Shopping Archives - Page 3 of 25

How to score cheap stuff (to keep or resell)

How often do you buy a bunch of stuff online, planning to only keep your favorites? I shop for clothes this way, for sure — and I’m not the only one. Returns cost retailers $743 billion last year.

If you’ve ever wondered, “What happens to all those returns?” the answer is pretty darn interesting. We did the research and found the best places where you can score deals on other people’s “no, thank you” items.

Wait, how does that work?

Let’s take Amazon as an example. Any package that’s undeliverable and unclaimed for 90 days is fair game. Amazon sells unclaimed stuff right on its website. Pro tip: Some items have crazy delivery charges tacked on, so check before you get excited about a deal.

The same goes for packages from other retailers sent through the U.S. Postal Service. After 90 days, they’re sold to the highest bidder.

Like a garage sale but better

The USPS contracts with a website to auction off things postal workers can’t deliver. Go to GovDeals.com to browse everything from TVs to vehicles to kitchen appliances.

Liquidation.com hawks packages and undelivered goods from Amazon, Target, Walmart and The Home Depot. You can filter by brand or retailer.

Note: Many of these deals are for items sold in lots, like this lot with 57 pairs of Sony headphones. The current bid is just $100 — hello, side hustle! You’ll see plenty of finds like this.

Feeling mysterious?

Some returned and undeliverable merch is packaged into “mystery boxes,” which are like grab bags. You don’t know precisely what you’ll get, but the idea is you’ll find a valuable item you want to keep or sell.

Sound like fun? Try Poshmark. Search for “mystery box” and you’ll find listings for returns from retailers like Walmart and Amazon, ranging in price from a few bucks to over $500. For $50, this seller will send you eight items and let you make requests from their 20,000 listings.

Continue reading →

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

They made too much

Amazon has a hidden overstock outlet section. Items up to 70% off? Yes, please!

Nice power strip with four outlets, four USB ports, a 6-foot cord and a wall mount, if you’re feeling fancy, for 50% off.
Mount your phone in the car with this holder that goes right into the air vent (just $13). Works with bigger phones or your chunky case.
Sweet laser distance-measuring tool that’s 26% off. It works up to 328 feet!
Set of six mini box cutters for packages and envelopes for 50% off (only $4).
Big, bright flashlights (990,000 lumens!) with impressive battery life. A two-pack is 50% off.

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

Road trip essentials

Summer is road trip season, which means it’s time to make your ride road-ready. This list isn’t exhaust-ive, but it’s a good start!

Toss empty snack wrappers into a leakproof car trash can, on sale for $9.99.
Don’t throw your purse on the ground. Hang it on this hook, which goes on the back of a headrest. It’s 41% off now, at $7.66.
This smartphone charger keeps your phone in place for navigation with a sturdy mount, and it’s 57% off.
Air sanitizers get the lingering greasy burger or smoke smell out of a rental car. Grab a pack for 11% off.
Every vehicle needs jumper cables, an LED headlamp and a tire pressure gauge. You’ll be set with this kit, now 15% off.

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

Foldable Macbook could be coming soon

Do you need your laptop to fold up this small? Could be pretty neat — a laptop in your pocket!

Step off

Fellow walkers, runners and hikers, let’s upgrade your gear:

Use a hydration backpack if you’ll be out for a long time. This one holds 3 liters of water. On a short walk, an insulated bottle gets the job done.
Columbia’s sunshade hat protects your head, face and neck. I like a UPF-rated long-sleeved shirt, too. Guys, for you; ladies, this one is cute.
High-rise hiking boots will help you conquer any trail. For easier terrain, I love a pair of Hokas.
Oh, and pack a first-aid kit for long hikes. This one includes bandages, sterile wipes and a sting-relief pad.

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

Play on, player

Summer is playtime. I wrangled up a few great beach or outdoor lawn games for hosting, travel or just weekend fun.

Keep it classic: This bocce ball set is 19% off and comes with its own carrying case.
Get the kids off their screens: This game set is a party in a box for the younger members of your summering crew, with four games in one. Select the size for kids ages 3 to 7 or 5 to 10.
Light up the night: A lightweight, light-up flying disc is good for parties that go past sunset, which is pretty late these days! Woo, it’s 15% off.
Backyard bowling: An outdoor (or indoor, for rainy days) bowling set for 22% off. Strike!
Tabletop playing: Give your feet a rest from the other games and play a hook-and-ring game (15% off).
Create your own course: Most putting games are pricey, but this set of two putting cups is a steal on sale for $8.99. Get a bunch and create your own 18.

