February shopping deals: Look for big sales in these 4 categories

NEW YORK (FOX 5 NY) - Thanks to back-to-back holidays, February has some great sales, according to Trae Bodge, a smart shopping expert with SlickDeals.net.

1. JEWELRY

Valentine's Day is a good time to look for sales on jewelry. In fact, Trae says Valentine's Day and Mother's Day are her two sweet spots for jewelry deals.

Zales has 30 percent off jewelry through Feb. 14, plus Valentine's Day Specials up to 50 percent off. Macy's jewelry flash sale will give you up to 70 percent off fine jewelry, including diamonds.

But be careful around Valentine's Day if you're looking for flowers. Trae says some retailers elevate their prices and then drop them with a sale around Valentine's Day. You may think you're getting a good deal when you're not. She says it's important to compare prices on flowers in February, including at your local florist, before you make a purchase.

The other big shopping holiday this month is Presidents Day weekend.

2. HOME GOODS/MATRESSES

You'll find lots of sales, especially on home goods and mattresses. Trae says everyone from the bed-in-a-box dealers online to the in-store mattress retailers will offer discounts. Dreamcloud is offering $200 off mattresses. Nectar has $125 off mattresses plus two free pillows.

3. WINTER OUTERWEAR

Winter outerwear is also cheaper than ever. Trae says this is the time of year when you'll find real clearance deals on winter weather gear. Expect better sales the further we get into February and even into early March.

It's a good time, she says, to invest in a new coat for next year. REI has up to 50 percent off everything from coats and fleeces to boots and ski goggles. Eddie Bauer has up to 60 percent off outerwear during its end of season winter sale.

4. TAX SOFTWARE

It's also tax time, the first tax filing season under the new tax law, so look for great deals on software. Trae says if you're brave and filing your taxes yourself this year, you might need software to help you.

Amazon is giving half off H&R Block's Deluxe and State tax software and 40 percent off Turbo Tax Premier and State software.