Gear

The Absolute Worst Prime Day Deals — And Truly Worthy Alternatives

We found all the bogus Prime deals — as well as some tantalizing alternatives — so you don't have to.

by Donna Freydkin
Updated: 
Originally Published: 
coffee maker prime day deal pictured against a blue background

Prime Day is often a time when you can grab something you’ve been coveting (say, a fancy Cybex stroller) for a lot less than its’ list price. It’s also a time when bogus “deals” can just as easily grab your attention. In our book, anything less than 30 percent savings isn’t so much a bargain as it is a waste of your deal-shopping time. Below are some of the products whose slightly discounted price tag will fool many. Fortunately, we’ve got the best alternative for you.

Bogus deal: Lawn Sprinkly by TCBWFY. $3 off a $15 yard sprinkler? Not exactly a Prime Day deal, folks.

You can see the “deal” here (but, really, keep shopping).

Buy this instead:

Lawn Sprinkler by Gesentur

You get nearly half off this $21 sprinkler, which has 360-degree rotating action and has a spray area of 40 feet. Now that's a deal.

$16.98

Bogus deal:

First of all, a $30 investment in your home bar should get you, oh, a bottle of Campari, not “all you need.” Saving $6 on a $30 mixology kit, therefore, is not just a weak 20% deal, it’s misplaced money.

You can see the “deal” here (but, really, keep shopping).

Buy this instead:

Elite Mixology Bartender Kit by Barillio

Normally $60, this killer bartending set is a true beginner kit, with every tool you need to be the happy hour king of your home, housed in a handsome bamboo stand.

$43.99

Bogus deal: $2 off this $10 wireless digital forehead thermometer? Yeah, keep moving.

You can see the “deal” here (but, really, keep shopping).

Buy this instead:

Forehead Thermometer by Braun

Braun's best-in-class $55 thermometer is incredibly easy to use and has clear readouts for middle-of-the-night temp checks. The steep discount makes this a win.

$32.54

Bogus deal: It’s a bit of a bummer because these $14 wooden cars from the brand let’s make are really cool. But if you’re looking for a “deal,” you probably should wait until they’re at least below $10. Right now, they’re just a bit cheaper.

You can see the “deal” here (but, really, keep shopping).

Buy this instead:

Car Carrier by Green Toys

This $25 car carrier doubles as a stacking toy. It's made of recycled plastic and, yup, nearly half off.

$13.98

Bogus deal: Resistance bands are great home exercise tools. All you need in many a fitness junkie’s opinion (we tend to agree). But $6 off a $29 set? You can probably do better on any given Monday.

You can see the “deal” here (but, really, keep shopping).

Buy this instead:

Resistance Bands Set by Whatafit

Normally $34, this is a comprehensive set of resistance bands to work your arms, shoulders, chest, glutes, and legs.

$20

Bogus deal:

Call us crazy, but saving $10 on an $80 coffee maker just doesn’t count as a deal worthy of hype-filled Prime Day.

You can see the “deal” here (but, really, keep shopping).

Buy this instead:

uKeg Nitro Cold Brew Coffee Maker by GrowlerWerks

This cool-as-hell $199 growler dispenses a full pour that's utterly creamy and flavorful. It has double wall 18/8 stainless steel vacuum insulation that keeps the coffee cold all day. Now that's a proper deal.

$139

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