Top 4 Items to Stock Up in May — And 3 Things to Avoid

May is the unofficial kickoff to summer and we’re seeing lots of things to buy in May to reflect that. This month, we’ll see Memorial Day sales from Home Depot and Lowe’s (predicted for May 16), Target and Walmart (predicted for May 19), and Macy’s (predicted on May 22).

You’ll also see deals on hair care, pet products, and clearance spring apparel this month. To ensure true savings, you should aim to save 60% or more — trust us, you can do this during these sales. We also have tips for Mother’s Day clearance, Wayfair Way Day, National Nurses Day, Teacher Appreciation Week, and more.

Here’s our list of what to stock up on in May. Plus, a calendar that is clickable (if you're on our free Krazy Coupon Lady app or a computer) — so you can learn even more about each sale in May.

And for more smart shopping tips and savings hacks, text HACKS to 57299.

What to buy during Memorial Day sales

If you missed out on the major spring sales last month, keep your eyes peeled for Lowe’s and Home Depot’s Memorial Day sales. These last for two weeks and offer deals on landscaping and gardening gear. 

Also, check out other stores’ Memorial Day sales to find deals on toys, apparel, and more for the home.

Home Depot

When Home Depot’s Memorial Day Sale comes around, you’ll find deals on outdoor essentials from 50% - 60% off. 

Here are the deals you should look for this month.

• $0.25 Concrete Pavers: If you missed this deal during their Spring Black Friday sale, it typically returns for Memorial Day. A 63% discount makes this a stock-up-worthy price.

• $7.50 Hanging Flower Baskets: Another return from the Home Depot spring sale, look for these hanging baskets at over 40% off. 

• $99 Grills: If you’re looking for a new grill this season, aim to get 50% off. And if you’re hoping to spend under $100, be sure to check Home Depot in May.

Lowe’s

Always at the same time as Home Depot, we’ll see the Lowe’s Memorial Day Sale in mid-May as well. You’ll find similar pricing — as well as some returns of popular items — from the Lowe’s SpringFest sale.

Here’s what we think you can expect:

• Up to 50% off select outdoor furniture like patio chairs, conversation sets, and porch swings.

• $8 Hanging Flower Baskets: Lowe’s 1.5-gallon hanging baskets are almost always discounted during the Memorial Day sale. Try to score at least 35% - 40% off for a stock-up price.

• 50% Planters and Soil: You’ll likely see deals on planters and potting soil, aim to get at least 50% off during this sale. 

Walmart

The Walmart Memorial Day Sale runs the gamut from apparel to outdoor furniture to toys. While you’ll find deals on nearly everything, only some are actually worth your money. 

Here’s what we saw in the 2023 Walmart Memorial Day sale.

• Expert Grill 14.5'' Portable Charcoal Grill $17.97 (reg $19.97)

• Blackstone Adventure Ready 2-Burner 28" Griddle Cooking Station $197 (reg $227)

• Pit Boss Lexington Wood Pellet Grill $267 (reg $297)

• Suncast Hideaway Hose Reel, Gray $59 (reg $119.29)

• Bliss Hammocks Set of 2 Gravity-Free Chairs, Black $89.97 (reg $176.84)

• Mainstays Sanza Rattan 4-Piece Wicker Patio Furniture Set, Beige $297 (reg $444)

Target

​​The Target Memorial Day Sale is a great time to find deals on furniture, storage, grills, patio decor, and clothing to kick off summer. We predict you’ll see deals start on May 19, 2024.

• Up to 40% off Outdoor furniture, decor, grills, fire pits and more

• $150 off the bestselling Opalhouse Canopy Chair 

• 30% off swimwear for the family

• 20% off dresses, tees, shorts, and sandals

• 70% off select toys from Nerf, Little Tikes, VTech, LOL Surprise, and more

Pet Supplies

Amazon Pet Day begins on May 7 this year and runs through May 8. Over two days, you can shop deals 60% off or more on items like dog harnesses, activity trackers, and pet beds. 

