
Though I spend most of my time tracking deals and writing about shopping, I hate spending money, especially if it will be a waste. I don’t like buying stuff that breaks, stuff I’ll only use once, things I could get cheaper second-hand or any gizmo that causes more headaches than it solves. While Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days are a great time to rack up on savings, it’s also an easy time to purchase things you don’t really need or won’t actually use.
For deals that won’t end up collecting dust in a drawer, here’s my 2025 October Prime Day list of hyper-practical, super-effective buys that you’d be hard-pressed to find at Goodwill or that pay for themselves, in literal dollars or just peace of mind.
Prices change quickly on Prime Day, so keep checking back to see the latest updates. Make sure to sign up for an Amazon Prime account to get the best deals.
The newest 16-gig Kindle (23% off)
Prior to July's Prime Day, this well-rated Kindle e-reader hadn't been marked down since the holiday season of LAST YEAR, so you'll wanna move on this quickly.
With a high-resolution, glare-free and paper-like display plus an adjustable built-in light and a dark mode — this e-reader can be used day and night. Its 16 GB of storage is enough to store thousands of books (and .pdfs and documents), and with an added Kindle Unlimited subscription (free for the first three months if you make the selection), you can just pull those ebooks from the cloud.
This small device is perfect for commuters, travelers who can’t pack a ton of books or anyone looking to declutter their libraries.
Touchland Power Mist hydrating hand sanitizer spray trio (30% off list price)
Whether you're traveling or simply moving through life, there are plenty of places that we frequent that can get pretty germy, making hand sanitizer a daily essential. The Touchland Power Mist Hydrating hand sanitizer is a great option that not only contains 70% alcohol to kill germs but is infused with nourishing skin care ingredients like aloe vera and lemon essential oil to keep your skin from drying out.
Mouthwatchers flossing toothbrushes two-pack (40% off list price)
A nearly perfectly rated surge-protected power strip (23% off)
This super handy power strip checks a couple of money-saving boxes for me: it can keep my home and electronics safe from potential surges or electrical damage, it gives me literally so many spots (including USB and USB-C) to plug stuff in so I'm never stressing about finding the little butt of the charger and it coes with a long cord, making it useful for older homes or spaces with limited outlets.
Rated an impressive 4.8 out of 5 stars on Amazon, it adds up to 12 extra points of power to juice up and run all of your important devices simultaneously, and 30 times faster than a regular charging source. The three-sided design is compact and flat enough to slide beneath furniture, mount on a wall or sit unobtrusively on a desk. The shortest size of this durable braided extension cord spans 5 feet in length, though you can select from six cord lengths in total, ranging up to 25 feet.
A soft eye mask and sleep headphone combination (50% off list price)
Good sleep is priceless. If you're someone who needs the soothing sounds of white noise to lull yourself off to dreamland, never struggle with uncomfortable, hard plastic earbuds again, because this handsomely discounted pair of headphones is made just for sleep. Hidden inside this stretchable band are Bluetooth earbuds that offer 10 hours of listening time per charge and are perfect for side sleepers. It doubles as a light-blocking eye mask.
Eucerin Advanced Repair Body Cream (38% off list price)
This must-have body cream was previously recommended by a Noah Michelson, head of HuffPost Personal. "I usually don't get dry skin, but last year I had one patch on my right elbow that REFUSED to stay moisturized no matter what I put on it. I asked some of the other editors at HuffPost what they used, and someone told me to try Eucerin advanced repair body cream for very dry skin," he said "I was skeptical — it isn't expensive, it isn't fancy. Could this really do what every other product had failed to do? It turns out IT COULD. IT DID. That patch disappeared in record time, and now I always have a tub of this body cream in my bathroom." Sounds like it's worth every penny to me.
A water-filtering LifeStraw (33% off list price)
Again, you can't put a price on keeping yourself and your loved ones safe. LifeStraw will change the game for folks who love hiking and camping (or for those who simply like to be prepared for literally anything). It's designed to remove microplastics, bacteria, parasites and more (including E. coli, salmonella and Giardia) from just about any water source. A single filter lasts an impressively long time, providing about 1,000 gallons of clean, safe drinking water. Get it for 33% off.
