6 Lowe’s Items Retirees Should Avoid Plus the 7 Best Items To Own on Social Security

Many retirees who depend on Social Security turn into strategic shoppers out of necessity. Value comes first, especially when shopping at Lowe’s, and retirees focused on saving money tend to keep an eye out for inexpensive items over pricier counterparts.

GOBankingRates referred to our existing content to pull together the top items to avoid and those worth the money at Lowe’s. See if you agree with our picks. 

Plus, find out why we recommend buying Lowe’s summer products during the winter.

• Price: $499.99

We have nothing against the KitchenAid artisan stand mixer, really. The biggest hurdle is the $500 price tag, which is incredibly difficult to justify purchasing on a fixed income. 

Retirees who really want one of these high-end appliances would be wise to shop for one during a major sales event like Black Friday or Cyber Monday to potentially knock a hundred dollars or more off the total cost.

• Price: $398

The Origin 21 Sarasota Key wicker patio set consists of two chairs with cushions and a table. For the price, retirees can likely find a cheaper patio set if they search Lowe’s sales or clearance section or even shop off-season for a better deal.

• Price: $398

When we initially recommended the Origin 21 Sarasota Key wicker hanging egg chair, it was marked down 50%. This made it slightly more financially feasible for some retirees, but it’s ultimately still out of pocket for those on tight budgets. 

If you’re bummed you can’t buy it, consider that this piece of furniture is something of an acquired taste. Retirees might not make a beeline for it the way they would a worn-in armchair.

• Price: $52.16

Odds are pretty good that most retirees have plenty of existing dinnerware in their cabinets and don’t need to spend money acquiring another set. 

This stoneware dinnerware would be better suited for new homeowners or growing families to purchase instead.

• Price: $499.99

Husqvarna’s 450 rancher gas chainsaw might be trending on the Lowe’s website, but retirees don’t need to go out of their way to buy it. Cost and overall safety are both good arguments why it’s better to leave it on the shelf.

• Price: $34.98

These GE smart light bulbs might not be worth it to retirees. Those without smart homes, or who simply don’t want it, will find it hard to sell on the merits of using light bulbs via an app.

• Price: $69.98

If you get a lot of leaves on your lawn or struggle with more traditional methods of yard work (like raking), it’s good to invest in a CRAFTSMAN handheld leaf blower for year-round use.

These leaf blowers are lightweight enough to carry and feature two speeds for fast cleanup. They’re also fairly inexpensive as far as outdoor tools go.

• Price: $2.98

Retirees, particularly those in regions with freezing winter weather, can safeguard pipes from freezing in their home using Frost King’s foam pipe insulation. 

At just under $3, this insulation measures up to six feet and fits one-inch copper, PEX and CPVC pipes.

• Price: $54.98

There are a lot of good reasons why retirees, particularly those who love gardening, should invest in raised garden beds. A raised garden bed such as this one from EMSCO GROUP fits easily into smaller outdoor spaces, patios and decks and is a bit easier on one’s body, especially if you struggle with knee or back pain.

In July 2025, this raised garden bed cost $74.95 at Lowe’s and has since been marked down to just under $55.

• Price: $24.98

Don’t already own a gardening tool kit? Shop the Fiskars brand at Lowe’s. This three-piece set, consisting of a trowel, cultivator and transplanter, is a winner with shoppers thanks to its ergonomic handles and budget-friendly price.

• Price: $3.98

Retirees won’t break the bank when they buy Ferry-Morse seeds at Lowe’s. A wide variety of flower and plant seeds are available for $5 or less, like a 1.4-gram selection of morning glory seeds. 

Pro tip: turn on your location if you’re shopping online. The Lowe’s website uses your ZIP code to calculate your growing zone. This helps you shop for the best flowers and plants that will flourish in your area.

• Price: $59.98

Need to replace the bathroom sink faucet? 

Retirees highly recommend getting these bathroom essentials at Lowe’s. The Project Source brand, in particular, is inexpensive enough to fit most budgets.

• Price: $24.98

A 10-count package of Harbor Breeze solar path lights goes easy on your budget while illuminating pathways and driveways for better sight from dusk to dawn.

Editor’s note: Prices and availability are accurate as of Feb. 5, 2026, and are subject to change.