What to buy during Labor Day sales
Select independently determines what we cover and recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
Labor Day weekend is here, which means you can find discounts on everything from mattresses and vacuums to grills and air purifiers. Major brands and retailers have also started slashing prices on summer essentials as the season winds down, including outdoor furniture, grills and summer clothing.
With several sales to choose from, retail experts told us Labor Day weekend can be a good time to take advantage of discounts as prices soar due to inflation and people begin to worry about spending more around the upcoming holidays. “As we head into other major spending events like Halloween and the winter holiday season, we expect consumers will be paying even closer attention to finding the best deals and making every dollar count,” said Katherine Cullen, senior director of industry and consumer insights at the National Retail Federation.
To help you narrow down the best Labor Day deals, we scoured the web and compiled some of the best sales on Select reader favorite categories like mattresses, tech, furniture, grills, back-to-school clothing and more. We also highlighted competitive deals using price trackers like Honey and CamelCamelCamel.
Related: Deciding between a down and down alternative duvet insert? Here’s what experts told us to consider.
The best Labor Day deals in 2022
To recommend the best Labor Day deals below, we evaluated highly rated options using price trackers like Honey and CamelCamelCamel — everything below is at its lowest price in at least the last three months.
Great Jones The Dutchess Dutch Oven
Great Jones’ The Dutchess is one of our favorite Dutch ovens thanks to its durable enameled cast iron build, sturdy lid and handles on either side. It can hold up to 6.75 quarts of food and is both dishwasher-safe and oven-safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the brand. The Dutch oven comes in a variety of vibrant colors, including Taffy, Salt, Blueberry and Mustard.
Great Jones The Dutchess
Great Jones The Dutchess $ at Great Jones
Great Jones The Dutchess $ at Nordstrom
Garmin Forerunner 245 Music
In our guide to fitness trackers, certified strength and conditioning specialist Kristina Jennings said that Garmin's smartwatches are great for serious runners thanks to their top-of-the-line GPS tracking. In addition to tracking your heart rate, blood oxygen saturation levels and more, the watch can hold up to 500 songs or sync with your smartphone and play music via Bluetooth headphones, according to the brand.
Garmin Forerunner 245 Music
Garmin Forerunner 245 Music $ at Amazon
Garmin Forerunner 245 Music $ at REI
Garmin Forerunner 245 Music $ at Garmin
Our Place Always Pan
Our Place’s Always Pan is a Select staff favorite: Select writer Kala Herh said she threw out her other cookware after investing in one, and I’ve gifted the Always Pan to several family members after purchasing (and loving) my own. The brand says its nonstick, ceramic-coated pan is designed to replace eight popular kitchen items, including a sauté pan, steamer, skillet and spoon rest. It comes in a variety of colors, including Heat (red), Sage and Blue Salt.
Our Place Always Pan
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 Over-the-Ear Headphones
These headphones from Bowers & Wilkins are one of our favorite over-ear headphones due to their adaptive noise cancellation that can block out unwanted sounds and long-lasting battery that can handle up to 30 hours of listening, according to the brand. The ear cups can lay flat in order to easily fit them inside their accompanying storage case, and the headphones will automatically go into power-saving mode when you take them off to run an errand, Bowers & Wilkins says.
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 Over-the-Ear Headphones
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 Over-the-Ear Headphones $ at Best Buy
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 Over-the-Ear Headphones $ at Amazon
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 Over-the-Ear Headphones $ at Bowers & Wilkins
Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL 2 Solution-Dyed Tent
One of our favorite camping tents, this lightweight backpacking tent from Big Agnes weighs just under 3 pounds and is easy to pitch with reflective guylines and color-coded webbing, according to the brand. It’s made from solution-dyed fabric that the brand says can hold color longer and resist fading from UV rays. Big Agnes labels this as a three-season tent — its ripstop nylon and polyester mesh fabric won’t necessarily hold up in winter weather, but it’s still a durable option to take on hikes and overnight backpacking trips.
Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL 2 Solution-Dyed Tent
Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL 2 Solution-Dyed Tent $ at REI
Traeger Grills Pro Series 22 Electric Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker
This wood pellet grill from Traeger — which makes some of our favorite smokers and grilling accessories — equips all-terrain wheels for portability and durable porcelain-coated grill grates that prevent food from sticking, according to the brand. It also has a digital controller that lets you set the temperature you want within 15 degrees and dual meat probes that monitor the temperature of your meats without having to lift the lid, Traeger says.
