The 4 Best Things to Buy in May (Plus Your May Sale Calendar)

May is the unofficial kickoff to summer, and we’re seeing lots of things to buy in May that reflect that. This month, we’ll see Memorial Day sales from Home Depot and Lowe’s (predicted for May 15), plus Walmart, Target, and Macy's (predicted for May 18, 21, and 23, respectively).

You’ll see deals on hair care, pet products, and clearance spring apparel this month. 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, Amazon Pet Day, National Nurses Week, Teacher Appreciation Week, and more.

Keep reading for our list of what to stock up on in May. Plus, you'll find a calendar that's 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.

Download The Krazy Coupon Lady app or text HACKS to 57299 for the latest money-saving tips, deals, and coupons.

What to Buy in May 2025

Home, Garden, and Outdoor Items (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 (expected May 15, 2025), you’ll find deals on outdoor essentials at 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 marked down by over 40%. 

• $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

Since it's always around the same time as Home Depot's sale, we’ll see the Lowe’s Memorial Day Sale in mid-May — likely May 17. You’ll find similar pricing as well, plus the return 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 save at least 50%.

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. 

You'll see 40% - 50% off inflatable water slides, coolers, planters, and more (which is predicted for May 18, 2025).

Target

​​The Target Memorial Day Sale is a great time to find deals up to 40% off on furniture, storage, grills, and patio decor, and 20% - 30% off swimwear and clothing to kick off summer. We predict you’ll see deals start on May 23, 2025.

Pet Food, Treats, and Gear From Amazon

Aside from Memorial Day sales, you'll find others worth shopping earlier in the month.

For example, Amazon Pet Day begins on May 13 this year and runs through May 14. Over two days, you can save 60% off or more on items like dog harnesses, activity trackers, and pet beds. 

Some Amazon Pet Day deals we saw last time:

• 69% Off Dingo Rawhide Chews (reg. $4.52)

• 68% Off Chuck It Ball, 2 ct (reg. $4.99)

• 50% Off Beneful Wet Dog Food, 12 ct (reg. $11.86)

• 47% Off Blue Buffalo Wet Cat Food, 24 ct (reg. $0.87 per can)

Hair Care Products From Sephora

The Sephora Oh Hair Yeah Event technically started on April 29, but it runs through May 10. You’ll see new deals every day of sale, with savings up to 50% off. 

We predict the Ulta Big Summer Beauty Sale will begin on Sunday, June 22. Based on prior years, the sale will likely run through Saturday, July 12. We expect up to 45% off jumbo shampoos and conditioners as well as BOGO free mini-size products and sun care discounts.

Spring Clothing Clearance

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

• Clearance Jeans at American Eagle, $9.99 (83% off)

• Clearance Apparel at Macy’s, $7+ (80% off)

• Women’s Denim Shorts at Old Navy, $7+ (77% off)

• Girls’ and Juniors' Apparel at Walmart, $3.50+ (75% off)

• Nike Kids' Apparel at Dick’s Sporting Goods, $9+ (70% off)

May Calendar Reminders

Mother’s Day Clearance: May 12 - 31

Mother’s Day falls on Sunday, May 11 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.

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

Teacher Appreciation Week Deals: May 5 - 9

Teacher Appreciation Week falls on May 5 - 9 this year. We're already seeing deals like a free Whopper Jr. with $1 purchase at Burger King, a free 32-ounce tea at McAlister's Deli, and more.

Staples also has a free 12-pack of pens (with an in-app coupon), and teachers can get 20% off one in-store purchase with a teacher ID May 5 - 10.

Freebies for Nurses: May 6 - 12

National Nurses week starts on May 6, 2025. You’ll see exclusive deals for nurses like 15% 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. 

Wait Until June for ... 

Bras and Undies

While you may find some steals on underwear in Macy’s clearance sales this month, we expect the Victoria’s Secret Semi-Annual Sale to begin on June 12, 2025. You’ll see 50% - 80% off bras, undies, sleepwear, and beauty items.

Tools

Father’s Day falls on Sunday, June 15, 2025. You’ll find Father’s Day deals on tools at Home Depot and Lowe’s in early to mid-June. 

Candles and Soap

We predict the Yankee Candle Semi-Annual Sale will begin on May 23 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 predicted for June 1, so you can score even more candle deals and discounts on soap, body care, and more. 

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