Shopping
Your ultimate guide to October Prime Day deals: Amazon, Walmart, Wayfair and more
Early is on time, and on time is late — especially when it comes to kicking off your holiday shopping. Case in point: Thousands of pre-holiday deals are dropping now during Walmart’s Holiday Deals event, Wayfair’s (extended) Way Day sale and Amazon’s Prime Big Deals Days (AKA October Prime Day). But are any of the deals from all of these sales actually that good? Lucky for you, that’s where we come in.
As shopping experts, we pride ourselves on being able to sniff out the very best of the best deals on items that you’ll actually want to spend your money on. Perhaps you’re in search of a gift for your picky mother-in-law who likes to cook? Maybe you’ve found yourself wondering if Amazon’s No. 1 best-selling pillows are really worth the hype? Or perhaps you’re just looking for an affordable espresso machine to give your 20-something who’s moving into their first apartment. As shopping editors, we spend our days thinking about products and how they can make life just a little bit easier without breaking the bank. That’s why the deals we’ve sourced below are designed for just that: to save you money while also making everyday life more straightforward.
If you’re wondering where the heck this pre-holiday October sales season came from, well, there’s a pretty easy answer. They’re the continuation of a very recent trend that began with Amazon’s first October Prime Day back in 2020 due to Covid. Retailers like Walmart and Target quickly followed suit, and now the pre-holiday sales event is officially a capital “T” Thing. After all, the sales are a way to entice shoppers to get a move on their holiday shopping earlier than ever and officially kickstart the holiday season.
Of course, what shoppers get out of all of this competition is the opportunity to spread out their holiday shopping across several weeks and months of paychecks rather than feeling the squeeze in December alone. And right now during all of the sales there’s no better time to start tackling your holiday to-gift list. We’ve found deals from Amazon, Walmart and Wayfair on everything, from brands like Staub and Oral-B, to bestsellers like the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask and the Bissell Little Green Machine. Don’t dillydally — Amazon’s and Wayfair’s deals end Tuesday, Oct. 9; Walmart’s deals end Sunday, Oct. 13.
Top Deals
Amazon’s bestselling electric power toothbrush, now on sale for an excellent price. Remove 100% more plaque than a manual toothbrush and maximize your clean with a built-in timer. The dentist-inspired round design targets hard-to-reach areas.
Staub’s stylish ceramics are a delightful addition to any foodie’s kitchen. This bundled set comes with four essential serving dishes for entertaining, including two rectangular baking dishes and two serving bowls. They’re microwave, freezer, broiler and oven-safe, and the glass porcelain-enamel finish is extremely scratch-resistant.
Before you go spending tons of money on a new carpet or have yours cleaned by professionals, we have a question for you: Have you tried using the No. 1 bestselling carpet and upholstery cleaner on Amazon? The Bissell Little Green carpet cleaner is a small yet mighty stain buster that the internet has been obsessed with for a few years, but not without good reason.
It has more than 82,000 reviews and a 4.5-star rating on Amazon among shoppers who are pleased with the results it delivers.
“Did not disappoint,” said one five-star reviewer. “I am pleasantly surprised with how amazing this works!”
And right now it’s at an all-time low price, the cheapest we’ve ever seen, in fact. That warrants dubbing it one of the top Prime Day deals to know about this year.
These unassuming 1,800 thread count sheets are perfect for spare beds when you just want to have an extra couple of sheets on hand for overnight guests. They’re OEKO-TEX certified and contain no harmful substances or chemicals. You can choose from over 15 colors. Get them in Twin to California King sizing.
Don’t let this vac’s light weight fool you — it’s a cleaning powerhouse, whooshing up embedded dirt, dust and debris from every surface in your home with what we imagine would be a smile on its face. Its Helix dirt separation system helps keep filters fresh and new for longer, and five height settings allow cleaning on almost any surface.
This two-sided standing easel has magnetic dry-erase and chalkboard surfaces which include paper clips. It also includes an easy access, spacious tray for supplies with a foldable design for easy storage. The total kit includes 77 magnetic letters & numbers, 4 Crayola assorted chalk pieces, 3 spinning magnetic gears, and 10 stickers.
