6 Best Things to Buy in July

4. Electronics

Amazon Prime Day, the online retailer’s biggest annual sale event, will take place this year over two days, July 12–13. Historically, electronics have been among the most heavily discounted items during the sale, with a particular focus on Amazon’s own devices, such as the Echo and the Kindle. But you don’t have to shop at Amazon to find electronics deals.

“All of the other online retailers throw their own sales on top of Prime Day, so you can find a lot of good sales online,” says shopping expert and editor Kristin McGrath, of RetailMeNot, a coupons and deals company.

Where to find deals: Amazon, Overstock, Walmart

Potential savings: 50 percent or more

5. Summer apparel

While you may still be enjoying the beach weather, retailers are already thinking ahead to the fall — and making room on their shelves. That means you’ll start seeing discounts on summer clothing like sandals, tank tops and shorts this month.

“The end of July is when you’ll see the biggest selection of sizes and colors of summer clothing on the clearance racks,” McGrath says.

Where to find deals: Target, Old Navy, Kohl’s

Potential savings: 40 to 60 percent off

6. Back-to-school supplies

In areas where the kids head back to school in August, the back-to-school shopping sales start to pick up at the end of July, although discounts get even bigger in August. Shoppers in states including Alabama, Florida, Mississippi and Tennessee will get additional savings in this category, thanks to their states’ sales tax holidays this month. Even if you’re not shopping for kids or grandkids, back-to-school sales are a great opportunity to stock up on office supplies and electronics like laptops and headphones.

Where to find deals: Target, Kohl’s, Amazon

Potential savings: 10 to 20 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.