Smart shoppers know that you can save hundreds of dollars by waiting to buy big-ticket items—like fitness equipment, electronics, and luxury beauty products—until splashy sale events and shopping “holidays” like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and yes, Amazon Prime Day. But you won’t find any Pelotons, Kindles, or Dyson hair tools on this list. Instead, we’re bringing you the best Prime Day deals under $25—because you don’t need to spend an arm and a leg to get a I-can’t-believe-I-ever-lived-without-this item. Below, shop budget-friendly skin care, kitchen devices, and tiny gadgets that just make life easier. PS: We know it’s only July, but these could make great stocking stuffers (who doesn’t love a queen who thinks ahead?).
Not an Amazon Prime member? Signing up is the only way to make sure you’re getting the best deals along with free, two-day shipping. New customers get a free 30-day trial (it typically costs $15 per month), so making an account now is a no-brainer.
Some of us are better at the whole staying hydrated thing than others. If you’re in the perpetually-parched camp, a water bottle is a must; every time you catch a glimpse of it sitting on your desk or bedside table, it’s a visual reminder to take a sip. This Simple Modern tumbler is made with insulated stainless steel to keep your H2O cold for hours. It has a straw to make glugging easier but is totally spill-proof once you lock it onto the lid. Make sure you click “apply” to Amazon’s on-site coupon in order to make good on that $7.50 discount.
Sometimes you need to drown out your own inner monologue with a chatty podcast or a chill playlist. This Bluetooth speaker can play from Apple Music, Spotify, Sirius XM, and other audio streamers. But it’s not just for music—you can also ask Alexa to set a timer, tell you the weather, make phone calls, or answer random questions you don’t feel like Googling. This cutie member of the Amazon family is just $18 on Prime Day.
If your skin is currently going through it because you’ve spent this heat wave basking in the sun, swimming in chlorine, and rubbing sunscreen on and off, this hydrating essence might just be your new bestie. The celeb-fave lightweight formula (Ariana Madix and Alex Cooper are fans) is made with snail mucin to tackle dryness. Yes, snail mucin: Research backs up claims that the ingredient has antioxidant properties that can help reduce visible signs of aging and sun damage.
You will not catch me out during the summer without this SELF Fave fan. I overheat easily, so this little gadget has saved me on hot, humid days in the city. (I also love that it’s a portable charger and flashlight!)
And that brings us to the least sexy—but potentially most useful–item on this list. Stocking up on at-home Covid tests can put a dent in your wallet, so why not buy a bundle when each pack is discounted by $6 (you can use your savings to buy yourself a lil afternoon treat).
Hard-boiled eggs are an easy, high-protein breakfast or snack to take on-the-go, and if you make them a lot, this device can save you some time. It can cook six eggs in 12 minutes, max.
As a chronic lip chewer, I need to use a lip mask every night before bed to soothe some of the damage I brought on with my bad habit. This one has a thick and creamy consistency that manages to stay on my lips all night and leave them feeling moisturized in the morning. Olympic snowboarder Chloe Kim, who spends her days in the icy cold air, is also a fan—so you know this works.
This product almost seems too good to be true, but hikers and campers on the SELF team and in the comments section on Amazon confirm it’s the real deal. The SELF 2023 Outdoor Award–winning straw filters out waterborne bacteria like salmonella and E. coli, microplastics, silt, sand, and parasites to make any water you come across good enough to drink.
I like a slicked-back pony as much as the next girlie, but I’m here to say that it is possible to rock one for too many days in a row. If you’re getting a headache from pulling your hair tight but wash day is still a few days away, you’re probably going to need some dry shampoo. This Amika one gets major praise from reviewers, with one saying “it works miracles.”
Not going anywhere without your coffee? You can take it with you—and keep it hot for hours—in this stainless steel mug. It keeps bevs cold, too, if you’re an iced-coffee -year-round kind of person.
This oil is one of Olaplex’s most popular products, so we’re excited to see it on sale. Formulated to moisturize, add shine, tame frizz, and protect your hair from heat damage, it’s a true multitasker. One 2024 Healthy Beauty Award tester: “This oil is really lightweight but also did such a good job of taming my very dead split ends and bringing some life back into the bottom half of my hair.”
When was the last time you replaced your oven mitts? If you can’t remember, it’s probably been too long. KitchenAid’s silicone mitts help you get a good grip on scorching-hot dishes coming out of the oven.
All the cool kids are cutting the cable cord thanks to the convenience offered by gizmos like the Fire TV Stick. It’s super easy to set up and lets you watch your favorite shows and movies through platforms like YouTube TV, Netflix, Hulu, and anywhere else you have a streaming subscription.
Reviewers say this spray is a godsend for smoothing frizzy hair when it’s humid outside. “This has been a game-changer for me and has saved me a ton of aggravation,” one shopper who lives in Florida wrote. All you have to do is spritz it onto your wet hair, comb it through, and finish with a blow-dry to get silky results.
Going wireless doesn’t have to mean sacrificing support for comfort. This best-selling bra from Playtex is especially great for larger busts, thanks to its wide, padded straps; full cups; and large back clasps. It also comes in a wide range of sizes and colors. One happy reviewer says they “won’t wear anything else.” Enough said.
If your eyebrows haven’t yet recovered from the overplucking trend of the ‘90s and ‘00s, buying this pencil could kick off your redemption arc. It has a thin tip to create lines that look like actual hairs and it comes in a bunch of colors to closely match your natural brows.
One SELF editor recommends picking up these earplugs if you need silence to fall asleep or if you want to muffle loud environments, like a concert. “They’re sort of like extreme AirPods—they block most loud, overwhelming noises, but still allow you to have a conversation. Win-win!” she says. The Loops have gained an enthusiastic following thanks to their unique lie-flat design, pretty colorways (like lavender and mint green), and low price. On Prime Day, a pair is less than $20.
Getting rid of germs can be cute. These sanitizers are slim enough to fit in the pocket of your jeans, purse, or work tote. And this particular pack comes with three fragrance options: Rainwater, Beach Coco, and Unscented.
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