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10 Things to Buy in July (And How to Shop Smart!)
Happy July, my friends! I just love this month, don’t you? There is so much summer left to enjoy, but it’s also the absolute best time to start stretching those dollars for the rest of the year. Let’s make July even happier by scoring incredible deals and stocking up on what we need for way less!
If you want to shop smart this month, here are the top 10 things you should keep your eye on:
1. Patriotic Items (Post-4th of July!)
The best time to buy all your red, white, and blue decor and supplies is after the holiday passes. Wait for those patriotic displays to hit 75% to 90% off. I’ve picked up fun items for as low as a dime—or even less! Put them away in your gift or party bin for next year.
2. Back-to-School Bargains
July is one of my absolute favorite times of the year because the back-to-school sales kick into high gear! I love scooping up those 35-cent boxes of crayons and 50-cent markers. But here’s the strategic secret: these sales aren’t just for school supplies. Stores know college students are moving out, so you’ll see deep discounts on everything to furnish a home—coffee pots, small kitchen tools, furniture, and computers. They make fantastic Christmas gifts, too!
3. Big-Screen TVs & Electronics
Did you know July is actually one of the best times of the year to buy a TV? Retailers launch massive “Black Friday in July” sales to boost summer business, and manufacturers start clearing out mid-year stock. If you’re looking to upgrade your living room setup or snag a great entertainment deal for the family, keep your eyes peeled for deep electronics discounts this month!
4. Fishing Gear
Fishing is such a wonderful, frugal way to spend quality time together as a family. Throughout July, keep an eye out for markdowns on rods, reels, tackle, and accessories. Just make sure you’re buying when the prices drop!
5. Camping Equipment
It might seem crazy that peak-season gear is going on sale right now, but retailers are always trying to stay a step ahead of the game. Stores are already desperate to clear out space for autumn inventory! Walk through the camping aisle this month to grab tents, sleeping bags, and outdoor essentials at a fraction of the cost.
6. Summer Sports Gear
Just like camping gear, equipment for baseball, golf, and other summer sports starts getting marked down in July. If you have kids in sports or want to update your own gear for next year, grab it now while stores clear their shelves. Remember to check for items that would make great birthday or Christmas gifts!
7. Clearance Summer Clothing
Now is the time to grab super cheap summer clothes! T-shirts, shorts, summer dresses, and lightweight socks hit deep clearance this month. One July, I found a whole stack of summer socks for just a dime a pair in the clearance section! Grab a few bigger sizes now so your growing kids (or grandkids!) are set for late summer and early next spring.
8. Labor Day Airline Tickets
If you’re planning a trip or visiting family over Labor Day weekend, don’t wait until August to book. Historically, Labor Day flights hit their lowest rock-bottom prices during the month of July.
9. Toy Clearance Racks
July is legendary for mid-year toy resets! Outlets like Walmart, Target, Walgreens, Dollar General, and Family Dollar start slashing prices on toys to make room for the massive holiday shipments coming in the fall. This is the ultimate time to stack your gift closet and check off birthday and Christmas shopping early for pennies on the dollar.
10. Christmas with Strategic Shopping: The Twelve Months of Christmas
And of course, if you want to take the stress completely out of the holidays, my ebook, Christmas with Strategic Shopping: The Twelve Months of Christmas, is the best thing you can pick up in July! It will guide you step-by-step on how to spread out your shopping all year long so December is peaceful, relaxed, and fully paid for.
What’s your favorite thing to stock up on during the July clearance sales? Let me know in the comments below!
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