Best Things to Buy in September: When the Price is Right • Everyday Cheapskate

September is finally here, and it’s time to uncover the best things to buy this month. With amazing deals on everything from back-to-school essentials to discounted outdoor furniture, now’s the perfect moment to stock up. Whether you’re upgrading your mattress, eyeing new appliances, or grabbing a clearance lawnmower, September’s savings have you covered.

Oh, how I love September! You can practically smell the pumpkin spice in the air. And while we debate whether it’s too early for Halloween decorations (spoiler alert: it’s never too early), let’s not forget the real question: What are the best things to buy in September?

Waiting for sales is the best way to punch inflation in the face. Savvy shoppers know that it’s all about timing. New models are rolling out, which means last year’s goods—everything from mattresses to appliances—are hitting deep discounts. September truly is a goldmine for deals!

The Real Goldmine: Back-to-School Bargains

Shop Team EC’s most notable back-to-school deals here →

School supplies

Think the back-to-school shopping craze is over? Think again! Once the kids are settled in their desks and the hallways are fully stocked, retailers start sweating over unsold inventory. This is your golden moment to swoop in like a savvy, eagle-eyed shopper and snag the leftovers. Stock up on notebooks, pencils, backpacks, and even lunchboxes for next year. Don’t forget the art supplies! If you’ve got little artists at home, now’s the time to fill that craft closet on the cheap, keeping them busy (and your budget intact) through the long winter months. These are some of the best things to buy in September.

Clothing

Early September is the secret sweet spot for scoring summer clothing deals. Retailers need to clear out their racks for winter wear, which means discounts galore at places like Target, Old Navy, JCPenney, and TJMaxx. Expect to find markdowns as high as 75% off at stores like Belk, Frye, and Gap Factory. Even brands like Columbia and Hanes will offer up to 50% off, so now’s the time to grab those end-of-summer deals!

Because Better Sleep is Always in Season

Shop Team EC’s best finds in mattresses and bedding here →

Mattresses

September is the time for mattress deals! After the big industry expo in June, showrooms are eager to clear out last year’s models to make room for the new ones. That means deep discounts for you. If you’ve been waking up with a crick in your neck that’s older than your car, it’s officially time to swap out that old mattress. Think of it as an investment in your future self—because if you’re going to tackle another year of PTA meetings and work deadlines, you might as well do it well-rested!

Bedding

While you’re grabbing that new mattress, don’t forget to refresh your bedding. September is also prime time for discounts on sheets, blankets, quilts, and comforters. Snag a cozy new set to go with your mattress upgrade—because who doesn’t love a great deal on a good night’s sleep?

Think Big (and Small) … Appliances That Is

Shop Team EC’s best appliance (big and small) deals here →

Retailers routinely put major appliances on sale during September because October is when new models come out. If your fridge sounds like it’s auditioning for a spot in a horror flick or your dishwasher has turned into a leaky mess, this is your cue.

But don’t stop at the big stuff—small kitchen gadgets like coffee makers, blenders, and pressure cookers (because who doesn’t love a good home-cooked meal in half the time?) are often marked down, too. It just might be time to upgrade those appliances without paying a small fortune!

MORE: Should You Repair or Replace Your Broken Appliances?

Outdoor Gear and Gardening: Prepping for Next Year

Shop Team EC’s best outdoor and garden deals here →

Plants and Trees

September is clearance time at garden centers as they make room for fall and winter greenery. This means big sales on summer plants, trees, and shrubs. Keep an eye out for perennials—even the ones that look like they’ve never had a moment of TLC—because planting them now means a gorgeous garden next spring. Don’t forget to check out your local nurseries; they often have even better markdowns than the big box stores.

Lawnmowers

Need a new lawnmower? September is the month to score a deal. Home and garden stores are slashing prices to make room for winter merchandise, especially on those massive ride-on mowers. These floor models need to go, and the discounts will make it hard to resist!

Gardening Tools & Supplies

Savvy home gardeners know it’s never too early to prepare for next spring. September offers steep discounts on garden hoses, sprinklers, and planters. While you’re at it, stock up on mulch, fertilizers, and soil. Trust me, you’ll be thanking yourself next spring while your neighbors grimace at paying full price!

