What to Buy — and What to Skip — in April

Showers of Deals

mixetto/istockphoto

Cheapism is editorially independent. We may earn a commission if you buy through links on our site.
Showers of Deals
mixetto/istockphoto

Showers of Deals

It's officially spring, and retailers are preparing for warm weather and hotter sales. In April, buyers will find deals on everything from spring clothes to jewelry, as well as some remaining winter items. Although the selection of last season's goods will be even slimmer than it was in March, prices will be deeply discounted. With the coronavirus pandemic continuing, online shopping will be the order of the day this season. 


Related:
The Best Time to Buy Almost Anything This Year 

Car Parts and Accessories
Malkovstock/istockphoto

Car Parts and Accessories

April is National Car Care Month, so auto parts stores and service centers will be running promotions. Even if you don't need any major work done, it's usually a good time to take a vehicle in for a tune-up; check brakes, wipers, and tires; and shop for car accessories. 


Related: 12 Ways to Stop Wasting Money on Your Car

Tire changing at car service
dardespot/istockphoto
Jewelry
Iakov Filimonov/shutterstock

Jewelry

Bling just might be the thing to buy in April. With the Valentine's Day bump a distant memory, jewelers are ready to compete for tax-refund money by offering low prices to get customers in the door. 


Related: 20 Fun and Smart Ways to Spend Your Tax Refund

Diamond Halo 18” Pendant Necklace
Macy's

Deals on Jewelry

Large specialty chains like Jared and local jewelers' online sites are certainly worth a look. But don't forget to look for jewelry sales on big-box and department-store sites like Macy's, with some of the deepest discounts coming on items that have mass appeal, such as diamond stud earrings and pendants, gemstone rings and necklaces, and cultured pearls. Watches may also be nicely discounted.


Related: First Anniversary Gifts for Him and for Her

Mother's Day Gifts
FG Trade/istockphoto

Mother's Day Gifts

Speaking of jewelry, early April is also the moment to get a head start on Mother's Day shopping. Wait until May, and prices will be higher on sparkly stuff, as well as flowers and chocolate. 


Related: 50 Mother's Day Gifts She'll Love for Less Than $50

Deals on Mother's Day Gifts
SolStock/istockphoto

Deals on Mother's Day Gifts

If you always send flowers for Mother's Day, now's the time to think about buying. Brad's Deals found that Valentine's Day buyers could lock in a good price on roses by ordering a month in advance, and Mother's Day is a similarly big deal for florists. In 2019, Cheapism's price analysis found ProFlowers to be the best budget-friendly delivery service, but don't overlook ordering from local florists, where quality tends to be more reliable.


If mom has a sweet tooth, take advantage of deals on chocolate and other treats after Easter, April 4. Mass-market chocolate will quickly go on sale at Walmart and Target, often at 30% to 50% off. Fortunately, those with more discriminating palates should be able to find discounts from higher-end brands like Godiva, too. 


Related: This Is the Best Easter Candy to Fill Your Basket With This Year

Snowblowing
Marcel Jancovic/shutterstock

Snow Removal Equipment

With the last of the snow out of the way, equipment like snow blowers and snow shovels will be on clearance to make room for spring gardening tools. Now is the time to look for end-of-season sales and make a big purchase for next winter.


Related: The Best Cheap Snow Blowers

Deals on Snow Removal Equipment
Amazon

Deals on Snow Removal Equipment

Home Depot and Lowe's are the obvious go-tos for deals on beefier equipment like snow blowers. But don't forget Amazon, which has a surprising selection, particularly of smaller electric blowers.

Home Improvement Supplies
SomeMeans/istockphoto

Home Improvement Supplies

With spring in the air, many do-it-yourselfers are ready to tackle some projects they let slide over the winter. While demand is high, so is competition, making it possible for enterprising homeowners to snag some great deals this time of year. 


Related: 13 Surprisingly Simple Home Repairs You Can DIY to Save Big

Deals on Home Improvement Supplies
ArtistGNDphotography/istockphoto

Deals on Home Improvement Supplies

In the past, Home Depot has offered "Spring Black Friday" discounts in April, making this the month to stock up and get to work. Deals have covered everything from lawn mowers to mulch to patio furniture. Lowe's has offered similar discounts, including 50% off gardening supplies and 30% off outdoor power equipment. And don't overlook smaller players like Ace Hardware


Related: Where to Buy Garden Supplies

Spring Apparel
Bildagentur Zoonar GmbH/shutterstock

Spring Apparel

Retailers are ready to clear out spring apparel to make room for summer duds. That means shoulder-season clothing — think jackets, lightweight sweaters, and long-sleeve T-shirts — will be going on sale. 


Related: 14 New Rules for Clothes Shopping During the Pandemic

Deals on Spring Apparel
Justin Sullivan / Staff / Getty Images News / Getty Images North America / Getty Images CC
Cookware
nd3000/istockphoto

Cookware

Retailers typically feature April promotions on pots, pans, and cooking tools in time for bridal showers, weddings, and college graduations. And if mom has her eye on some new cookware, don't forget that Mother's Day is just around the corner. 


Related: 30 Kitchen Essentials That Are Built to Last

Deals on Cookware
Target

Deals on Cookware

Shoppers can almost always count on companies such as Macy's for deals on cookware sets. Retailers like Target and Walmart may also discount certain sets, including lower-end basics that can be ideal as graduation gifts. Got an eye on something pricier? Williams Sonoma usually has a Spring Cookware Event in April when shoppers can find half off or more on higher-end brands including Le Creuset, Calphalon, and All-Clad. 


Related: Where to Find Quality Cookware and Kitchen Appliances Made in America

Secondhand Items
knape/istockphoto

Secondhand Goods

Spring cleaning yields loads of donations to thrift stores, so take a break from your own chores to check out a fresh array of secondhand clothing, home decor, and other deals from stores. Smart thrift-store shopping tips include buying off-season for the best selection. Vintage clothing is always in style, and cheap home decor and pieces can often be repurposed. 


Related: Buy These 24 Things Secondhand to Save Big

Set Up an Ebay Account
ymgerman/istockphoto
Be Barbecue Ready
arinahabich/istockphoto

Skip: Grills

Although outdoor temperatures are climbing and many people are itching to barbecue, waiting until July or August to buy a cheap grill pays off. 


Related: 11 Hot Tips to Make Your Grill Last

Mattresses
LightFieldStudios/istockphoto

Skip: Mattresses

Mattresses seem to be perpetually on sale, but with no "shopping holidays" in April, they're less likely to be discounted. If you can hold off, you'll find much better mattress deals once Memorial Day rolls around at the end of May.


Summer Apparel
Pollyana Ventura/istockphoto

Skip: Summer Apparel

The beginning of a season is always the worst time to find deals on new duds. With retailers clearing out spring merchandise and stocking up on summer apparel, now isn't the best time to buy new summer clothes.