From Apple AirPods to TikTok’s favorite backpack, here’s what’s worth hunting for this Prime Day.
Our favorite day of the week might be when we open the door and are surprised by a brown box smiling up at us. It’s not usually a gift — just something we totally forgot we ordered two days ago. Is it a cheese grater? Or that new towel? Or maybe the coveted mascara we saw on sale! If you know the feeling, you also know how easy it is to get sucked into Amazon’s seemingly endless virtual shelves looking for treasures.
Because we love you, the Katie Couric Media staff scoured the mega retailer’s offerings to compile a list of must-have products — from bestsellers to hidden gems to undeniable deals. We included warm-weather fashion must-haves and luxury gadgets, alongside kitchen tools that truly deliver in the convenience department, and plenty of other low-risk, high-reward scores to add to your cart, whether you’re looking to splurge or save on an item for yourself or a gift. And since Amazon is ever-evolving, stay tuned as we update this list with our most recent purchases (and repurchases).
With Amazon Prime Day officially here, the prices are dropping on our faves right now.
The Best Things to Buy on Amazon Right Now
Apple AirPods Pro
Amazon
$249 (32% off)
There’s no denying that Apple makes really great audio gear. Their AirPods Pro are regular bestsellers, and for good reason. Not only is the sound quality unbeatable, but features like noise cancellation result in a concert-like experience, and transparency mode lets you cancel out chaos without tuning out too much, making for safe and alert listening.
Lancôme Advanced Génifique Face Serum
Amazon
$170 (30% off)
Battling fine lines in your skincare routine can be a frustrating journey, which is why when we find a product that works, we never turn back to that search. Lancôme is one of the trusted brands we reach for time and time again (and so does Katie!). This potent serum is made with 10 percent Bifidus prebiotic, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C, so that it can help improve your skin’s elasticity, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
PerseveranX Plantar Fasciitis Relief Orthotics
Amazon
$40 (40% off)
Foot health is something we need to think about more often. After all, we rely on our feet for a lot more than we really give them credit for. This NASA-grade memory foam pair of insoles from PerseveranX can help with plantar fasciitis, flat feet, over pronation, and high arches, making it a fit for any feet.
Lumineux Teeth Whitening Strips
Amazon
$50 (40% off)
If you’ve ever tried whitening your teeth, you’re probably familiar with the sensitivity that comes with the harsh chemicals most formulas contain. Luckily, our partners at Lumineux have developed a clinically proven formula that whitens your teeth without damaging your enamel or causing sensitivity in your teeth and gums. With purposeful ingredients like lemon peel oil, Dead Sea salt, and coconut oil, Lumineux’s whitening strips fight stains while keeping your mouth healthy and thriving.*
Wonhox Travel Backpack
Amazon
$37 (16% off)
With over 129 million views on TikTok, it’s an understatement to say that people are obsessed with this backpack. It’s the ideal travel bag, made of waterproof material with all of the following features: a ton of pockets to keep you organized, a USB charging port, a separate shoe compartment, and a back strap so it can be secured on top of a rolling suitcase.
ODODOS Unisex Mini Belt Bag 2.0
Amazon
Ododos’ cult-favorite belt bag is a Wake-Up Call reader favorite, and the brand just upgraded the style for this sleek, 2.0 version with a two-way zipper and brand new colors. It rivals similar styles from designer athletic brands, but costs a fraction of the price. Also, we kind of love that it doesn’t have any labels.
Candle Warmer
Amazon
$46 (38% off)
This candle-warming lamp allows you to enjoy your candle flame-free, which may sound pointless, but hear us out: It is so much safer. Who here hasn’t felt the shame of forgetting to blow out a candle before leaving the house or falling asleep? Warming the wax releases the scent just the way lighting a candle would, and the lamp setup produces the same warm glow a flame would.
Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask
Amazon
$24 (30% off)
At this point, it seems like everyone and their mother has tried this viral lip mask — but it works, which is why we’ll keep using it until someone takes it away from us. It helps moisturize lips from the inside out, providing relief from flaky, cracked skin.
Srhythm NiceComfort 95 Hybrid Noise Cancelling Headphones
Amazon
Sometimes, TikTok shoppers knows what they’re talking about. Our own staff agrees, and our producer Julia Lewis, swears by these headphones: “These headphones are so comfortable, have amazing noise cancelling capabilities (and trust me when I say this, I live in NYC on a very busy street and these have seriously changed my life), are super easy to sync up to your phone, laptop or tablet, and have a great battery life. Also — they fold up so they’re super easy to pack and throw in your carry on bag! Feel free to thank me later!”
Trekproof Migraine Headache Relief Cap
Amazon
$18 (20% off)
Suffering from migraines or dull headaches? Give yourself a much-needed break with this cap. You simply freeze the interior gel pack, then zip it into the pocket and wear it around your eyes. The cooling relief is a natural remedy for headaches, and some reviewers shared that they use them as smaller ice packs to help heal injuries.