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

Subscribe and save

Do you use Amazon’s Subscribe & Save program? You can save anywhere from 5% to 15% on items you order regularly, and you can adjust your schedule or cancel before your item ships again automatically (two weeks to every six months).

There are a heck of a lot of useful Subscribe & Save options. Here are some of the most popular, according to Amazon:

Liquid I.V. hydration powder packets — Three times the electrolytes of sports drinks without all the sugar.
Mighty Patch pimple stickers — Because it was a lie when they said you wouldn’t get pimples again after your teen years.
Affresh washing machine cleaner tablets — Keeps your towels, blankets and clothes fresher.
Earth Breeze laundry detergent sheets — So much easier than liquid detergent or pods.
Goli apple cider vinegar gummies — Plus B vitamins to support your immune system and heart health.
LUMIFY redness eye drops — (Ben Stein voice) If you have dry eyes, these drops are amazing!
Fresh Step cat litter — Better than carrying it in from the store.
Schick eyebrow and face razors — Easier than waxing, and you can do it yourself.

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

Outdoor living upgrades

These deals are all under $10 and an easy way to level up your summer life outside. With deals like this, the steaks aren’t too high for your patio paradise.

Bug out: A magnetic screen door will keep the bugs at bay as you move between indoors and outdoors. It’s a steal at $8.99 (44% off).
Under pressure: Clean the driveway or patio with a high-pressure garden hose nozzle. Get a pack of two brass nozzles for half off ($9.99).
Backyard upgrade: These solar-powered rope lights make any outdoor setup party-ready. Snag ‘em for just $9.99.
Dining deterrents: Don’t let flies ruin dinner. Place a couple of these fly fans (23% off, $9.99) on the table. They really work!
Grill me: This multiuse silicone mat holds your tools for easy cleanup after grilling. It’s an easy upgrade for only $8.99.

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

Save some dough

These kitchen tools and gadgets will make your life easier … and they’re all under $10. Sweet.

Chop-chop: This onion (or lemon or egg) holder lets you slice and dice with ease. It’s 38% off now and only $9.98. Click the coupon for an extra 20% off, too.
Just beat it: That is, your eggs, the easy way. Get this stainless-steel eggbeater for $9.99.
So long, twist ties: These sturdy bag clips will keep your bread fresh, produce bags tied and snacks closed, at $6.99 for eight. Lifetime warranty, too!
Hydration organization: Keep all your reusable water bottles in one place. This organizer is 17% off, at only $9.99.
Strain in a snap: Why get out the colander if you’re keeping your pasta in the pot? Love this snap-on strainer. It’s on sale in a summery green for $7.99.

With all these deals, you could say I’m on a roll. I know, I’m sorry.

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

Keep your pets cool

Your furry family members are feeling the summer heat, too. I found some sweet deals to cool down your pup or cat.

Air Bud: An elevated dog bed is easier on their joints and a cooler perch because of airflow. Snag this Amazon Basics bed for 27% off.
Jump in anytime: Take this foldable dog pool anywhere. Smaller sizes are up to 37% off right now. My girl, Abby, loves to swim.
Splish-splash: Splash pads are for dogs, too. This 67-inch pad is a steal at $19.98. Fine, the kids can play on it, too.
Cool cats (and dogs): Washable and portable, a cooling mat for pets can keep them comfy in the car, on the patio or even in the living room. Get it on sale now for $9.99.
App-paws for safety: Pets’ paws can burn on hot surfaces. Protect their little tootsies with these dog booties, now 33% off.

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

Summer lovin’ (not splashin’)

Even the highest-rated “waterproof” phones were tested in fresh, calm water — not the beach or a chlorinated water slide. Protect your stuff.

Retire the Ziploc bag: Snag a two-pack of Pelican Marine pouches for your fam’s phones. There��s a lanyard so your phone won’t slip into the water, but even if it does, it floats! The olive color is 30% off.
Float on: This floating HD speaker has eight colors of LED lights … that project flamingos underwater! So fun. Right now, it’s 13% off (under $40).
Throw and go: Get a dry bag and don’t worry about your phone, tablet, book … You name it, It’s covered. The waterproof 5L Heeta Dry Bag is 20% off and just under $12.
Look, ma! No hands: Store your phone, cash and cards with a waterproof pouch — just $9.89 for a black-and-white set of two. It’s touchscreen-friendly, so you can splash and text.
Beach reads: Protect your Kindle or iPad with a waterproof pouch. This floating one fits tablets up to 11 inches and is on sale for 11% off.

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

Listen on your stereo

Pam in Fort Lauderdale wrote to me to ask if there’s a cheap, easy way for her to play music from her phone on her home stereo.

📻 Heck yes, there are, Pam. Each one works a little differently. Follow the included instructions and you’ll be rockin’ in no time.

Super affordable: Connect this receiver ($23.99) to your stereo’s audio port, give it some juice via a USB cable, and then push one button to pair it with your phone. Easy-peasy.
Pricer but better sound: Audiophiles, this one is for you. A Wi-Fi connection will give you better sound than a Bluetooth option. The WiiM Mini audio player ($89) is worth the money.
Get smart: Some Echo models, like this refurbished 4th-gen Echo Dot (34% off, $58.99), can connect to your stereo with a 3.5mm aux cable. That’s pretty sweet.

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

💩 It’s potty time

Science says a potty stool is good for small kids, older adults and those who need a little help going No. 2. Put your feet up and get down to business.

Hey there, sweet cheeks: This potty stool is on sale for $19.88 and folds away before guests arrive.
On the rails: Find you need a little help coming in for a landing and taking off from the toilet? These adjustable safety rails are 35% off.
For tiny tushies: Calling all potty-training parents or accommodating grandparents. This small seat stays attached by a magnet when not in use. Save 7% to 10% on round or elongated seats.
Roses really smell like …: Poo-Pourri’s Cypress Woods is on sale for $8.21. The spray-before-you-poo scent eliminates the smell of, well, elimination.
Brush it off: You should replace your toilet brush now and then. This incredibly well-reviewed set is currently 43% off at $9.99. Yup, you need this.

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

Last-minute Father’s Day gifts

This wireless 3-in-1 charging station is sweet and works with iPhone 8 models all the way up to iPhone 15.
For the handy dad, a laser tape measure he’ll play with like a kid on Christmas. (Be sure to click both coupons for a total of 20% off!)
A cool Carhartt insulated bag is perfect for the office, the lake, the car or anywhere else he goes.
No one likes warm beer or soda. Love these freezer glasses that’ll keep his beverage of choice ice cold.
OK, I want this … Press the Dad Joke 3000 to hear, yep, a dad joke (20% off!).
A smart dashcam on sale for $39.99, and check the box for another 10% off!
A phone stand with a built-in Bluetooth speaker so he can watch his shows and hear the dialogue.

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

Thermonator: The flame-throwing dog

How is this legal in 48 out of 50 states? You can purchase one of these robo-dogs for just under $10,000. It’s a pass for me.

Cybertruck frunk almost chops off fingers

The Cybertruck front truck (“frunk”) has a safety feature that looks mighty unsafe to me.

Now, that’s sharp!

This veggie chopper is 50% off and has a bunch of different dicing blades. No more onion fingers.
Henckels makes some of the best knives out there. This 15-piece knife set and block is 62% off.
Stop opening packages with a kitchen knife. Score a three-pack of minis for only $5 so you can have one in the garage, one on your keychain and one wherever else you want.
The best knife is a sharp one. This one (under $14) has different slots to get your blade back to tiptop shape and comes with a cut-resistant glove to wear.
Promise me you won’t cut anything on the counter with that newly honed knife. Love these pretty cutting boards in great colors.

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

Ways to stay cool

Oh, joy, there’s an excessive heat warning in Phoenix this week. If it’s hot where you are, too, I’ve got your back.

I’m a fan: Tower fans keep the air circulating. Pop one next to your bed, in your office, in the living room — wherever. This powerful model is only $38.
Bring out the big guns: I can’t sleep without AC. This BLACK+DECKER rolling portable unit cools up to 700 square feet — or gets your bedroom chilly.
Hot and bothered: Upgrade your pillows to these fluffy ones that always have that other-side-of-the-pillow coolness. They’re only $26, a whopping 78% off.
Don’t forget a summer blanket: This pretty waffle blanket comes in lots of colors and is 28% off right now.
For your desk: The strong, little USB-powered fan is only $6. Heck yeah.

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

Have stuff you want to get rid of? Try Linda's Stuff

Linda’s story gives me chills. She started out selling her kids’ old video games online, and now she runs a multimillion-dollar company. Check out the full interview here.

Perfect your patio

Outdoor furniture is infuriatingly expensive, but once you have it, it lasts forever. And having a pretty patio is nice … I found some crazy deals:

This 5-piece outdoor dining set is 41% off, and there’s a $149 coupon for Prime members.
Haven’t gotten around to refinishing your deck? Get a chic outdoor rug. Easy-peasy. This one’s washable and 70% off!
Save $429 on an Ashley outdoor sofa. It even comes with extra throw pillows!
Brighten up your landscaping with these cute li’l outdoor solar lights. These are 51% off and let you adjust the color temp and brightness.
Don’t wanna splurge on a Solo Stove? This propane firepit is less than half the price and doubles as a table. Grab it for 23% off right now.

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.