Best time to buy big ticket items during the year
Want to save hundreds (or even thousands) on big-ticket purchases like TVs, mattresses, laptops, or furniture? Timing is everything. Whether you’re shopping in-store or online, every product category has a sweet spot during the year. In this guide, you’ll learn the best time to buy big ticket items—with a full seasonal calendar to help you plan smarter and spend less without waiting forever.
This seasonal buying guide will help you plan purchases with precision—whether you’re buying a mattress, a laptop, or plane tickets.
Best Time to Buy Big Ticket Items: Month-by-Month Guide
January
- Bedding & Linens: White sales are a tradition in January.
- Fitness Equipment: New Year’s resolutions drive discounts.
- TVs & Electronics: Clearance after holiday season and pre-Super Bowl.
- Winter Apparel: Deep post-holiday markdowns.
Tip: Use gift cards received during the holidays for extra savings.
February
- Mattresses: Presidents’ Day sales bring some of the best prices all year.
- Furniture: New models arrive in spring, so retailers discount old stock.
- Valentine’s Day Clearance: Wait until February 15 for candy, flowers, and gifts.
March
- Tax Software: Discounts increase as tax filing deadlines approach.
- Luggage: Off-season pricing before summer travel demand kicks in.
Tip: Avoid large electronics—new models come out in spring.
April
- Vacuum Cleaners: Spring cleaning deals are common.
- Home Improvement Supplies: Retailers cater to spring projects.
May
- Appliances: Memorial Day sales offer deep discounts on washers, dryers, and refrigerators.
- Mattresses: Second-best time to buy after February.
- Small Kitchen Appliances: Think air fryers, blenders, and coffee makers.
June
- Tools & Hardware: Father’s Day sales abound.
- Gym Memberships: Summer slump means deals for new sign-ups.
- Movie Tickets & Streaming: Summer promotions launch to compete with outdoor activities.
July
- Amazon Prime Day: Massive deals on tech, home goods, and more.
- Back-to-School Supplies: Early birds get the best selection.
- Summer Apparel: Mid-season clearance begins.
August
- Laptops & Electronics: Back-to-school sales offer student discounts.
- Outdoor Furniture: End-of-season clearance.
- School Supplies: Tax-free weekends in many U.S. states.
September
- Appliances: Labor Day brings markdowns before holiday season.
- Grills & Patio Furniture: Deep discounts before storage season.
- Bicycles: Clearance before winter models arrive.
October
- Outdoor Gear: Hiking and camping equipment drops in price.
- Denim & Fall Fashion: Early markdowns on seasonal trends.
- Travel Bookings: Best time to buy holiday flights (6–8 weeks out).
November
- Black Friday: Best deals on electronics, clothing, and household items.
- Cyber Monday: Focus on tech, digital subscriptions, and small gadgets.
- Tools: Great for pre-holiday home improvement projects.
December
- Toys & Games: Week before Christmas often brings surprise sales.
- Holiday Décor: Wait until after December 25 for massive discounts.
- Champagne & Wines: End-of-year surplus drives prices down.
Pro Tips for Seasonal Buying
- Use Price Tracking Tools: Honey, CamelCamelCamel, and Google Shopping track historical prices.
- Plan Large Purchases in Advance: Don’t wait until you need it—buy when it’s cheapest.
- Stack Discounts: Combine cashback apps, promo codes, and store rewards.
- Join Email Lists: Get early access to sales and exclusive coupons.
Combine this seasonal buying guide with a strategic spending plan to maximize value.
Just be cautious: timing your purchases well doesn’t eliminate the psychology of discounts that tempts you to overspend.
Final Thoughts
Buying smart isn’t just about self-discipline—it’s about strategy. By planning major purchases around seasonal deals, you can save hundreds (or thousands) each year.
Use this guide as your money-saving calendar. And remember, the best deal is the one you planned for—not the one that caught you off guard.