34 Things You Should Always Buy on Amazon
Updated: Aug. 25, 2022Amazon's really been upping its competitive pricing game recently, so we spoke with a personal finance expert to find out the BEST deals on Amazon year-round!
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Always buy from Amazon when …
Ashely Dull, editor-in-chief of CardRates.com, tells Reader’s Digest there are four scenarios when you should always buy on Amazon, even if the prices are comparable elsewhere:
- Shipping is free
- Return-shipping is free
- You want to try on clothes before you commit to buying them, in which case it’s worth considering Amazon Prime Wardrobe
- You have an Amazon Prime Rewards Visa, which offers 5 percent
Outside of those scenarios, you still can’t go wrong with any of the following items. Meanwhile, get to know these 21 little-known Amazon hacks to make your money go even further when buying from the online giant.
Light Bulbs
Let there be light, and there will be if you always have a stash of bulbs on hand. Amazon delivers on quality and price with a 16-pack of their AmazonBasics 60 Watt bulbs in soft white for just $26.99. Compare this to a mere 6-pack of 60 Watt Up&Up light bulbs from Target retailing for $13.99. In this case, the price per bulb is lower with Amazon. While you’re online shopping, scroll down.
Patio Furniture
Who doesn’t like dining al fresco? Trouble is, outdoor furniture can be expensive. Amazon sells a wide array of patio items at affordable prices, like this modern Flash Furniture 4-Pack of orange metal indoor-outdoor for just $200. At what amounts to $50 a chair, the price can’t be beat. Plus, check out these gorgeous outdoor furniture ideas under $100.
Diapers
If you have a little one in the house, it’s always a good idea to compare prices on diapers to those available on Amazon. Not only will you find that Amazon generally has great deals on name-brand disposables, such as Pampers Swaddlers Size 3 Diapers in a 168-count box for $48.72, but if you subscribe to regular shipments, Amazon will knock 5 percent off of the price (and you won’t have to worry about running out if you have a monthly order coming your way). When ordering from an Amazon seller, beware of signs that they aren’t trustworthy.
Underwear
It may be one of the least glamorous things we buy (unless you’re going for the special occasion stuff), but every now and again we do need to replenish our underwear stock. Score a 5-pack of the extremely well-reviewed Amazon Essentials Women’s Cotton Stretch Bikini Panties for just $13.50. Check out 17 more Amazon Prime benefits you might not know about.
Vitamins
Many of us could stand to be a bit more prudent about our health, and taking a daily multivitamin is an easy place to start. Amazon sells Vitafusion MultiVites in a 150-count bottle for just $7.77, whereas the same product at CVS retails for $13.49. And if you take advantage of Amazon’s Subscribe and Save plan on your vitamins, you can land an even better deal. Find out the brilliant buys on Amazon with practically perfect reviews.
Specialty Flours
There are a bevy of flour varieties on the market — almond, oat, coconut, tapioca, garbanzo and more, and they’re becoming much easier to find in grocery stores. Or you could just buy them with a few clicks from Amazon, typically at a great price. For example, you can snap up a three-pound bag of Blue Diamond Almond Flour for $13.44 on the site, whereas Walmart offers the exact same bag for $24.99.
Toilet Paper
No Costco or Sam’s Club membership? No problem. Keep your household stocked with toilet paper with a 30-count pack of Amazon brand Solimo two-ply tissue for right around 20 bucks. That brings the cost to about 19 cents per 100 sheets, and if you’re in tune with your family’s toilet tissue needs, you can subscribe to restock as frequently as necessary without ever having to add TP to your regular grocery list. (Hint: There are many things you can do at Costco without a membership.)
T-Shirts
The trusty t-shirt endures a lot of wear and tear while cycling through a wardrobe, and even old favorites have to be replaced. Amazon Essentials tees are well-reviewed and affordable to boot. A two-pack of men’s short-sleeve t-shirts is $12.50 and the array of colors is impressive — from basic black and classic white to red and imperial blue. Next, check out the Amazon products under $25 that are so worth it.
