Special delivery! Get ready to see a lot of these on your doorstep...(Getty Images)
After a brief summer hiatus, Amazon Prime Day is back next month. Officially dubbed "Amazon Prime Big Deal Days," this savings event promises deep discounts on rarely marked-down brands, and I wouldn't be surprised if we spot some new all-time-low prices in the mix.
It's time to carve out some time on your calendar for retail therapy on Tuesday, Oct. 7, and Wednesday, Oct. 8. Think of it as a Halloween pre-treat (and one that doesn't involve breaking the news to your child that, due to cold weather, they will have to wear a jacket over their costume).
First Prime Day rodeo? I've got you. I've answered some of the most frequently asked questions below, and be sure to pop back in as we get closer to the sale for more details. Oh, and if you want to get some early-bird shopping in, I've rounded up the best Amazon deals I'm seeing as we speak.
This year, the Amazon Prime Big Deals Days event is slated to for two days (as opposed to the four-day Prime Day event back in July). As mentioned, the sale kicks off on Tuesday, Oct. 7, and runs through Wednesday, Oct. 8. Set a reminder, or you might miss out on this shorter discount window!
While we won't know exact markdowns until the sale begins, previous Prime Day events have been excellent times to score rarely discounted tech for near-record-low or record-low prices. (We're always on the lookout for Apple products in particular.) Seasonal clothing and style finds are another popular category — grab a winter coat and some boots for less before the first frost! — as well as small home appliances like air fryers, air purifiers and vacuums. Finally, it's a smart time to shop for holiday gifts before the Black Friday rush, and you'll feel so accomplished knowing you've checked some items off your list before you've even doled out Halloween candy.
Having an Amazon Prime membership isn't a prerequisite; there are always deals that everyone can enjoy. That said, many of the best Prime Day deals are reserved for Prime members, so having a subscription will allow you to make the most of the sale. Signing up is a cinch, and new members can even opt for a free 30-day trial (after which, you'll be charged $139 each year — and you can cancel anytime).
Don't feel like waiting? We get it. Here are some of the best Amazon deals we're seeing right now, in the run-up to fall Prime Day.
The newest iPad is an ultra-light, thin tablet that's powerful enough to replace your laptop for most tasks but slips into your bag with room to spare. With a spacious 11-inch Liquid Retina display, you're swiping and scrolling in vibrant color and sharpness that makes any screen that came before it feel like an old tube TV. It's also our pick for the overall best iPad for most users.
Why? Well, this iPad is ready to keep up with whatever you throw its way. If you've got a habit of toggling among a dozen apps, streaming videos and replying to messages simultaneously, you're in for a treat. And if you're into gaming, the graphics capabilities mean you can play even demanding games without dropping a frame.
At $299, this tablet is just $20 shy of its all-time low — a price we've only seen during Prime Day.
Bye-bye, soggy bath mats: Yahoo readers are adding this ultra-thick, impossibly soft rug to their carts in droves. It's made of highly absorbent, quick-drying chenille microfiber that'll soak up excess water from your feet in a jiffy, and its plush texture will feel like heaven after your shower. At over 45% off, it's down to its lowest price yet.
"I've tried a lot of eye creams," says Yahoo Senior Beauty Editor Jennifer Romolini. "And, for my money, CeraVe makes the best drugstore depuffing/under-eye brightening treatment currently on the market. Not only does it feel good on your skin (absorbs quickly, no gross pilling), it's also fragrance-free, hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic. Olivia Wilde also loves it, along with thousands of reviewers, who say it's like Botox in a cream. I'm not sure about that claim, but I do know this is a quality skin care staple at a price everyone can afford."
Speaking of which, this is close to as low as I've seen it all year (it's 40% off!).
This highly rated (and reasonably priced) telly is the one Goldilocks would likely opt for; not too big, not too small, just right. High-def resolution and Dolby Digital Audio help enhance the viewing experience with clear picture and sound, and you'll have easy access to all of your favorite streaming platforms in one place. At just $180, this price matches the TV's lowest of the year.
Why not swap the painful (and tedious) string floss for this oral-hygiene hero? It gently yet effectively uses a stream of water to dislodge anything trapped between your teeth. An Amazon No. 1 bestseller, it was purchased over 50,000 times this month and was designed to be compact enough for travel (it's cordless and holds a charge for up to a month). Plus, it comes with multiple heads for the family and is even safe to use in the shower. Scoop it up for its best price of 2025.
This small yet mighty handvac has been scooped up more than 60,000 times in the past month alone, so it's clearly doing something right. Don't be fooled by the fact that it weighs just 1.4 pounds; shoppers rave about its strong suction and impressive battery life. Plus, it comes with a built-in crevice tool for reaching tight spaces, and according to my price trackers, at nearly 45% off, it's within a dollar of its lowest price on record.
You love the cooler temps fall brings, but the leaf maintenance? Not so much. But that's why tools like this cordless wonder exist. It's lightweight, but can reach speeds as fast as 150 mph to clear your yard in no time, and because it comes with two batteries, you'll be able to work for up to an hour before needing a charge (30 minutes per battery on low speed). This is its lowest-ever price at 35% off.
This powerful 6.8-pounder made it onto Home & Garden Writer Kristin Granero's list of the best cordless stick vacuums after she tested a slew of models.
She says it "has one of the sleekest designs and smartest digital displays in its price range," adding, "It can be set up in a matter of seconds and comes with an equally minimalistic-looking, freestanding charging mount that requires no assembly. The LCD screen [has] Wi-Fi connectivity and a color-coded halo to distinguish the level of cleanliness, plus battery reads, and the brush cleaner head has ample light for visibility. ... Attachments include a mini anti-tangle brush for getting into grooves."
Oh, and as far as price is concerned? It's only dipped $20 lower once, and that was during Black Friday.
If you have Amazon Prime, you'll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more.)