A show-stopping cast iron Dutch oven from Great Jones (20% off)
Great Jones is one of those brands that makes you want everything they make. I didn't know you could grab their high-quality, often wonderfully colorful kitchenware on Amazon, let alone on sale at Amazon. Needless to say, I think all of their pieces are worth their price tag, but this 6.75-quart enameled cast-iron Dutch oven is truly something special. Oven-safe to 500 degrees, dishwasher-safe and oh, so good looking, it's a timeless piece you'll have for generations and will use most nights of the week. Reviewers call it a "war horse," that "will handle anything you throw at it." Grab it for 20% off.
Apple AirPods Pro second generation (32% off list price)
Another great buy has been real-deal, brand-name Apple AirPods. I find these to be particularly helpful if you, like me, are not techy. They seamlessly connect to your Apple products and save you so much annoyance and yelling at Bluetooth for lagging. These popular AirPod Pros have been known to sell-out on Prime Day, so get them fast. They're equipped with Apple's H2 chip, which aids in more intelligent and dynamic noise cancellation that's two times stronger than the previous iteration. The immersive audio senses your head movements to provide rich surround sound, and you can enjoy up to 30 hours of total listening time with the charging case. Get them for 32% off.
Dawn Platinum Plus Powerwash dish spray (30% off list price)
I regret to inform you that you've been fooled about A LOT of the cleaning products you own. A professional housekeeper once told me that most cleaning solutions people use could be replaced with Dawn foaming dish soap. It's tough on baked-on grime for dishes yet gentle enough to clean your mirrors and all sorts of things in between. I haven't bought glass or stovetop cleaner in two years since that pro put me on. This and a good Clorox wipe are all I need for most messes, especially in the kitchen and bathroom.
This Dawn foaming dish spray, is probably one of the best Prime Day deals. The last time I bought it on Prime Day, the 4-pack with the refills genuinely lasted me for a year. Grab it while it's finally under $16 because it likely won't be on sale again for a while.
A blackhead removing scrub stick with charcoal & dead sea salt (34% off)
If you deal with blackheads and clogged pores, this may be your next under $10 purchase. This adorable but effective blackhead-removing stick was a big hit with HuffPost readers when I first started working here (about four years ago), and I think it's time we bring it back. The price is right, even more so when it's on sale, and the handy shape makes it easy to apply. Made with charcoal and dead sea salt, it gently exfoliates, with witch hazel to minimize the appearance of your pores, and tea tree oil and hyaluronic acid to keep your skin hydrated. It's a small product that packs a big punch, making it worth every penny.
Promising review: "My daughter was struggling with white heads and blackheads. She has tried many products and saw this. Honestly, I thought it was gimmicky. But, we are amazed. It does take a few time to get everything, but it the results are impressive. The smell is subtle and nice. It is super cute. We will buy it again." — Gail
Clean Skin Club disposable facial towels (20% off list price)
Washing your face daily can feel like an arduous task, made more so when you factor in the labor or having to launder washcloths. As if that weren't annoying enough on its own, dermatologist Joshua Zeichner previously told HuffPost, “Items like washcloths can be a breeding ground for microorganisms if they are left out wet and reused.”
Luckily, Clean Skin Club towels are a perfect (and very beloved) alternative. Plant-based and disposable, they’re designed to help keep skin germ-free post-wash, so you can apply products with a fresh face, clean conscience and without added microorganisms. At press time, the towels were the #1 bestseller on Amazon for facial cleansing cloths and towelettes, and the #2 bestseller in beauty and personal care.
Endorsed by thousands of happy reviewers, these soft, plush and surprisingly large towels are as good as it gets. Some users even noted that they helped to reduce skin irritation. They very rarely go on sale (and we know; we track it), so get on it, for 20% off.
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream (25% off list price)
After a dermatologist that we interviewed for a recent story said that the CeraVe cream was one of their “favorite moisturizers in the entire world,” we knew it was more than just a good product — it was a great one. One worthy of your dollars, especially when it's on sale. A workhorse daily lotion, this custard-like cream is formulated with three essential ceramides that are fundamental for not just hydration, but for helping to maintain a healthy skin barrier. The formula also contains hyaluronic acid, a tried-and-true humectant that draws moisture into the skin. Surprisingly, it's the first time that CeraVe's cult-favorite cream is on sale for Prime Day, so grab it fast for 28% off.