Vacuum & Cleaning Deals
Breathe easier through winter’s stuffy heated air and spring’s pollen with this 4.9-star rated bestselling HEPA air purifier. It’s ideal for large rooms up to 2,500 square feet, and can tackle everything from pet dander and pollen to smoke, dust and other asthma allergens.
Pet owners understand that a good carpet cleaner is essential to making sure your home looks (and smells) its best. This Hoover does the work of a much bigger machine like the ones you can rent, but it’s small enough to fit in your own cleaning closet! One very enthusiastic reviewer agreed: “I am in love with this carpet cleaner. I always had a Bissell but it never had the suction I needed for my low pile carpet. This Hoover is amazing — easy to fill and empty and the suction is so strong.”
If you want the power of a Dyson but with the sturdiness of an old-style vacuum, this Big Ball version is a great option. It’s also one of Dyson’s most affordable models, especially when sales season rolls around — pun intended.
“It’s light weight, small enough to fit in the same place as my upright and its suction is better than my upright,” according to one happy reviewer. “It’s also quieter.”
Designed with allergy-friendly HEPA-filters, swivel steering and aggressive suction, it’s a great option for all types of floors: carpets, stairs, wooden, upholstery and more. The extended reach feature is especially good for accessing hard-to-reach areas and getting every last crumb from the crevices of the couch. AOL’s very own Katelyn Mullen has been using a similar model to this Shark vacuum for the last 6+ years to clean up after her “crumb machines” — AKA her kiddos.
“It’s easy to maneuver and has incredible suction, making cleaning up after two small kids a total breeze,” Mullen said.
TV Deals
Binge on movies and TV episodes, news, sports, music and more with this 4K Ultra High Definition TV that brings out more lifelike color, texture and detail. Enjoy an edge-to edge viewing experience with a low-profile, frameless bezel. It includes Roku to bring you the best possible content with thousands of channels to choose from, conveniently presented through your own customizable home screen.
Precise contrast, pristine color and premium design reward every glance, whether the TV is on or off. While you’re watching, each scene is optimized to bring you stellar brightness and incredible details. And with AI-processing, it’s all upscaled to 4K while your Smart Hub and sound are fine-tuned.
Bring movies and shows to life with support for vivid 4K Ultra HD, HDR 10, HLG, and Dolby Digital Plus, and control the TV hands-free with Alexa. Use the 3 HDMI inputs to connect to cable or satellite and video game consoles. The HDMI eARC lets you add audio equipment for enhanced sound.
See how the 43″ Class TU690T Crystal UHD 4K Smart TV powered by Tizen elevates what you watch, at a value you’ll love. Go beyond HDTV to enjoy your content in 4K resolution, and in PurColor. And with Smart TV powered by Tizen built in, it’s easy to find and stream the latest shows and movies in just a few clicks.
Enjoy breathtaking 4K movies and TV shows at 4 times the resolution of Full HD, and upscale your current content to Ultra HD-level picture quality. Access thousands of shows with Fire TV. Speak commands into the voice remote with Alexa to control your Fire TV verbally.
Headphones & Earbuds Deals
I’ve owned a pair of these Beats over-ear headphones for years now. I wore mine so much while renovating my house that I ended up buying a second pair: one for wearing while doing dirty tasks like sanding, painting and gardening and the other for everything else.
I love the noise cancelling feature on these hfeadphones, which drowns out surrounding noise and distractions — perfect for working from, during your commute or in a bustling office.
ith sound that suits your unique ear shape along with dynamic head tracking, AirPods (3rd generation) deliver an immersive listening experience that places sound all around you. Recharge your AirPods with the portable Lightning Charging Case for power throughout the day, wherever you go. Up to 6 hours of listening time with one charge, and up to 30 hours total listening time with the Lightning Charging Case.
