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It feels like the year just started, but we’re already approaching the first major retail holiday of 2026, and as Lifehacker’s deals writer, I’m here to tell you how to make the most of the upcoming Presidents Day sales.
Here are my tips on which products are likely to be a great buy, and which ones your better off waiting to pick up during a future sale.
When is Presidents Day 2026?
Presidents Day is a federal holiday that originally started to honor George Washington’s birthday, but eventually evolved to recognize all U.S. presidents. Presidents Day falls on the third Monday of February each year, which means this year, it will take place on Feb. 16, 2026.
Presidents Day sales, then, are usually concentrated on the weekend before the holiday, which means that this year, you’re likely to see the biggest discounts from Feb. 13–16—and I wouldn’t be surprised if some retailers start their sales even earlier.
What should you buy during Presidents Day sales this year?
Presidents Day sales generally bring big discounts to items like home furnishings and mattresses, as well as major appliances like refrigerators and washing machines, and you can expect the same this year. As we’re getting close to the end of winter, you’ll likely also see price drops on winter gear like snow blowers, space heathers, and power generators, plus cold weather clothing like coats, as retailers try to sell down their inventory and make room for next season’s items.
You’ll likely see some tech deals as well, as older model TVs and laptops will see price cuts to make room for newer models (some of which likely debuted at January’s CES show). If you’re planning to shop in one of these categories, start paying attention to prices now, so you’ll be able to spot good discounts come the holiday weekend.
What items aren’t worth buying during Presidents Day sales?
Seasons come and go, and even as retailers push their winter inventory out, they will try to sell you their spring products. You should hold off on picking these items up for now, as you’ll likely be paying a premium price—even items that are “marked down” are likely to see bigger price cuts later, if you can wait.
What do you think so far?
Who will be holding Presidents Day sales?
All major retailers will be having a Presidents Day sale, including Amazon, Best Buy, Target, Walmart, and others. The sales will generally be available both online and in-person (except at Amazon, of course).
Should you wait for Amazon’s Big Spring Sale?
Presidents Day is a time-honored tradition, but in recent years, the biggest sale of the early part of the year has been Amazon’s Big Spring Sale (with other retailers planning their own sales events around the same time). While we don’t know the exact dates, its likely this year’s will take place around the same time as last year—in mid- to late March. Is it worth waiting to shop until then? It depends on what you want to buy.
The online retailer debuted the Big Spring Sale in 2024 with many sales on many different categories, but especially on tech, so if you’re eyeing a specific tech product but haven’t found a great deal yet, it’s worth waiting to see if it is discounted in a month or so. However, if you’re shopping for winter gear, mattresses, furniture, or large appliances, you’ll likely see better discounts during Presidents Day sales.