Traeger Grills Pro Series 22 Electric Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker
Traeger Grills Pro Series 22 Electric Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker $ at Best Buy
Traeger Grills Pro Series 22 Electric Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker $ at Home Depot
Instant Pot Duo Plus 3-Quart 9-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker
This 3-quart pressure cooker from Instant Pot has nine cooking functions, including slow cook, sous vide, steam and sauté. The lid equips an easy-release steam switch that both simplifies and safens the steaming process, and the interior of the lid has a silicone ring around it to create a tight seal when it’s attached to the pot, according to the brand. The Duo Plus also contains 15 customizable pre-set programs to cook a variety of foods like soups and desserts, and the model’s anti-spin inner pot can stay in place while you’re stirring ingredients, Instant Pot says.
Instant Pot Duo Plus 3-Quart Electric Pressure Cooker
Instant Pot Duo Plus 3-Quart Electric Pressure Cooker $ at Amazon
Instant Pot Duo Plus 3-Quart Electric Pressure Cooker $ at Instant
Instant Pot Duo Plus 3-Quart Electric Pressure Cooker $ at Walmart
Samsung 65-Inch Class Q80B Smart TV
This 65-inch smart TV from Samsung boasts OLED 4K resolution, Dolby Atmos surround-sound technology and built-in Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. This model can also automatically adjust the amount of blue light it emits at night to mitigate how much you’re exposed to before bed, which experts previously told us can help you fall asleep easier. The TV is available and on sale in multiple sizes ranging from a 50-inch to an 85-inch screen size.
Samsung 65-Inch Class Q80B Smart TV
Samsung 65-Inch Class Q80B Smart TV $ at Best Buy
Blink Mini
The Blink Mini is a plug-in indoor security camera that can be controlled using its proprietary app, which the brand says allows you to see, hear, talk and receive alerts when movement and sound is detected in your home. The camera boasts HD resolution and is compatible with other Amazon Alexa-enabled devices to help you create a smart home security system, Amazon says.
Blink Mini
Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven
This oven-style air fryer from Cuisinart offers seven cooking functions, including convection bake, broil, warm and toast. Rather than using a digital screen like most air fryers, this option has four knobs to set the 60-minute timer, temperature, function and toaster. It also comes with an oven rack, baking pan and air fryer basket to make cooking easier, according to the brand.
Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven
Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven $ at Target
Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven $ at Best Buy
Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven $ at Williams Sonoma
Gravity Blankets Weighted Blanket
One of our favorite weighted blankets, the Gravity Blanket is offered in three weights — 15 pounds, 20 pounds and 35 pounds — and comes with a machine-washable micro-plush duvet cover. It contains an inner weighted piece that’s filled with glass beads and has gridded stitching to ensure the beads are uniformly distributed and don’t shift around as you use the blanket, according to the brand.
Gravity Blankets Weighted Blanket
Gravity Blankets Weighted Blanket $ at Amazon
Gravity Blankets Weighted Blanket $ at Gravity
Gravity Blankets Weighted Blanket $ at Pottery Barn
Allbirds Women’s Tree Pipers
The Allbirds Tree Pipers are a low-top sneaker made from the brand’s sustainable eucalyptus tree fiber material that makes it light and breathable for everyday use, Allbirds says. The midsole is also sustainably made from Brazilian sugarcane for a contoured and bouncy fit and feel, while the insole is layered with castor bean oil and Merino wool that makes it both moisture-wicking and odor-reducing when wearing the shoe outdoors, according to the brand. The Tree Pipers are available in a variety of colors, including Blue Ridge, Lux Pink and Lux Purple. And if you’re looking for men’s sizing, the Men’s Tree Pipers are also on sale.
Allbirds Women's Tree Pipers
Allbirds Women's Tree Pipers $ at allbirds
Olaplex Bond Maintenance Set
This set from Olaplex — which makes some of our favorite products for bleached hair — includes full sizes of the brand’s popular No. 4 shampoo, No. 5 conditioner and No. 3 hair perfector, which is a leave-on treatment designed to strengthen the hair, the brand says. Select editorial operations associate Rebecca Rodriguez said the three products have worked great on her chemically treated hair for years and noted her hair has “never felt softer” than when she uses them.
Olaplex Bond Maintenance Set
Olaplex Bond Maintenance Set $ at Nordstrom
AeroGarden Harvest Elite Slim
Lowest price ever
The Harvest Elite Slim from AeroGarden comes with six seed pods to grow a variety of herbs indoors, including basil, parsley, thyme and mint. The plants grow via hydroponics — which means there’s no soil involved in the process — and 20-watt LED grow lights. The indoor garden also equips a digital display control panel that reminds you when to add water or plant food, and it includes a Vacation Mode that automatically adjusts settings when you’re out of town, AeroGarden says.
