Best Things to Buy in April 2026

Find deals on outdoor furniture, spring clothes, gardening supplies and more this month

Cameron Huddleston,

AARP

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Published April 01, 2026

a collection of items to buy in april, including easter items, outdoor furniture, grills and more

AARP (Getty Images, 3; Shutterstock, 3)

Key takeaways:

Shopping right after Easter can unlock deep savings on seasonal decor.
Prices on tax preparation software will be slashed as tax season comes to a close.
You can spruce up your patio or deck for less in April with deals on outdoor furniture, rugs and decor.

Don’t let April showers discourage you from taking advantage of the sales happening this month. It’s the perfect time to get deals on warm-weather essentials before summer arrives.

“April is a month that tends to fly under the radar, but that’s precisely the reason it’s such a great month for strategic shoppers,” says Clay Cary, senior trends analyst at coupon code website CouponFollow. “Retailers are usually in a transition period as they move through spring and begin to anticipate summer, which means significant markdowns across several key categories.”

Expect to find savings on these five product categories, including essentials for planting May flowers and sprucing up your outdoor space.

Easter and spring decor

Easter clearance sales kick off immediately after the holiday, which falls on April 5, says Courtney Omell, an editor at The Krazy Coupon Lady, a website dedicated to finding coupons and deals. Prices will be slashed on Easter decor, baskets and craft materials.

“Shop the week of April 12 for the deepest discounts, but keep in mind inventory will be very limited by then,” Omell says.

Where to look for deals: Hobby Lobby, Michaels, Target

Potential savings: 40 to 90 percent off

Lawn and garden supplies and equipment

If you’re ready to start flexing your green thumb, April is a great time to buy gardening and lawn care supplies. Expect competitive pricing on mulch, plants and landscaping materials, Omell says. You’ll also find deals on lawnmowers, including popular brands such as Craftsman, Ego, Kobalt and Toro.

The major home improvement stores will have sales, but don’t overlook local nurseries. “Many offer seasonal promotions and competitive pricing,” Omell says.

Where to look for deals: Fred Meyer, Lowe’s, The Home Depot

Potential savings: 25 to 80 percent off

Outdoor furniture

You can spruce up your patio or deck for less in April. “We all want to refresh our homes when spring rolls around, and, luckily, there are deals to be found on the essentials we need to do it,” says Mackenzie Shand, executive editor at coupon and cash-back-offers website RetailMeNot. Look for discounts on outdoor furniture, rugs and decor at home furnishings retailers and home improvement stores. Grills will also be marked down.

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Although deeper discounts will come later in the summer, you’ll find a wider selection of products in April, Cary says.

Where to look for deals: Lowe’s, The Home Depot, Wayfair

Potential savings: 15 to 30 percent off

Spring apparel

Although spring has just begun, clothing retailers are already prepping for summer. “As the swimwear and sandals start coming out, you can find savings on the cute spring jackets and flats you had your eyes on for the current season,” Shand says.

Also look for discounts on rain gear, lightweight outerwear and sportswear. You’ll find sales on spring styles at clothing stores, department stores and big-box retailers.

Where to look for deals: Gap, Macy’s, Target

Potential savings: 20 to 40 percent

Tax software and office supplies

If you have yet to file your tax return, your procrastination might pay off. Prices on tax preparation software will be slashed as tax season comes to an end this month, Cary says.

You’ll also find deals on office supplies, including printers and paper you might need to print out your tax return if you plan to file it by mail. “This is a bit of a niche category, but the savings are definitely significant if you’re looking to stock up for the year ahead,” Cary says.

Where to look for deals: Amazon, Office Depot, Staples

Potential savings: 30 to 50 percent off

The key takeaways were created with the assistance of generative AI. An AARP editor reviewed and refined the content for accuracy and clarity.

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Cameron Huddleston is an award-winning personal finance journalist and author of Mom and Dad, We Need to Talk: How to Have Essential Conversations With Your Parents About Their Finances. Her work has appeared in Kiplinger.com, Kiplinger's Personal Finance, Forbes Advisor, Chicago Tribune, Business Insider and many more online and print publications.

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