What to Buy and What to Skip
Labor Day is one of the biggest shopping weekends of the year, right behind Black Friday and Cyber Monday. For many families, it’s the unofficial end of summer, the last chance to enjoy outdoor barbecues, beach trips, and long weekends. But it’s also the perfect time to score amazing deals on products you actually need.
As a deals and purchasing expert, I’ve been tracking Labor Day sales for years, and I can tell you this weekend is all about smart shopping. Some categories are truly worth buying right now, while others are better to wait on. Let’s break it down so you know exactly where to spend your money and where to hold back.
Why Labor Day Shopping Matters
Labor Day sales have become a tradition in the United States. Retailers slash prices on everything from mattresses and furniture to electronics and outdoor gear. Families shop for back-to-school, homeowners upgrade appliances, and bargain hunters look for end-of-summer clearance.
But here’s the catch: not everything labeled as a “Labor Day Deal” is a deal worth grabbing. That’s where I come in, to help you cut through the noise and shop smart.
What to Buy on Labor Day
1. Home and Kitchen Essentials
If you’ve been waiting to upgrade your living space, now’s the time. Furniture, mattresses, and appliances are some of the best deals during Labor Day weekend.
- Mattresses – Expect deep discounts, often 30–50% off. This is the second-best time of the year for mattresses after Memorial Day.
- Appliances – Big-ticket items like refrigerators, dishwashers, and washer-dryer combos see some of the lowest prices before Black Friday.
- Small kitchen gadgets – Air fryers, coffee makers, and mixers are often discounted.
👉 Explore top Home & Kitchen deals on WishMerge.
2. Electronics
Labor Day may not beat Black Friday for electronics, but it’s still a solid time to buy.
- Smart TVs – 4K and smart TVs often drop in price during Labor Day sales.
- Laptops & Tablets – Great for back-to-school, especially for students.
- Headphones & Earbuds – You’ll see plenty of discounts on top brands.
👉 Check the best Electronics deals on WishMerge.
3. Fashion and Apparel
With summer ending and back-to-school season in full swing, clothing deals are everywhere.
- End-of-summer clearance – Shorts, sandals, and swimwear at clearance prices.
- Fall fashion – Jackets, jeans, and shoes are discounted for the season shift.
- School uniforms & backpacks – Big savings for families.
👉 Discover fresh styles in Fashion & Apparel.
4. Baby and Kids Products
Parents, this is your time to stock up.
- Car seats and strollers – Often included in big holiday promotions.
- Toys and games – Early deals before the holiday season rush.
- School supplies – Pencils, notebooks, and backpacks are bundled with discounts.
👉 Find the best in Baby & Kids.
👉 Also see Toys & Games.
5. Outdoor and Tools
Labor Day is famous for outdoor deals. Think grilling, patio, and tools.
- Patio furniture – End-of-summer sales clear out inventory.
- Grills and outdoor cooking – Gas and charcoal grills drop in price.
- Tools and home improvement – Great time for power drills, tool sets, and hardware.
👉 Browse top picks in Tools & Home Improvement.
6. Beauty and Health
Labor Day brings some surprisingly good offers in personal care.
- Skincare – Sunscreens, moisturizers, and kits are often on sale.
- Fitness equipment – Dumbbells, yoga mats, and resistance bands.
- Wellness gadgets – Massage guns, smart scales, and sleep trackers.
👉 Explore deals in Beauty & Health.
7. Grocery and Essentials
Don’t skip practical shopping. Grocery and household essentials are bundled into holiday sales too.
👉 See savings in Grocery & Essentials.
8. Office and School Supplies
With back-to-school season in full swing, office and school gear is a must.
👉 Stock up at Office & School.
9. Pet Supplies
Even your pets get love during Labor Day deals.
- Food bundles
- Beds and carriers
- Grooming kits
👉 Find savings in Pet Supplies.
What NOT to Buy on Labor Day
While Labor Day is a shopping goldmine, there are a few categories where it’s smarter to wait:
- Big electronics (like iPhones) – New models launch in September, so wait for prices to drop.
- Winter gear – Coats and boots will see bigger discounts closer to Black Friday.
- Holiday décor – Prices are better closer to Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Tips to Shop Smart This Labor Day
- Compare prices – Not every “deal” is really a deal. Always compare across retailers.
- Make a list – Go in knowing what you need, otherwise you’ll overspend.
- Think seasonally – Summer clearance is real. Fall and winter gear will be cheaper later.
- Check reviews – A low price doesn’t mean high quality. Always read what other buyers say.
- Set a budget – With so many tempting deals, it’s easy to overspend.
Final Thoughts
Labor Day is the perfect time to score deals on furniture, mattresses, appliances, fashion, and outdoor gear. At the same time, skip brand-new electronics and winter wear until later in the year.
At WishMerge, we’ve made it easy by curating the top offers in every category so you don’t have to waste time scrolling.
👉 Explore all Deals on WishMerge and shop smarter this Labor Day.