Some early Amazon Pet Day deals you can shop now:

• 69% off Dingo Rawhide Chews ($4.52)

• 68% off Chuck It Ball 2-Pack ($4.99)

• 50% off Beneful Wet Dog Food 12-Pack ($11.86)

• 47% off 24-ct. Blue Buffalo Wet Cat Food ($0.87 per can)

Haircare

There are two big hair care sales to shop in May. The Sephora Oh Hair Yeah Event technically started on April 30, but it runs through May 11. You’ll see new deals up to a rare 50% off every day of sale. 

Sephora hair care brands to check out at up to 50% off:

• Olaplex

• BondiBoost

• Pureology

• Living Proof

We predict the Ulta Gorgeous Hair Event will begin on Sunday, May 12. Based on prior years, the sale will likely run through Sunday, June 2. Like Sephora, expect up to 50% off daily deals on top brands.

Ulta hair care brands to expect in mid-May:

• It's a 10

• DevaCurl

• L'Ange

• Fekkai

Spring Apparel

We’ve seen some warm-weather apparel on shelves since January, but the true discounts start in May to make room for more summer styles. Don’t settle for less than 70% off — you’ll find some steals for under $10 if you aim high.

• $9.99 clearance jeans at American Eagle (83% off)

• Clearance apparel from $7 at Macy’s (80% off)

• Women’s denim shorts from $7 at Old Navy (77% off)

• Girls’ and Junior’s apparel from $3.50 at Walmart (75% off)

• Nike kid’s apparel from $9 at Dick’s Sporting Goods (70% off)

A few other things to buy in May.

Indoor and outdoor furniture during Wayfair Way Day: May 4 - 6

Wayfair Way Day runs May 4 - 6, 2024, and you'll see daily deals revealed every 24 hours, plus free shipping sitewide. Expect up to 80% off furniture, rugs, storage, and more.

Wayfair app users get early access to the sale on May 3 and an extra 20% off with promo code WAYDAY20.

Tip: Home decor deals at Wayfair aren’t usually compelling. Stick to high-ticket items — like furniture — marked at least 60% off. 

Mother’s Day Gifts after May 12

Mother’s Day falls on Sunday, May 12 this year. You’ll get the best deals on Mother’s Day clearance — up to 70% off — near the end of the month. 

Macy’s typically has great Mother’s Day clearance deals. Shop 40% - 60% off select designer bags from brands like Calvin Klein, Michael Kors, Kate Spade, and more after the holiday.

Tip: You’ll also find Mother’s Day food and restaurant deals on Mother’s Day weekend.

Freebies for Nurses: May 6

National Nurses Day falls on May 6, 2024. You’ll see deals exclusively for nurses like 25% off Crocs, free subs at Firehouse Subs, and free coffee from Dunkin’. If you’re a nurse, just make sure to show your work ID to get in on the savings. 

Teacher Appreciation Freebies

Teacher Appreciation Week falls on May 6 - 10 this year. Target usually has one of the best deals each year — 10% off for teachers through the Target Circle app.

Look for more discounts and freebies from Staples, Applebee’s, Dunkin’, and more.

German Food at Aldi: May 8 - 14

Aldi’s German Week will arrive the second week of May — on May 8. During German Week you can expect deals on the Deutsche Küche brand starting as low as $1.39. Stock up in May on pork schnitzel, herring fillets, hazelnut biscuits, and egg spaetzle. 

Wait until June for... 

Bras and Undies

While you may find some steals in Macy’s clearance sales this month, we expect the Victoria’s Secret Semi-Annual Sale to begin on June 13, 2024. You’ll see 50% – 80% off bras, undies, sleepwear, and beauty items.

Tools

Father’s Day falls on Sunday, June 16, 2024. You’ll find Father’s Day deals on tools at Home Depot and Lowe’s in early to mid-June. 

Candles and Soaps

We predict the Yankee Candle Semi-Annual Sale will begin on May 31 this year. But the sale typically lasts for several weeks, so you can take advantage of the deals well into June.

Plus, the Bath & Body Works Semi-Annual Sale is also slated for June, so you can score even more candle deals and discounts on soaps, body care, and more.