12 things to buy — and 4 to skip — during Prime Day next week

Prime Big Deal Days is fast approaching with dates set for October 8th and 9th of 2024. The anticipation is building, as this large-scale sales event offers an array of exclusive discounts on a plethora of items, ranging from tech gadgets and kitchen appliances, to the essential home items, exclusively available to Prime members.

This upcoming sale serves as the kickstart to 2024’s holiday shopping season. However, shopping experts urge consumers to keep a check on their spending and avoid needless impulse purchases. This requires a strategic approach to your shopping, including knowing what to buy, what to bypass, and how to budget.

Mackenzie Shand, a shopping specialist with several years of experience navigating Prime Day sales, recommends having a wishlist ready and setting a limit on your expenditure. Shoppers can significantly benefit from seeking expert guidance on how to maximize savings, and what to expect from competitive sales events like Target Circle Week and Walmart’s Holiday Deals.

A prominent factor to consider and understand is the distinguishing aspects between Prime Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday. Each has its unique characteristics, and knowing the differences could save you a lot of money.

As October rolls around and holiday shopping commences, expect brands to offer considerable mark-downs on a variety of giftable items, including toys and gift cards. Shand suggests that it might be a good idea for parents to buy any specific toys that their children want during the sales, as these items are prone to being sold out during the holiday shopping rush. Simultaneously, discounted gift cards can serve as a form of ‘free money.’

Furthermore, shoppers can often find discounts on beauty products, particularly from luxury brands. Given that Halloween is near, discounted prices on decorations and costumes are also likely. Amazon-owned products are expected to see significant markdowns this October, with deals up to 50% off on items like Echo speakers, Ring doorbells, and Blink smart home devices.

It is essential, however, to separate your needs from your wants. Although items like small kitchen appliances go on sale during Prime Day, they are likely to see further discounts on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. If you need certain products for Thanksgiving preparations, it’s recommended you buy them during Prime Big Deal Days.

However, shopping during Prime Big Deal Days isn’t always advised. There are certain products where it may be best to wait until Black Friday and Cyber Monday. For example, non-Amazon-owned tech like TVs, laptops, and headphones generally offer deeper overall discounts around November. Large kitchen items, dinnerware, and clothing are a few other categories that experts suggest waiting until Black Friday to buy.

In recent years, several brands and retailers commenced their Black Friday discounts in mid-October, granting shoppers over a month to take advantage of these deals. Amazon’s strategic decision to host the Prime Big Deal Days in early October has given rise to the trend of early Black Friday shopping.

As such, while shopping on Prime Big Deal Days, make sure to check out featured sellers and their discounts. Close attention to detail can result in landing some of the best deals available. On the other hand, it’s recommended to beware of sellers you’re unfamiliar with.

Ultimately, meticulous planning is the key to saving most during Prime Day. Making thoughtful lists of products you wish to buy, following alerts for product deals, and knowing the return policies of various sellers can help you successfully navigate through Prime Big Deal Days.