Spring Chef Magnetic Measuring Spoons Set
Amazon
There aren’t many items more essential to baking than measuring spoons, but it’s really difficult to find the perfect set. The round spoons don’t always fit into spice jars, the rectangular spoons don’t work well when the jars are almost empty, and maneuvering around the other spoons on the ring can be a real pain. Well, we just found the ideal set from Spring Chef. They’re double-sided to work well with jars of any shape and size, and they’re magnetic, so they stay together when you need them to and come apart when in use. As an added plus, the set comes with a leveler so you can stop using jar lids and getting cinnamon all over the counter.
Essence Lash Princess Mascara 3-Pack
Amazon
$15 (30% off)
Great mascaras don’t have to be expensive — and Essence’s Lash Princess is proof. For only $5, this miracle-working mascara lifts, volumizes, lengthens, and defines in a couple of swipes. Commerce editor Katie Pittman has been using it for well over a year, and she says it doesn’t flake or run, even on her oily skin.
Sunzel Workout Leggings with High Waist Control
Amazon
When you see something with nearly 29,000 positive reviews, it’s hard to pass up. Take these buttery-soft, but matte leggings: Not only do they cost less than $30, but reviewers say they’re extremely comfortable and squat-proof. And the main draw to almost any item of clothing? Pockets.
Fable The Game Treat Dispenser
Amazon
This gift is for you and your furry friend. It’ll keep them entertained as they try to get treats out of the toppling toy, and you’ll feel better knowing they’re having fun while you’re out.
Vobaga Coffee Mug Warmer
Amazon
$43 (54% off)
If you can’t seem to drink your coffee fast enough to avoid that disgustingly cold last sip, look no further than this mug warmer. Place your fresh cup of coffee or tea on the coaster, choose your setting, and sip away at your leisure. Though it doesn’t offer the same level of personalization as the Ember smart mug ($110), this warmer works well at a much lower price point. A light on the warmer alerts you when the surface is still hot to help avoid accidental burns.
Wide-Brimmed Sun Hat
Amazon
Whether you have a fun beach- or poolside vacation planned or you’re just gardening at home, this packable sun hat should be in your cart. It comes in a bunch of colors and the wide brim will keep you shielded from the sun in style.
Revlon One-Step Volumizer Hot Air Brush
Amazon
$70 (56% off)
You’ve heard of a certain $300-plus blow dryer brush, but for a more budget-friendly option that will still give your hair the lift and shine you’re looking for, we recommend the Revlon Volumizer Air Brush. You can use it to style and dry your hair with one hand, rather than wrangling a brush and blow dryer at the same time. There’s also a Plus (also $40) version with a ceramic barrel to protect your hair, a smaller width to get closer to your scalp, and a medium heat setting.
Finishing Touch Flawless Hair Remover
Amazon
Let’s be real here: Whatever your facial hair removal method is, you’ve probably just about reached the end of your rope with it. Tweezing is time-consuming and painful, professional waxing or threading is expensive and painful, and at-home waxing is messy and, again, painful. Plus, all those methods leave your face red for hours afterward, precluding last-minute upkeep. Enter Finishing Touch’s Flawless hair remover, a pocket-friendly little razor that gently and effectively removes facial hair in a matter of seconds. Whether you incorporate it into your daily routine or use it only in emergencies, the Flawless will definitely be a lifesaver.
Head Massager
Amazon
$15 (46% off)
Please bear with us as we sing the praises of this unusual but 100-percent-worth-it gadget. You. Will. Love. It. The flexible metal prongs truly relax you and relieve stress, and you can bend them to match the shape of your head. The well-made massager is easy to clean and comes with a lifetime warranty. That’s really all we can say…go try it out!
Wake Up Light Sunrise Alarm Clock
Amazon
$53 (43% off)
This handy gadget functions as a sleep aid, an alarm clock, and a nightlight all in one. The light brightens gradually over 10, 20, or 30 minutes, making it perfect for anyone who doesn’t get much natural light in the morning. The clock has seven soothing alarm sounds, including birds chirping, running water, and soft music, to further improve your wakeup experience. To top it off, the light can be turned to different colors and it has an FM radio built in. Ditch your phone alarm for this clock — you won’t regret it.
Drop Stop Car Seat Gap Filler
Amazon
$25 (20% off)
Next on the list of solutions you didn’t know existed are these car seat gap fillers. The neoprene inserts fill the space between the seat and center console in most cars to prevent your phone, keys, chapstick, or one of the many other items you’re juggling from falling into the abyss. The fillers slip over and snugly attach around the seat belt so they don’t slide around, and they move with the seat in most cars.
Wool Dryer Balls
Amazon
$20 (40% off)
Made from 100 percent New Zealand wool, these reusable dryer balls are gentler than the spiky plastic alternatives and more environmentally friendly than disposable dryer sheets. The balls prevent wrinkles, decrease lint, and help keep clothes soft without introducing unwanted chemicals. They also decrease drying time and are machine washable. The list just goes on!
*Denotes paid placement.