This is an outrageous price for AirPods Pro! In fact, it’s the lowest we’ve seen in ages, so if you’ve been toying with a pair or need to replace your current pair, now is the time. These are still not cheap compared to some lesser-known brands, but the quality is hard to beat. They’ve been a top-seller for a while, with hundreds of thousands of perfect ratings.
Tech Deals
This may be last year’s model but we truly don’t care. This 10.2 inch iPad is down to its lowest price ever and was dubbed one of the best tablets to own by our in-house tech expert. If your’e looking to upgrade your device or want to gift one to a loved one, now would be a great time to add to cart.
A video doorbell is an excellent security tool, allowing you to see who’s at your front door whether you’re home or not. It can detect humans, pets, package delivery and more. This Ring Video Doorbell comes with 1080p resolution for a crystal-clear view of your front porch. This model has improved motion detection over previous versions, and you can review video footage for up to 180 days with a Ring Protect Plan. There are multiple setup options, too: Use the built-in rechargeable battery or connect it to existing doorbell wires.
With 1080p resolution, two-way audio and lots of other useful features, this is the one video doorbell to rule them all. It’s a good tool so you can keep an eye on your visitors and your deliveries.
There’s nothing more frustrating than not being able to enjoy your favorite tunes by the pool or on the beach because your go-to speaker can’t handle a little bit of splashback. There’s a solution: This clever waterproof Bluetooth option, which you can take in the water with you. We don’t suggest submerging it, but throw it on a little floatie and let it do its thing — and you can enjoy it in the shower afterward! With up to 30 hours play time on a single charge, you’ll have this little wonder for wherever the day’s adventures take you.
Never loses your phone, keys, luggage or wallet again with a pack of Apple AirTags. Use them to keep all of your most prized possession nearby and easy to find.
In fact, on a recent international flight, I stuffed an AirTag into my checked luggage, just in case. It was a good thing, too. Once I landed, I was able to check the status of the AirTag and see that luggage had been left behind in Paris, so it saved us from having to waste time at baggage claim looking for a bag that would never arrive. Thankfully our luggage was found and sent on the next flight over, but the AirTag spared us a lot of stress and heartbreak during its journey home!
Home & Storage Deals
When the power goes out, you’ll be ready with these emergency flashlights that automatically turn on during a power outage. If you live somewhere with bad storms or suffer from power outages from frequently than you care to, these emergency lights are a no-brainer. Get this three-pack from Energizer while they’re on a flash deal.
If you feel like your kitchen could do with a few extra countertops and cabinets, this rolling storage island is like adding three extra shelves to your kitchen. Each of the three shelves holds up to 88 pounds, making them ideal for storing bulky items, while the 10 hooks on the sides display cooking utensils, kitchen towels, coffee mugs or whatever else you need to keep within arm’s reach.
Use it in the kitchen to store bulky appliances like your microwave, Crock Pot and blender, or turn the entire island into dedicated coffee and tea corner. Use the top to display a fruit bowl, flowers, photos, a lamp or more while the bottom shelves do the hard work of hiding kitchen clutter.
You can never have too many bookcases, right? This one is spacious, functional and super stylish. Its slick design means it’s nondescript enough to use in nearly any room in your house. Because it comes with equipment to secure the bookshelf to the wall, it’s a great option for parents and grandparents with little ones around. Several reviewers mention purchasing this shelf for their home office. Grab one now for 30% off.
With four tiers of shelving, this unit boasts an enormous amount of space and shelving for your garage or shed. It’s able to provide a great deal of additional storage without taking up too much space itself.
Get your bathroom and kitchen cabinets organized once and for all with a two-tiered organizer storage cabinet. This set of two means you can use one in the kitchen and one in the bathroom. Or, use both in a particularly disorganized space.
Bedding Deals
These pillows are Amazon’s No. 1 bestselling bed pillows, with more than 240,000 reviews.And right now you can get both King and Queen sizes for 20% off, making this two-pack a better deal than you’ll find on most single standard-sized pillows.
What makes these Beckham Hotel Collection pillows unique is that they’re made of a luxurious, ultra-soft, breathable down alternative fill that won’t shift or deform overtime like many other types of pillows. The down alternative fill is a great option for those with allergies, too, who might have sensitivities to other pillow fills like feather, down and foam.
