Best Things to Buy in August: Smart Buys and Big Savings
August is more than just the last month of summer—it’s one of the best times to shop smart and save big. As retailers clear out summer inventory and prepare for fall, you’ll find fantastic deals on everything from back-to-school supplies to outdoor essentials and summer clearance items. Dive into August to discover some of the best things to buy this month and enjoy unbeatable offers before the season changes!

August is an exceptional month for savvy shoppers looking to make the most of end-of-season sales. By focusing on the best things to buy in August, you can take advantage of markdowns on summer essentials and back-to-school necessities. Retailers are eager to clear out their inventory, offering deep discounts on items like outdoor gear, garden tools, and more. This is your chance to secure high-value products at lower prices and prepare for both immediate and future needs.
Best Back-to-School Deals in August

Shop Team EC’s most notable back-to-school deals here →Â
August is the perfect time to grab back-to-school deals that can set your students up for success without breaking the bank. Retailers offer substantial discounts on essential school supplies like notebooks, pencils, backpacks, and tech gadgets. Take advantage of these promotions to equip your kids with everything they need for the new school year, while also benefiting from sales tax holidays that many states offer.
In addition to supplies, look for bargains on classroom furniture and organizational tools. Many stores reduce prices on items such as desk organizers and ergonomic chairs, which can help create a productive and comfortable study space at home. By shopping early in August, you not only save money but also avoid the last-minute rush, ensuring that your children start the school year prepared and stress-free.
Maximize Your Back-to-School Budget
According to Statista, in 2023, U.S. households planned to spend an average of $890 on back-to-school supplies—an increase of over $400 since 2004. To make the most of your budget, focus on where you spend your dollars. Electronics and computer-related items are typically the largest expenses, with parents spending around $325 on these categories. Shopping online can offer significant savings, as over half of shoppers are opting for digital outlets. To save even more, compare prices between online stores and discount or department stores to find the best things to buy in August.
Summer Clearance: Top Discounts on Clothing and Gear
Check out Team EC’s current picks for summer clearance items →Â
August’s summer clearance sales offer an excellent chance to refresh your wardrobe and snag seasonal gear at unbeatable prices. Retailers are eager to clear out summer inventory to make way for fall merchandise, meaning significant discounts on clothing, shoes, and swimwear. This is the ideal time to pick up high-quality items for next summer or find great deals on summer essentials before they disappear from the shelves.
Beyond clothing, look for discounts on outdoor gear like beach accessories, grilling equipment, and patio furniture. With prices slashed on these items, you can upgrade your summer setup or prepare for next year without overspending. Shopping the summer clearance sales not only helps you save money but also ensures you’re getting the most out of the season’s final sales before new trends and products take over.
Outdoor Products on Sale: What to Buy in August
Team EC has compiled a list of hot deals on outdoor products here →Â
August is an excellent month to find great deals on outdoor products as retailers make room for fall inventory. This is the perfect time to invest in patio furniture, grills, and gardening tools, all of which often see significant markdowns. If you’ve been eyeing a new outdoor setup or need to replace worn-out gear, now is the time to shop.
Look for discounts on items like high-quality lawn mowers, garden hoses, and outdoor lighting. By purchasing these items now, you can enjoy the benefits of a well-equipped outdoor space for the rest of the season and be ready for next year. Plus, scoring these deals early helps you get ahead of the rush and ensures that you’re prepared for all your outdoor activities.
Finding the Best Deals on Laptops This Month
Check out Team EC’s top picks for back-to-school laptops here →Â
August is a prime time for scoring great deals on laptops, as retailers ramp up their back-to-school promotions. Whether you’re upgrading your own tech or buying for a student, this month often features significant discounts on both new and refurbished models. Look for special offers that include extras like extended warranties or free accessories, which can add even more value to your purchase.
Additionally, keep an eye out for bundle deals where laptops are paired with software or other essential tech items at a reduced price. Shopping in August not only provides access to competitive pricing but also helps you avoid the higher prices and limited availability that often accompany the back-to-school rush. By investing in a laptop now, you can ensure you’re getting the best things to buy in August and be ready for the busy school year ahead.
Save on Garden Tools as Summer Ends
Grab your end-of-season gardening tool deals here →Â
As summer winds down, it’s the ideal time to save on garden tools thanks to end-of-season discounts. Retailers often reduce prices on essential items like pruners, shovels, and garden hoses to clear out their inventory. This is your chance to upgrade your garden toolkit or invest in high-quality tools that might otherwise be out of budget.
Look for deals on durable, well-reviewed tools that can help you maintain your garden through the fall and prepare for next year’s growing season. Investing in these items now not only saves you money but also ensures you’re ready to tackle any gardening tasks with top-notch equipment. By shopping for garden tools in late summer, you can enhance your gardening experience and enjoy a thriving outdoor space for years to come.
Air Conditioner Discounts: August Sales You Shouldn’t Miss
Team EC found some great portable air conditioner unit deals here →Â
August is a great time to find air conditioner discounts as retailers clear out their summer inventory. Even though the weather is starting to cool down, it’s still warm enough to need reliable cooling, making this the perfect moment to snag a great deal. Look for sales on both portable and window units, which often come with significant markdowns and sometimes additional perks like free installation or extended warranties.
By taking advantage of these discounts now, you can enjoy a more comfortable home throughout the remainder of summer and prepare for next year’s heat. Upgrading your air conditioner not only improves your comfort but also enhances energy efficiency, potentially lowering your utility bills. Don’t miss out on these end-of-season sales to get a top-quality unit at a fraction of the cost.