Superfood Powder
Whether you’re trying to add a bit more nutrition to sauces, smoothies, or whatever else you’re whipping up in the kitchen, superfood powders are a great addition to the pantry. Amazon sells the popular Amazing Grass Green Superfood Powder for $19.99, which is five dollars less than you’ll find it at Walmart.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is still having its moment, with folks using it for everything from cooking to personal care. If you’ve hopped on the bandwagon, it’s easy to go through a jar quickly. Amazon brand Solimo has a 30-ounce container of virgin unrefined coconut oil available for $13.32, which is a truly fantastic buy.
Bulk Batteries: AA
One thing Amazon always saves you money on is bulk batteries, Dull tells us. For example, you can get a 48-count package of AmazonBasics AA Performance Alkaline Batteries for $13.99 (plus they’re eligible for Prime free two-day shipping, as are many of the items on this list). Compare that with the same size package of AA alkaline batteries from MegaBatteries.com, which range in price from $21.99 to $37.99, depending on the brand.
Bulk Batteries: AAA
As impressive as Amazon’s deal on AA batteries is, its deal on AAA batteries is even better: a 100-pack of Amazon Basics AAAs is a mere $20. For an off-brand at Best Buy, you’ll pay nearly double ($37.99). On Megabatteries, you’ll pay anywhere from $41.99 to $63.99, depending on the brand.
Oral B Rechargeable Toothbrush
Dull tipped us off that Amazon has plenty of dental care deals that are worth a bite. For example, you can score this Oral B Pro-Health 3000 Rechargeable Toothbrush with Bluetooth connectivity for as little as $84.95, with free shipping (despite that it’s not available via Amazon Prime). At Target, you’ll pay $99. Speaking of crazy deals, you can buy all these things on Amazon for less than a buck!
Philips Sonicare Rechargeable Toothbrush
The manufacturer suggested retail price on this electric toothbrush is $69.99. A number of retailers, such as Target, sell it for $58.99, but Amazon offers it for $35.99 (and there’s an extra $5 off coupon, too), which is a truly outstanding bargain. Check out these 31 unique uses for toothbrushes at home.
TCL 65-inch UHD Smart TV
Amazon often has great deals on Smart TVs, Dull tells us, especially around the holidays, which is when you’ll find the best prices on 55- to 66-inch ultra high definition (UHD) models. (Word to the wise: they sell out quickly!) We checked the current prices on UHD Smart TVs and found some great savings right now on Amazon. For example, this TCL Series 5 65-inch Smart TV can be had for $749, whereas it will cost you $899 directly the TCL website.
LG 65-inch UHD Smart TV
For a little more than the TCL, you can get a 65-inch Smart TV made by the more well-known brand, LG. It has an MSRP of $1,499.99, but Amazon’s lower price of $842 (plus free scheduled delivery) sounds awfully enticing, doesn’t it? Take a look at these odd items you can buy on Amazon that are actually pretty useful.
Torras Slim-Fit iPhone Case
When it comes to mobile device accessories, it’s difficult to beat Amazon on sheer variety alone. Want a case for your iPhone? You’ve got over 50,000 choices right out of the gate. Want one for under $10? You’ve got close to 200 choices. The one Amazon, itself, recommends is this Torras ultra-slim-fit case, which you can have for $9.75. Here’s a hack to extend the life of your phone charger.
Otterbox Commuter Series iPhone Case
Want a higher-end iPhone case? How about the Otterbox Commuter Series, which comes highly rated and withstands some serious abuse. Otterbox lists the price at $39.99, but on Amazon, you can add it to your cart for $19.99.
LifeProof Waterproof Case for Galaxy s7
Galaxy fans also have plenty of options for phone cases on Amazon. For example, this LifeProof FRE Series Waterproof case retails for $79.99 on the LifeProof website. On Amazon, it’s only $39.99. Plus, learn how to install a super easy USB outlet, it’s easy enough for a first-time electrician!
Mophie Power Reserve 1X
Dull also recommends we shop Amazon for mobile chargers/power packs. One of the most well-known brands, Mophie, sells this easy-to-carry-around model for $34.95. But it seems silly not to buy it on Amazon, where you’ll pay only $19.98.
Beats Solo3 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones
With your smartphone safe from destruction and all powered-up, there’s nothing left but to enjoy its superior technology. And there’s no better way to do so than with a pair of high-quality, Bluetooth-enabled headphones. Although Dull tells us Amazon is the place to buy most brands of headphones (and earbuds), we just about fainted when we saw how much Amazon could save us on these Beats by Dre over-the-ear headphones. Available for $349.95 on the Beats website, you can score them for $197 on Amazon. Check out these DIYer tools you can buy on Amazon right now.
