What to Buy for Amazon Prime Day 2025

It might seem counterintuitive that somebody as frugal as I am has worked as a shopping editor and writer for almost five years. However, I believe this mindset puts me in the perfect position to give travelers the best advice on what not to buy for Amazon Prime Day—and what’s worth purchasing instead.

My number one rule during these major sale events is to avoid impulse buys and focus on products I actually need. Prime Day is a great time to stock up on travel essentials you already use; for me, that means replenishing my stock of must-haves like hydration tablets and makeup remover wipes. But, it’s also a good time to grab that high-ticket item you’ve been eyeing, like a new Samsonite luggage set or comfortable sandals. Ahead, I’ve rounded up 15 items to skip this week—and what Amazon Prime Day deals to shop instead.

Don’t buy: Flimsy luggage

Do buy: Durable luggage

Prime Day is packed with luggage deals, but you’ll want to have a discerning eye when deciding what’s worth buying. For me, it means sticking to tried-and-true luggage brands that you know have long-lasting bags. Samsonite is a popular brand to shop for Prime Day, and this best-selling Freeform Hardside Carry-on is a great deal at $140. It’s been Travel + Leisure editors’ No. 1 pick for the best carry-on due to its organization, large capacity, and easy maneuverability, and shoppers say it’s “built to last” and can hold enough for up to two weeks of travel. 

Don’t buy: A new travel wardrobe

Do buy: A versatile matching set

With deals on thousands of Amazon fashion items, it’s hard to resist overhauling your travel wardrobe on Prime Day. However, many of the clothes on sale this week will be on sale in the future, too, meaning this isn’t the only time you can score these deals. So, instead of a fashion haul, pick out a two-piece set that you can mix and match on your upcoming trips. This Wiholl matching set has cap sleeves for an elevated look, while maintaining total comfort thanks to the drawstring waist on the shorts and stretchy, soft fabric.

Don’t buy: Traditional travel pillow

Do buy: Supportive travel pillow

I was firmly anti-travel pillow until I found a supportive, packable one that helped me sleep even in the middle seat. Prime Day is a great time to stock up on travel accessories, but you want to ensure you aren’t wasting money on a flimsy pillow that you’ll find more of a nuisance than a helpful addition. Neck pillows that will actually help you sleep and not just be a nuisance to carry around, like the Napfun Neck Pillow, are good items to pick up this week. The Napfun pillow is made of memory foam to keep your head supported, and the 360-degree design will prevent your head from bobbing forward and waking you up. 

Don’t buy: Uncomfortable sandals

Do buy: Reliable walking sandals

You aren’t saving money if you buy a cheap pair of sandals on sale that you end up getting rid of because they’re uncomfortable. Instead, Prime Day is a good time to invest in a pair of comfortable walking sandals for summer, like these Crocs Brooklyn Low Wedge sandals that have a supportive foam footbed for days on your feet. The water-resistant material also makes them a great pick for the beach, so these will be a versatile pair to pack on your next trip.

Don’t buy: One-off toiletries

Do buy: Bulk toiletries

Stocking up on bulk buys is a smart Prime Day move that you’ll thank yourself for later. These easy-to-pack Neutrogena makeup remover wipes come in a pack of 20, now on sale for under $7. Toss them in your toiletry bag for quick overnight stays or longer trips for easy makeup removal at the end of the day. Other smart bulk buys include hand sanitizing wipes, Tide pens, Advil packets, and more.

Don’t buy: Single-purpose travel tech

Do buy: Multipurpose travel tech

Grabbing a multipurpose gadget is basically getting two things for the price of one, and buying it on Prime Day means even more savings. This Charmast portable charger has built-in cables, which means you can leave your phone cords at home. Plus, it has multiple types of cables so you can charge multiple devices at once, like your phone and AirPods.  

Don’t buy: Stiff, uncomfortable pants

Do buy: Wide-leg, flowy pants

Skip the jeans and constricting pants this Prime Day—instead, grab these wide-leg pants that are comfy enough for the flight and a walking tour, and the linen-blend material will keep you cool even if you’re visiting a hot, humid destination. Similar to matching sets, this style of bottoms is so versatile that you’ll get constant wear out of them this summer since you can easily dress them up, too.

