Amazon Prime Day is arguably one of the biggest sales of the year — offering steep discounts on products across beauty, tech, travel, home and more. But over the years, lots of other retailers have wisened up and started offering their own sales around the same time. The result: In the days leading up to Prime Day, you can find great bargains at other online retailers on products that may not be available on Amazon.
Right now, stores like Target, Walmart and Nordstrom have a number of items on sale. But smaller, direct-to-consumer shops — like Calpak and Brooklinen — are also offering discounts. So, if you’re looking for something you can’t find on Amazon or are just trying to avoid purchasing from the online behemoth, we’ve rounded up some of the best early alternative Prime Day sales. Check them out below.
Best early tech deals
When it comes to affordable smartwatches, the Apple Watch SE is a solid choice. It connects easily with your iPhone and Apple’s Health and Fitness apps and comes in two sizes 40mm and 44mm. Currently, the smaller size is marked down to $179 from $249 at Walmart. When compared to other Apple Watches, the SE lacks a few features — like always-on mode and an on-screen keyboard. But for the price, you really can’t beat it.
Multiple NBC Select editors have reported on their appreciation for this bluetooth speaker. The Clip 5 has great volume range and has stronger bass, says NBC Select editorial projects manager Rebecca Rodriguez. It also has a carabiner clip you can attach to a backpack strap, belt loop, cabinet or anything else you want. Right now, at Walmart, you can get the black color for 31% off.
More early tech deals
50% off Auoshi Portable Projector at Walmart
50% off Ring Battery Doorbell at Home Depot
32% off Fitbit Charge 6 at Walmart
29% off Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Laptop at P.C. Richard
20% off Bose Soundlink Flex Speaker at Bose
Best early beauty deals
Experts recommended this “tried and true” serum in our guide to the best retinols because it has gone through more than 100 clinical studies and helps with sagging and texture. The formula is also hydrating, which helps prevent irritation, according to RoC.
This Conair hair dryer is exclusive to Ulta and is currently 30% off. It has three heat settings and two speed settings, as well as a cool shot to lock in your style. It also comes with two attachments — a diffuser for curly hair and a concentrator.
At the first sign of a breakout, I reach for this cleanser. It has glycolic and lactic acids to gently exfoliate and wash away acne-causing bacteria. Unlike other acne products I’ve used, this one doesn’t strip my skin and I like how soft my complexion feels after using it. And because it’s on the pricier side, I tend to add it to my cart anytime I see it on sale.
More early beauty deals
36% off T3 Aire IQ Intelligent Hair Dryer at Macy’s
30% off Hot Tools Pro Artist Curling Iron at Ulta
30% off Peach Slices Acne Spot Dots at Ulta
30% off Vanicream Daily Face Moisturizer at Ulta
25% off Saltair Body Wash at Ulta
Best early home deals
This smaller Dutch Oven is ideal when cooking soups, stews or braised meats for just a few people. Like all of Le Creuset’s most popular pieces, the enameled cast-iron is ovenproof up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit and is dishwasher safe — though handwashing is recommended. Currently, Nordstrom has six different colors in this dutch oven and all are 40% off.
Hydroflask makes one of our favorite reusable water bottles. This tumbler, which is 45% off, comes in a pretty blue color and holds 28-ounces of liquid. The insulated tumbler keeps drinks cold for up to 24-hours and the lid is splash-resistant, according to the brand. It also comes with a flexible straw and will fit in most car cupholders.
I have three sets of these sheets — that’s how devoted to them I am. The percale cotton feels cool and crisp on your skin, which is a major pro if you’re a hot sleeper like I am. I also like that the fitted sheet works on my deep mattress. The set comes with a fitted and flat sheet, plus two pillowcases. Right now, there are 13 colors on sale for 49% off at Brooklinen.
You can currently get this set of frying pans for 30% off in any of the 9 colors they come in. You get 10- and 12-inch frying pans that have PFAs-free nonstick coating and forged bases that heat up evenly, according to the brand. The pans are oven and broiler proof up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit.
More early home deals
60% off Hotel Collection Italian Sheet Set at Macy’s
50% off Zwilling Kitchen Shears at Sur La Table
40% off Dyson Big Ball Turbinhead Vacuum at Dyson
31% off Turkish Cotton Towel Set at The Company Store
30% off Hamilton Beach Programmable Slow Cooker at Macy’s
27% off NutriBullet Pro Compact Blender at Macy’s
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I’m a writer at NBC Select who covers a variety of topics, including home, tech and beauty. I have been covering major shopping events like Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday and Cyber Monday for over a decade.