Crest 3D Professional Effects teeth whitening strips (35% off list price)
There's a reason these things absolutely fly off the shelves every Prime Day: they really can work. All you have to do is peel off two strips and apply them for 45 minutes once a day, and Crest says you can see a difference of up to 20 shades whiter in about three weeks. This kit comes with 44 Professional Effects Whitestrips — enough for 22 days of treatments — and two one-hour Express Whitening treatments. Snag them while you can; they often sell out during Prime Day. Grab them for 35% off.
Your new favorite everything bag (20% off)
You can't put a price on peace of mind, but you can get a super organized bag to help keep you together when you're on the go. In addition to the vibrant pink color (though it comes in blue, green, black, brown and more), this bag has rave reviews and seems so dang useful. With so many pockets on the out and inside, it's got spots for your computer and waterbottle, with so many other sections. And per that near-perfect 4.8-star rating, people love it. Reviewers say they use it for work, travel, commuting and even going to the gym.
The editor-loved Elemis Pro-Collagen cleansing balm (40% off)
Before you say it, I know, I know, the Elemis Pro-Collagen cleansing balm is on the pricier side, even when it's on sale. Yet, its inclusion in this list should speak to just how worth it we think it is. Loved by a whole pack of HuffPost staffers, it's an oil cleansing balm you can use to remove makeup, clean your face, and keep your skin soft and supple. "I’ve found it’s one of the only products that can effectively cleanse my skin AND nourish it without making me break out," HuffPost Head of Life Kristen Aiken said. "I have perpetually dry skin no matter how much water I drink, and this saves me from drying out (especially in the winter months)." As the weather turns, you'll be happy to have this nourishing balm — especially when it's on sale.
A set of 8 packing cubes (28% off)
Organization does not come naturally to me and, in fact, requires a lot of work. While I was a slow adapter to packing cubes, I can safely say they make travel much easier and I would recommend them to anyone as a good use of money. This set gives you four cubes for clothes as well as other goodies like a hamper, toiletry bag, and a pouch for shoes. Get it for 28% off, and enjoy quicker, easier packing and unpacking forever.
A reviewer-beloved nail strengthening cream (22% off)
If you've been trying to cut down on professional manicures, this strengthening cream has helped tons of reviewers wave brittle nails goodbye. The formula contains calcium, jojoba oil and vitamins to condition and strengthen your nails, as well as promote nail growth. You can choose between an unscented, shea butter or coconut scent. According to reviewers, you could begin seeing results in less than a week of regular use.
Note: Amazon says this is 36% off but the savings on this one is really more like 22% since it's always around $9.
Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth headphones (up to 42% off)
If you're someone who's easily distracted, sensitive to sensory stuff (so am I) or just values some undisturbed time to yourself, you may be surprised how much comfort you can get from noise-cancelling headphones. They drown out external distractions, letting you listen to your tunes or podcasts in peace, whether you're traveling, working out, or working from home. Fully customize your music listening experience with these Bose headphones. You can set the bass, mid-range and treble levels to your preference and essentially create your own concert. They offer up to 24 hours of battery life and are a premium option from a trusted audio brand. They feature the brand's proprietary noise-canceling technology, which smartly personalizes your level of noise dampening to your own ears and even includes a true quiet mode that silences noisy surroundings for an immersive listening experience. Today, they're up to 42% off with the best deals being on the green, white, pink, tan and blue.
A super handy tech travel pouch (39% off)
Know what's truly priceless? Mental tranquility as you travel. Where are your earbuds? Where is that charging cord? Well, they're both in this organized tech pouch. With a roomy compartment for a portable charger or power bank, as well as mesh sections for all little do-dads, it's the answer to all your carry-on stresses. Grab it for 24% off.
A gentle, daily face wash (30% off list price)
Few things are as simple (and as gentle) as this face wash from Cetaphil. It keeps your face feeling clean and the push-top bottle makes it simple to dispense. At 20 fluid ounces, you're getting a substantial amount of product, making it an even better deal. A bottle will last you a long while (I really use this daily) and, because it's so easy on the skin, you can share it with your kids or partner.
A pair of leggings reviewers say are "Better than Lulu!!" (15% off)
Scroll through the reviews and you'll see folks call these high-waisted leggings "better than Lulu!!" and "so soft and buttery, literally a Lulu dupe." These usually retail for less than half of a pair of Lululemon leggings, and on sale, they're even more affordable (and even more worth the money). With gentle compression, they move with you, making them pefect for working out or just hanging out. You'll wear them so much, they'll be worth every dollar you spent. Find the in a bunch of colors in women's sizes XXS-XL.
