What Are the Best Things to Buy (and Get For FREE) in April?
Raise your hand if you’re happy it’s finally spring!
I’ve got two arms WAY up! 🙋 Whether prepping for spring cleaning or getting ahead on Mother’s Day gifts, these are the best items to buy in April to maximize your savings!
1. Get your spring cleaning on with a new vacuum.
Your vacuum is probably getting used year-round but now is the time where it really needs to shine. If your vacuum just isn’t performing the way it used to, consider taking advantage of the awesome sales on this handy tool to prep for spring cleaning.
You can also check out the spring sales on Amazon for deals on vacuums and other heavy-duty floor cleaning tools like steam mops or carpet cleaners!
Hip Tip: Do you HATE cleaning? Check out Amazon Home Services
2. Doing outdoor cleanup? Invest in a pressure washer.
Want to freshen up your house exterior? Pressure wash it. Got some oil stains on the driveway or sidewalk? Pressure wash it. Have a fence or deck that’s starting to show some mildew. You guessed it, pressure wash it!
And right now is the best time to buy if you’ve got a lot of projects to take on. But please keep in mind that these are extremely powerful machines, so take full precaution when operating. You could always consider hiring a pro as well to take the pressure (pun intended) off your shoulders.
3. Get ahead on Mother’s Day jewelry shopping.
Buy a month early and score big savings! Jewelry stores are motivated during the non-gift-giving months to host sales to get inventory moving. Plus, you won’t have to worry about crowds or a picked-over selection when shopping closer to the holiday.
Hip Tip: For more gift ideas for Mom, check out these gorgeous accessories!
4. Shop Easter leftovers for yummy desserts and next year’s decorations.
Post-holiday sales will be starting soon! Easter falls on the 1st of the month (which is also April Fool’s Day) so get ready to pick up discounted Easter-branded chocolates to use in delicious dessert recipes along with baskets and decorations for next year. If you see any discounted Easter paper goods, snag a cute set of napkins for this easy and adorable decoupage egg craft!
Hip Tip: Need some fun activities for this Easter🐰? Check out these Easter egg hunt ideas!
5. Save money now (and later) on energy-efficient appliances
Normally you’ll wait it out until Memorial Day for high discounts off big-ticket items. If you’re specifically looking for energy-efficient appliances, check out sales from appliance retailers around Earth Day (April 22nd) to see some discounts. The extra benefit of these appliances is the added savings you’ll see on your electric bill!
6. Load up on sunscreen – in more ways than one!
I know, I know… spring JUST started and many beaches are still empty, but that doesn’t mean you can’t start stocking up for summer or your early seasonal vacation! Sunscreen sales generally begin in April and last through August, so when you see a good deal, lather on the savings (and the SPF)!
Hip Tip: Check out this buying guide from Consumer Reports for recommendations on great sunscreen!
7. Get some goodies for FREE on Tax Day!
This year’s Tax Day lands on April 17th, and while it’s not exactly a celebrated holiday (especially if you waited until the last minute to file), businesses try to relieve some stress by offering freebies on this day!
Based on tradition, we can expect to see a free cookie offer from Great American Cookie, a free shaved ice from Kona-Ice, and a free Hydromassage at Planet Fitness, which is available during all of tax week! And be sure to check out our annual Tax Day Freebies list!
Written by Emily for Hip2Save. Emily lives in Buffalo, NY where she spends her time drinking lots of coffee, scouring the internet for deals, and tackling DIY projects. She’s a big believer of self-care and living the fullest life possible, all while saving money of course.
That consumer reports article on sunscreen was super interesting! Unfortunately it seems you can’t access their list of product ratings and top picks unless you are a member 🙁 Bummer because I would love to know. I am extremely fair and burn easily and live in AZ so sunscreen allll summer is a MUST for me!
Jen, check the library for a Consumer Reports that would have the listings. Maybe May of 2017? Hope this helps!
That is a smart idea. I actually can’t remember the last time I stepped into a library. We have one right down the street too
A lot of libraries offer CR as an online magazine that you can read with a library card. No need to even go in! Just search the online catalog 🙂
Thanks for this post!
For #6, about sunscreens, the Consumer Reports link is pretty much useless. There are no ‘unlocked’ ratings that show, so you can’t see what is highest rated. 🙁
I was able to watch the video in the link and it showed the top 4 sunscreens:
1. Equate Sport Lotion SPF 50
2. Pure Sun Defense Lotion SPF 50
3. Equate Ultra Protection Lotion SPF 50
4. Equate Sport Continuous Spray SPF 30
I agree that these several sunscreens look like they are fine, and price is probably fine, especially for those affiliated with Walmart brands. But they tested 63 products, and it would be nice to see how they all fared, and, there were many brands that were not tested at all. I use a brand called Dermaquest Zincare (that works well for me), and I’m sure that other H2Sers have their favorites that also work well, that are not even on the CR list. Thanks, H2S, for the whole post and recommendations!
I too am very fair and burn on the shortset of car rides without sunscreen. After many years, I’ve found nuetrogena dry-touch 100 spf to be the best in protecting my skin. I don’t leave the house without it. Hope this helps!
According to the article my family missed out in Easter this year.
Hi, Nice stuff. Anyone tried it before. please share your experience. Thanks