The best (and worst) things to buy on Labor Day

Labor Day is right around the corner — Sept. 5 — and that means it's time to take full advantage of Labor Day weekend sales and deals.

The end-of-summer holiday is celebrated on the first Monday of September each year as a tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity and well-being of the U.S., according to the United States Department of Labor. For many, Labor Day marks not only the unofficial end of summer, but one of the best shopping weekends of the year to score deals on back-to-school items, clothes, technology and more.

Here are the best Labor Day sales to scope out during the extended holiday weekend, plus promo codes from coupon sites like Coupon Sherpa and PromotionCode.org, on everything from textbooks to airfare and everything in between.

Labor Day Deals on Clothing, Shoe Sales and More

Now is the time to stock up on summer and warm weather clothing — and sunglasses. Check out the sales and clearance racks of your favorite stores for end-of-summer savings deals on the hottest summer trends.

AC Lens: Get 30 percent off eyeglasses until Sept. 5, no promo code or coupon required.
Aveda: Receive free shipping plus a free sample with any order using promo code AVEDALS until Sept. 15.
Beauty Store Depot: Save 20 percent on all online orders with promo code LABORSALE Aug. 30 through Sept. 5.
BJ's Wholesale Club:Print this coupon to get 60 percent off a complete pair of eyeglasses until Sept. 5.
The Children's Place: Get $10 for every $20 spent until Sept. 12.
Famous Footwear: Save with the buy one get one 50 percent off deal and get free shipping on online orders of $75 or more until Sept. 15.
GAP: Earn $25 of GapCash for every $50 you spend until Sept. 5. You can spend your GapCash Sept. 14 through Sept. 19 on purchases of $50 or more.
Peebles: Get $40 off a purchase of $100 or more with promo code 40100 or this printable coupon until Sept. 5.
Soma: Take up to 70 percent off all swimwear for a limited time.
Stride Rite: Buy one, get one 40 percent off select shoes and sandals with promo code BOGO40 or this printable coupon until Sept. 5.

Learn: 7 Tricks to Fund Your Makeup Addiction

Labor Day TV Sales and Electronics Specials

Labor Day is a great time to shop for TVs for football season. You'll find great deals on other electronics, too, like laptops which are often on sale for the back-to-school season. "Labor Day weekend is a great time to buy small electronics," said Mike Catania, chief technology officer of PromotionCode.org. "On PromotionCode.org, we see the markdowns of between 15 and 20 percent."

Amazon.com: Save up to 70 percent on movies, TVs, music, electronics and more during Amazon's Labor Day sale.

Hhgregg: Each year, the hhgregg Labor Day sale features a variety of items, from TVs and appliances to outdoor home essentials and more.

Staples: Purchase an HP OfficeJet 4650 printer and any HP PC and get $70 off with promo code 55492 or with this printable in-store coupon until Sept. 24.

Labor Day Furniture Sales

Check out these deals on mattresses and outdoor furniture during the Labor Day shopping weekend.

Overstock.com: Shop Labor Day deals on furniture, bedding, rugs, kitchen and dining items, and more during the Overstock Labor Day sale event.

IKEA: Take $20 off a purchase of $150 or more until Sept. 5 with this printable coupon.

Macy's: Get free delivery with any outdoor furniture purchase of $999 or more until Sept. 11.

Back-to-School Sales for Labor Day 2016

Back-to-school sales and deals are still going on into September. Here are a few of the best school supply deals for Labor Day weekend.

Barnes & Noble: Save up to 90 percent on new and used textbooks plus get free shipping on orders over $25. No promo code required.

The Container Store: Find major savings up to 40 percent off during the Container Store Summer Sale for a limited time.

Dollar General: Get $5 off a purchase of $20 or more for back-to-school supplies with this printable in-store coupon until Sept. 6.

Tillys: Take $5 to $10 off select Jansport backpacks for a limited time.

Labor Day Travel Deals

"Most of the major airlines are offering excellent rates, particularly United and Southwest, but the best Labor Day deals are with booking agents: Places like Expedia and CheapOAir are discounting Labor Day tickets from $10 each to 20 percent," said Catania. Here are a couple of the best last-minute summer vacation deals.

CheapOAir: Save up to $40 with the promo code LD40 until Sept. 6.

SmartFares: Save on Labor Day airfare with up to 70 percent off plus an extra $15 off with the promo code SFLABOR15 until Sept. 11.

Read More: 30 Best Road Trips This Summer

Labor Day Food and Gift Discounts

Whether you need to bring some steaks to a Labor Day BBQ or you want to send someone a gift, these are the best food and gift discounts.

1800Baskets: Take 20 percent off select fruit bouquets with the promo code SAVE20FRUIT until Sept. 30.

1800Flowers: Save 15 percent on back-to-school gifts with promo code BCK2SCH until Sept. 15.

Black Angus Steakhouse: Visit by Sept. 5 to get a free lobster tail with the purchase of a dinner menu steak with this printable coupon.

Omaha Steaks: The gourmet food and steak distributor is offering great packages for backyard barbecues at hugely-discounted prices, including the Labor Day Burger Blast, Good Times Grill Pack, and Celebration: Labor Day.

What Not to Buy on Labor Day Weekend

Although there are many deals to be had this Labor Day weekend, there are also some items you should avoid. So skip the fall clothes, toys and holiday decorations — which will all go on sale later in the year — and save money with these promo codes and coupons instead.

Also see 17 things you should always buy in bulk:

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