What to Buy (and Skip) in May 2026

It’s home project season and some of the deals this month reflect that.

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In the month ahead, you’ll likely stumble on sales for appliances, apparel and even exterior and interior paint. To help you shop smart and save money, we created a guide for what to buy (or skip) during the month of May.

Buy: Blinds, furniture and appliances

May is prime time for sprucing up the home. Memorial Day sales are packed with markdowns on indoor and outdoor furniture, appliances and home improvement products. Expect discounts from the major players like Lowe’s, Best Buy and Wayfair. Check specialty stores and websites for discounts on pricey items like blinds. We’ve seen up to 50% off at Blinds.com for Memorial Day in the past. Memorial Day is Monday, May 25 this year, but sales often begin a week earlier and can last into June.

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Skip: Home electronics

You might as well wait until Prime Day if you want great deals on gadgets. Amazon's big sale usually happens in July, sparks competition from other retailers and offers Black Friday-like prices in summertime. After that, November is the top time for tech, when prices on laptops, tablets, gaming consoles and other electronics are usually at their lowest, thanks to actual Black Friday sales. » Looking for more ways to save money? We got you. » Looking for more ways to save money? We got you.

Buy: Small appliances

While you’re outfitting your home with a new sofa, chair or table at Memorial Day sales, check out coffee makers, blenders and other small kitchen appliances. In the past, department stores and home and kitchen specialty stores, like Williams Sonoma, have offered savings on kitchen essentials. Count window air conditioners as small appliances on discount too, according to Consumer Reports. You could get a deal for beating the heat. Check Amazon, Costco and Home Depot for good prices in May.

Skip: Swimwear and lingerie

The sale fliers will flood your mailbox in May, but the month after is the better time to buy. That's because Victoria’s Secret sets the schedule for swimwear and lingerie deals, and the store’s Semi-Annual Sale traditionally starts in June. Other retailers follow suit. In past installments, Victoria’s Secret dished out discounts of up to 60% off almost 2,000 styles. Last year’s sale started on June 4, 2025. Follow the retailer on social media and sign up for the store’s mailing list for sale date announcements.

Buy: Spring apparel

Now that warm-weather styles have been in stores for a few months, you can expect retailers to bring down prices on clothes. Our best advice for finding these deals? First, check retailers’ sale sections online or clearance racks in stores. Then, register for your favorite clothing store’s email list for exclusive deals. Finally, fill your cart with sale-priced shirts and shorts while you’re shopping on Memorial Day.

Bonus buy: Paints

The combination of warmer weather, seasonal sales and the start of the DIY season make May a good time to buy paint. You’ll want to shop the sales at popular paint and general hardware destinations the week leading up to Memorial Day for the best deals, according to Consumer Reports. If you’re hiring out your painting job, ask your contractor for a break because you heard paint can be cheaper this time of year.

Also in May: Moms, food deals and Star Wars Day

Several retailers, restaurants and local attractions offer promotions for moms on Mother's Day, which is May 10. Mother's Day Look for more discounts and freebies on National Buttermilk Biscuit Day on May 14 and National Hamburger Day on May 28. National Buttermilk Biscuit Day National Hamburger Day Don't forget about Star Wars Day on May 4. It hits just ahead of "The Mandalorian and Grogu" movie, which will be in theaters May 22. Star Wars Day We’ve spotted price cuts on Star Wars-inspired toys, apparel and even jewelry. We rounded up a list of retailers with specials. » May the discounts be with you. » May the discounts be with you.

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Explore more on About the authors Tindall Tommy Tindall is a lead writer and content strategist covering how to make money — and how to keep it. He’s recorded and written about his experience testing popular gig jobs like driving for Uber, delivering with DoorDash and full-service shopping for Instacart. He loves making an extra buck, but laments the hours of awkward silence he endured as an Uber driver (never again). Cool kids might call him a content creator because he makes YouTube videos for the NerdWallet channel and app, but he himself is no longer very cool. Ask him about budgeting apps — he's tried most of them, but still prefers a good ole Google sheet to track spending. Then be sure to smash that “like” and “subscribe” button. Before NerdWallet, Tommy held decidedly more boring jobs at Fannie Mae and Booz Allen Hamilton. Today, he feels super privileged to write for you, the consumer. Published in Mulka Lisa Mulka is a freelance writer specializing in personal finance content. With more than 15 years of writing experience, Lisa most recently authored a book on personal financial literacy and served as lead writer on the FDIC’s Money Smart for Young People program. She holds a bachelor’s in creative writing, and master’s degrees in written communication and in educational technology. Lisa lives with her husband and two children in Michigan, where she spends her free time teaching the next generation of writers at Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth. Buy: Blinds, furniture and appliances Skip: Home electronics Buy: Small appliances Skip: Swimwear and lingerie Buy: Spring apparel Bonus buy: Paints Also in May: Moms, food deals and Star Wars Day How to Pay Off Debt: Top Strategies for 2026 Credit Score Ranges: What They Mean and How They Work How to Budget Money in 5 Steps 28 Proven Ways to Save Money 13 Ways to Find the Best Deals Online By Lauren Schwahn, Elizabeth Ayoola Return Policy Guide: What to Know and Which Stores Stand Out By Lauren Schwahn, Lisa Mulka 6 of the Best Cash-Back Apps By Tommy Tindall, Lisa Mulka, Hal M. Bundrick, CFP® How to Build a Holiday Budget That Works Every Year By Amanda Barroso When is Black Friday? Here’s What You Need to Know Before You Shop By Amanda Barroso