AeroGarden Harvest Elite Slim
AeroGarden Harvest Elite Slim $ at AeroGarden
AeroGarden Harvest Elite Slim $ at Best Buy
AeroGarden Harvest Elite Slim $ at Amazon
Vitruvi Stone Diffuser
The Vitruvi Stone Diffuser releases an essential oil-infused cool mist that can freshen up rooms up to 500 square feet, according to the brand. The device requires you to fill the internal reservoir with water, add 20-25 drops of essential oil and select either a four- or eight-hour time setting to allow the steam to disperse. I use this diffuser in my home and love its attractive and minimalist design, which includes a matte ceramic cover and an ambient LED light.
Vitruvi Stone Diffuser
Vitruvi Stone Diffuser $ at Vitruvi
Vitruvi Stone Diffuser $ at Anthropologie
Vitruvi Stone Diffuser $ at Revolve
The best Labor Day sales in 2022
Below, we rounded up sales across reader favorite categories to shop this holiday weekend.
Best Labor Day sales from Select reader favorite retailers
Backcountry: Up to 70% off select outdoor apparel, gear and accessories
Overstock: Up to 70% off mattresses, kitchen appliances, rugs and more
Pottery Barn: Up to 70% off during the Labor Day Warehouse Sale through Sept. 7
Wayfair: Up to 70% wall art, 60% off lighting and living room seating, 50% off kitchen and dining furniture and more through Sept. 7
Macy’s: Up to 60% off using code LABOR through Sept. 5
Bed Bath & Beyond: Up to 50% off select cookware, up to $200 off select vacuums and more
Lowe’s: Up to 50% off select patio furniture, outdoor cooking accessories, tools and more
REI: Up to 50% off on outdoor accessories, clothing and more through Sept. 5
Chewy: Up to 40% off select toys, treats, apparel and more through Sept. 3
Target: Up to 40% off electronics, 30% off patio and home furniture, 25% off home decor and more
Best Buy: Save on major appliances during the Appliances Labor Day Sale through Sept. 14
Home Depot: Up to 30% off select appliances, bedding and bath linens, furniture and more through Sept. 7
Our Place: Up to 25% off during the Goodbye Summer Sale through Sept. 7
Etsy: Up to 15% off through Sept. 4 during its Labor Day Sales Event pre-sale on the Etsy app
Best Labor Day mattress and bedding sales
Crane & Canopy: Up to 60% off bedding and home decor
Sleep Number: Up to 50% off smart beds through Sept. 5
Bear Mattress: Up to 30% off sitewide using code LD30 through Sept. 5
Brooklyn Bedding: Up to 25% off sitewide using code LABORDAY25
Cozy Earth: Up to 25% sitewide
Allswell: Up to 20% off sitewide using code LABORDAY20 through Sept. 7
Tuft & Needle: Up to 20% off mattresses and mattress toppers through Sept. 5
Avocado: Up to 10% off certified organic mattresses using code LABORDAY
Nolah Sleep: Up to $700 off mattresses plus two free pillows through Sept. 6
Casper: Up to $600 off mattresses and up to 50% off select items through Sept. 13
Tempur-Pedic: Up to $500 off mattresses through Sept. 13.
Purple: Up to $300 off mattresses through Sept. 14
Nectar: Up to $200 off mattresses through Sept. 6
Best Labor Day home and kitchen sales
AeroGarden: Up to 50% off select indoor garden systems, seed pod kits and more
BBQGuys: up to 50% off backyard staples like grills, pizza ovens, smokers and more through Sept. 7
Ashley Furniture: Up to 40% off sitewide using code LDSAVINGS
Solo Stove: Up to 40% off fire pits, up to 30% off camp stoves, up to 35% off fire pit accessories and more through Sept. 5
Anthropologie: Up to 30% off select home products and an extra 50% off sale items through Sept. 5
Hurom: Up to 30% off on all slow juicers through Sept. 5
Vitruvi: Up to 30% off sitewide through Sept. 5
Article: Up to 25% off hundreds of items through Sept. 5
BioBidet: Up to 25% off select bidets through Sept. 6
Lovesac: Up to 25% off sactionals and up to 20% off everything else through Sept. 5
Rifle Paper Co: Up to 25% off sitewide using code TAKE25 through Sept. 6
Cleancult: 25% off sitewide and free shipping
Bissell: Up to 20% off sitewide using code LABORDAY22 through Sept. 5
Great Jones: Up to 20% off using code LDW20 through Sept. 5
Molekule: Up to 20% on air purifiers through Sept. 8
Redbubble: Up to 20% off sitewide with code NOTJUST through Sept. 8
Ruggable: Up to 20% using code LD22 through Sept. 6
SodaStream: Up to 20% off sparkling water makers using code Labor20 through Sept. 5
Open Spaces: Take 20% off the bestselling Entryway Rack
Gir: 20% off sitewide through Sept. 5
KitchenAid: Up to 15% off select major appliances through Sept. 14
Brooklinen: Up to 15% off sitewide through Sept. 8
Fellow: Up to 15% off all gear using code WEEKEND15 through Sept 6
