Cel-e-brate Good Deals: Tips to Get Ahead of Celebration Season

Every year, consumers spend a lot of money during "celebration season," which kicks off on Mother's Day, quickly followed by Father's Day, graduations, school parties and activities, with Memorial Day BBQs sprinkled in between. But being a host doesn't have to cost you the most.

"Rising to the occasion during a season of heavy social gatherings and gift giving expectations can take a lot of time and energy — whether you're hosting, attending or buying," said Elvira Christiansen, Director of Retail and Loyalty for AARP Services. "With an AARP membership, you can access a wide range of member benefits so you can shop for the best gifts at the lowest prices, find the best restaurants for a celebratory meal or plan your gathering, all with perks."

From deals on decorations, to steals on gifts and food, AARP member benefits can help you save on celebration season this year and make it one to remember.

1. Unique Gifts from the Past, and Present

No one wants to celebrate Mother's Day or Father's Day without a gift showing your appreciation, but it can be easy to blow past your budget without even realizing it. Luckily, FTD offers fresh floral bouquets and planters for every occasion and a wide assortment of gifts to fit any occasion, such as food and drink baskets and customizable sweet treats and desserts. For a limited time AARP members can save 40% sitewide from April 11 until May 11. AARP members automatically save 25% sitewide, 30% off select items with promo code AARP30, and can get $15 off an FTD Plus membership, which includes free shipping for one year.

If you're looking for something different, give the gift of family history. AARP members save 30% on the first year of an All Access or a World Explorer subscription to Ancestry. Get access to records and online tools to search, save and share family history. If you're new to Ancestry, you'll receive the discount on the first year of your subscription only. If you already have an Ancestry account, you'll receive the discount when you renew your subscription for a year. The bonus gift with this subscription is that it's an activity that your family can participate in together.

2. Red, White, and BBQ

Throwing a BBQ is a fun way to celebrate Memorial Day, however many party hosts find it challenging to source enough of the right food to satisfy all their guests and meet any dietary requirements. Not a fan of cooking? Don't want to spend too much on catering? Then AARP has the savings you need to help lift your celebration cuisine to the next level. Members can save 10% on food and nonalcoholic beverages at McCormick and Schmick's. McCormick & Schmick's is a seafood and steakhouse restaurant chain known for its fresh seafood, steaks, and a wide variety of bar bites and cocktails, with locations across the U.S.

And, if you're looking for festive supplies and decorations for your BBQ and don't have a lot of time to go out and shop, a Walmart+ membership can help save the day, and your precious time. AARP members save $40 off every year of a Walmart+ annual membership, which also boasts free delivery from the store, free shipping with no order minimum, and so much more.

Looking for a venue away from home for your fill of ribs, steaks and burgers? Outback Steakhouse has your back. Members save 10% on food and nonalcoholic beverages and dine-in service is available at all locations, while curbside carryout is available at participating locations only.

3. Celebrate Savings on the Go

If you're traveling for a celebration occasion this season, choose Choice Hotels^® for an affordable stay. For a limited time, members receive a 15% discount off the Best Available Rate (BAR) for stays at participating Choice Hotels brands in the U.S. including Cambria^® Hotels, Comfort^® Hotels, and Country Inn and Suites^® by Radisson, for a minimum of one night, booked between March 30, 2024, and May 4, 2024, with stays completed by May 18, 2024. Guests must show valid AARP membership at check-in, and the promotions exclude certain rates, reward night stays, complimentary rooms, and other specific exclusions.

And, if you're worried about running into pesky car troubles on your trip, AARP can help you save on 24/7 roadside assistance with Allstate Roadside. Members save up to 20% on annual membership fees for Allstate Roadside plans, including Roadside Advantage, Roadside Assist, and Roadside Elite, including access to assistance for towing, jump-starts, tire changes, lockout assistance, fuel delivery and more.

4. The Perfect Gift is a Stream Away

If you're not sure what to get for the new graduate in your life, give the gift of binge watching their favorite movies and shows with Paramount+. AARP members can save 10% on any Paramount+ plan and can start streaming over 45,000 episodes and blockbuster movies, live sports, news and exclusive originals all in one place.

Planning celebrations can take its toll if you're not careful. Breathe in and take a step back this year and let your AARP member benefits help you get ahead and find the best perks for everything you need.

To learn more about the benefits and discounts for AARP members to help you prepare for celebration season, please visit aarp.org/save.

AARP member benefits are provided by third parties. AARP receives a royalty fee for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. Provider offers are subject to change and may have restrictions.