What to Buy and What to Skip in February

Are you looking to snag some bargain buys this month? We’ve got you covered! We’ve done the legwork so you don’t have to, researching items that get marked down in February, and those that’ll see steep discounts in the coming months so you’re better off putting them on hold for now.

Here’s what to buy and what to skip this February.

Buy: TVs

Whether you’re a diehard football fan or you are a binger of the latest streaming seasons or movies, you can pick up a fantastic deal on big-screen TVs in February. TVs tend to go on sale in the beginning of the year, but it’s not until the middle of February that home entertainment systems see their lowest prices. These sales often continue through President’s Day and may even run until the end of the month.

Skip: Flowers

Flowers might have their big day in the middle of February, but that doesn’t mean fresh blooms are discounted this month. In fact, you’re better off skipping the flowers in February and finding another way to show your sweetheart how much they mean to you.

Buy: Winter gear

In the world of retail, “Old Man Winter” is well on the way out when the calendar hits February. To make room for the spring stock, stores will generously mark down winter gear this month. You can snag a great deal on all kinds of winter stuff in February. Prices on sporting equipment, like skis and snowboards, can be slashed by up to 30%, while winter clothing may be discounted as much as 80%! You’ve still got a nice chunk of winter to enjoy the goods, or you can store them for next year’s cold-weather season.

Skip: Electronics

Aside from TVs, you’ll want to skip pretty much all major electronic purchases vthis month. Computers, smartphones, gaming consoles and other electronic items are full price right now. You’re better off purchasing these items during Black Friday sales in November. If you can’t wait that long, you can also pick up great deals on electronics during “Black Friday in July” events.

Buy: Furniture

February is a great time for picking up discounts on furniture. The weeks surrounding Presidents Day tend to feature loads of sales on all kinds of furniture. This month is right at the end of winter in the retail calendar, so stores need to clear their inventory to make room for the incoming spring line. To attract customers to the going-out-of-season models, they’ll slash prices and host mega sales. Look for sales on sofas, dinette sets, coffee tables and any of the other pieces that furnish your home.

Presidents Day weekend sales can hit before the actual national holiday, so start looking for price cuts early in the month and carry it through the holiday weekend.

Skip: Fitness equipment and gym memberships

Fitness equipment and gym memberships are usually at their lowest in January to attract the hordes of people seeking to get fit in the New Year. By February, these markdowns on workout gear and promotional offers on gym memberships are gone… and you likely won’t see them again until the warmer weather sets in and people take their workouts outside.

Buy: Tax software

Tax season is underway, and that means tax software companies are looking to attract customers with super specials on their products. Score a great price on tax software in February to make this tedious task super-easy and smooth.

Skip: Patio furniture

It’s tempting to upgrade your outdoor furniture as soon as a hint of warmer weather arrives, but February is only the start of the spring season. Prices will still be high and will only start to see discounts during Memorial Day sale events. For the best deals on outdoor furniture, wait until September, when retailers need to clear out the season’s inventory to make room for next year’s updated selection.

Buy: Jewelry (including engagement rings)

During the second half of February, prices on jewelry plunge up to 80%. You can snag a great deal on a beautiful ring, bracelet, necklace or pair of earrings during post-holiday sales.

Presidents’ Day weekend is an excellent time to capitalize on discounted engagement rings, as retailers are desperate to attract customers prior to spring proposal season.

Happy shopping! (And saving!)