The 9 Best Things to Buy in May (And 5 to Skip)

May is officially the "sweet spot" of the spring shopping season. With Mother's Day around the corner and Memorial Day on the horizon, retailers are slashing prices on everything from big-ticket appliances to backyard essentials. But before you clear out your cart, be warned: not every "sale" this month is a steal. To help you navigate the May markdown madness, we've rounded up the 9 best things to buy right now—and 5 items you should definitely leave on the shelf until June.

May Deals to Shop Now

Home Depot Mulch Sale

4 for $10

Another Home Depot mulch sale is live! Check to see if your local store has the Scotts Earthgro 1.5-cu ft. bags for just $2.50 a piece. If not, check out the 2025 Lowe's mulch sale to see if it's available in your area.

Get Deal

AARP 5-Year Membership

$11 per year

Get an AARP 5-year membership for just $11 per year in 2025. Even better, this deal allows you to start your senior discounts journey with a free gift; choose from an insulated trunk organizer or a 6-port power and USB charging donut (far less tasty than an actual donut, but still useful). Although not as good as the old 5-year membership for $9 per year offer, that's still a savings of 45% off the normal annual rate (currently $20).

Buy Now

Nike Men's Shoe Clearance

Up to 49% off

Over 230 pairs of men's slides, sneakers, and running shoes are discounted at Nike right now. This includes the pictured Nike Men's Air Max Plus OG Shoes, which are $135 (you'd pay as much as $225 for these in Blue elsewhere). Shipping is $5 or free over $50 for Nike members (it's free to join).

Shop Now

Scotts Lawn Care Deals at Amazon

Up to 60% off

Score deals on Scotts seed, fertilizer, mulch, and more. Pictured is the Scotts EZ Seed Patch and Repair Bermudagrass 10-lb. Bag for $19 (over $30 elsewhere).

Shop Now

Samsung Refrigerators

Up to $2,200 off

Prices start at $1,149. We've pictured the Samsung Bespoke 23-cu. ft. Counter Depth 4-Door Flex Refrigerator for $1,999 ($2,200 off).

The 9 Best Things to Buy in May

May is historically one of the most lucrative months for deal-hunters, serving as the official bridge between spring refreshes and the massive Memorial Day sales events. While April focused on lingering winter clearance, our pricing data shows that May is when retailers get aggressive with deep discounts on high-ticket home goods and outdoor essentials. As the weather warms and graduation season nears, we've tracked the trends to help you pinpoint the exact categories where competition drives prices to their lowest points.

This month provides a prime opportunity to score record-low prices on everything from major appliances and mattresses to specific niche items for Mother's Day and "May the 4th." By analyzing years of historical sales patterns, we've identified the strategic categories where you can find the most value for your dollar. Use this guide to navigate the heavy-hitting holiday blowouts and seasonal promotions, ensuring you secure your summer must-haves without ever paying full price.

1. Home Furniture and Outdoor Living

If you missed Wayfair's massive "Way Day" event at the very end of April, don't worry—May is arguably an even better time to shop the site as they pivot directly into their Memorial Day Clearance. Historically, May serves as Wayfair's most aggressive month for price cuts on "big-ticket" home upgrades. Our data shows that this is the peak window for discounts on outdoor seating, fire pits, and patio umbrellas, with prices often slashed by up to 65% as the retailer competes for early-summer shoppers. While many wait until the holiday weekend itself, the "Early Access" deals usually begin in mid-May, offering the best inventory selection before the holiday rush picks over the stock.

If you are planning a room refresh, look for Wayfair's "Flash Deals," which refresh every 24 hours in May; these often feature all-time low prices on specific high-demand items like ergonomic office chairs or vanity sets. To maximize your savings, remember that Wayfair typically offers free shipping on orders over $35 and often has discounts for first time customers, which is easily met when purchasing furniture. By timing your purchase between the post-Way Day leftovers and the Memorial Day blowout, you can secure premium furniture at some of the lowest price points we'll see until Black Friday.

While Wayfair is the go-to for volume and variety, its sister brands offer a more curated shopping experience that becomes particularly lucrative this month. For those whose style leans toward traditional, farmhouse, or coastal designs, Birch Lane is your best window for classic outdoor dining sets. Our analysis shows they often run "Buy More, Save More" events in mid-May, making it the ideal time to furnish a full patio or guest room.

