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Presidents' Day 2026: The Only Sale Guide You Need (What to Buy & What to Skip)

Presidents' Day 2026: The Only Sale Guide You Need (What to Buy & What to Skip)



Okay you guys, Presidents' Day weekend is HERE and I have to tell you—this is legitimately one of the BEST times to buy big-ticket items. 🎯



I know, I know. "Presidents' Day sale" sounds like something from a furniture store commercial, right? But hear me out: retailers use this holiday as an excuse to clear out winter inventory and make room for spring stock, which means if you know what you're doing, you can save some serious cash.



I spent the last three days digging through every major retailer's Presidents' Day offerings (yes, including that furniture store commercial), and here's my honest take on what's actually worth your money—and what's just marketing hype.



What's Actually On Sale Right Now



Before we get into the good stuff, let's talk about what's legitimately discounted this weekend versus what retailers claim is on sale:



Actually on sale: Mattresses, appliances, winter clothing, home goods, electronics (some), furniture



"On sale" but probably not: Valentine's Day leftovers (wait another week for 70%+ off), spring clothing (barely marked down), toys (wait for better seasonal sales)



The Deals Worth Running For



1. Mattresses & Bedding (The Presidents' Day MVP)



Real talk: Presidents' Day weekend is THE best time to buy a mattress. Better than Black Friday, better than Memorial Day. I've been tracking this for years.



Why this matters for us: Mattresses are expensive, and you can't exactly DIY this purchase. A good deal here saves you hundreds (sometimes thousands).



What's hot right now:



  • Casper: Up to 20% off + free pillows (their pillows are actually amazing)

  • Purple: Up to $800 off mattress + base bundles

  • Tempur-Pedic: $500 off select models

  • Serta/Simmons (at big box stores): 40-50% off doorbusters



My honest take: If you've been sleeping on a hand-me-down mattress from your cousin's college days (no judgment, I've been there), this is your moment. Casper's mid-tier option at 20% off is probably the sweet spot for most families—good quality without the luxury price tag.



2. Major Appliances (If You Actually Need Them)



Here's the thing about appliance sales: they're only a good deal if you need the appliance. I know that's obvious, but I've seen too many people buy a "great deal" on a fridge they didn't need, only to have it sit in their garage for six months.



That said, if your dishwasher is making that weird grinding noise:



  • Home Depot: Up to 40% off select appliances

  • Lowe's: Up to $800 off kitchen packages

  • Best Buy: Bundle deals on washer/dryer sets



Pro tip: Measure your space before you shop. I learned this the hard way when I bought a "perfect deal" refrigerator that was two inches too wide for my kitchen. The return process was... not fun.



3. Winter Clearance (The Steal of the Season)



This is where I get excited. Retailers are desperate to move winter inventory before spring stock arrives, which means you can get quality cold-weather gear for next year at 60-70% off.



What to grab:



  • Winter coats for the kids (buy a size up for next year)

  • Snow boots (same sizing strategy)

  • Heavy blankets and comforters

  • Space heaters and humidifiers



Target's Cartwheel has 30% off winter accessories right now, and you can stack that with manufacturer coupons. I just grabbed two pairs of kids' snow boots for $12 each. They'll be ready for next winter, and I'll look like a genius when everyone else is paying full price in November.



4. Home Goods & Furniture (But Be Picky)



Presidents' Day furniture sales are notorious for inflated "original prices" that make discounts look bigger than they are. But there ARE real deals if you know where to look.



Actually good:



  • Wayfair's clearance section (filter by 50%+ off)

  • Overstock's flash deals

  • West Elm's outlet section online

  • Local furniture stores (negotiate—they're hungry for sales)



Probably not worth it:



  • Anything from a store that's "always 50% off" (spoiler: that's just the regular price)

  • "Luxury" furniture sites that never actually sell at full price

  • Fast furniture that's already cheap—if it's $50, it was probably $50 yesterday too



What's NOT Worth Buying This Weekend



Let me save you some time and money:



❌ Spring clothing: Barely marked down. Wait until March/April when they're desperate to move it.



❌ Valentine's Day stuff: I mean, sure, grab the 50% off chocolate on Monday if you want. But the gift sets and decor? Wait one more week for 70-80% off.



❌ Most electronics: Presidents' Day isn't prime time for tech deals. Wait for Prime Day or Black Friday.



❌ Toys: Post-holiday clearance is over, and summer toy sales haven't started. This is the dead zone.



My Presidents' Day Shopping Strategy



Here's exactly how I'm approaching this weekend:



Friday: Research mode. I'm checking prices on anything I've been eyeing and making a list.



Saturday: Hit the stores for anything I need to see/try in person (mattresses, furniture).



Sunday: Online shopping for anything that doesn't need in-person evaluation (appliances if I know the model, winter clearance, home goods).



Monday: Last chance for anything I missed, plus checking for surprise markdowns.



The Real Talk Section



Can I be honest with you for a second?



I used to get SO excited about sales. I'd buy stuff just because it was "such a good deal" and then realize I didn't actually need it, didn't have space for it, or didn't even really want it.



The best money-saving advice I can give you this Presidents' Day weekend is this: Buy what you need, not what's on sale.



If you've been sleeping poorly and need a mattress? This is your weekend.



If your washing machine is hanging on by a thread? Go for it.



If you're just browsing because "there might be something good"? Close the laptop. Go play with your kids. The deals will still be there when you actually need something.



Final Verdict: Worth It or Skip It?



Worth It:



  • Mattresses (seriously, best time of year)

  • Winter clearance items for next year

  • Appliances if yours are actually dying

  • Quality home goods at real discounts



Skip It:



  • Impulse purchases

  • Spring items that are barely marked down

  • "Deal" items you don't actually need

  • Anything that requires financing to "afford"



Alright, that's my Presidents' Day guide! If you snag any amazing deals this weekend, tag me on social or drop a comment—I genuinely love seeing what you guys find.



And hey, if you save enough to buy yourself an extra coffee this week? That's a win in my book. ☕



Happy shopping (smart shopping, that is)!



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