Top 12 Things to Buy in July (+ What to Skip)

When it comes to the top things to buy in July, let’s just say fireworks aren’t the only thing hot this month. July is quickly becoming one of the most exciting shopping months of the year, perhaps second only to the Black Friday season in the fall. In addition to plenty of coupons for summer needs, you can find bargains on electronics, appliances, tools, shoes, toys, and rugs as retailers like Target and Walmart compete with Amazon for Prime Day sales.

We’ve got the details from the big sales: Prime Day, Walmart+ Week, and Target Circle Week. Plus, a rundown of other Black Friday in July sales we’re still seeing. Keep reading for a list of all the low-priced deals you should be shopping for this month.

For more smart shopping tips and savings hacks, text HACKS to 57299 and be sure to download The Krazy Coupon Lady app.

 

What things to buy in July at the grocery store:

• Ice cream (brands like Breyers, Magnum, and Dreyer’s)
• In-season fruit and veggies like apricots, basil, peaches, berries, and tomatoes

What to buy at the big box stores:

• School and office supplies (brands like Elmer’s, Bic, Crayola, Expo, Dixon, etc.)
• Sunscreen (brands like Banana Boat, Coppertone, Neutrogena, etc.)
• Computers and laptops
• TVs
• Amazon devices (like Echo and Ring)
• Camping gear
• Summer clothes
• Large and small appliances
• Shoes and sandals

 

Major sales to shop in July.

What do electronics and summer clothes have in common? Black Friday in July sales. You see, Amazon isn’t the only one with crazy good deals in this mid-summer month. We’re tracking these other Black Friday in July sales. Spoiler alert: Most of these retailers ran their sales in tandem with Amazon Prime Day. Here’s a quick and dirty on what we’ve seen so far this month.

Amazon Prime Day

Amazon’s Prime Day officially happened July 11 – 12 2023. We saw deals on electronics, homeware, clothing, and beauty. There were also lots of popular brands on sale like Apple, YETI, and iRobot. And we actually saw some early access deals available as early as July 4. We expect next year’s Prime Day to fall on or around July 9 – 10, 2024.

As always, in 2024 Prime Day will technically be for Amazon Prime members only. But if you’re not a member, just sign up for a free 30-day trial of Amazon Prime and you’ll get access. You’ll have a month to decide if you want to keep the membership before paying anything.

Target Circle Week

Target Circle Week ran from July 9 – 15, 2023. Unlike Amazon Prime Day, you didn’t need a paid membership to shop Target’s sales. This is the first time they’ve ever launched a Circle Week in July (we usually see them in March and September). We saw tons of savings this year (like 30 different Circle Offers available in the app).

To shop the Circle Week sale, you did have to join Target Circle, which is free to sign up. Once you found Circle offers you like, you could use them in-store or online, even when you select Target Pickup at checkout.

Walmart+ Week

The Walmart+ Week event (formerly known as Walmart’s “Deals for Days”) started on July 10, 2023, at noon ET for Walmart+ members. The sale opened to all shoppers 24 hours later on July 11 at noon ET and ran through July 13, 2023, at 7 p.m. ET. We found deals on electronics, computers, kitchen appliances, and more during this sale.

Along with the deals, Walmart partnered with other brands to give shoppers exclusive promotions.

• Panera: 6 months of unlimited Sip Club for $5/month + tax and receive a monthly $5 MyPanera reward
• Rover: get a $30 credit with Rover to spend on pet-sitting and dog-walking
• SpaFinder: get 30% off all SpaFinder gift certificates

Kohl’s Summer Cyber Deals ran July 11 – 12 in 2023.

Kohl’s also tried to get in on the action. Although they change the name of their sale almost every year, it’s still the fourth retailer to horn in on Amazon’s timing. Kohl’s Summer Cyber Deals ran from July 11 – 12 and an additional day on July 13 for BOGO $1 deals. We also saw $10 Kohl’s Cash on $50 spent. Kohl’s Cash means that Kohl’s deals offer some of the lowest prices anywhere if you factor in the value earned on your purchase.

We also saw 15% off for all shoppers who signed up for Kohl’s Sale Alerts and free shipping on $49 orders.

Best Buy Black Friday in July will likely begin a day before Amazon Prime Day.

Surprise, surprise. Another store competing with Amazon. In 2023, Best Buy offered two days of deals, from July 10 – 12 and we saw discounts on back-to-school items like laptops and earbuds.

If you’re not saving at least 50% during Best Buy’s July sale, wait to shop during Black Friday. Follow KCL’s Best Buy deals page for all my hand-picked favorites.

Macy’s Black Friday in July began on July 6.

