Every month of the year, certain items are discounted due to overstock, holiday sales, or transitions from one season to the next. Here are the shopping highlights for May in Seattle-Tacoma area stores.
Of course, we think the best way to save money is not to spend it! But, when you need or want to, plan your spending to take advantage of the times of the year when what you buy is at the lowest possible price.
- Holidays and special events with shopping discounts and deals include Cinco De Mayo (May 5), Free Comic Book Day (first Saturday), Mother’s Day (second Sunday), and Memorial Day (last Monday). For all events this month, visit: May events and entertainment – Greater Seattle on the Cheap.
Memorial Day Weekend, like many national holidays, features sales and shopping events – DepositPhotos.com
Seasonal items to buy in May
Gasoline
If a road trip is possible for the Memorial Day holiday, be sure to fill up your tank well ahead of the weekend if you can. Prices will be higher after Wednesday that week.
Mother’s Day
The trick for Mother’s Day is to think outside the box. Typical gifts tend to see a price increase, such as jewelry, perfume, and flowers. For unique gifts, try a museum store. There’s always an interesting selection at a range of prices, as low as $10-$20 and on up. Be sure to check for discount items. We always encourage you to shop at small, local businesses.
- Mother’s Day gift ideas and things to do
- Best retailers for gift ideas, party supplies, holiday decor
Gym membership
How are those New Year’s resolutions working for you? Gyms start to see a downturn toward summer months as people get outside. But if staying in is more to your liking, you might be able to swing a deal on gym membership. Look for sign-up deals.
Abdominal plate training core group at gym – DepositPhotos.com
Memorial Day Weekend Sales
Every holiday weekend is like a mini-black Friday with discounts on many items at mall retailers and factory stores on a wide range of goods including clothes and household items. For Memorial Day, start looking for bargains in the middle of the month.
Clothing
Department stores, shopping malls, and major brands usually have great sales in May on outgoing spring clothing and accessories. Hold out for Memorial Day Weekend to get the most bang for your buck. Stores will have holiday sales and discounts.
Thrift Stores
As with April, people clean out their homes and closets for spring, so secondhand stores continue to see a surge in goods. May can be another good month to peruse thrift stores for recycled clothing and household items. Here’s where to find them:
- Garage sale finder map and calendar
- Best used clothing stores in Seattle and Puget Sound
- JBF consignment sales of children’s & maternity
- Surplus stores, auctions, salvage, and recycled materials
New products to buy in May
Here are the discounts and deals to expect during the month of May.
Household Goods
From refrigerators to vacuum cleaners and toasters to knives, there are deals to be had on a variety of large and small home appliances and kitchen gadgets. Besides household needs, think ahead to weddings and college dorm room supplies for students in your household (but take care not to overbuy).
- Best Seattle wedding gift registries and tips (greaterseattleonthecheap.com)
- Our big list of wedding shows & bridal expos (greaterseattleonthecheap.com)
- 7 ways to pay for college without loans (greaterseattleonthecheap.com)
- How to save money on college textbooks (greaterseattleonthecheap.com)
Mattresses
If you are shopping for furniture or need a new bed mattress. May is one of the best months for a mattress purchase because supplies are high, while prices are some of the lowest of the year.
May is one of the best months for a mattress purchase – DepositPHotos.com
Summer stuff
You’ll see new arrivals at some attractive prices on lawn and garden products, outdoor cooking accessories, picnic and party supplies, camping gear, and outdoor toys. Steep discounts of course come at the end of the season, but there are deals to be had on summer goods. Check barbecue prices carefully, you might find a better buy in June ahead of Father’s Day. You might also like:
- Free food safety apps and guides
- Cheap recipes for your barbecue
- How to save money on a summer party
- Create your own cheap summer camp for kids
- 8 giant backyard games you can build yourself
- Top 10 DIY outdoor toys and summer activities for kids
Calendar of shopping events, deals, and discount
Listed below are upcoming shopping events, discounts and sales from our calendar.
Featured Events are list first each day, highlighted by a photo. Featured events are unique or annual events that we or our advertisers don’t want you to overlook.
But wait, there’s more!
- Here’s a list of free things to do in May.
- Find a complete list of affordable May events and entertainment.
- Find discount tickets to events on our half-price tickets page.
- Here’s a list of 101+ always free things to do for fun.
- Find free and cheap things to do every day on the Greater Seattle on the Cheap event calendar.
- Visit the Greater Seattle on the Cheap home page and choose from a menu of free and cheap activities in the Puget Sound region.
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