Amazon Prime Day: The best early deals you can shop right now

It seems like everything is getting back on track in 2021, including everyone’s favorite summer sale frenzy—Amazon Prime Day. Arguably the biggest sale of the year, this annual event has become our go-to time to stock up on things we’ll need throughout the year from gifts to cleaning supplies to big-ticket baby gear.

When is Amazon Prime Day 2021?

This year it’s taking place on June 21-22, 2021, and like always, it promises to offer an overwhelming amount of steals and deals. That’s why we’re here to help.

We’ve already sussed out the best early Prime Day deals which you can shop right this instant, along with some tips and tricks for making the most of the 48-hour madness. We’ll be updating this list as more deals surface, so be sure to bookmark and check back regularly!

How to get the most out of Prime Day

Navigating this sea of sales can be super overwhelming. (We’re getting sweaty just thinking about it.) Deep breaths, friend. With a little prep work and planning, you can snag some great deals and even avoid panic-purchasing things you don’t need. (I’m looking at you, electric foot spa.)

Check your membership

Prime Day deals are reserved for members, so be sure you’re registered and logged in before you shop. If you’re not a member already, you can sign up here for a 30-day free membership to get in on the deals. (A membership also gets you access to Amazon’s streaming movies, shows and music. )

Make a list

There’s nothing like a discount to convince you something is a MUST HAVE. A porch full of boxes later you start to realize maybe you didn’t need that year’s supply of shower gel after all. The best way to avoid over-purchasing and make the deals work for you is to make a list. Stock up on the birthday and holiday gifts you’ll give this year, household goods you always need and big-ticket items you’ve been planning for (like a new TV or car seat). Stick to the list and don’t stress.

Stalk prices beforehand

I don’t want to burst anyone’s bubble, but not every sale is as it appears. It’s common for brands to jack up a price and show a discount that’s more or less what it sells for at other points throughout the year. If there’s something on your aforementioned list, check it out now and jot down the price so you can avoid what I call “strike-through blindness.”

Check out competitors

According to Kristen Gall, shopping expert and president of Rakuten Rewards, “A lot of stores will counter Prime Day with site-wide promotions, and these events may include a ton of items that are not on sale at Amazon. Look for exclusive offers from your favorite stores and brands—many offer special deals exclusively online, in their app or in-store. Spending time to research these different channels can make a huge difference in stacked savings. Stacking Cash Back at Rakuten with these deals (and using Rakuten’s browser extensions to make sure you never miss Cash Back at participating stores) is a great strategy. Also, get familiar with price matching policies at your favorite stores. Retailers know that competition is fierce, especially during this time, so a shopper-friendly price match policy helps customers shop with confidence and stay loyal.”

Track products and lightning deals

Lightning deals are promos that are only available in limited numbers for a short period of time. Aptly named, they can go pretty darn fast. If you want to be sure you don’t miss out, download the Amazon App to track upcoming deals and set it to notify you when that deal is about to begin. Sold out? See if there’s a waitlist option—if an item becomes available, you’ll be added to the line to be notified.