Best Prime Day essentials under $25 to help combat inflation

2022-07-16 00:06:08 By : Mr. ydel ydel

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We’re overjoyed and over the moon about Amazon Prime Day 2022 — even though it’s over.

One thing we’re not overzealous about, though, is inflation. In fact, a June reading released by the Labor Department sites inflation hit 9.1% last month — a record high in more than a generation.

This year, we Prime Day had a much different feel to it. Of course, Amazon dished out some of the best prices ever on high-ticket items like outdoor patio furniture and mattresses, but we can attest the deals are (still!) just as good for practical items less than $25.

That said, we rounded up the 25 best useful and budget-friendly items you can add to your Amazon cart even after Prime Day. Some are house cleaning products to keep on hand, while others are great value, bulk-sized offerings to take advantage of.

Even though we hunted down the best inexpensive buys, it’s important you, as the reader (and shopper), understand that the word “deal” has a completely new meaning this year given the escalating prices we’ve seen.

“Shoppers should know that just because a product is marked down does not guarantee that it’s a good deal,” Kristin McGrath, shopping expert and editor of The Real Deal by RetailMeNot, told The Post. “It’s not uncommon for companies to mark up an item before putting it on sale, so knowing the product’s price history is a great way to really know if the price you’re paying is truly considered a good deal.”

Ahead, we share the expertise provided by our shopping experts, along with the best practical buys under $25 to add to your Amazon cart today and tomorrow for Prime Day sales.

Click to jump to our list of less-than-$25 products:

A good deal, according to Kristen Gall, Rakuten’s Retail & Shopping Expert, is found when you know for certain that the sought after product will not be found for a cheaper price than what is currently marked down to, ensuring it is below retail value.

“If a product isn’t specific to a certain store, such as shopping for electronics, groceries and other related categories, do your research to see if you can find what you are looking to purchase for a better price elsewhere,” she suggests.

Our recent survey also revealed that 88% of those who have Prime memberships say they’ll shop on Prime Day this year. However, while they’ll be shopping the event, they’re not going as big. The average Prime Day shopper plans to spend $388 on Prime Day this year, a stark drop-off from 2021, when we saw an average planned Prime Day spend of $594.

“The word ‘deal’ takes on a new meaning with inflation because prices are so high, so the deals are feeling a bit lackluster for many consumers,” Gall notes. With this, we’re seeing a surplus of inventory in stores, forcing retailers to discount many products and offer up  sales to clear their inventory.

Because of this, consumers quickly have to adjust to another “new normal” as inflation hits 40-year highs. “Amid all this interest in gathering and spending, consumers are continuing to change their shopping habits and mindsets to accommodate increasing prices,” McGrath adds. “That means tightening budgets for upcoming events, cutting down on nonessentials and turning to couponing and other money-saving tactics.”

Amazon has a track record of offering lowest-of-the-year pricing on popular tech products during Prime Day, especially its own products. According to McGrath, here’s what you should add to your shopping cart for the best value:

Yes, we found one of the most practical buys yet: 96 regular toilet paper rolls for just $21. Amazon’s Presto! brand is ultra-strong, thick and flexible — offering that two-ply feel that you’ll want to keep buying again and again.

If you’re a parent or caregiver, you know that baby care items are expensive. For just $20, pick up 768 of Huggies’ Natural Care Sensitive & Fragrance-Free Baby Wipes. Plus, check out our guide to the best baby detergents for more pick-ups.

There’s simply nothing more powerful than Mr. Clean. Snag a 48-pack for less than $20 right now to make your stove, refrigerator and other surfaces sparkle. For a supreme house cleaning product, you can’t go wrong.

Comwarm’s Fuzzy Cross-Band Plush Slippers are, amazingly, just $13 for a limited time. There are plenty of plush-lined colors to choose from and its allover fuzzy design will ensure your feet will be snuggly warm all day.

For more options, check out our guide to the best slippers, some of which are on Amazon.

Something you need on hand: razors. Schick has you covered with six of them, backed by a subtle organic aloe fragrance, to have smooth, silky legs. For less than $20, you can’t beat this value.

If you’re on the hunt for an affordable hair removal tool, Airbrit’s Electric Bikini Trimmer is nearly 40% off after Prime Day for you to grab. It’s great for sensitive skin, helps provide that seamless look underneath your bikini and will last for quite a while.