Meanwhile, Joss and Main is better suited for trendier, contemporary designs, typically launching its "Outdoor Edit" with deep price cuts on mid-century modern accent chairs and industrial fire pits. Because they focus on "fast-ship" items, this is your best bet for furniture you need before the June heat hits. Finally, for those seeking true luxury, Perigold provides rare opportunities to score designer-showroom brands at a discount through specialized category events, such as 20% off all luxury rugs or lighting.

Expert Strategies For Maximizing Savings At Wayfair:

• Hunt for "Open Box" Treasures: Before buying new, check the Open Box section for the same item. These are typically customer returns in like-new condition that are marked down by an additional 20% to 40% off the current sale price.
• Snag the 10% New Customer Coupon: If you haven't shopped Wayfair in a while, signing up for their email list with a new address usually triggers a 10% off promo code that can often be stacked on top of existing clearance prices.
• Check the "Closeout" Tab Early: Wayfair's Closeout deals are essentially "last chance" items. During May, as they clear out spring inventory to make room for mid-summer arrivals, you can find high-quality decor and furniture for up to 80% off.
• Utilize the "Save for Later" Feature: If a patio set or sofa isn't at your target price yet, add it to your cart or "Lists." Wayfair's algorithm often triggers price-drop notifications or targeted emails when an item you've shown interest in goes on a Flash Deal.
• Compare the "White Label" Brands: Many items on Wayfair are sold under house brands like Kelly Clarkson Home or Lark Manor. Use an image search tool to see if the same manufacturer sells the item under a different name on the site—occasionally, one brand name will be discounted more deeply than the other for the exact same product.

2. Premium Home Entertainment and Streaming

May is an exceptional month to audit your home entertainment budget, as DIRECTV historically rolls out aggressive seasonal promotions to capture fans ahead of the summer sports surge. Our tracking shows that mid-May is the sweet spot for new customer incentives, often featuring significant "welcome" credits that can lower your initial monthly bill by up to $35 or $45. If you've been considering a switch, this month offers a unique value proposition: you can lock in a discounted rate just as the spring television season reaches its peak and major global sports events hit the calendar. To ensure you aren't overpaying for your summer setup, check out our curated list of DIRECTV promo codes to see which monthly credits and reward card offers you qualify for.

This month is particularly packed with high-stakes sports and premier TV finales. Sports fans can catch the Kentucky Derby and the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix in early May, followed by the intensity of the NBA and NHL Playoffs throughout the month. For baseball enthusiasts, DIRECTV remains a top choice for MLB action, offering coverage for nearly a dozen teams that have recently shifted broadcasting agreements. On the entertainment side, May 2026 sees the debut of the highly anticipated Yellowstone spin-off, Dutton Ranch, on the Paramount Network (5/15), the SNL Season 51 Finale (5/16), and new seasons of fan favorites like 90 Day Fiancé and Hacks. If you are on the fence, you can check out any DIRECTV free trials that might be running to see if its the right fit for you.

Expert Strategies For Maximizing Savings At DIRECTV:

• Secure the Premium Bundle Trial: Most new DIRECTV Choice, Ultimate, or Premier plans in May include the first three months of Max, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, STARZ, MGM+, and Cinemax for free. This is a $185 value that covers your premium movie needs through the start of summer.
• Utilize the 5-Day Risk-Free Trial: If you are undecided between the Satellite and via-Internet options, use the 5-day free trial on streaming packages to test your home's bandwidth and channel interface before committing to a long-term contract.
• Target Specific "Genre Packs": For a leaner budget, look for "MySports" or "MyEntertainment" packs which start as low as $19.99/month. These are perfect for shoppers who only want specific types of content rather than a 200+ channel lineup.
• Stack Referral Bonuses: Existing customers can often earn up to $500 in eGift cards by referring friends during the May relocation season. If you know someone moving this month, both of you can benefit from account credits.
• Combine with Fiber Internet: Check for bundling deals if you are an ATandT, Frontier, or Quantum Fiber customer. Bundling your TV and internet in May can often trigger an additional $20 monthly discount and larger Visa Reward Cards (sometimes up to $200).

3. Designer Resale and Seasonal Apparel

May marks a major turning point for your wardrobe, as retailers move aggressively to clear out spring inventory while shoppers hunt for graduation and Mother's Day attire. This month offers a unique "high-low" shopping opportunity: you can score authenticated luxury "investment pieces" for spring celebrations and simultaneously stock up on ultra-affordable basics for the summer heat. If you are looking to treat yourself or find an unforgettable Mother's Day gift, The RealReal has some great discounts and is a prime destination for women's designer fashion.

