Mark Your Calendar: What To Buy in June For The Best Deals

Image Source: Clark Howard

June might not be the first month that comes to mind when you think of great shopping deals, but it offers plenty of opportunities to save on various items. As retailers gear up for the busy summer season, many clear out inventory and provide significant discounts. Whether you want to upgrade your home, refresh your wardrobe, or indulge in seasonal produce, June has strong contenders for savvy shoppers. Highlight some unexpected items worth considering, and advise on what purchases are better left for later months. Discover how to make the most of your June shopping spree!

Fresh Seasonal Fruits

June is prime time for fresh fruits like apricots, blueberries, cantaloupe, cherries, kiwis, mangoes, peaches, strawberries, and watermelon. Veggies like corn, lettuce, Swiss chard, and zucchini are also at their best. If you're into local produce, the Seasonal Food Guide can help you find what's fresh in your area by state, month, and type of produce.

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DIY Tools and Hardware

With the warm weather sticking around, more people are diving into DIY projects. Last June, there were some sweet deals like a 12'-by-24' DIY garage shed for $4,000 and a 1,000-piece assortment of nails, tacks, and brads for just $4. Other remarkable finds included an Energizer Weather ready folding LED portable lantern and an Amazon Basics 8-ounce hammer for $7 each. Keep an eye out for deals like a 14-piece drill bit set for $10, a DeWalt 21-piece black oxide drill bit set for $16, or a big combo of a DeWalt Tough Box 70-piece bit and nut driver set with a 34-piece drive socket set for $28.

Cookware and Dinnerware for Events

Weddings are happening all year, but summer's still the prime time. With wedding season and graduation season in full swing, it's no wonder we see deals on dinnerware and cookware. These items are hot for registries, so retailers often offer discounts. You can find marble dip bowls for $7, platters for $12, and Fiesta dinnerware with a buy-one-get-one-for-$1 deal. Check out Amazon and places like Belk for these offers. For cookware, expect deals like 10" nonstick pans for $5, sheet pans for $9, saucepans with lids for $14, and grill works for $19. If you're into sets, you might find a 3-piece cast iron skillet set for $25 or a 10-piece Martha Stewart stainless steel set for $62. Watch Amazon, Belk, Wayfair, and Target for 30% off select cookware.

National Fishing and Boating Week

Image Source: Discover Boating

Thanks to National Fishing and Boating Week, many states offer free fishing days in June so that you can fish without a license. The dates vary by state. Check your state's free fishing days and plan. Some states offer longer free fishing periods, like full weekends or even a year, for specific age groups. For example, Alaska lets those 15 and younger or 61 and older fish for free all year round.

Workout Gear and Activewear

Most folks think January is prime time for snagging deals on workout gear, including activewear. And yeah, there's a big push at the start of the year. But come June, people often get that fresh burst of motivation to get fit again. So, retailers usually offer discounts to lure shoppers back in. You'll see sales from big names like Adidas, Nike, and Reebok, plus super-low prices on essentials. Think tank tops, sweatpants, and workout shirts are for $6, and shorts and training pants are for $10. Keep an eye out for "buy more, save more" deals too. Last year, Adidas had a killer deal on Women's Essentials Linear Tights three pairs for $27, which was such a steal it got our Staff Picks badge.

Swimwear and Lingerie

June is also an excellent time to buy lingerie, primarily thanks to the Victoria's Secret Semi-Annual Sale. While lingerie is the star, the sale covers almost everything the store sells. A few years ago, we saw up to 60% off and deals like swimwear from $9.99, bras from $14.99, and five pairs of underwear for $15. You can also expect discounts on beauty items and the PINK line. If Victoria's Secret isn't your thing, Frederick's of Hollywood might have its big sale around the same time, with deals like 40% off sitewide and up to 80% off end-of-season clearance items.

Fresh Spring Wardrobe

Need more spring clothes? June is your last big chance to find a wide selection, as many items will be on clearance. Last June, we saw some great discounts like:

• Up to 78% off deal at Michael Kors
• Up to 70% off deal at Reebok
• 30% off deal at Vineyard Vines
• 20% off deal on Nike running gear
• Up to 50% off deal plus an extra 25% off deal at Adidas

There were also sales aimed at Father's Day and graduations, like the Reebok Dads and Grads Sale, which offered an extra 50% off sale items and 35% off full-priced stuff. Look out for seasonal sales, like Gap Factory's Summer Sale, which had an additional 50% off clearance and 45% off sitewide. If you want to update your wardrobe, June is a great time to shop.

Haven for Gamers

June might seem weird, but it's perfect for grabbing some PC games. With sales from places like Steam and GOG, gamers can snag deals up to 90% off on select titles. Steam's Summer Sale kicks off in late June until mid-July. GOG still needs to share their sale dates, but judging from past years, they'll probably start in early June and run most of the month. And hey, Steam and GOG are just some of the ones having sales. Look for deals from Humble Bundle, Ubisoft, and others.

Splurge Day Offers

June 18 is National Splurge Day, a day to treat yourself. It's not super popular yet, so don't expect retailers to have Splurge Day sales. But you can still make the most of it! If you're going to splurge, do it smartly. Look for deals and make sure what you're splurging on is worth it some things are better to save on.

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Father's Day Discounts

If you're the type to shop last minute, you probably didn't grab any Father's Day gifts before June 1. The good news is that June usually brings many Father's Day sales and deals to help you. Keep an eye out for sales from places like Adorama, eBay, B&H Photo Video, Lowe's, Dick's Sporting Goods, and more. One thing to note is that Father's Day sales are usually something other than something to write home about. That doesn't mean they aren't worth a look, but if you're hunting for the best bargains, July 4th might be a better bet. Still, if you want to check out Father's Day sales, look for the best ones at various stores. Last year, some of the popular sales included:

• Up to 80% off deal at Homary
• Up to 20% off gift cards that you can use at Amazon
• Up to 70% off and an extra 10% to 25% off using a promo code at Macy's
• Up to 43% off deal at Home Depot

Tech gadgets, clothes, home improvement gear, tools, outdoor gear even LEGO sets are often on sale. You might find deals on many things during Father's Day sales, but that doesn't mean they're all worth buying, so make sure to do your homework before you hit "add to cart."

Some Items to Avoid Purchasing in June

• Grills: Everyone wants grills in the summer, so while there might be some deals, better discounts usually come later in the season.
• Laptops: With Prime Day and Black Friday offering great discounts, June isn't the best time to buy laptops. The best deals usually come during those significant sales events.
• Amazon Devices: Prime Day in July or Black Friday in November are the best times to buy Amazon devices since prices drop significantly during those shopping holidays.
• Mattresses: June has no big mattress sales, so your best bet is to wait for July 4 or Labor Day deals.
• Summer Clothing: These items are just hitting the stores, so don't expect many discounts yet. Look for price drops around July 4 at the earliest.
• Air Conditioners: With the weather heating up, air conditioners are in high demand. You'll likely find better deals around July 4 at the earliest.
• Designer Clothing and Accessories: The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale starts on July 17, and you'll find plenty of savings on designer items then.

Conclusion

June suits savvy shoppers looking to capitalize on various sales and discounts. As the mid-year point, retailers across different sectors offer enticing deals to clear out inventory and make way for new stock. By strategically planning your purchases around these June deals, you can maximize your savings and enjoy the benefits of well-timed shopping. Whether you're sprucing up your home, upgrading your fitness routine, or simply stocking up on essentials, June's array of deals has something for everyone. Happy shopping!