Three short months after we wrapped up Prime Day, we’re here to tell you that Amazon will be hosting another two-day flash-sales event. We’ve been calling it Prime Day 2, and you may have seen other sites refer to it as the Prime Day sequel — but its proper name is the Prime Early Access Sale, as in early access to holiday discounts, and it will run on Tuesday, October 11, and Wednesday, October 12.
As with the original Prime Day, all discounts will only be available for Prime members, so if you’re still not a member, now’s a good time to sign up. As you probably know by now, Prime’s benefits include free two-day shipping on an unfathomable number of products; two-hour Whole Foods delivery; and access to Prime Video, where you can watch everything from the Lord of the Rings series to Fleabag. It costs $14.99 per month or $139 per year (or, if you start now, you can get a free 30-day trial that will last through the sale).
If you’re already eager to shop the Early Access Sale, Amazon has teased out a preview that you can shop now. The deals are relatively limited, but unlike other Prime Day previews, which are often heavy on Amazon devices, this one features a lot of actually good deals on kids’ toys, games, and other things that would make excellent holiday gifts.
We’ve pulled out a smattering of the best deals so far — including a bunch of things we’ve written about before — but be sure to check back on Tuesday, October 11, when we’ll have even more coverage on actually good deals to shop. And as always, make sure to sign up for our email newsletter to get the most up-to-date information.
If your Amazon Alexa is the main way you listen to music but you want a touch more quality — and bass — try the Echo Dot smart speaker, coming in at just under $60.
The only time this viral (and Strategist-approved) blow-dryer brush has been cheaper than this was last year’s Black Friday.
At $300, this is still a splurge, but it’s the lowest price we’ve ever seen for this compact (and actually nice-looking) De’Longhi espressso machine.
BookTok is divided on Colleen Hoover’s work, but you might as well buy her newest novel since it’s just $19 for the hardcover. Strategist managing editor Kelsie Schrader says it’s “good if you want to stay up all night reading a page-turner this sinister season.”
Or if they want something a little less Technicolor, here’s a diner set from one of our favorite brands for kids’ toys.
Last year’s status toy still makes a great stocking stuffer.
For book-lovers, here’s a 1000-piece puzzle from one of our favorite brands for high-quality jigsaw puzzles.
Lots of Calico Critters play sets are on offer as part of this Early Access sale, but we’re especially drawn to this little cottage carousel that comes with a cute rabbit.
The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments, rolling luggage, pillows for side sleepers, natural anxiety remedies, and bath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