Macy’s said to heck with all the big names clogging up the third week in July, so started their Macy’s Black Friday deals early. Check out KCL’s Macy’s deals to see if you want to shop ahead of the pack. In 2023, I saw pearl stud earrings for $9.75, 72% off a Rachael Ray cookware set (just $79.99), and $9 skincare sets.

JCPenney Black Friday in July will start at the end of the month.

JCPenney, like Macy’s, keeps their JCPenney Black Friday in July away from the noise of Prime Day, but they shoot for after the other sales. Take a look now through July 23, 2023, for the JCPenney deals for their summer Black Friday sale. We’re seeing $14.99 small kitchen appliances, $2.99 towels, and school uniform essentials from $4.99.

 

1. Amazon devices and electronics.

We saw the best Prime Day deals on Echo products, Fire Tablets, TV deals, cheap Beats Solo Wireless headphones, and more.

The hottest deals we saw in the 2023 Prime Day were:

• Essence Lash Princess Mascara, $3.79 $4.99 (76% Off)
• Kindle Unlimited 3-Month Trial, $0 $35.97 (100% Off)
• Bissell Little Green Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner, $86 $123.59 (30% Off)
• YETI Slim Rambler Can Insulator, $12.50 $25 (50% Off)
• Apple iPad (9th Generation), $249.99 $329 (24% Off)
• iRobot Braava Jet m6 Ultimate Robot Mop, $299.98 $499.99 (40% Off)
• Apple AirPods (2nd Generation), $89.99 $129 (30% Off)
• Rockland Hardside 3-Piece Luggage, $81 $300 (73% Off)
• Aurkath Large Hair Claw Clips, 8 ct, $5.99 $14.99 (60% Off)

From July 3 through July 10, Amazon offered a $5 credit on an eGift card purchase of $50 or more. We love these promo credit deals because you can use them on rarely-discounted brands to get an even steeper discount. We’re hoping for some more Amazon coupons or promo credits in next year’s sale. Here are more ways you can earn Amazon promotional credits.

 

2. School and office supplies in back-to-school sales.

July is the month to start buying school supplies. Expect Walmart and Target to have an array of items for under $1. Walmart Back-to-School sales have some of the lowest prices on Pen + Gear school supplies. We’ve found 2-pocket folders for $0.15, spiral notebooks and crayons for $0.25 to $0.35, and 24-count pencils for $0.97. We also expect rollbacks on Crayola, Elmer’s Glue, and more school supplies.

During Target Back-to-School sales, you’ll score the lowest prices on Mondo Llama and up & up school supplies. But don’t dismiss Target Circle offers on other brands — now through Aug. 26, 2023, Target is offering 20% off for teachers, school staff, and college students. We also predict up to 20% off School Uniforms, 20% off Bic Mechanical Pencils, and 15% off Bic Brite Highlighters. Stack these with a sale price and your 5% RedCard discount for even bigger savings.

We have a whole Back to School Stock Up Guide that lists the stock-up prices you can expect in 2023, so you’ll know which school things to buy in July. They are higher than 2022 stock-up prices, but that is to be expected with inflation.

School supplies coupons:

• Elmer’s coupons
• Bic coupons
• Crayola coupons
• Expo coupons
• Dixon coupons

 

3. Sunscreen

Sunscreen is a summer staple, but it can get seriously expensive — unless you buy it in July. Suncare products are one of those things that actually go on sale when you need them.

Expect deals on sunscreen from brands like EltaMD, Coppertone, and Neutrogena in the Prime Day sale. We also expect you’ll find great deals at Target and Walmart during their summer sales. Aim for 40% – 50% off original prices to ensure you’re getting the best stock-up price.

Sunscreen coupons:

• Banana Boat coupons
• Coppertone coupons
• Neutrogena coupons

 

4. Ice Cream

July is National Ice Cream Month, so expect to see serious sales and coupons for ice cream. Plus, get out and about on National Ice Cream Day to score some free cold treats. Your local grocery store will likely have some great warm-weather deals, but remember to check drug stores like Walgreens, Rite Aid, and CVS as well! Look for dollar-off coupons like $3.00 off Reese’s Ice Cream Cake or $2.00 off Ben & Jerry’s to get the best prices. Stack coupons with Ibotta rebates to score up to 75% off for the best stock-up price.

Ice cream coupons:

• Breyers coupons
• Magnum coupons
• Dreyer’s coupons

 

 

5. Summer clothes for the family.

You’ll find some deals on summer clothes in the Black Friday in July sales. We saw Cat & Jack kids’ sales during Target Circle Week and more summer apparel deals at Kohl’s and Walmart. Stock up on Time and Tru dresses in every color at Walmart for $5 or less. Target had women’s tees for $3, dresses under $10, and swim options for the family starting at $5 — if you see these prices again this month, grab ’em because you won’t see them again until next year.