Apple MagSafe charger (15% off list price)
Another thing I have no trouble buying, and buying in bulk, is iPhone chargers. More chargers, less worries is my life motto. And while I'm generally a knock-off, cheapie charger guy, I can't deny that this Apple brand MagSafe charger is a great buy, especially on sale for 18% off.
The official Apple MagSafe charger is a little gadget with a 1-meter-long cord that wirelessly charges those pocketable Apple devices (with the exception of the AirPods 4) just by setting it on its dock. Several reviewers say the Apple MagSafe charger provides fast wireless charging and its magnetic backing ensures that Apple products snap into alignment when docked.
It’s not bulky, either; this is just a 1-meter cord that can plug into your MacBook or a USB-C port and a small charging hub fit for iPhone 12 up to the latest iPhone 16 and any Apple AirPods with charging cases, excluding the AirPods 4. The MagSafe Charger charges up to 15W when paired with a 20W power adapter.
Kasa smart plugs 4-pack (20% off list price)
Few things are more practical than saving on your electric bill, no matter how much money you have. Each of these clever smart plugs turns any regular old wall outlet into one you can set to turn on and off on a schedule or at your whim, without getting off the couch or even needing to be at home (they're especially great when you realize you left home without turning off an appliance, or when you want to make it look like someone's home while you're on vacation).
You can use either Alexa or the Kasa app or both to control them, and setup is truly simple either way:
All you have to do is plug one in, push a button to connect it to your Wi-Fi, add it to the phone app and live your life. And if you have an outlet or lamp switch that's hard to reach or stuck behind furniture, they're complete game-changers.
Revlon One Step Volumizer hair dryer and styler (31% off list price)
I'd be remiss if I didn't include this cult-fave styler and dryer from Revlon, which saves users time, money and morning stress — the big trifecta. HuffPost shoppers can't get enough of this popular hair appliance — it's a surefire way to get glossy, sleek hair. It's shaped like a regular round brush with detangling bristles, and comes with three heat settings so you can style, dry and smooth your hair all in one go. It's a must for anyone who loves that freshly blown-out feeling. Once you add this to your hair arsenal, you may not even need any other styling tools cluttering up your bathroom.
Aquaphor Healing Balm stick (35% off list price)
As a non-makeup wearer with dry skin, I live by my Aquaphor stick. I have multiple floating around at all times, and use them on my lips, but also all over my face. My colleague, senior shopping writer and super mom Lourdes Avila Uribe says she also keeps these around, mainly in her baby stroller. "They come in especially handy when the temperature drops and chapped lips and cheeks plague my little guy the moment we step outside," she said. "The classically nourishing Aquaphor formula is easier to apply to his squirmy body in this tube form, and I find myself rubbing it on my elbows and other dry spots as well. I never go anywhere without one." Grab one (or seven) for 35% off.
Magic Bullet 7-piece blender set (44% off list price)
If you haven't hopped on the Magic Bullet train, let this be the set that guides you on. It can blend, mix and chop foods quickly and easily, think of all the sauces, drinks, soups and snacks you'll be able to make. It's made with a stainless steel blade and durable plastic cups that are easy to clean and dishwasher-safe. This particular set rarely goes on sale, making it a must-have during Prime Day. Grab one for 44% off.
Halo portable car battery jump starter (15% off regular price)
Safety is priceless. No one really expects their car battery to tap out on them, but it’s always a possibility. And when it’s swelteringly hot or icy cold outside, the last thing you want is to be stranded with a vehicle that won’t start. Luckily, we found a solution that many HuffPost readers and editors love with this portable car jump starter by Halo since we first covered it back in 2022.
If you don’t have a service like AAA on standby or don’t feel like waiting for an unknown amount of time for someone to come rescue you, having this handheld gadget can be a lifesaver. (Reviewers concur: “Car battery had drained and I was sitting around waiting over an hour for AAA when someone said ‘wait… I have a Halo!’ This small charger jumped the car first try,” wrote MaryEllen on Amazon.) Not only can it revive a full-sized car or SUV with its included mini jumper cables, it also has a bright built-in floodlight in case you’re stuck at night on a dark road, plus additional USB ports to charge your other electronics (yes, it's also a power bank). Grab it for 15% off.
