April showers bring . . . deals

Cheer up! Just because April happens to be Tax Month, doesn’t mean there’s no joy to be found.

Some restaurants and retailers offer Tax Day freebies to ease the paying-the-IRS blues. Head to Great American Cookie on April 17 and you’ll get a free Birthday Cake cookie. Go to your local Planet Fitness from April 14-21 and enjoy a free HydroMassage. Even TurboTax is getting in on the fun. It will be hosting a Facebook Live Procrastination Station from 4 to 6 p.m. ET/1 to 3 p.m. PT on April 17. Viewers can alleviate some stress by playing games for a chance to win prizes ranging from gift cards to an Amazon Echo.

Here are a few more great deals to look forward to all month long!

Easter Candy

As a chocolate lover, it’s the best time of year to get all my favorites at 50 to 60% off. (I’m not even going to pretend it will be saved for the kids next year. It all goes toward replenishing my secret “emergency chocolate” stash.) It is also a great time to stock up on the savings for next year’s decorations, baskets, bunny ears and stuffed animals.

Winter Clothing

It’s final clearance time so you’ll find some of the best deals on coats, sweaters, scarfs, boots etc. We’ve found online deals up to 70% off clearance items from such stores as Eddie Bauer.com and LandsEnd.com. Thrift store shoppers can also score great finds as most people tend to clear out their closets in April. That means fresh new inventory!

Vacuums

Stores take spring cleaning to heart so look for price drops on vacuums. Is it time for that iRoomba?

Cruises

Well, at least if you are booking a cruise to the Mediterranean. According to travel experts, when it comes to price and weather, April is one of the best months for a Mediterranean cruise.