Don’t forget to check for back-to-school clothes that fall into these summer sales. Target’s selection of sale kids’ underwear and socks are usually at stock-up prices this month. Look for packs of 10 for around $5 to get the best deal.

 

6. Large and small appliances.

Home Depot, Lowe’s, Best Buy, and Macy’s typically all offer deep discounts on appliances in July. Home Depot and Lowe’s have been known to offer up to $750 off major appliances like refrigerators, microwaves, and stoves. They also often offer free appliance delivery with a minimum spend, usually around $299. Watch for these deals to appear mid-month when many of the other summer sales begin.

We expect you’ll see special financing offers through these summer appliance sales. And also predict that Macy’s will drop some of their small Ninja appliances to current year price-lows.

 

 

7. Dove Deodorant at drugstores.

If one of the warmest months of the year has you trying to dry out your underarms, stock up on deodorant for this month and the rest of the summer. We see deals at drugstores like CVS with up to 50% off deodorant brands with mobile coupons and cash-back rebates. Aim for at least 50% off to get a true stock-up price.

Right now you can use a new buy one get one free Dove newspaper coupon at CVS to save on Dove deodorants. By combining this coupon with a weekly BOGO 50% off promotion at CVS, you’ll be able to snag two Dove deodorant sticks or dry sprays for less than the price of one!

8. Tools

Hot weather is a good time to invest in tools. Fourth of July sales generally include big premium tool items from Bauer, DeWalt, and Craftsman. We suggest that you always shop the Lowe’s 4th of July and Home Depot 4th of July sales for good prices on DeWalt and Ryobi. The Harbor Freight 4th of July sale ran from June 30 – July 4 with 20% off one item for everyone and 25% off for Inside Track Club members.

 

9. Shoes and sandals

We saw end-of-the-season sandals and running shoes. For example, Dick’s Sporting Goods has clearance prices on men’s, women’s, and children’s shoes like $16 Crocs, and up to 73% off Nike shoes for the entire family.

Also visit Kohl’s, DSW, or Macy’s for up to 70% off shoes and sandals during this month’s clearance sles.

 

10. Outdoor things to buy in July: Camping gear.

You’re likely to see discounts of 50% or more at stores like Columbia, DICK’S Sporting Goods, Bass Pro Shops, and Cabela’s. (Visit their Bargain Cave while you’re online for clearance deals.) Amazon also has sales on Coleman tents and battery-powered lanterns to keep your campsite well-lit and safe.

Other great spots to shop? Walmart. We expect to see sales on tents in July. And NEVER sleep on Aldi. In 2022, they had $9.99 sleeping bags, along with $12.49 air mattresses.

 

 

11. Fireworks

A few days after July 4 is the best time to see clearance prices on fireworks. Fireworks keep just fine if stored properly in a dry place, and you can break them out again at New Year’s!

Phantom Fireworks offers manager’s specials in-store for deals like Buy 1 Get 2 Free. You can also sign up for their e-mail list for insider discounts and coupons. If you live in a state with Jake’s Fireworks locations, you can sign up for their free VIP program and earn discounts when you shop.

 

12. Rugs

Target’s end-of-summer clearance is often incredible. We saw $3.70 outdoor rugs, deep discounts on door mats, along with savings on backpacks, beach towels and vinyl picnic blankets.

 

Things to Buy in July Honorable Mentions:

Free Slurpee Day: July 1 – 11

Every year, 7-Eleven stores typically celebrate their unofficial birthday (7/11) by giving away free Slurpees through July 11, which is Free Slurpee Day. You can get up to two free small Slurpees (reg. $1.29) starting July 1 until July 11 as a 7REWARDS or Speedy Rewards member (since Speedway and 7-Eleven are the same company).

National Ice Cream Day: July 16

National Ice Cream Day is the third Sunday in July. In 2023, we saw it on Sunday, July 16. But you can expect to see National Ice Cream Day deals all month long. Baskin Robbins, Dairy Queen, Menchie’s, and Marble Slab Creamery all have special offers on Ice Cream Day. And we also know you can score 31% off a Baskin Robbins cone on July 31.

4th of July Sales

Both Lowe’s and Home Depot offer sales that start at the end of June and last into July, in honor of the Fourth of July holiday. Lowe’s and Home Depot’s Fourth of July sales started on June 22. We noticed great deals on things to buy in July, like outdoor and grilling equipment, along with deals on paint.

 

Wait until August for…

Swimsuits. You can find more than half-off swimsuits for the whole family in August, so hold off on that. Patio furniture will also start dropping in late August and through the beginning of fall. It’s best to wait until end-of-season sales for new outdoor furniture.