New Models Coming, Deals Happening

Cars

It’s that magical time of year when car dealerships are eager to clear out current models to make room for the shiny new fleet. If your current ride feels like it belongs in a museum (or you’ve named it and formed a questionable emotional attachment), September might just be your perfect time to trade up. End-of-model-year sales mean great financing deals, rebates, and lower prices are up for grabs!

MORE: Best Deals on SUVs You Can Buy Right Now

Score Big on Older iPhones Before New Releases

September is a golden month for Apple enthusiasts! With the iPhone 16 series gearing up for its debut, older models often see significant price drops. This is your chance to snag a gently used iPhone at a bargain as everyone upgrades to the latest and greatest. Keep an eye out for deals on discontinued models, and you might just find the perfect iPhone without breaking the bank!

Stock Up for the Holidays (Or Any Day, Really)

September kicks off the wine harvest, which means one thing—deals aplenty, especially on last year’s vintage. If you’ve ever dreamed of being that person with a fully stocked wine rack (and let’s be real, who hasn’t?), his is your time to shine. Pick up a few bottles now and you’ll be all set for holiday guests, impromptu dinners, or those cozy winter nights when a glass of red is just what you need to unwind.

Plan Those Holiday Travels Early

If you’re already daydreaming about Thanksgiving with family or a holiday escape, September is a brilliant time to book your flights. Airline prices are often lower now, especially for domestic travel. Remember, the early bird not only gets the worm but also the best seat on the plane. Plus, who knows, maybe you’ll even have enough savings left over for one of those wildly overpriced airport snacks.

Ride Into Savings

September is prime time for scoring deals on bicycles and biking accessories as retailers clear out inventory to make room for winter gear. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or just need a fun way to get the kids off their screens and outside, now’s the perfect moment to invest. Grab those bikes and gear while prices are down!

Fresher, Cheaper, Better Seasonal Product

Don’t overlook your pantry this September! It’s the peak season for apples, pears, grapes, squash, and root vegetables—the kind of hearty, autumnal produce that makes your kitchen smell like comfort and home. It’s also your last chance to snag summer favorites like tomatoes and corn before they’re gone. Buy in bulk to stock up on ingredients for pies, soups, and all things baked and roasted that make fall so special.

MORE: A Guide to Storing Apples at Home: Keeping Them Fresh and Delicious

September’s Sweetest Deals: Don’t Miss Out!

IHOP

Treat yourself to all-you-can-eat pancakes at IHOP for just $5 through September 15th. Dine-in only, but here’s the kicker—get unlimited pancakes for FREE with select breakfast combos!

Dairy Queen

From September 9th to 22nd, double the fun with Dairy Queen’s BOGO Blizzard® Treat offer. Buy one at regular price, get another FREE—just use the DQ® App to score this sweet deal.

Dunkin’ Donuts

Savor the $6 Meal Deal at Dunkin’ Donuts until October 31st. Enjoy a Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Sandwich, crispy Hash Browns, and a Medium Hot or Iced Coffee, all for just $6. Available for rewards members (free to join)!

The Cheesecake Factory

Pumpkin Cheesecake returns! Sign up for Cheesecake Rewards by September 30th and get a special reward to use by the end of the month. Existing members get their reward on September 3rd—check your account!

National Celebrations: Coffee and Pizza Extravaganzas!

Pizza

Get ready for National Pepperoni Pizza Day on Friday, September 20, 2024. Keep an eye out for unbeatable deals from your go-to pizzerias. Fingers crossed that Pizza Hut repeats its 2019 offer: a medium pepperoni pizza for just a buck! Regardless, you should plan now to save some major dough!

MORE: The Hands Down Best Way to Store and Reheat Leftover Pizza

Coffee

Mark your calendar for National Coffee Day on Sunday, September 29, 2024. Expect delightful freebies and discounts from your favorite spots. Krispy Kreme, Barnes & Noble, and Cinnabon might be offering complimentary cups of both hot and cold brews, while McDonald’s could have coffee drinks at a discount. Peet’s and Community Coffee Company have been known to discount their whole bean coffees by up to 30% in past years, so you can expect much the same this year.

So there you have it—the answer to the best things to buy in September! With a little planning and an eye for a bargain, you are sure to snag what you need, all while leaving enough in your budget to enjoy that pumpkin spice latte guilt-free.

Happy September shopping, friends!

MORE: Best Things to Buy in August: Smart Buys and Big Savings

Question: What’s the best deal you’ve ever scored in September? Whether it’s school supplies or a major appliance, share your savings stories below.

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