Treat the event as a yard sale.

America, take a seat, because the second biggest birthday bash of July has just arrived! Monday marks the start of Amazon Prime Day – purportedly a celebration of Amazon's 24 ^th birthday but really just excuse to go wild and buy as many discounted Instant Pots as your heart desires.
        

Amazon is like a spoiled by who every year demands a longer party (this year it runs a full 48 hours) and glitzier entertainment (Taylor Swift kicked things off Wednesday with a concert). Do you want to buy something for the drama (?) Does Walmart actually sell that for cheaper? ), you cannot properly appreciate the fun of this event.
        

The key is to treat Prime Day like what it is: a giant yard sale. It is true that you can be responsible and get a nice discount on Dyson vacuum or Toshiba television, but you can also get a hot dog toaster or a keyboard-shaped waffle iron! You are missing out on freely reveling in the bizarreness of this holiday and the… unexpected … consumer goods it can bring into your life. In that spirit, Slate is here not only to help you find the sensible, good deals, but also to the best and wonderful deals, and to laugh at the completely bizarre ones.
        

We'll be updating the post throughout the event, so keep checking in to see how things develop.
        

Things You Need But Never Bought

Instant Pot Duo Plus 60

Could we even call it Prime Day if there is an Instant Pot on sale? With all the various price fluctuations we have seen on the Instant Pot over the years, this is the lowest in its price history. Good Housekeeping calls the Duo the best overall pick among the Instant Pot models, featuring an additional setting for making homemade yogurt. They note, "It also lets you cook on low (in addition to high) so you will have more control over the cooking temperature of soups and lentils."
        

Was $ 130, now 57 percent off.
            

Amazon Echo (2nd Gen)

Amazon makes a big push for Amazon brand products every year, but the Echo also tops lists for voice-activated speakers. PC Mag says, "It's small, useful, sounds good for its size, and is reasonably priced."
        

Buy: $ 50 (was $ 130, now 57 percent off)

iRobot Roomba 690

The 690 is an entry-level Roomba model, but PC Mag explains that it is still packed with functionality at half the price point: "It only features Wi-Fi connectivity and app control, it supports voice commands via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant as well."
        

Was $ 375, now 39 percent off.
            

iPad 6th Generation with 128 GB

Amazon is only discounting the sixth-generation model with 128 GB of storage space, so the price is a little higher than the basic model. However, if you are likely to be a lot of media, this is a good choice. The iPad is also Wirecutter's top pick for tablets, offering "the optimal combination of speed, size, features, apps, accessories, and price."
        

Buy: $ 299 (was $ 429, now 30 percent off)

Google Pixel 3 XL

TechRadar says, "Even into 2019, the Google Pixel 3 has the best smartphone camera you can buy." Though Apple still controls the majority of the phone market, the cheaper price tag and the difference in camera quality is giving Google a leg up.
        

Buy: $ 714 (was $ 899, now 21 percent off)

Things You Need If You're Feeling Fancy

Philips Sonicare DiamondClean Smart Electric Toothbrush

Women's Health calls the Sonicare DiamondClean "the May be electric toothbrushes and notes that it comes with an app that gives you a variety of brushing tips based on your activity, including counting on one side of your mouth.
        

Was $ 280, now 30 percent off.
            

Braun Series 9 Men’s Electric Foil Shaver

The Series 9, like the DiamondClean, is the deluxe option when it comes to hygiene. Men’s Health says, "Five shaving elements work together to cut through even the most difficult hairs with a 10-direction flexible head and special microvibration technology."
        

Buy: $ 215 (was $ 310, 31 percent off)

The Things You Have Zero Need For, but Why the Heck Not?

LifeStraw Personal Water Filter

The LifeStraw was the runaway success of Prime Day 2018: Evidently the reasonable pricing encouraged purchases from even those who are planning a camping trip anytime soon. However, they also seem to live up to the hype. One reviewer recounted an impressive story from a backpacking trip, "On top of one of the lower peaks, I drink from the most disgusting looking crevice filled with brown scum. In thought, this is going to be safe, but typing horrid. WRONG. TASTED LIKE THE FRESHEST SPRING WATER. Better than any loss. I’m from Maine, and having plenty of water right from mountain springs, so tasks become me. ”
        

Was $ 17, now 43 percent off.
            

Things You Don't Need To Make Unexpected Gifts

Fred Slow Brew Sloth Tea Infuser

One look at this slothful tea pal will have you sold. One reviewer said, "These are just as cute as I hoped they would be. … I bought two! Using one of these will make you want to drink more tea! ”
        

Was $ 10, now 21 percent off.
            

Burt's Bees Essential Everyday Beauty Gift Set

There are many traditional gift sets on sale for Prime Day, but this could be a perfect option for a friend who likes to travel. One reviewer said, "This is a great gift to yourself or someone else to try out a small amount of Burt's Bees products and then if you like the order a larger amount. Great product, great company. ”
        

Buy: $ 6 (was $ 10, 36 percent off)

The Things You Had No Idea Amazon Even Sold

Thor Mjolnir Meat Tenderizer

One reviewer said, " I love this thing! It's beautiful, easy to clean, and it looks great hanging up in the kitchen. My only wish is that it was bigger, but then it would probably be impossible to use.
        

Was $ 25, now 20 percent off.
            

Aduro Phone Neck Holder

This necklace is very popular with those from carpal tunnel to extremely lazy teens. One reviewer said, "Sure it seems like headgear, with a crane around your neck, but it makes scrolling so much easier and pain free."
        

Was $ 11, now 15 percent off.
            

Car Lights

Flashing LED lights for your car's footwell may not have been at the top of your shopping list, and the logic behind placing flashing lights in the periphery of your vision is also questionable. However, they suffered one reviewer to comment appreciatively, "Adulthood ain't too bad!" Who can argue with that?
        

Buy: $ 11 (was $ 14, now 22 percent off)