What to Buy in August
Our Monthly Guide to Getting the Best Deals at the Best Times
August is here. Area kids are either back in school or gearing up for the big day. While the kids might not be very pleased about this, it’s great for parents and grandparents. Less time herding children means more time to shop for good deals! Tax-Free Weekend is August 1st-3rd. making it a great time for updating some old technology. With kids returning to college, August is also prime time for furnishing your man cave or game room, or sprucing up the exterior of your home. So, What to buy in August? Keep reading to find out more.
Computers and MP3 players
This is a great time to purchase a new computer. Take advantage of Tax-Free Weekend, back-to-school sales, and old inventory reductions, and get some really impressive deals on computers and MP3 players, such as an Apple iPod Nano, Philips Gogear RaGa, or SanDisk Clip Sport. Some restrictions apply during Tax-Free Weekend, so make sure you do your homework beforehand. But, you won’t find a better time to buy.
Bed linens and towels
Again, with kids returning to college, retailers have marked down bedding sets and towels. If you’re picking some up for the kids, you might as well buy some for your log home, too. You can never have too many soft, fluffy towels; and, with the deals you’ll find this month, you might as well stock up so you’ll be ready for any unexpected guests who might arrive.
Dorm furniture
Think beanbag chairs, futons, and ottomans. They are great to use in any dorm room, but these items can also be perfect additions to your home’s game room or man cave. August is the best month to purchase these items at deeply discounted prices. Mini-fridges can also be found at a steal this month, and we all know no man cave is complete without a well-stocked mini-fridge!
Home organizers
August is also a great month to find deep discounts on bookshelves, storage boxes, and organizational units. If your log home is collecting clutter (and whose isn’t?), save some money and get organized at the same time. Whether you need a bookshelf for your home office, a storage bench for the mudroom, or some plastic totes for the garage, now is the time to buy.
Craft supplies
To attract the back-to-school crowd, retailers mark down various craft supplies, such as scissors, glue, paper, etc., during the month of August. But, these supplies can also be used to spruce up your home. Got an artistic, creative flair? Put it to good use and save money, too! Now may be the time to purchase items to create a new wreath for your front door or to sew beautiful new curtains for your bedroom. With so many paper crafting items now on sale, this might be the right month to purchase everything you need to create the perfect scrapbook detailing the process of building your new log home. Or, you could create and send out “Open House” invitations to show off your new log home to all your family and friends.
Sunscreen and insect repellant
It’s always a good idea to have these products on hand. If you’re planning any outdoor activities or yard work during the late summer and fall, you will more than likely need to slather on the sunscreen and keep the bugs at bay. In addition, August 15th is National Relaxation Day (no, really!), and who can relax with flies buzzing all around? Be prepared for the 15th and every other day while the prices are best.
BBQ and patio equipment
Now is a great time to purchase a new grill, grilling utensils (even charcoal and lighter fluid), and patio furniture. Shop toward the end of the month, as the deals get better as Labor Day approaches. You may be interested in learning that August 31st is “Eat Outside Day,” so celebrate this all-important day with new gear!
Lawnmowers
Retailers are eager to move out all things related to summer, and lawnmowers are no exception. As we mentioned before, it’s best to wait until the end of August, when you can get deals for as much as 35-40% off the retail price. I’d say that’s worth waiting for!
Swimwear and beach gear
With vacation season winding down, August is a good month to stock up on swimsuits for next season. This is also a good time to buy beach gear, such as umbrellas, beach blankets, chairs, etc. Stock up now and store them away until next year. Or, if your log home is on the lake, you might be able to break in your new gear this year!
August is a great month. It’s still hot outside, so you can still host outdoor gatherings for family and friends. With so many young adults beginning college this month, now is the time for new beginnings and adventures. On the other hand, August 21st is National Senior Citizen Day, so make sure you hug your favorite senior and show them you care. August is also National Parks Month. With the amazing Great Smoky Mountains right here in our backyard, we can’t think of anything better than celebrating this national treasure! We hope you get out there and enjoy it, too!
Until next month, happy National Parks Month, and HAPPY SHOPPING!