In May, the site sees a surge in inventory as "spring cleaning" consignors list high-end items that are perfect for the holiday. Historically, we see promo codes for an additional 20% off already discounted luxury brands, making it possible to snag authenticated silk scarves from Hermès, designer handbags from Prada, or elegant floral midi dresses from Ganni and Diane von Furstenberg at a fraction of their original retail price. Whether you need a sophisticated dress for a graduation ceremony or a luxury accessory for a Mother's Day brunch, this is the best window to secure "pre-loved" designer status without the boutique price tag.

On the other end of the spectrum, May is the ideal time to refresh your everyday summer wardrobe at 32 Degrees. As the temperature climbs, 32 Degrees launch deep discounts on their women's "Cool" collection, which is a favorite for active moms and travelers alike. During May, we often see site-wide sales with items starting as low as $4.99, specifically targeting high-demand women's essentials like moisture-wicking t-shirt dresses, lightweight skorts, and breathable activewear tanks. These items make for excellent practical gifts for the fitness-focused woman or as affordable staples for your own upcoming summer vacations. By utilizing the current promo codes, you can often find "bundle" pricing on women's basics that allows you to rebuild your entire warm-weather rotation for less than the cost of a single designer shirt elsewhere.

Expert Strategies For Maximizing Savings On Apparel

• Filter by "New With Tags" on The RealReal: You can often find brand-new designer items that were never worn for up to 70% off retail. This is a secret weapon for finding high-quality Mother's Day gifts that look like they came straight from a luxury boutique.
• Utilize 32 Degrees Multi-Buy Deals: This retailer is famous for "Mix and Match" bundles in May. Keep an eye out for offers like "3 Women's Cool Tees for $15" or "2 Active Skorts for $18," which yield a much lower per-item price than buying during their end-of-summer clearance.
• Watch the "Obsessions" List: On The RealReal, "hearting" an item adds it to your Obsessions list. In May, the site frequently sends targeted price-drop alerts or exclusive 24-hour promo codes to users who have high-value jewelry or bags saved in their profile.
• Score Free Shipping at 32 Degrees: Shipping is usually free on orders over $32. If you are just under the limit, grab a pair of their highly-rated women's cooling socks or a basic tote bag to hit the threshold rather than paying for shipping.
• Check the "First Look" Membership: If you're hunting for a specific high-demand designer bag for a gift, The RealReal's "First Look" membership ($12/month) gives you 24-hour early access to new arrivals. In a high-inventory month like May, this can be the difference between snagging a deal and seeing "Sold" on your favorite item.

4. Smartphones and Wireless Tech Upgrades

May is a standout month for mobile tech because carriers and manufacturers target two massive gifting demographics: new graduates and mothers. Whether you are looking for a first phone for a high school grad or a high-end upgrade for a parent, the competition between major providers leads to some of the best device-plus-plan bundles of the year. Historically, May is when we see the "Grads and Dads" (starting early for Dads) sales kick off, featuring aggressive trade-in credits and "Buy One, Get One" (BOGO) offers on the latest flagship devices.

Verizon typically leads the charge in May with substantial incentives for those switching carriers or adding new lines to a family plan. You will often find deals where an old, even damaged, phone can be traded in for a brand-new iPhone or Samsung Galaxy. To ensure you aren't missing out on these hardware credits, browse the latest Verizon smartphone and wireless promo codes, which frequently include "On Us" device offers when paired with an Unlimited Ultimate plan. If you prefer more flexible plan options or travel-heavy perks, T-Mobile often ramps up its promotions in mid-May. You can find the most current T-Mobile mobile device and plan promo codes to lock in savings on their Go5G plans, which often include free streaming subscriptions and international data, alongside deep discounts on the latest Google Pixel or Motorola handsets.

