The best (and worst) things to buy in July

The idea of “Christmas in July” rings true this month for retailers because there are a plethora of sales leading to mid-July when Amazon Prime Day (and competitors’ dueling markdowns) inundates us with the biggest deals of the year.

The month starts with huge July 4th savings from most major retailers, and the goodness continues for the weeks after. According to data from RetailMeNot, shoppers should take advantage of summer apparel, furniture, fitness gear and Amazon deals.

But with all of these good deals, there’s also phonies out there that you should ignore. Especially since a lot of items on sale in July will get the markdown treatment come August.

Tip: Some states (like Alabama and Tennessee) offer tax holidays in July, so do your research before any big splurges.

Do’s

Cooling appliances

You’re not the only one trying to beat the heat — and retailers know it.

Save big on items like beach umbrellas, sweat-proof makeup and pet essentials for the summertime.

Right now, you can save up to 40 percent on a top-rated fan and humidifier on Amazon.

Evaporative Air Cooler - 40'' Portable Oscillating Fan Tower Fan with Evaporative Cooler & Humidifier

Shop it: Evaporative Air Cooler - 40'' Portable Oscillating Fan Tower Fan with Evaporative Cooler & Humidifier, $140 (Was $220), Amazon.com

Furniture

Many furniture retailers get new stock at the beginning of August, which means that July is when some of your favorite stores will be putting furniture items up for grabs.

Patio furniture is a hot, on-sale item this month, too —but don’t forget about in-house furniture essentials. Walmart has dropped a ton of prices on things like television stands, shelving units and living room sets.

Get this coffee table now for under $70.

Better Homes & Gardens Ellis Shutter Coffee Table with Louvered

Shop it: Better Homes & Gardens Ellis Shutter Coffee Table with Louvered, $67 (Was $100), Walmart.com

Summer Apparel

Stores like Macy’s, Old Navy and Target are known for their summer sales, and they only intensify during July.

Through the 4th, Old Navy has an incredible 60 percent off sale on summertime essentials like shorts, tees, sundresses and sandals. Our advice: Stock up.

High-Neck Jersey Swing Dress for Women

Shop it: High-Neck Jersey Swing Dress for Women, $8 (Was $30), OldNavy.com

Amazon items

Obviously, there’s Prime Day on July 15 and 16, but leading up to the big sale means specials on Amazon items like Fire TVs, Fire Tablets and more. Take advantage of the early-bird specials by keeping up-to-date with all of Yahoo! Lifestyle’s shopping content.

myQ Smart Garage Door Opener

Shop it: myQ Smart Garage Door Opener, $100 (Was $187), Amazon.com

Don’ts

Back-to-school accessories

Though some back-to-school sales are kicking off early, be patient with what you buy.

According to NerdWallet, school deals reach their peak in late August and early September (aka when essentials like pens, pencils and notebooks get moved to the clearance shelves), so wait a few more weeks before you swoop into Staples.

Laptops

Because so many laptops go on sale right around the time school supplies do, the same advice stated above goes for laptops. Usually, the closer you get to the fall (or Black Friday), the better deals you’ll get on laptops.

Exercise apparel and equipment

You’re not the only one who wants a summer body. Which is why prices on things like gym memberships, fitness apparel and sporting equipment won’t be at their lowest during hot months.

We recommend taking advantage of winter sales for any workout gear because naturally, that’s when everybody would rather hibernate inside than go for a jog outdoors.

The editors at Yahoo Lifestyle are committed to finding you the best products at the best prices. At times, we may receive a share from purchases made via links on this page.

Read More from Yahoo Lifestyle:

• Amazon has a secret giveaway section where you can win free stuff and score major discounts

• How to get all the Amazon Prime Day deals without paying for a Prime membership

• Amazon Prime Day 2019 is coming soon — and the first major TV deal just launched early!

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