Wet & Forget weekly shower cleaner (16% off list price)
This super popular, low-maintenance shower cleaner promises to require no scrubbing at all — just spray it on dingy, scummy shower walls, let it sit overnight and then rinse to get rid of built-up soap, grime, stains and body oils. It’s bleach-free and safe for most surfaces, including glass, porcelain, sandstone, and tile, though it’s not recommended for use on natural marble. It's rarely on sale (I know; I track it) but today, you can get it for 16% off, less than its usual $24 price tag. Even better, this thing lasts a longgg time. You won't have to buy another one for at least 6 months.
Clorox ToiletWand refills (20% off list price)
If you use Clorox's wildly convenient and mess-free ToiletWand system, here's a deal for you: 20% off a pack of 30 refills. It's not the steepest discount, but considering this was a Prime Day bestseller this year, we figured you'd still want to know about this deal. Each of these single-use scrubbing heads is pre-loaded with a germ-killing formula that miraculously powers through hard water and lime stains quickly and effectively. And the best part is you'll never have to touch the used scrubber heads to replace them, thanks to a button on the wand. This pack of refills has a 4.7 overall star rating from 82,000+ Amazon shoppers.
And if you do need the Clorox ToiletWand starter kit, it's also available on Amazon on a BOGO 255 off deal and even more impressively rated.
Cabeau travel neck pillow (25% off list price)
You might be familiar with Cabeau's popular neck pillows, and their memory foam pillow is on sale for Prime Day. Available in three colors, this pillow is a must-have for flights, long train or car rides and more: It has seat straps you can attach to your chair to keep your head and neck in alignment, and is made with ergonomic memory foam. It also comes with a travel bag you can attach to your luggage.
A 4-in-1 charging cord (20% off list price)
Between phones, laptops, Bluetooth speakers, karaoke microphones and tiny digital cameras, there are just too many damn things to charge – and you may be constantly struggling to keep track of the variety of cords that go with each item. This 4-in-1 charging cord comes at the recommendation of former HuffPost growth strategist Adam Schubak. “I got this from TikTok actually and I'm obsessed,” he wrote. “It's a great way to stay organized with all of your various gadgets since it has adapters for most devices you need to charge.” With USB-A, C, and lightning cable adapters, you can power up a multitude of gadgets with a charging speed that the brand describes as “impossibly fast.”
Supergoop Unseen invisible sunscreen (20% off list price)
This cult-favorite sunscreen from Supergoop is arguably the product that put this trendy sun care brand on the map. It's renowned for its clear, lightweight and unscented formula that won't leave behind an irritating white cast but still offers broad-spectrum protection. It's also oil-free formula, great for anyone who might have sensitive or acne-prone skin, and layers seamlessly beneath makeup or can be worn on its own.
A 16-pack of Liquid I.V. electrolyte drink mix (30% off list price)
"May I just say, I am very INTO Liquid I.V. hydration packets," said Wynne. "I learned about it from old party animal friends who use it for hangovers. I'm not a big drinker, and just use it on really hot days or when I'm under the weather to get extra hydration in. It's also been great for traveling." These also come expert-recommended for preventing heat exhaustion.
Each powder stick contains eight vitamins and nutrients and can hydrate you more quickly than just drinking water. The sticks are also travel-friendly, since they're single-serving and come in a ton of delicious flavors.
Why you need it: It may not be summer anymore, but staying hydrated is never a bad idea. Plus, as Wynne put it, "My only qualm with the stuff is its price tag so when it goes on sale, I snatch it up quickly!" The last time these were so cheap was Black Friday.
Stanley IceFlow flip straw tumbler (40% off list price)
Ensuring cold drinking water on the go can help keep you and your family hydrated. If you're looking for ice retention and gorgeous design of a Stanley cup, but crave the practicality of a more traditional water bottle — meet the flip-straw style Stanley IceFlow. It’s a leakproof option that reviewers love for throwing in backpacks and taking in the car. And today, select colors and sizes are discounted in a rare sale. The IceFlow features a movable top handle, instead of the fixed side one on the Quencher. The slimmer body lets you slide it into a side cupholder on your backpack, while the double-wall vacuum insulation can keep ice solid for up to two days.
You can shop all of Stanley’s Prime Day deals here.
HuffPost and its publishing partners receive a commission from purchases made via links on this page. Prices change quickly on Prime Day, so keep checking back to see the latest updates. Make sure to sign up for an Amazon Prime account to get the deals.