Expert Strategies For Maximizing Savings On Wireless Tech

• Leverage Memorial Day Military Discounts: If you are active duty, a veteran, or a first responder, May is the best time to verify your status. Verizon and T-Mobile both offer permanent monthly plan discounts that can be stacked with Memorial Day device promotions.
• Check for "Port-In" Credits: Carriers often offer "Switcher" credits—sometimes in the form of a $200 or $300 prepaid Mastercard—if you bring your existing phone number over from a competitor in May.
• Don't Ignore the "Old" Flagship: With new models rumored for the fall, May is the "sweet spot" for clearing out last year's inventory. You can often get a "previous generation" flagship (like an iPhone 15 or Galaxy S24) entirely free with a qualifying plan, whereas a few months ago it would have required a monthly installment.
• Verify Employee Perks: Many large employers have "Related Corporate" discounts with Verizon or T-Mobile. Check your work email or HR portal in May; these corporate codes can often waive activation fees (a $35 savings per line) that otherwise apply during holiday sales.
• Sync with "Internet" Bundles: If you already use Verizon Fios or T-Mobile Home Internet, check for "Mobile + Home" discounts. Linking your accounts in May can often knock an additional $20 off your combined monthly bill, providing a year-round discount that exceeds the one-time value of the phone itself.

5. Activewear and Performance Gear

May is arguably the most important month of the year for athleisure enthusiasts due to one massive retail event: the Alo Anniversary Sale. While many high-end fitness brands rarely offer sitewide discounts, Alo Yoga historically uses the first week of May to slash prices on their entire inventory by 30% or more. This is the optimal time to invest in high-performance gear that rarely hits the clearance rack, such as their signature Airlift leggings, Accolade hoodies, or tennis-inspired skirts.

Because this sale is a "limited-time" event that often sees popular colors and sizes sell out within hours, staying ahead of the announcement is crucial. To track the exact start dates and top product picks for this year, check out our comprehensive guide to the Alo Yoga Anniversary Sale.

Beyond the anniversary event, May is also a strategic time to look for seasonal markdowns on yoga accessories and wellness essentials as the brand prepares for summer product launches. If you miss the initial sitewide blowout, you can still find significant savings on specific styles or end-of-season colors by browsing our updated list of Alo Yoga promo codes and deals. Whether you are shopping for a Mother's Day gift for a fitness-focused mom or refreshing your own workout rotation for the warmer months, May provides the rare combination of high inventory and deep site-wide discounts that you won't see again until Black Friday.

6. Major Appliances

Memorial Day is widely considered the second-best time of year—trailing only Black Friday—to invest in major household appliances. Manufacturers like Samsung, LG, and GE typically launch their new models in the late spring, which forces big-box retailers to aggressively clear out existing inventory to make room on the showroom floor. Throughout the month of May, you can expect to see price cuts of 35% to 50% on refrigerators, dishwashers, and laundry suites. Many retailers also offer "Buy More, Save More" tiered rebates, where purchasing a full kitchen package can trigger an additional $500 to $1,000 in instant savings or gift cards. Because these are high-ticket items, even a modest percentage discount results in hundreds of dollars back in your pocket.

Beyond the standard kitchen refresh, May is a strategic time to buy high-BTU air conditioners and dehumidifiers before the first major heatwave spikes demand and prices. If you're planning a massive DIY project or a full laundry room overhaul, retailers like Home Depot and Lowe's are the primary battlegrounds for these discounts. To get the most out of your home improvement budget, be sure to utilize Home Depot promo codes for potential extra savings on delivery or specific appliance brands. Similarly, savvy shoppers should keep an eye out for Lowe's promo codes that can often be applied to "Special Buy" items or used to secure rebates on high-efficiency washers and dryers.

7. Mattresses and Bedding

If you are waking up with back pain, May is the absolute best month of the year to replace your mattress. The industry follows a very specific inventory cycle: manufacturers typically unveil their latest designs and sleep technology at major industry trade shows in the summer, meaning retailers must aggressively flush out current showroom stock throughout May to make room for June deliveries. This creates a "perfect storm" for consumers, as the pressure to clear warehouse space coincides with massive Memorial Day marketing pushes. You aren't just seeing standard markdowns; you are witnessing a transition period where last year's "flagship" models are suddenly reclassified as clearance.

During this window, it is common to find discounts ranging from 30% to 60% across both legacy brands like Sealy and Tempur-Pedic and popular "bed-in-a-box" disruptors like Nectar and DreamCloud. To sweeten the deal, retailers often move beyond price cuts and lean heavily into "sleep bundles." In May, a mattress purchase is frequently accompanied by high-value freebies—such as cooling pillows, high-thread-count sheet sets, and waterproof mattress protectors—that can carry a retail value of $300 to $600. Some stores even offer a free adjustable base with select premium purchases, a perk that is almost exclusively reserved for the May and Black Friday sales windows.

