12 Best Home Essentials To Buy At Macy's (& Four To Skip)

Been to a Macy's lately? If you haven't, you're not alone. The department store was once a go-to destination for high-end clothing, home goods, and cosmetics, and for cultural institutions like its Thanksgiving Day Parade. In recent decades, the store has lost some popularity with modern shoppers. Like other similar retailers, it has faced competition from online giants and big box stores.

Still, there are strong deals at Macy's that remain worth paying attention to. The store has a wide selection of home essentials, and you can find steals on everything from your kitchen appliances to your living room sofa. Maybe you've got a gift card burning a hole in your pocket, or you just want to know what to keep an eye out for the next time you're wandering through the Macy's that's holding strong at your local mall. Regardless of your reason for shopping, we've gathered the best home essentials that the place has to offer. And, of course, we'll clue you into a handful of others that you're better off shopping for elsewhere.

Macy's Hotel Collection is an exclusive Macy's brand that produces staycation-worthy home products at solid price points. The brand's Turkish Bath Towels are a fan favorite. Turkish towels are typically made from cotton that is lightweight yet absorbent. These Hotel Collection towels are made from Turkish cotton and feel more plush than many lightweight alternatives. They're thicker than many Turkish towels, too, but thin enough that they surprised some reviewers who expected plush towels to be bulkier. One Reddit user called them a "no-brainer for value," noting that even after a year of heavy use, they didn't fade.

If an item commonly appears on wedding registries, Macy's typically offers a wide selection. Flatware sets are one case in point. Macy's has choices, such as the Henckels Cottage Flatware set, an example of a more classic stainless steel collection. The store also has flatware sets with more modern and unique finishes from brands like Cambridge Silversmiths, which offers sets in reviewer favorites like champagne and matte black. Sales are also common on brands like Lenox, though some reviewers note the sets feel lighter than expected.

While browsing Hotel Collection, the duvets stand out for shoppers who want something beyond standard white designs. Recent offerings include a light pink duvet dotted with shimmering sakura blossoms and a linen blend that one reviewer called "organic but elegant" in "the perfect shade of slate". Look for words like "Closeout" and "Last Act" when you shop, as these can indicate limited-edition designs that may be heavily discounted. Just be sure to check the reviews, too, as some buyers report certain styles can be difficult to wash.

Macy's offers a wide selection of holiday decor across multiple seasons. Whether you love falling asleep on Christmas Eve in a Sanders Holiday Printed Sheet or need a Northlight Black Halloween Branch Tree to properly celebrate the spooky season, Macy's probably has what you're looking for. While you're there, don't forget about storage containers that make it easy to pack away your seasonal items. One thing to note, prices often drop significantly after the holidays, making it a good time to shop for next year's festivities.

Caught the meal prepping bug, or feeling like you need a kitchen overhaul to create a pantry system that actually stays organized? Glass food storage sets offer a reusable alternative to single-use plastic while keeping ingredients and leftovers fresh. Macy's frequently offers some great deals on large bundles of glass storage containers from established brands like Pyrex and OXO. Decide which style fits your needs, then watch for sales before purchasing.

Charter Club is another exclusive Macy's brand with bedding and bath offerings. If you're feeling like your bathroom could use a little upgrade but don't want to spend a ton, check out the Charter Club Signature Boxwood Washcloth. These cloths have both a sculptured side and a terrycloth one. The texture and rich coloring help add depth and character to your space without breaking the bank.

Charter Club also puts out some high-quality bedding. The brand aims to put a fresh spin on classic designs, so it's a nice spot to shop for sheets, comforters, duvets, and pillows if your style leans toward rustic chic. Quilt sets like the Indigo Stripe Artisan or Brushed Cotton Plaid designs strike a balance between warmth, comfort, and modern farmhouse style.

Sure, air fryers are all the rage these days. But if you're in the market for a machine that can just toast you up some bread, Macy's provides a great place to mull over styles. You can find a wide range of options, like a Bella 2 Slice Slim Toaster that's skinny enough for people without much countertop space, or meatier 4-slice toasters from trusted brands like GE and Cuisinart. Discounts appear throughout the year, with some of the deepest price cuts typically showing up around Black Friday.

Macy's offers a wide selection of well-made sofas, and shopping sales or using coupons can lead to solid savings. Apartment dwellers might like the Leidie Fabric Sofa, as it's cozy and stately without being too cumbersome. People with larger spaces can look for deals on bigger pieces like the Michola Sectional with Chaise. If you're picking up the couch yourself, check the product information to see if assembly is required. If you opt for shipping, Macy's White Glove Delivery ranges from $140 to $324, which is comparable to similar services from other retailers.

Macy's pricing on smaller kitchen appliances, especially for holiday sales, is often comparable to major retailers, and the store has a wide selection of established brand names rather than the new and potentially less-trustworthy third-party sellers you'll find on bigger sites. You can often find kitchen staples ranging from a Crock-Pot to a Ninja Crispi Air Fryer to the NutriBullet Pro Compact Personal Blender on sale.

For one-off baking-related purchases, you might find lower prices at retailers like Amazon or a restaurant supply store. But if you've been binging some "Great British Bakeoff" and want to outfit your kitchen with everything you need to be a champion baker, you can find some good deals on bakeware bundles at Macy's. Options range from the colorful Le Creuset Stoneware Heritage Pie Dish and Fluted Loaf Pan to the more classic 6-Piece Cuisinart Bakeware Set, both at under $100.

Like flatware and bakeware sets, fine china is a good bet at Macy's since it's such a common wedding registry item. Macy's is a good place to check out if you're still deciding whether your style skews more traditional or modern, since they have a selection that encompasses both. Plus, they let you buy individual plates and serveware pieces – like a striking Wedgwood Wonderlust Menagerie Plate Coupe or a Royal Albert Old Country Rose Cup and Saucer – if you're looking to just dip your toe into owning fine china.

Compared to other retailers, Macy's doesn't typically offer any advantages when shopping for electronics. Macy's lacks the pricing power to compete with big-box retailers like Walmart, Target, and Amazon on electronics. You also will not typically get the same level of personalized guidance offered by more specialized retailers. In addition, Macy's does not price-match lower prices at competing stores.

Macy's might be able to outfit you well for your workouts, but if you're trying to create the perfect home gym, you're better off looking elsewhere. Macy's selection of items like weight racks, home pull-up bars, and exercise machines is limited compared to retailers like Amazon. If you know what you want, you can also watch for deals directly from manufacturers like Schwinn or BowFlex. Additionally, if you're looking for professional guidance about the best machines for you, you'll have more luck going to specialized stores, like Dick's Sporting Goods.

Yes, Macy's can be a solid option for small appliance purchases, but you are better off shopping elsewhere for larger machines, such as a dryer or refrigerator. You'll find a better selection with more discounts, shipping options, and opportunities for in-person shopping at places like Walmart, The Home Depot, Lowe's, Best Buy, and Amazon. If you have a membership and prefer to buy in bulk,  you might be surprised by how many home appliances are worth buying at Costco.

We are bending the rules a bit, but this category can reasonably be either a skip or a buy. In general, Macy's has a scattered selection of backyard accessories. You are usually better off shopping at a local home and garden store or big-box retailers with wider selections and better prices. But if you're in the market, it is still worth browsing a Macy's summer sale or an end-of-season event. You may find some killer last-chance deals on merchandise like patio furniture sets, garden trellises, or backyard hosting essentials like unbreakable Adobe Homewares Beaded Stemless Glasses.