Mother's Day is Sunday, May 10, and Memorial Day falls on Monday, May 25. Retailers aren't waiting for the long holiday weekend to roll out deals, with sales already starting as stores gear up for summer and Mother's Day celebrations.
While many people will send flowers or take mom out for a meal, experience gifts are also popular this time of year. Spring apparel is expected to go on sale, and major appliances will start seeing markdowns.
Appliance discounts could reach around 10% for the holidays. As new grills are loaded in and shined up for the season, older floor models need to be cleared out. One example - a cooktop originally priced at $1,100, marked down to $500.
When shopping for appliances, it pays to look for the Energy Star rating. These models cost less to run over time and often qualify for utility rebates.
Mattresses are another strong buy later this month, especially around Memorial Day.
Experts advise replacing mattresses about every 10 years and paying close attention to where they're made.
"The key is you want to buy mattresses that are made in the U.S.. Mattresses that are made outside of the country could have, God forbid, formaldehyde - could have possible poisonous substances," Adam Warren of Westwood Sleep Centers said.
There's also an inside tip on timing. Retailers have been told by manufacturers that the cost of petroleum, used to make foam in many mattresses, is increasing do to the Iran war. Price hikes are expected, but they're being delayed until after Memorial Day.
"They're uncertain about the amount, and they don't want to give us a price increase and have to give us another increase," Dean Vonderleith of Westwood Sleep Centers said.
Not everything is a smart buy in May. Electronics tend to be cheaper later in the summer during back-to-school sales. Summer sports equipment and swimwear are also better bets to wait on, as prices typically drop in July.
For now, May offers solid opportunities to save on holiday gifts, appliances and home essentials, as long as shoppers know what to buy and what to skip.
----------
SHARE YOUR STORY
Do you have an issue with a company that you haven't been able to resolve? If so, 7 On Your Side wants to help you!
Fill out the form below or email your questions, issues, or story ideas by filling out the form below or by emailing 7OnYourSideNina@abc.com. All emails MUST INCLUDE YOUR NAME AND CELLPHONE NUMBER. Without a phone number, 7 On Your Side will not be able to respond.