Early Labor Day Sales: What to Watch For
Early Labor Day sales are a golden opportunity to snag major discounts on a wide variety of items. As stores clear out their summer stock to make way for fall goodies, you can score deals on everything from patio furniture and grills to clothing and home appliances. It’s the perfect time to tackle those big purchases you’ve been eyeing, whether you’re sprucing up your home or getting ready for the holiday rush.
Plus, this sale season lines up perfectly with back-to-school shopping. Keep an eye out for awesome deals on tech gadgets like laptops, tablets, headphones, and smartwatches from big names like Amazon, Best Buy, Apple, and Walmart. You’ll also find markdowns on dorm essentials—think small kitchen appliances, furniture, bedding, and school supplies. Shopping early means better deals, plus you might snag perks like free shipping or extended warranties. And best of all, you can avoid the last-minute scramble and out-of-stock disappointments. So, dive into these early Labor Day sales and maximize your savings!
Perennial Plants: August Discounts for Your Garden
August is an excellent time to enhance your garden with perennial plants at discounted prices. Nurseries and garden centers often mark down these plants as they clear out summer inventory, offering you the chance to add variety to your garden without overspending. Purchasing perennials now means you can enjoy vibrant blooms and lush greenery year after year, as these plants return each season.
Look for deals on popular varieties that thrive in your climate and add value to your garden. Investing in perennials now not only beautifies your outdoor space but also sets the stage for a stunning garden in the coming seasons. By planting these discounted gems in August, you’re giving your garden a head start and ensuring a flourishing display of color and texture for years to come.
Perennial Picks for August Planting
Even in the heat of August, there are fantastic perennials you can plant to keep your garden vibrant. Here are some top picks:
- Bluebeard (Caryopteris x clandonensis): Ideal for sunny spots, this shrub offers bluish-purple blooms and attracts butterflies. Zones 5-9.
- Butterfly Bush (Buddleia davidii): A butterfly magnet, this plant thrives in full sun and offers colorful blooms in various shades. Zones 5-9.
- Coral Bells (Heuchera spp.): Known for their striking foliage, these perennials add texture and color to your garden. Zones 4-9.
- Fountain Grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides): Perfect for creating a graceful, arching effect, this grass blooms late summer. Zones 4-9.
- Garden Mum (Chrysanthemum sp.): A fall favorite, garden mums bring vibrant colors to your garden. Zones 5-9.
Plant these perennials now to enjoy an enduring and colorful garden display year after year!
Fresh and Affordable In-Season Produce to Buy Now
August is a great month to enjoy fresh, affordable produce at its peak. Seasonal fruits like juicy peaches, sweet berries, and crisp apples are abundant and often priced lower than other times of the year. Vegetables such as tomatoes, corn, and zucchini are also at their prime, offering unbeatable flavor and nutrition.
Buying in-season produce not only enhances your meals with fresh, vibrant ingredients but also supports local farmers and reduces grocery bills. Take advantage of farmer’s markets and grocery store specials to stock up on these seasonal delights. Preserving or freezing some of your favorites can also help you enjoy their benefits long after the season ends.
Explore Seasonal Produce with the Seasonal Food Guide
Looking to find the freshest produce available in your area? The Seasonal Food Guide is your go-to resource. It’s the most comprehensive national database of seasonal food in the U.S., helping you learn what’s in season in your state all year round.
Buying local, in-season produce means your food dollar directly supports farmers. Enjoy the health benefits of fresh, unprocessed fruits and vegetables that taste better. Reduce environmental impact by eliminating the need for long-distance food transport.
How It Works: Select your state and time of year. Find out what produce is in peak season and bursting with flavor. Curious about a specific fruit or vegetable? The guide can tell you when and where it’s freshest. Access delicious recipes and in-depth details about local, seasonal produce.
The Seasonal Food Guide sources its data from the Natural Resources Defense Council, state agriculture departments, and university extension programs. It accounts for variations in peak harvest times due to weather and other factors, providing the most accurate information possible.
Bedding and Linens: August Sales for a Cozy Fall
Team EC has curated some of the best bedding and linen finds and favorites for August here →Â
August is a great time to refresh your bedding and linens with end-of-summer sales. Retailers often offer significant discounts on sheet sets, comforters, and pillowcases as they transition their inventory for the upcoming fall season. This is the perfect opportunity to upgrade your bedroom essentials and prepare for cooler weather with cozy, high-quality fabrics.
Look for sales on items like soft flannel sheets or thick, plush comforters that will keep you warm and comfortable as the temperatures drop. Shopping now allows you to enjoy these savings while ensuring you have everything you need for a snug and inviting bedroom. By investing in your bedding and linens this month, you can embrace fall with a refreshed and stylish sleep space.
Question: What items are on your shopping list for August? Join the conversation.
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I so much enjoy all of your tips and tricks and have been reading your articles for years. I know you participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, but when I am looking for good deals, I know that Amazon is not always the place to find them. For example, EVERY ONE of your “Best Things to Buy in August” is found on Amazon. Does this program limit your ability to present other options for purchasing products? That’s like only shopping at one store, albeit a VERY big one! Are you able to present deals represented by other vendors!
Respectively,
Dianna
We give Amazon links because that is a resource available to most EC readers, an audience that reaches around the globe. It’s an easy click thru to get a description and a variety of images to actually see the product from several angles an often the ability read the prouct label, instructions, disclaimers. I trust my EC readers to shop around at retailers they prefer, are near to them, or are just exercising their savvy consumer comparison shopping chops. Hope that helps!