What to Buy (and Skip) in April 2022

Take advantage of April’s discounts with our list of the top things you should buy — and a few you should avoid.

Buy: Easter leftovers

Easter falls on Sunday, April 17 this year, so the end of the month will be an ideal time to stock up on holiday leftovers, such as candy and decorations. Look for post-Easter sales at drugstores and big-box retailers as they clear inventory to make room for Mother’s Day displays.

It’s not uncommon to find deals of 50% off or more, so you can save on pastels and plush bunnies for next year.

Skip: Kitchen appliances

Appliance deals abound during Memorial Day sales in May, so if you can, let April come and go before you buy a refrigerator, a dishwasher or even a smaller kitchen appliance like a blender.

Memorial Day is May 30 this year, but we predict sales will start a few days before the holiday and extend a few days after. Memorial Day appliance sales traditionally take place at big-box chains like Best Buy and Home Depot.

Buy: Vacuums

If you discover during spring cleaning season that your old vacuum isn’t getting the job done, and you held off in March, now can still be a good time to buy a new one. You’ll find plenty of vacuum sales and home cleaning deals this month.

Discounts may not be as steep as they were on Black Friday, but check home cleaning brands and third-party retailers for deals. In the past, Dyson has offered clearance discounts of up to $150 in April.

Skip: Summer essentials

Long months of winter blues could have you itching to skip spring and go straight to summer, but there are better times to stock up on swimsuits and sandals. Prices for seasonal items tend to be highest at the beginning of the season and lowest at the end.

Try to hold out a few more months. You can expect midseason sales after demand has cooled. June marks semiannual sale season. That’s when stores such as Victoria’s Secret and Bath & Body Works typically offer the summer installment of their twice-annual blowout sales.

Buy: Beauty products

Keep your eyes peeled for markdowns on makeup and other beauty products this month. For example, Sephora’s big spring sale starts April 1 this year.

Bonus: Earth Day

Earth Day is April 22, and while we don’t always associate the observance with sales, it can be a good time to shop sustainably. Think deals on things that grow, like flowers and plants. Lowe’s home improvement stores gave away 500,000 free tree saplings to celebrate the planet last year.

It can also be a good time to shop for ethically-made clothing or a piece of cookware you’ll keep forever. How’s that for a way to feel good about what you buy in April?