The Best Things to Buy in August Before Prices Go Back Up

August is like the overachiever of the shopping calendar. While everyone else is squeezing in one last beach day, retailers are quietly slashing prices to make room for fall. Frugal shoppers can score some amazingly good deals, if you know where to look. From big-ticket items to everyday essentials, here are the 10 best things to buy in August so you can spend less now and avoid paying more later.

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10 Best Things to Buy in August to Save Money All Year

Immediately after writing this blog post on the best things to buy in August, I’m going to try to forget that August moves faster than July and means back to school soon. 😭

I have had the best summer with Miss O and I don’t want to think about her going back to school yet, or being in grade 5.

But since I do like a deal, I want to take a moment for one of the best shopping months of the year. 🎉

1. Best things to buy in August: School supplies

Back-to-school shopping can feel expensive, especially when you add up notebooks, backpacks, lunch supplies, art materials, and classroom essentials. But August is one of the best times to stock up on school supplies.

Many stores discount school supplies heavily in August as they try to clear inventory before fall. This is a great time to buy extras of items your family uses throughout the year, like:

Notebooks and folders
Pencils and pens
Markers and crayons
Glue sticks
Printer paper
Lunch containers (this is our favorite – leak-proof! – bento; I bought one for myself too)
Storage bins

Even if you don’t have kids in school, these deals are worth checking out. Office supplies, craft materials, and organizational products often overlap with back-to-school sales.

2. Patio furniture clearance

Patio sets aren’t cheap, y’all.

If you’ve been dreaming of a cozy outdoor space but don’t want to pay full price, August is your moment. Retailers need to make room for fall and winter products, which means patio furniture often gets marked down significantly.

Look for deals on:

Patio tables and chairs (I love this adorable outdoor bistro set)
Outdoor sofas (with this outdoor daybed you could pretend you’re on Perfect Match or Love Island)
Fire pits
Umbrellas
Outdoor rugs (this one is very versatile)
String lights
Planters

Buying patio furniture at the end of summer means you can enjoy it right away while the weather is still nice, or store it away and have a beautiful setup ready for next spring.

The only downside is you might need to be flexible with colors and styles because the most popular items disappear quickly.

3. Garden supplies

August is the sweet spot for gardeners who love a bargain. Stores start clearing out summer gardening inventory, making it a great time to stock up on supplies for next year.

Keep an eye out for discounts on:

Gardening tools
Planters and pots
Soil and mulch
Raised garden beds (I’m eyeing these ones and they’re on a deep discount at the time of writing)
Hoses
Outdoor décor
Seeds

You can also grab gardening supplies at a fraction of the cost and store them until spring. A little planning now can save you a lot when gardening season arrives again.

4. Grills

If you waited all summer to buy a grill, you may have accidentally picked the perfect time.

August and early fall are when many retailers start discounting grills because they want to clear out summer inventory. You can often find deals on:

Gas grills
Charcoal grills (this grill is nostalgic for me because it’s what my dad used growing up, and still does)
Pellet grills
Outdoor cooking accessories
Grill covers
BBQ tools

A grill is one of those purchases where waiting can really pay off. Instead of buying at the start of grilling season when demand is high, you can snag a deal when stores are making room for fall products.

5. Outdoor toys

August is when retailers start moving away from summer fun and toward fall merchandise, which means outdoor toys often go on clearance.

This is a great time to shop for:

Bikes
Scooters
Water toys
Pool accessories (I never thought I’d want an above-ground pool, but started thinking about it this summer. Waiting for an August sale on a pool like this)
Outdoor games
Sports equipment
Camping gear

Buying now can save money for birthdays, holiday gifts, or next summer. A giant inflatable pool toy in February might not seem exciting, but your future self (and your wallet) will thank you.

6. Cheap things to buy in August: Summer clothing

August is one of the best months for clothing deals because stores are clearing out summer styles to make room for fall fashion.

Look for discounts on:

Shorts
Sandals
Swimsuits
T-shirts
Summer dresses
Kids’ summer clothing
Lightweight jackets

A smart frugal shopper knows that buying off-season is where the magic happens. Grab basics in larger sizes for growing kids or stock up on classic pieces you’ll wear next year.

Check out this post for summer clothing ideas and deals: 10 Summer Vacation Outfits That Are Budget-Friendly and Packable

7. Best things to buy in August to save lots of money: Travel deals

Summer travel season starts winding down in August, and that can create opportunities for savings. If you’re flexible with your dates, you can find better prices on:

Hotels
Flights
Vacation packages
Attractions
Rental cars

Late summer and early fall can be especially budget-friendly travel seasons because many families are focused on getting back into routines.

Also keep an eye out for end-of-season hotel promotions and last-minute deals. A little flexibility can turn an expensive getaway into a much more affordable trip.

8. Free back-to-school events

Not all end-of-summer savings come from shopping. August is packed with free community events that can help families save money while still having fun.

Look for:

Free school supply giveaways
Community festivals
Library events
Back-to-school celebrations
Free museum days
Outdoor movie nights
Family activities

Many local organizations, libraries, and businesses host free events before school starts. These are great ways to create memories without adding another expense to your budget.

9. Perennials on clearance

August might not feel like prime gardening season, but it’s actually a fantastic time to buy perennial plants.

Garden centers often discount plants that need to move before the end of the season. Perennials are especially great because they come back year after year, giving you more value for your money.

Look for:

Flowering perennials
Shrubs
Berry bushes
Native plants
Pollinator-friendly plants

Just make sure you choose plants that are healthy and suitable for your growing zone. A discounted plant is only a bargain if it survives. 😅

10. Frozen fruit sales

August is peak fruit season, which means it’s a great time to find deals on fresh and frozen fruit. It’s also the perfect month to stock up for smoothies, baking, and easy breakfasts.

Watch for sales on:

Berries
Mango
Peaches
Cherries
Mixed fruit blends

Frozen fruit lasts much longer than fresh fruit, making it a budget-friendly way to enjoy summer flavors all year. You can use it for smoothies, oatmeal, desserts, homemade popsicles, and more.

Check out these posts for delicious ways to use frozen fruit: