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How To Find The Hidden Gems On Amazon's Prime Day

The shopping event of the summer that you don't even have to brave the crowds for — Amazon Prime Day — is fast approaching. There will be deals galore in this 36-hour marathon sale (starting at 3 p.m. EDT on Monday, July 16) but Prime Day isn't just a chance to score on a new Instant Pot, camping tent, or other big-ticket item you have been wanting to add to your cart. The online shopping event also offers some hidden gems you might not realize. Here are six benefits you might not know about Prime Day.

1. Remember that it's free
Trying out Amazon Prime, that is. If you don't have Prime, you can try it for free for 30 days. If you end up not liking it (which we highly doubt), just cancel before the 30-day trial period and you pay nothing. But Prime comes with so many benefits — insider deals, free two-day shipping, and Prime Video (which is like Netflix, with original productions as well as some of your favorite TV series and movies) — that you'll probably want to keep it.

2. Stock up on essentials, cheaper and easier
Of course the main draw of Prime Day is deep discounts on big-ticket items like TVs and tablets, but there are also tons of great deals on things you need on hand. Buy those items, from diapers to snacks, in bulk for great deals — and get them shipped right to your doorstep. No chaotic visit to that big box store, and no need to haul your purchases home.

3. Avoid holiday shopping misery
Prime Day is an opportunity to get some (or even all) of your holiday shopping done way ahead of schedule. As long as you have a good hiding spot, why not buy now so you can actually enjoy the holiday season come December? Most prices will probably be as low (if not lower) than they'll be on Black Friday or Cyber Monday.

4. Scour deals on Amazon digital services
You can be sure Amazon will discount some of its Fire, Kindle, and Echo devices, but what about the digital content components of each (Kindle Unlimited and Amazon Music Unlimited, for example)? We expect there will be deals on those, too.

5. Sales are extra-helpful if you're starting something new
From someone who's moving away to attend college to a newlywed couple wanting to furnish their home, Amazon will have deals on just about everything you need. So get that kitchen appliance, those new linens, or even clothes and school supplies.

6. Look for budget-friendly upgrades
Is there an appliance, tool, or other need-to-have item in your life that's on its last legs? Prime Day is a great day to replace old, broken-down things you own. If you've been putting it off because you weren't sure when to make your move, this is the time to finally make it — some higher-priced items even have installment plans. If you are looking to upgrade your summer cooking game, maybe it is time to look for the best affordable backyard grills.

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