Burrow: Up to 10% off up to $1,599 using code LDS22 through Sept. 6
Brava: Up to $200 off Brava sets using code LABORDAY200 through Sept. 7
Best Labor Day tech sales
HP: Up to 75% off select tech, plus an extra 10% off select products using code LABORDAY10HP
Lenovo: Up to 70% off laptops, PCs, tech accessories and more
Tribit: Up to 30% off wireless earbuds, Bluetooth speakers and more through Sept. 6
Ring: Up to 25% off select security devices through Sept. 7
Rocketbook: Up to 25% off sitewide
OtterBox: Up to 15% off sitewide through Sept. 5
Dell: Up to $200 off laptops, desktops, monitors and more
Best Labor Day wellness and apparel sales
American Eagle: Up to 70% off sitewide through Sept. 5
Everlane: Up to 60% off summer sale styles and 30% off on all denim products during its Long Weekend Sale through Sept. 5
GlassesUSA: Up to 60% off frames using code USA60 through Sept. 5
Old Navy: Up to 60% off sitewide through Sept. 5
Outdoor Voices: Up to 50% off select styles through Sept. 5
Allbirds: Up to 40% off sitewide through Sept. 6
LensDirect.com: Up to 40% off eyewear, lens replacement, and sunglasses using code LABOR40 through Sept. 5
Reebok: Up to 35% off sitewide using code BTS through Sept. 6
Adidas: Up to 30% off sitewide using code SCOREBIG through Sept. 6
Girlfriend Collective: Up to 25% off sitewide and an additional 60% off sale styles
Bala: Up to 20% off sitewide for orders of $75 or more
LIVELY: Up to 15% off sitewide with code CREW15 through Sept. 8
Welly: Up to 10% off bundles using code LABOR10 through Sept. 6
Therabody: up to $100 on devices through Sept. 6
What to buy during Labor Day 2022
While you’ll see sales and deals across many different categories during Labor Day, you’ll find the strongest deals on large appliances and big-ticket home purchases at retailers like Home Depot, Lowe’s and JCPenney, according to Trae Bodge, a smart shopping expert at TrueTrae, a blog that offers shopping and saving tips. “Think mattresses, appliances and furniture — shoppers can expect sales, promo codes and bundle deals [on those items],” added Kristin McGrath, shopping expert at RetailMeNot.
And since Labor Day also marks the end of the summer, Bodge noted summer clearance sales are always a reliable category to shop. “You can expect sales on any summer-related categories, like patio furniture, fire pits, warmer weather clothing and footwear,” she said. Vipin Porwal, founder and consumer savings expert at Smarty, noted that brands and retailers offering summer clothing and accessories “will have huge discounts as they want to sell as much of that inventory as possible to make room for oncoming fall fashion.” However, he warned that you should shop sooner than later, as “the popular brands, colors and sizes get swooped up quickly.”
Though Bodge doesn’t expect inflation to affect the kinds of discounts available this holiday weekend, she said we’ll likely see a higher manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP), which means that even discounted items will be more expensive. “I’m also seeing that consumers are pulling back a bit on purchases, so I expect spending to be more modest this year,” she said, adding that because everything is more expensive overall, “it’s more important than ever to look for ways to save on top of retailer sales.”
With that in mind, Porwal recommended taking the time to compare prices and sign up for cash back rewards websites like Smarty, Rakuten and CouponCabin.com to earn some money back during holiday sales purchases. Bodge also suggested saving on your purchases by using the right credit card: Some cash-back cards can offer as much as 5% back on specific product categories or extra rewards on certain purchases.
What should you avoid buying this Labor Day?
While you might see some tempting tech deals during Labor Day, McGrath said that “waiting until the holiday sales will give you a lot more options and even deeper discounts.” Retailers hosted plenty of worthwhile tech deals in July during Amazon Prime Day and adjacent sales, so “don’t expect to see big tech and electronics savings until Black Friday and Cyber Monday,” Bodge added.
Both Bodge and Porwal also recommended avoiding sales on fall and cold weather apparel — especially jeans and denim. ”[Most styles will] still be full price and discounting won’t begin until later in September and into October,” Bodge said.
Catch up on Select's in-depth coverage of personal finance, tech and tools, wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay up to date.
