What to buy—and what to avoid—on Amazon Prime Day 2021

There’s a ticking clock wherever you turn—whether it’s Prime Day’s two-day time frame (this year, it’s taking place on June 21 and 22) or the limited-time deals that are offered. That can make people click the “purchase” button reactively, but the deals being offered are often far from the best prices of the year.

As exciting as it is to add things to your cart, if you’re looking to stretch your dollar, you’ll find that patience can be a budget saver.

Able to show some self-restraint? Here’s what’s worth the click—and what’s not.

Buy these items on Prime Day

Amazon’s own devices: Prime Day is Amazon’s way of preaching to the choir. Shoppers are already paying $100 a year for faster shipping and other services (or test-driving Prime, at least), so what better time for the company to put something like an Echo, Kindle, Fire TV, or Ring Video Doorbell in your home? Discounts are steep, and while they might not be at all-time lows, they’re definitely worth considering.

Electronics: You probably won’t find a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X on sale this year, but tech products are typically notably cheaper on Prime Day. Last year the average electronic device sold during the event saw a 7% discount, according to the Adobe Digital Economy Index. Before committing, though, check sites like CamelCamelCamel.com to see how the price compares to Black Friday discounts.

Clothes: Clothing’s not something that typically does well on Prime Day, according to e-commerce intelligence company Pattern, but as Amazon has begun offering its own brands in recent years, it’s offering steeper discounts in this category.

Bedding and linens: The discounts on sheets and bedspreads on Prime Day, historically, are greater than even those of the holiday season.

Don’t buy these items on Prime Day

Toys: Last year, toys saw Prime Day’s biggest discounts, according to Adobe. But last year, the event was at the start of the holiday shopping season, and Amazon was trying to dissuade people from buying at the last minute. In the summer, there’s less demand, and Amazon is likely to keep its powder dry and offer the deeper discounts during Black Friday and Cyber Monday in 2021.

Sporting goods: Last year’s sale saw sporting goods sell at an average discount of just 1.2%, according to Adobe. Your best bet is to hold out for other holidays, when Amazon will have to compete with sales from brick-and-mortar stores like Dick’s Sporting Goods.

Kitchen appliances: Again, you’ll likely get a better deal closer to the holidays. Adobe found that appliances saw discounts of just 2.5% on Prime Day last year.