Don’t buy: Packing cubes

Do buy: Compression packing cubes

Compression packing cubes are an overpacker’s best friend. They typically fit much more than traditional cubes because they have a special zipper that compresses them to more compact sizes. These Olarhike packing cubes are on sale for $33 and come with 10 pieces to fit all of your clothes, whether in a carry-on or checked bag. 

Don’t buy: Sleep headphones

Do buy: Reusable earplugs

These Loop Quiet 2 Earplugs work much more effectively than sleep headphones because they offer different sizes to get you the perfect fit. Sleep headphones typically rest on top of your ear and don’t provide noise cancellation, and they can be tricky to get to fit just right. These Loop earplugs, however, instantly block out sound, and they don’t require squishing and inserting into your ear like the disposable version. As an anxious sleeper when traveling, these earplugs are the only thing that lets me sleep anywhere, whether it’s an airplane or sharing a room with someone who snores.

Don’t buy: Pepper spray

Do buy: A personal safety alarm

Pepper spray is available at Amazon, but it’s illegal in many cities, states, and countries—and you definitely can’t fly with it in a carry-on. A personal safety alarm is a much better bet because you can take it with you wherever you go, and it won’t expire over time. Prime Day is a great time to invest in the She’s Birdie alarm because it’s not often on sale outside of special events. Many travelers feel peace of mind carrying this with them, especially for solo traveling. It emits a piercingly loud alarm and flashing strobe when the top is pulled to ward off would-be attackers. Other personal safety devices are on sale this week, like door stop alarms and portable door locks.

Don’t buy: Only AirTags

Do buy: Additional Bluetooth tracking devices

Apple AirTags are a go-to recommendation from the T+L team when it comes to sale events like Prime Day and Black Friday. And while they are a great deal to take advantage of, don’t forget that there are even more Bluetooth trackers to shop on Prime Day. For instance, this Satechi Wallet Card connects to the iPhone’s Find My App and can easily slide into any wallet or purse. Or, try a Bluetooth keyring, so you can keep tabs on even more items while on the go. Non-Apple users can also check out Tile’s trackers, which are compatible with Androids.

Don’t buy: Plastic toiletry bottles

Do buy: Silicone toiletry bottles

For a set of toiletry bottles that will last for trip after trip, silicone is the way to go. Unlike plastic, silicone won’t crack or break, and the malleable material makes it easy to get the product out of the bottle. This budget-friendly set has 18 items total, including 3-ounce and 2-ounce bottles in different colors to help you separate your shampoo, conditioner, and body wash, plus jars and spray bottles. It also has a convenient carrying case, all for $10.

Don’t buy: A small travel backpack

Do buy: A carry-on travel backpack

Compact travel backpacks are great for those who want to keep their personal item light, but carry-on backpacks are ideal for anyone hoping to maximize their onboard allowance. I’ve been traveling with a 29-liter Bagsmart carry-on backpack for months, and it’s seriously changed the way I travel. For Prime Day, check out this Amazon backpack on sale for $24, which has a 27-liter capacity and plenty of interior organization. One shopper even attests to fitting up to seven days’ worth of clothes inside. You’ll get a lot more bang for your buck with one of these spacious backpacks—and you won’t have to lug a bulky weekender bag around on top of your suitcase.

Don’t buy: A travel steamer

Do buy: Wrinkle-free clothing

Travel steamers can be costly and take up precious luggage space, which is why it’s worth it to invest in some wrinkle-free clothing instead this Prime Day. Try this basic maxi dress that boasts wrinkle-free fabric and offers an easy, versatile style you can wear from the airplane to dinner. Shoppers swear it “doesn't wrinkle” and can be worn in many different ways, making it the perfect travel dress. Grab it while it's marked down during the sale event.

Don’t buy: A shoulder bag

Do buy: A crossbody or belt bag

Another multipurpose item to buy on Prime Day is a crossbody or belt bag (a.k.a. fanny pack) instead of a shoulder bag. These styles are much more secure than a traditional purse, and you’ll get a ton of wear out of it: use it at the airport, carry it on a hike, or take it on a sightseeing tour. This durable belt bag is an often raved-about pick with a water-resistant nylon fabric and has a versatile style that will match any outfit and occasion. Grab it for a low price of $7 this Prime Day.

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