Per our shopping experts, a pair of wireless earbuds is one of the best purchases to make this Prime Day. For just $21, Altec’s Lansing NanoPods are a great buy, come in a variety of colors and have an affordable price point to make you want to pick up more than one.

Unique and practical at once, GE’s LED+ Outdoor Security Light Bulbs with Motion Sensors are less than $15 and are impressively bright. This two-pack will keep your outdoor area well-lit and well-protected, too.

One household item you always want to have on hand, undeniably, is a pack of batteries. Snag 28 AA batteries from Duracell for just $21 in case your remotes or other devices suddenly die on you (which nobody loves).

For your skincare routine, a quality cleanser. And, what better one than Mario Badescu’s that’s only $9 after Prime Day! Notably, its superstar ingredient salicylic acid helps combat blemishes and it’s super gentle.

Don’t walk — run. Glad’s ForceFlex Trash Bags are just $14 (we’re screaming in our seats) and are everyone’s household essential. Plus, they’re made with leak protection and Febreze freshness, which make them one of the best ones for your kitchen.

For a limited time — and less than $10 — Neutrogena’s SPF 70 Sunscreen is on sale for your long days at the pool or by the beach. Plus, both it’s lightweight feel is much-adored for those balmy summer temps.

We’re kind of all about binder clips being on sale this Prime Day. For less than $10, treat yourself (and your office!) to 100 of these bad boys so you’ll never lose a paper. Plus, they’re a nifty Prime Day classroom essential if you’re a teacher.

If you’re on the hunt for a work tote or new backpack, why not consider a fanny pack, too? This compact one from Maxtop is just $15 and ready for your next on-the-go trip. Not to mention, it has an impressive amount of pockets and storage for its minute size.

We’ll take any discount on coffee pods, TBH. Save 10% off on Two Rivers’ Coffee Variety Pack, where you’ll receive brews from Friendly’s, Sundae Coffee and more. For more, check out our guide to the best coffee makers you can buy on Amazon.

We were elated when we discovered this versatile duffel bag on sale for just $20. Whether you’re heading on a week-long vacation or simply want an overnight bag for last-minute trips, we love this flexible, well-pocketed number to keep on deck at all times.

Surely, deodorant is essential — especially in the summertime months. Pick up four at once so you never run out. For just $18, you’ll come to love the cucumber and green tea mint fresh scent that’ll last all day.

For a sustainable kitchen purchase you (and your wallet!) will feel good about, look no further than these Swedish Dish Cloths. For just $20, they’re heavily absorbent, reusable and biodegradable. Not to mention, they’re backed by 42K happy customers on Amazon.

Hurry — many Amazon shoppers are all about the Goodma 24-Piece Plastic Storage Box Containers on sale for $15 (original price: $25). We’re not surprised, though, because everyone is scouting Prime Day essentials under $25 for a practical, feel-good grab.

Behold: the legendary Swiffer Swiper is here to save your wallet with a 25% off discount this Prime Day. This cleaning kit includes your mop, four heavy duty cloths, three wet heavy duty pads, 10 dry sweeping cloths and two wet mopping pads.

For more, check out our guide to the best house cleaning products we rounded up (with advice from cleaning experts).

We’re oh-so *Glad* about this Prime Day deal. Just shy of $25, these plastic plates and utensils are always good to have on hand, especially for an upcoming BBQ. Not to mention, the plates are soak-proof and the utensils are breakage-resistant.

Calling all the house cleaning guys and gals: Windex is on sale and we’re obsessed with the great value Prime Day is hosting. For just $20, you can pick up six full-size bottles to ensure your decorative mirrors and surfaces are streak-free. We have it in our carts, actually.

Whether you want to have them on hand in case of a power outage or love the romantic vibe they bring to any at-home dinner, Sonedly’s 12″ Taper Candles are worth stocking up on. For just $15, you’ll receive a dozen of these elegant table-toppers. Not to mention, they’re just good to have on hand.

For 30% off, it’s time to stock up on dish soap. Dawn’s Platinum EZ-Squeeze has a no-flip, no-mess cap to make cleaning a breeze. Plus, this deal comes with two sponges (which you can never have enough of).

We can’t go a day without a cozy throw blanket — even in the summer. At a wonderful discount, Bedsure’s Sherpa Fleece Throw Blanket is 20% off this Prime Day and comes in a few cozy colors to choose from.

Check out the New York Post Shopping section for more content.