8. Pet Supplies

While not a traditional retail holiday, the month of May has recently evolved into a powerhouse for pet deals thanks to the annual Amazon Pet Day event. Usually occurring in early May, this 48-hour event has transformed the landscape of the industry, triggering a massive price war across the web. To stay competitive with Amazon's lightning deals, rival retailers like Chewy and Petco launch their own "Pet Appreciation" events simultaneously. To ensure you're capturing the best value at every major retailer, be sure to check our latest PetSmart promo codes for extra savings on grooming services, bulk treats, and premium food brands that might not be discounted elsewhere.

Our pricing data shows that May is the ultimate "stock up" month for consumables. When you combine site-wide sales with "First-Time Autoship" incentives, discounts on premium food and litter often reach 40% to 50% off. Beyond the basics, May is the best time to invest in high-ticket pet tech. We frequently see record-low prices on "smart" devices like GPS tracking collars, automatic self-cleaning litter boxes, and interactive cameras. Furthermore, because May marks the start of warmer weather and increased outdoor activity, it is a strategic time to find deep discounts on flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives, which many retailers bundle into their May promotional calendars to help owners prep for the summer season.

Expert Strategies For Maximizing Savings On Pet Supplies

• Cycle Your "Auto-Ship" Bonuses: Chewy and Amazon both offer massive discounts (often 35% to 50% off) for your first auto-ship order. If you haven't used this feature yet, May is the time to trigger it on your most expensive prescription food or bulk litter to stack with Pet Day prices.
• Check for "Buy Two, Get One" Deals: Retailers like Petco frequently run B2G1 sales on toys and treats in May to coincide with National Pet Month. This is the cheapest way to build a "summer toy kit" for active dogs or stock up on dental chews.
• Monitor "Lightning Deals" During Pet Day: On Amazon Pet Day, the best deals on high-ticket items like DNA kits (Embark/Wisdom Panel) or automated feeders are "Lightning Deals" that only last a few hours. Set a price alert on a tracking site to ensure you don't miss these short-lived windows.
• Use Manufacturer Coupons on Top of Sales: For pet food, visit the manufacturer's website (such as Purina, Blue Buffalo, or Hills Science Diet). They often provide high-value printable coupons that can be used at big-box pet stores even when the item is already on a "May Pet Month" sale.
• Look for "Gift Card with Purchase" Offers: In response to Amazon, retailers often run a promotion where spending $100 on specific brands earns you a $30 eGift card for a future purchase. This effectively lowers your "cost of ownership" for the rest of the summer.

9. Star Wars Merchandise and Collectibles

"May the 4th" has evolved from a simple fan catchphrase into a massive retail event that dominates the first week of the month. For fans of the franchise, this is the only time of year—including Black Friday—where you will find aggressive, sitewide discounts on LEGO Star Wars sets, high-end prop replicas, and designer apparel. Major retailers like the Disney Store, Target, and Amazon use this "holiday" to launch exclusive products and clear out older inventory to make room for summer releases. If you are a serious collector, the first week of May is your best opportunity to find "Gift with Purchase" (GWP) exclusives that are produced in limited quantities and often hold significant resale value on the secondary market.

The savings extend far beyond just toys. In May, we typically see the deepest price cuts of the year on Star Wars video games across all platforms, including Steam, PlayStation, and Xbox, with legacy titles often marked down by as much as 75% to 80%. Additionally, lifestyle brands that hold the Star Wars license—ranging from kitchenware brands like Instant Pot to high-end outdoor gear like Columbia—frequently launch "May the 4th" flash sales. This makes it the ideal time to snag everything from a Grogu-themed slow cooker to technical parkas or "May the 4th" commemorative t-shirts that won't be restocked once the event ends.

Maximize Your May Savings Strategy

To truly maximize your May savings strategy, remember that timing is everything. By leaning into the massive Memorial Day markdowns and niche events like Amazon Pet Day and "May the 4th," you can secure high-ticket items at some of the year's lowest prices. Just stay disciplined and steer clear of our "skip" list for a few more weeks—your wallet will thank you when the mid-summer sales season officially kicks off. Keep this guide handy as you navigate the month's markdown madness, and you'll be able to refresh your home and wardrobe without ever paying full price.