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| © Igor Emmerich/Getty Images Mother and daughters playing in garden with balloons |
By Kendall Little, Bankrate
In the month of April, there's no shortage of holidays tailor-made to entice shoppers.
There will be plenty of discounts to take advantage of, but some items may be worth waiting for. No need to brave the pollen or the April showers to pick up some of the things on your shopping list.
If you're looking to score the best deal, here are some purchases you should forget about making this month.
Mattresses and appliances
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| © Cultura/Rex Features People shopping in appliance store |
Sales on mattresses and appliances usually fall on three-day weekends throughout the year. So if you missed Presidents Day's steep discounts in February, you can rest assured that low prices will return.
Soon you'll find discounts on mattresses at brick-and-mortar retailers like Mattress Firm and online brands like Casper, says Tiara Rea-Palmer, head of retail relations at CouponFollow. These sales will likely peak during Memorial Day weekend, but it pays to track prices throughout the month of May. That way, you're prepared when a good deal appears.
Spring Black Friday sales at stores like Lowe's and Home Depot may include appliances. So if you're desperately in need of a new refrigerator or washing machine, you will likely find a discount. Otherwise, you're better off waiting to shop for appliances. The best deals are usually available later in the year, during Labor Day weekend and Black Friday.
Electronics
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| © Tim Robberts/Getty Images vWoman using laptop with smart phone. |
f you've heard about Apple's recent event -- or the Samsung Galaxy Fold that's expected to be released later this month -- you may be tempted to start shopping around for a new phone or laptop.
But unless your old device is damaged or you need a replacement now, waiting for a few months may be worth it. Electronics sales typically peak in July and early August when students and teachers prepare to head back to the classroom. To get the best bang for your buck, look for discounts and bundle deals both online and in stores.
Kristin McGrath, editor and shopping expert at Offers.com, recommends waiting until Amazon Prime Day in July to buy all of your consumer electronics.
"The Prime Day effect inspires other stores such as Target, Best Buy and Walmart to discount electronics, too," McGrath says. "So many stores run sales around Prime Day that the entire week is starting to be called Black Friday in July."
Mother's Day gifts
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| © Ariel Skelley/Getty Images Mother, Daughter, and Grandmother Celebrating Mother's Day |
When it comes to buying gifts for the most important woman in your life, you're better off waiting to hit the mall.
"You can start shopping for Mother's Day gifts in April, but usually, those will be heavily discounted right at the beginning of May," Rea-Palmer says. "They'll really start to discount flowers, candy, cards and personalized gifts."
A different rule of thumb applies if you're planning to shop for Mother's Day gifts online. If you're hoping to surf the web and look for the perfect present, McGrath recommends getting a head start in mid-April.
Swimsuits
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| © Blend Images/Getty Images Friends enjoying the beach. |
As spring break vacations wind down, it may seem like the perfect time to look for sales on swimsuits and other beach accessories. But don't act too fast.
"A swimsuit is a purchase that's tempting to make now, with the newest fashions hitting the shelves," McGrath says. "But you won't see many discounts. Wait until summer passes its midway point to get them on the cheap."
You may see a few sales in May as stores lower prices on items through Memorial Day weekend. If you want to take advantage of the promotions that start popping up around Labor Day weekend, plan your beach getaway for early fall or plan ahead for next summer.
Grills
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| © Simon Kadula/Getty Images Man grilling on home grill |
If you can make yours last for one more season of backyard barbecues and cookouts, you'll find great deals on grills when summer comes to an end.
You will probably find some discounts during Spring Black Friday sales this month, but the best time to buy a grill is after Labor Day. It's best to stock up on all of your summer essentials -- from grills and air conditioning units to seasonal furniture and pool supplies -- in the fall, so your backyard patio is ready to go next summer.
