Best Things to Buy in May

My favorite months of the year are those that serve as major transitions into the next season. That, of course, includes May, a month that teases us with hints of summer while still holding onto spring's mild temperatures and pretty buds.

Naturally, the best things to buy in May revolve around the weather. After all, we shape our lives around the seasons. May often means get-togethers and celebrations with loved ones, spring cleaning and home renovations and, of course, Mother's Day.

I'll explain why in the sections below, but the best products to buy in May include party and picnic supplies, vacuum cleaners, paint, sunscreen and spa products.

Party Supplies

Summer months see many parties. From graduations to weddings to birthdays, holidays, grill outs and picnics, May through August are hot months (literally and figuratively) to celebrate with friends and family. Retailers understand this and begin touting party supplies in May. They often offer low prices -- especially on bulk items -- hoping that buyers will stock up for the entire summer. Take advantage of those prices and purchase all the disposable cutlery, plates, balloons and decor you need to get you through the summer.

Hot Prices:
Personalized Graduation Party Beverage Napkins, $17.45
24 Piece Yellow Sunshine Heavy Duty Plastic Ware, $3.89
Flower Patterned Napkins: Magnolia Cream Beverage Napkins 20ct., $3.99
To-Go Ware Bamboo Utensil Set with Case, $20
Round Paper Lanterns, from $2

Vacuum Cleaners

Hop aboard the spring cleaning train with the help of a shiny new vacuum cleaner. I'm not saying you have to go out and buy a new one just to get the job done, but if you're in the market for a vacuum, now's the time to pounce. MSN Money says that new vacuum models are released in June, resulting in discounted prices throughout the month of May. Tip: Want an even steeper discount? Consider purchasing a floor model vacuum cleaner.

Hot Prices:
Hoover Quick and Light Gray Upright Vacuum, $75 (reg. $110)
Bissell Steam Mop Deluxe Stick Vacuum, $62 (reg. $90)
Euro-Pro Shark Lavandar Upright Vacuum, $149 (reg. $200)
Eureka AirSpeed Black Upright Vacuum, $118 (reg. $150)
LG Kompressor Blue Upright Vacuum, $240 (reg. $300)
Electrolux Versatility Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner, $175 (reg. $300)
Hoover SteamVac Blue Upright Carpet Vacuum, $105 (reg. $130)

Spa Products

If you want my opinion, spa products are the best to buy year round. After all, a little self pampering has a major affect on one's happiness (and perhaps sanity). In all seriousness, though, spa products are an excellent buy throughout May. Mother's Day occurs on XXX, prompting bath and body companies to promote products and offer discounts in an attempt to get people to buy from them and not their competitors. Buy a little something for the moms in your life and then pick something nice out for yourself, as well.

Hot Prices:
Eucalyptus & Thyme 8.46-oz. Jar Candle, $10 (reg. $25)
Vitabath Asian Orchid & Coconut Body Wash, $7.50 (reg. $10)
Simple Pleasures 6-pc. Polynesian Paradise Body Lotion Gift Set, $7 (reg. $12)
Earth Therapeutics Foot Doctor Pedicure Kit, $25
Avon NATURALS Strawberry Ice Cream Scrub, $4 (reg. $8)
Me! Bath Shower Sherbet Exfoliating Sugar Scrub, $25 (reg. $30)

Paint

From major remodeling ventures to basic paint jobs, everyone's got at least one house-related goal they'd like to cross of their summer to-do list. If painting is on your personal list, buy the paint you need in late May (even if you don't think you'll get to painting until much later in the summer or fall).

Hot Prices:
Valspar Pastel Base House Paint, $17
Benjamin Moore ben Interior Eggshell Finish Paint, 1 Gallon - Nighty Night, $38
YOLO Colorhouse Flat Interior Paint, Imagine .05, Quart, $22
Majic Latex Flat House Paint, $21
Pratt & Lambert Pro-Hide Gold Flat Latex Exterior House Paint, $27

Sunscreen

By now, you already know that lathering on an SPF year round is key for skin health. However, spring and summer's warmer temps often mean you'll spend far more time outside basking in sunshine. Retailers know that, too, which is why they offer low prices on sunscreen products throughout the end of April and May. Prices should be low enough to stock up on for the rest of the summer. Choose a variety of products to ensure all your skin needs are met. For example, sport sunscreens are great for beach/pool play and sweating since they're water proof; and sheer coverage SPFs make a great summer alternative to heavy foundations.

Hot Prices:
Alba Botanica Chemical Free Sunscreen SPF 18, $6.82
Banana Boat Sport Performance Sunscreen SPF 50, $9.95
Sunscreen Towelette SPF 30, $0.63
Solar Sense Zany Zinc Colored Sunscreen SPF 50, $4.99
L'Oreal True Match Naturale Gentle Minueral Makeup SPF 19, $12.20 (reg. $16)
Philosophy Here Comes the Sun Age-Defense Water Resistant SPF 40 Sunscreen for Face, $24 (reg. $30)