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6 Best Things to Buy in April

Spring shoppers can snag deals on everything from running shoes to Easter candy

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Stone / Getty Images

Spring is in the air this month, and so are the deals for savvy shoppers who know which items to buy — and which days in April to shop.

While there aren’t any major shopping holidays in April, there are a handful of dates when retailers might lower their prices for pop-up, one-day sales. Those include April Fool’s Day (April 1), Tax Day (April 18) and Earth Day (April 22), says Kimberly Palmer, a spokesperson with the personal finance website NerdWallet.com.

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Another important date to keep in mind: Easter, which this year falls on April 17. After that, shoppers will see deep discounts on seasonal decorations, baskets and candy.

Read on for a closer look at six other products that you might find marked down this time of year:

1. Gardening supplies

As homeowners spruce up their yards and put in new plants for the season, nurseries and home improvement stores are offering discounts on gardening tools, mulch, soil and planters. But don’t drag your feet. Last spring, some plants and seeds sold out quickly due to increased demand from gardeners who had taken up the hobby during the pandemic.

Where to find deals: Home Depot, Target, local nurseries

Potential savings: 20 to 25 percent off 

2. Green appliances

Retailers and appliance manufacturers often offer discounts this month on eco-friendly appliances with a tie-in to Earth Day. Look for retailers to slash prices on select Energy Star-rated washing machines, dishwashers and refrigerators. Be sure to check the Energy Star rebate finder to see whether you’re eligible to get additional money back for your purchase.

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Where to find deals: Best Buy, ApplianceConnection.com, LG.com 

Potential savings: 15 to 50 percent off

3. Cookware

Keep an eye out for sales this month on pots, pans and other cooking utensils. “Traditionally, cookware goes on sale in the spring as people gear up to buy it for weddings, graduation and other spring occasions,” says Lisa McManus, editor of America’s Test Kitchen Reviews. “I don’t think it’s as universal as it might once have been, though.”

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Where to find deals: Williams Sonoma, Sur La Table, Le Creuset

Potential savings: 25 to 45 percent off

4. Air conditioners

Demand for air conditioners spikes along with temperatures as summer approaches, so April is the last opportunity to take advantage of off-season pricing. “Once the summer heat hits, demand skyrockets, so good deals are harder to find,” says Don Vandervort, home improvement expert at HomeTips.com.

Where to find deals: Walmart, Sears, Best Buy

Potential savings: 10 to 20 percent off

5. Jewelry

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Look for markdowns on bling at jewelry stores and department stores in the latter half of the month. “Mother’s Day comes in early May, so retailers are gearing up for that,” says budgeting expert Andrea Woroch.

Where to find deals: Kay Jewelers, Macy’s, independent jewelers

Potential savings: 30 to 40 percent off

6. Running shoes

As the warm weather has runners hitting the pavement again, manufacturers deliver newly designed sneakers for the season. That means that retailers discount last year’s models to make room. “There may be shipping and distribution issues this year,” says Brian Metzler, author of Kicksology: The Hype, Science, Culture and Cool of Running Shoes. “But if you’re a savvy shopper and willing to look for your size, you can definitely find great deals on shoes that debuted last year.”

Where to find deals: Fleet Feet, RunningWarehouse.com, NewBalance.com

Potential savings: 15 to 40 percent off

Beth Braverman is a contributing writer who has covered shopping and personal finance for more than a decade. Her work has appeared in Consumer Reports, CNNMoney.com, CNBC.com and dozens of other publications.

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