Shopping deals: What to buy in August

NEW YORK (FOX 5 NY) - August is here and the deals are hot, especially if your grill won’t survive the next summer BBQ.

Trae Bodge, a smart shopping expert with Slickdeals, says outdoor furniture and grills are finally on sale.

Sears has 25% off grills and up to 50% off patio furniture. Hayneedle has grills and smokers on sale, plus an extra 10% off patio furniture already on sale through August 23.

If you’ve had enough grilling and need an escape, travel is also on sale this month. Trae says this is a great time to book a last minute summer trip.

The best deals this month are on vacation packages, and Costco has some great ones like 4 nights at the Westin in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico starting at $259 per person (Puerto Vallarta: The Westin Resort Package, 4 nights starting from $259 per person) or 6 nights at the Westin Hapuna in Hawaii starting at $899 per person (Hawaii Island: Westin Hapuna Beach Resort Buyer’s Choice Package, 6 nights in an Ocean-View Room from $899 per person.).

Hotwire has 4-star hotels at 2-star prices, with 30% to 50% off hotels in Las Vegas, Miami, and even Canada.

This is also the time for Summer Clearance and Back to School sales.

Trae says summer apparel will be discounted dramatically.

H&M has kids clothes marked down to just $5. JCPenney has an extra 25% off when you spend $100 or more through September 3, plus buy one get one deals on jeans and leggings, and discounts on school uniforms.

Trae’s advice to parents? Don’t buy all of the kids clothes right now, because fall clothing will really go on sale in October. She says, hold back on your budget a little bit. Let your kids go to school, see what trends they like, and then go on another shopping trip in late September, early October when prices will be better on cooler weather clothing.

But definitely start shopping for Back-to-School gear and supplies. Trae says there are great deals this month on backpacks, lunchboxes, and thermoses. So keep your eyes peeled and make sure before you buy that you’re getting a really deep discount. Kohl’s has backpacks 40% to 60% off. Office Depot has school supplies starting at 25 cents.