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Prime Big 2024 has ended, capping off a record-setting year for Amazon. But even still, 2024’s second Prime Day bonanza was quite different than years past — and gives some insight into how people are spending their money right now.
For starters, this deals event was massive: according to Numerator’s annual Amazon Prime Day Tracker, more than 188,000 items were purchased during the sale, and Prime members saved over $2.5 billion. The average order size was up from last year’s Prime Day, too ($57.97 compared to $53.47 in 2023).
However, even though people might have spent slightly more this year, Prime Day purchases were very different. Instead of brand-name electronics and shiny new tech products, necessities were the top sellers this year with home goods and household essentials being the top two categories. This meant some surprising basics popped up on the top five Prime Day best-sellers list, such as Premier Protein Shakes, Liquid I.V. packets, and Glad Trash Bags.
Although that doesn’t mean everyone who added needed products to cart didn’t also get some wanted deals too. We also saw a rise in beauty and wellness purchases, especially viral TikTok skincare finds like the buzzy COSRX Snail Mucin serum. Shoppers were also more apt to approach deals this year from multiple retailers, with more than half (54%) saying they compared prices at competitors, many of whom were also holding concurrent sales events, according to Numerator (35% shopped Walmart deals this week, and 34% looked at Target Circle Week).
Still, some used Prime Day as shoppers have in past years, grabbing brand-name electronics and tech they might have been eyeing for a while (i.e. Amazon Fire TV sticks were reportedly still the #1 most purchased item).
The Top-Selling Items Of Prime Day 2024
Below, we’ve rounded up some of the top-selling products during Prime Day 2024. We’ve included products that Rolling Stone readers purchased in bulk, as well as several items that Amazon says were the event’s big winners.
Bonus: Some of the best Prime Day deals are still lingering, with discounts likely to continue throughout the week. If you see anything still on sale, be sure to scoop it up quickly.
BK Beauty Brushes Angie Hot & Flashy "Kitten Paw" Face Brush
Surprisingly, this viral makeup brush was the most purchased item among Rolling Stone readers during this year’s Prime Day — but it’s not hard to understand why. The super soft, best-selling “Kitten Paw” Face Brush from BK Beauty’s collab with Angie Hot & Flashy was designed by a professional make up artists and has been blowing up on TikTok lately. Designed for more mature skin, rave reviews say it’s got a luxuriously smooth application.
COSRX Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence
This popular Snail Mucin serum saw a steep discount during Prime Day, and people (rightly) scooped it up. The cult-favorite skincare find has rave reviews for soothing damaged skin while also repairing dark spots and improving skin vitality. Some of the key components of snail mucin (which you might not have heard of) include collagen and glycolic acid (which you’ve probably heard of) that help gently exfoliate and smooth out skin texture.
INIU 10000mAh Portable Charger
Our shopping team are frequent jet-setters, so we always carry small portable chargers with us — and our readers this year seem to be in the same boat. This pint-sized INIU charger doesn’t compromise on power or features, and our tester loved its thin, light construction. Weighing in at just seven ounces — great for commuting, running around on weekends, or traveling. It’s also got a 10000mAh power capacity, putting it on par with some of the pricier power banks we’ve tested.
SALT & STONE Antioxidant-Rich Bergamot & Hinoki Body Wash
High-end soap brands like Salt & Stone are having a moment, and Prime shoppers looked to elevate their shower routine with this body wash that not only smells great, but looks great on the counter, too. The wash is packed with antioxidants to soften and soothe your skin, all while you get a summery waft of Italian Bergamot, hinoki, and orange blossom notes.
Crest 3D Whitestrips
As always, Prime Day 2024 was a great time to stock up on essentials. This year, it seems people needed these Crest 3D Whitestrips once again. The strips are applied to your teeth once a day, left for 30 minutes (while you watch TV or get some work done), and effectively remove teeth stains.
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) were another big winner this year — and most of Apple’s headphones are still discounted. These top-of-the-line earbuds, for example, are still 20% off, shaving $50 off the retail price. They feature noise-cancellation, an Apple H2 chip for advanced audio performance, and a substantial six-hour battery life. Plus, like all AirPods, they look great and connect easily.
Glad ForceFlex Garbage Bags
What more can we say about these? Trash bags are everyday staples, and our readers seem to agree that you can never have too many of them laying around the house. You can count on these heavy-duty Glad bags to offer extra leak protection when you’re taking out the garbage. We won’t tell you how to use them, but there’s enough in this 40-pack that you won’t run out soon.
Amazon Fire TV Stick with Alexa Voice Remote
Amazon’s Fire TV Stick is one of the best streaming devices around, with minimal hardware, an easy-to-use remote, and all the major streaming apps. The “stick” plugs directly into your TV’s HDMI port, keeping your media console clear of bulky devices. The remote is equipped with Alexa, lending responsive voice controls for searching content and controlling video playback.
Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier
Liquid I.V.’s Hydration Multiplier was a best-seller during this Prime Day, an electrolyte powder that delivers quick hydration to your bloodstream, helping to reduce fatigue and improve alertness and immunity. Liquid I.V. says their packets contain three times the electrolytes of traditional sports drinks, plus potassium, vitamin C, B3, B5, B6, and B12. The Individually wrapped packets make them clutch for taking to the gym, while traveling, or on the go.
Fastaid 7-in-1 Red Light Therapy Tool for Face and Neck
There’s never been a better week to buy a red light therapy device, like this one from Fastaid, which is still 33% off and down to $39.99. The multi-tool includes all the different light settings you could need to soothe your skin, increase skin elasticity and softness, and maintain a healthy glow. It features three different face massage modes too, and you can use it for up to two hours on a charge. If you want to incorporate red light into your skincare routine, this is a solid device.
BISSELL Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner
Cleaning products make up a huge amount of Prime deals — especially for all the pet parents out there. If you’ve got fur babies, this compact, multipurpose carpet and upholstery cleaner from Bissel is a great choice. Despite its size, the Little Green Pet has users sold, using a combination of Febreeze formula, water, and a high-suction brush to lift practically any stain from their rug or furniture.
Amazon Smart Plug
Here’s a great home upgrade that people stocked up on. Amazon’s Smart Plugs turn any outlet into a “smart” one that you can control with your phone, tablet, or Alexa. This means you can do things like turn off the lights, start the coffee machine, or start up your air purifier with voice controls or a tap of the phone — even while you’re out of the house.
