Stretch Your Dollars: The Best Things to Buy in August
Trying to shop smarter this month? August is packed with clearance deals, seasonal markdowns, and back-to-school sales that make it one of the best times of year to save. Whether you're prepping for a new school year or stocking up for fall, these are the best things to buy in August to keep more cash in your pocket.
1. Back-to-School Supplies and Dorm Essentials
Not just for students. School supply sales often include everyday home and office staples—like pens, notebooks, paper towels, and cleaning products. Dorm gear such as bedding, mini fridges, and storage carts also gets marked down heavily.
Tip: Look for deals at Staples, Target, and Walmart. Woot often runs dorm bundles with extra promo codes that stack your savings.
2. Summer Clothing and Swimwear
Retailers are clearing out summer stock to make room for fall fashion. That means deep discounts on sandals, shorts, tank tops, and swimsuits—sometimes up to 70 percent off.
Tip: Now’s the time to grab name-brand summer shoes or that second swimsuit you meant to buy in June.
3. Outdoor Furniture and Grills
As summer winds down, prices drop on patio sets, umbrellas, fire pits, and grills. Expect the best markdowns after mid-month as stores prepare for fall inventory.
Tip: Check Lowe’s, Home Depot, and Wayfair for end-of-season clearance plus free shipping deals.
4. Laptops and Tech Gear
With school starting, August is a great time to find deals on laptops, tablets, printers, and headphones. Many retailers run student-focused sales and bundle promotions.
Tip: Look for bonus gift cards or student discounts at Best Buy, Amazon, and Apple.
5. Garden Tools and Lawn Equipment
Once peak growing season ends, you’ll start seeing big discounts on gardening supplies. That includes tools, hoses, raised beds, and outdoor planters.
Tip: Don’t forget to check clearance bins for herbs, seedlings, and solar-powered lights.
6. Air Conditioners and Fans
August is your last chance to grab cooling products before they disappear for the season. Prices on portable air conditioners, window units, and tower fans tend to drop quickly.
7. Tax-Free Shopping Holidays
Many states offer tax-free weekends in August, especially for school supplies, clothing, and electronics. That means you can double down on savings by avoiding sales tax.
Tip: Look up your state’s tax-free dates and plan to stock up during that window.
Smart Buy Strategy:
Skip major appliances this month—those deals get better in September and October. But if you're eyeing smaller kitchen gadgets, early Labor Day sales might work in your favor.
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JCPenney Weekend Deals: Save Up to 60% on Home
JCPenney’s Weekend Hot Deals are offering up to 60% off select home essentials. Shoppers can find deals on towels, sheets, bedding, cookware, curtains, candles, luggage and more. Some towels start at just $3.99, while select luggage is up to 60% off. The Weekend Hot Deals end August 23.
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Barnes & Noble Book Haul: Hundreds of Hardcovers 50% Off
The Barnes & Noble Book Haul is back with hundreds of select hardcover books marked 50% off. Shoppers can find fiction, nonfiction, kids' books and special editions among the discounted titles. The sale runs through September 7, making it a great time to stock your bookshelf or grab a few books for upcoming gifts.
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Target Apple Sale: Save Up to $100 on Apple Devices
Target is offering up to $100 off select Apple devices for a limited time. Shoppers can find savings on Apple Watches, AirPods, iPads and other tech, with select Apple Watch Series 11 models currently $100 off. The promotion ends Sunday, August 23.
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Automatic Curling Iron Deal: Save 29% at Amazon
Amazon has the TYMO CURLPRO Automatic Rotating Curling Iron on sale for $49.99, down from a $69.99 list price. That’s a 29% discount on the popular 1-inch rotating curler. It has more than 17,000 Amazon ratings and is designed for curls and beachy waves. Check the current price before ordering, since this is a limited-time deal.
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Lunch Bag Deal: Save 50% and Pay Just $7.98
Amazon has an insulated 12-can lunch bag marked down 50%, dropping the price from $15.99 to just $7.98. The soft-sided 9-liter bag works for packed lunches, workdays, school, road trips and more. This is a limited-time deal, so check the current price before ordering.
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