from the burden and risk that fleas and ticks bring by using flea collars, repellents and yard sprays.
6. Meats
A lot of people have been champing at the bit to get outside and grill something tasty. With Memorial Day coming up fast, the grilling season will soon be kicking off. Thus, meats are going to be at a pretty good price during the month of May. You will especially find fantastic deals during the Memorial Day weekend, so you might want to fight the crowds to stock up on some of the more expensive meats in the grocery store. You may not have as much luck with beef in some areas though. However, chicken, sausage and even pork will be at a price that will be too low to refuse. Make sure you freeze the meats in a timely manner though, so you can easily be stocked up for the whole grilling season. Meat alternatives may even be on sale in certain areas, so if you’re not a fan of meat, you may still find something that’s right up your alley.
7. Birthstone Jewelry
Hopefully, you haven’t forgotten that May also hosts Mother’s Day. This means jewelry, chocolates and flowers will be overpriced during the early period of the month. Of course, after the holiday passes, you’ll find some pretty awesome deals on birthstone jewelry. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for rings or necklaces, you should be able to find an outstanding discount since this jewelry tends to be associated with Mother’s Day. So, if mom is a patient person, you can always shop a little late for her gift and surprise her with something special that she can cherish a lifetime. Often, you can even choose engravings on this jewelry, which will make your patience even more rewarding. Don’t forget to look up your siblings’ proper birthstones though to ensure your gift suits mom’s legacy.
8. Gym Membership
The air outside is fresh and inviting, which means the stale environment of the gym probably won’t be appealing to a lot of people. Since the weather is cooperative, in most cases, during the month of May, many people prefer to do their workouts outside. Not to mention, many people cancel their membership at the beginning of summer because they will be busy with vacations and pool dates with their children. This means a lot of gyms will offer a pretty good deal that you may want to dive into. Of course, before you sign a gym contract, you might want to consider what you’re looking for in a gym, so you’ll get your money’s worth. If the gym is offering a pay by month plan, then you may want to go that route. That way, you’ll get the summer time discount, but you can still back out if the gym isn’t exactly what you want out of a work out. Also, you may want to consider the price of classes the gym offers, because paying extra for these items may make the discount void. With a little research, you may find that summer is your favorite time to get in shape indoors.
9. Party Supplies
Memorial Day pretty much kicks off the summer party season, which is probably why you should stock up on party supplies this month. One of the major items that will be on sale is paper and plastic supplies. So, make sure you hit the paper plates, plastic cutlery, disposable cups and even the paper towel aisle during the month of May. If anything, you should be able to use these items in your own home if you don’t plan on having a lot of parties. Graduation party, bridal shower, baby shower and even birthday party supplies will be on sale during this month too. So, make sure to grab bulk invitations, streamers, balloons and party favors that can suit the entire year. You’ll be ready to handle any last minute parties with your stock of party supplies, without forcing yourself to spend a small fortune.
10. Produce
The best thing about the month of May is there is a whole lot of delicious foods in season. You’re in between the spring stock and the summer stock, which is sure to open up your meal plans substantially. Try to shop around for things like asparagus, berries and other foods that tend to cost a whole lot of money. These items will freeze well, so you can enjoy them for much longer. Of course, household staples like carrots and onions will also be on sale during this month, so don’t forget to buy in bulk for the foods your family eats the most of. You may want to stock up on carrots and fruits especially, since the children will be out of school in no time and won’t be able to resist snacking throughout the day. Also, items like radishes and other salad favorites will be on sale, which will make lunch time on hot days even more bearable.
May is filled with amazing sales that will help you prep for the long summer months while allowing you to have a bit of fun too. With home upgrades and potential for plenty of parties, you should be able to make the most of the month even if you stay on a frugal budget. Before you know it, the month will be over and you’ll have to look back in awe at all of the things you saved a fortune on.