Apple Watch
For those who love to be connected … all … the … time, there’s no better solution than an Apple Watch. Since Apple’s iPhones seldom come at a discount (except as part of a two-year wireless plan), it comes as a big surprise to discover that Amazon offers significant discounts on some Apple Watches. For example, this Series 3, which costs $279 at Best Buy can be yours for $179 on Amazon. Check out the other top tech gadgets you won’t want to live without.
Apple Watchbands
Sure, your Apple Watch comes with a nice band, but nothing says you can’t change it up sometimes, and Amazon has a huge variety of Apple-compatible watchbands at astoundingly low prices, including:
- A genuine leather strap that goes around the wrist twice. On Amazon, you can have it for under $20 (as compared with the Hermes-designed version that Apple sells on its website for around $1,200). Buy now
- Silicone sport band (available in many colors). On the Apple site, you’ll pay close to $50, while a comparable version on Amazon will cost just $10.99. Buy now
Cuisinart Cookware
Amazon often has astounding deals on kitchen items, such as this Cuisinart 11-piece cookware set, which includes four covered saucepans, two skillets (8-inch and 10-inch), and a pasta insert that fits the largest saucepan. On Prime Day, this dishwasher-safe set was a steal at $150. Since then, the price has only gone down … to $139.99.
KitchenAid Slow Cooker – 6 Qt.
Slow cookers are key for putting together stress-free weeknight one-dish dinners. And on Amazon, you won’t have to break the bank to get a top model. This KitchenAid slow cooker, with an MSRP of $149.99, is available on Amazon for $69.95.
KitchenAid Stand Mixer
With an MSRP of $429.99, it’s hard to imagine finding a good deal on a KitchenAid stand mixer. But this one, which is available on the KitchenAid site for $269.99, is an even better deal on Amazon, where you can order it for $247.49.
Rada 7-Piece Starter Knife Set
Since 1948, every knife made by Rada, including those in this set (a paring knife, vegetable peeler, tomato slicer, super parer, six-inch bread knife, cook’s knife, and slicer knife) has been made in Waverly, Iowa, which is why Rada knives made our list of 3 amazing things made in the U.S.A. And here’s why you have to buy the set on Amazon: First, it’s under $50, compared with prices of $60+ at Wayfair and Walmart. Second, it’s out of stock at those stores, but there are plenty available on Amazon.
The Original Donut Shop Keurig K Cups
At 40¢ per K Cup, you can’t beat Amazon’s price on these; at Walmart, they’re 56¢ per cup! Don’t miss these favorite pet products you can buy online.
Gold Toe Cotton Crew Socks
These high-quality men’s athletic socks will run you $20 for six pairs if you purchase them directly from Gold Toe. That’s why you need to buy them on Amazon, where currently, they retail for $13.
Canon Inkjet Printer
The Canon Pixma MG3620 is a pretty advanced printer for the money, at least for the money you pay on Amazon, which is $44.99. Seriously though, why would you not want to save over 30 percent and get free two-day Prime shipping?
Printer Paper
At Staples, a great deal on printer paper is $9.99 for 500 sheets of what they call “96 Bright” (that’s your standard copy paper). But it still can’t top the deal Amazon’s offering: 2,500 sheets for $24.99. (We’ll do the math for you: to get the same number of sheets from Staples, you’d be paying twice as much.)
Everything Alexa
Amazon’s the best source for Alexa-enabled products, Dull tells us, and that makes sense because Alexa happens to be Amazon’s virtual voice assistant. But she isn’t just talking about the inventory, she’s also talking about the prices. For example:
- The Alexa-enabled Fire TV Cube is the same price on Best Buy, $119.99, but you’ll save on free shipping. Buy now
- The Alexa-enabled Echo Show, sells for its MSRP of $229.99 at Best Buy, but for the same price on Amazon, you get free two-day shipping with or without Amazon Prime. Buy now
Next, find out more things you didn’t know Alexa could do.
Note: Prices mentioned in this story are accurate at the time of publication.