Don’t fret if you’re a side sleeper — these pillows are designed for stomach, back and side sleepers so anyone can find their perfect snoozing position.
Make sure your bed is ready for autumn and winter with a seasonal down alternative duvet insert. This one is great for allergy sufferers as the down alternative fill won’t trigger any allergies in the way that down and duck feather fills might.
When you think of Serta you think of sleep, and right now you can save on the brand’s 10.5-inch firm innerspring mattress. In this mattress, over 800 individually wrapped springs and coils provide the contouring and cradling support your spine and back need for a good night’s sleep. The extra-soft pillow top gently contours the body for even more enhanced cushioning while you snooze.
Each mattress comes with a 10-year limited warranty and is made in the U.S.A.
Prefer a firm sleep surface? Beautyrest’s ComforPedic uses gel memory foam with three layers of support for a more firm feel. The multi-layer design has reduced motion transfer and increased airflow to help prevent overheating. It’s also free of fiberglass. At nearly 80%, this is a total steal.
Kitchen Deals
Every kitchen needs a solid set of mixing bowls and this set from KitchenAid comes with all the sizes you could possibly need: 1.5-quart, 2.5-quart, 3.5-quart, 4.5-quart and 5.5-quart. Each bowl has a pour spout, which helps to reduce the chance of spills when transferring mixes. Plus, they’re dishwasher safe so cleanup is extra simple. If that wasn’t enough, they’re the cheapest price we’ve seen them in a while, making this an especially smart deal to shop this Labor Day.
When Ina speaks, we listen. She is the Contessa of making life in the kitchen easy, breezy and joyful as she decodes French cooking for a new generation. So when she recommends a piece of kitchen kit, we’re all ears.
This skillet can be used anywhere — on the stove, on your grill or even over a campfire. It’s the ultimate multi-use tool, whether you’re perfectly searing a steak, dry-frying mushrooms or making the best scrambled eggs ever. It comes pre-seasoned, so you don’t have to fiddle around oiling it up. It’s ready to use right out of the box.
This large-size capacity slow cooker makes mouthwatering servings for more than six people that you can keep warm and serve — all in one pot. The locking lid and leak-proof seal provides easy transport around the kitchen or into the car for a potluck. Three temperature settings conveniently cook, simmer, or serve and the dishwasher-safe removable stoneware crock keeps cleanup simple.
A high-quality stand mixer will take your Thanksgiving bakes to the next level this holiday season. This Cuisinart model — choose from 10 different shades — comes with a 5.5-quart bowl and can be adjusted to 12 different speeds. It has an easy-to-use tilt-back head that secures once closed.
Blend up fresh smoothies and creamy shakes in just seconds with this Ninja Nutri-Blender, a dishwasher-safe personal blender that can crush through fruits, veggies and ice effortlessly.
An air fryer is just the ticket when you want a hot meal without turning on the oven. This top-rated model heats up quickly and can fit up to two steaks, 20 wings, a 5-pound chicken or an 8-inch pizza. Plus, it can be used to dehydrate food, proof bread and even bake desserts.
Garden & Garage Deals
Don’t let that product description underwhelm you: This is a fire pit, a barbecue grill and a smoker. It features two tiers, allowing you to cook and smoke multiple items at once, with a damper system that makes it easy to control the heat level. There’s even a built-in thermometer that’ll let you know precisely what the cooking temps are.
Freeze the last of summer’s wild blackberries with this compact freezer chest can be use in kitchens, garages or anywhere else you have the space and need for one. It comes with a removable sliding basket so you can store and organize your frozen goods, and an easy-access defrost drain for when you need it. “find this chest a perfect size for an already over crowded garage.”
Clothes & Shoes Deals
The full-coverage bra from Playtex is specially designed to give you the support you need for an entire day. Along with cushioned straps that are fully adjustable, the seamless bra boasts a four-way support system that works to lift, shape and smooth your bust area. The wireless bra has a hook and eye closure and is free from any irritating tags for added comfort.
