After only a few deals in March and April, May brings a big increase in saving opportunities. From May the Fourth to Memorial Day, there are lots of chances to shop great deals from the start of the month to the end.
But not everything in May is a bargain. Check out the DealNews.com tips below to learn what items to buy in May and which ones you shouldn’t spend money on – at least, not yet.
Star Wars items on May the Fourth
May 4 is Star Wars Day, and that means you’ll have the chance to pick up themed products such as apparel, toys, and collectibles at a discount.
Nontraditional Mother’s Day gifts
Flowers and jewelry are traditional Mother’s Day gifts, but as soon as May 1 rolls around, the prices of those items can jump in preparation for the holiday. If you haven’t purchased your mom a gift yet — Mother’s Day is May 10 in 2026 — it’s time to think outside the box to save some money.
Look for bargains on clothing, shoes, bed and bath items, and electronics.
Major appliances
May is a great time to shop for major appliances, whether you need a new washer and dryer or an entire kitchen suite. If there’s a particular brand you’re interested in, check with the manufacturer directly, too.
Mattresses
Another item worth shopping for in May — especially during Memorial Day sales — is mattresses. Compare prices, although it’s difficult to with mattresses as the manufacturers make mattresses for various retailers, and they have different names. Check reviews and online prices. If you need a new bed, May is a prime time to shop for one and get it for less. You’ll likely find discounts up to 50 percent off.
Small appliances
As with major appliances, May is a great time to get a deal on small appliances. Look for sales on espresso machines, sandwich makers, air fryers, blenders, rice cookers, toaster ovens, and more.
Spring apparel
May is technically part of the spring season, but many people may consider it the unofficial start to summer, especially when Memorial Day rolls around. Because it’s toward the end of the season, it’s a good time to start shopping spring apparel. Retailers will be making way for new summer items, and that means you could score deep discounts on spring looks.
Cookware
May brings big celebration occasions, including Mother’s Day and graduation. But it also kicks off the summer wedding season, and summer and early fall are still the most popular times to get married. Cookware is one of those items that makes it onto wedding registries as well as gift lists for new graduates; it can even be a good choice for mom if she enjoys cooking.
Home goods
White sales in January are one of the best times to buy home goods such as bedding and bath items. But, May is a decent time to shop for home goods, as well. Maybe it has to do with the changing weather, and people needing to swap winter bedding for blankets and sheets that are cooler to sleep under as temperatures climb. Look for deals on king sheets, pillows, bed in a bag sets, pillows, and towels.
Gift cards
The best time of year to shop for gift cards is around Black Friday and through December. That’s when restaurants typically offer promotions where guests can buy one gift card and receive a bonus card. However, there should be at least a few of these offers in May for Mother’s Day and graduation celebrations
Things not to buy in May
June is a better month to buy athletic apparel and lingerie.
For perennial plants and summer apparel, August and September are better months.
Look for deals on grills in September or October.
Best wishes with your shopping, and I hope you find some good deals.