Sizes in this best-selling bra range from 34C to 48DDD and the it comes in a handful of appealing colors will go with everything. It’s not often you can scoop up an everyday bra for under $20.
Make more space in your closet with these vacuum storage bags. Use them to store spare pillows, blankets, comforters and more. Pack away winter coats during the off season, or keep your spring bedding stored away safely when you aren’t using it. These ones come with a hand pump to vacuum out the air, though you can usually use your own vacuum hose attachment as well.
If your current bags have seen better travel days, it’s time to level up with a truly incredible deal. Lightweight and durable, each suitcase has 360° silent spinner wheels, so you can easily maneuver around the airport and book it during those tight layovers.
Inside, you’ll find zippered dividers to keep your belongings secure and, for peace of mind, the suitcases come with secure TSA locks. too. Oh, and did we mention you can choose from 10 colors?
“Nice, bright and big,” revealed this reviewer. “So glad that each side has its own compartments to fill up and each suitcase has its own lock.”
Beauty & Health Deals
If you’re suffering from stubby, brittle and thin lashes, this Grande Cosmetics lash serum is the solution you’ve been looking for. It promotes naturally longer, thicker, healthier looking lashes by using an ophthalmologist-tested serum full of vitamins, peptides and amino acids. Get longer, thicker looking lashes in just 4 weeks.
A Prime Day bestseller year after year, this lip sleeping mask deeply hydrates dry, cracked, under-moisturized sleeps while you snooze. This leave-on mask helps nourish and deliver lasting moisture while you sleep to reveal smooth & supple looking lips. Apply generously to the lips in the evening and leave on overnight. Gently wipe off excess in the morning as needed.
Never lose your favorite eyeliner while traveling again. This travel cosmetic bag comes with compartments and organizational slots so you can keep track of everything essential while you’re on the road.
What’s especially nice about the design of this bag is that it’s waterproof (no spilled liquids will damage your clothing!) and it can open flat so you can see everything at one glance. It even has an easy-to-clean brush bag so you can keep your foundation, bronzer and eye makeup brushes clean and separate from everything else.
“Great size for holding creams, foundations, powders and brushes without crowding,” according to one reviewer. “Love that it opens up on the counter so I can see everything inside and pockets/slots to keep things organized.”
Toys & Kids Deals
If you have some little ones in your life, this is one deal you’ll want to scoop up right away. This easy-to-use audio player is great for kids to use on their own for things like bedtime stories, music and education without using a screen.
Kiddos can easily start and stop stories from some of their favorite included characters — Woody, Pooh, Simba, Lightning McQueen — making it a fun way for the kiddos to entertain themselves without looking at screen.
“My 2-yr-old granddaughter is obsessed with it, carries it everywhere, and goes to sleep listening to the bedtime songs,” said another reviewer. “Totally independent play. This is a very calming toy that increases her love for music. I couldn’t be happier that I bought this!”
It’s Amazon’s No. 2 gifted action figure toy for a reason. It converts from a robot to a truck in six easy steps, perfect for kids who like to play with both.
“My kiddo loved this toy!” wrote one reviewer. “It took a bit to figure out how to “transform” but nothing that made him frustrated and once he figured it out he was able to transform it back and forth very quickly. It’s made very well, I don’t foresee it breaking anytime soon.”
Let kids aged 9+ build their own drag race car toy with this thrilling LEGO Technic Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 (42138) model car set. The immersive experience with this model car kit to build gives kids a great introduction to engineering.
Help their imagination take off anywhere with this Barbie Toy Airplane! Kids can push it on its wheels to taxi on the ground or open up the top and side to reveal the inside of the plane. Realistic touches like reclining seats, working overhead compartments and a snack cart with removable trays make it a delightfully fun experience.
Barbie’s Dreamhouse got a modern upgrade. Dollhouses and doll playsets have been popular toys for years, and some of the best gifts to give preschoolers or 3-year-olds and up. This one in particular is a three-piece structure with a pool party theme that comes with over 75 different pieces; that’s a lot coming out of one starter set!