5 Amazon Items Retirees Can Splurge On, Settle For or Skip
Written by
Paige Cerulli
Edited by
Rebekah Evans
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Shopping on Amazon is incredibly convenient and the retailer is known for offering great prices on many of its items. But while retirees might think they’re getting the best deal on Amazon, that isn’t always the case. Certain items offer better value than others and there are some items that are best to skip entirely.
Before you start shopping, take a few minutes to read through this list. By shopping smart, you can determine which items you should splurge on, settle for or skip to ensure that you really are getting the best price on a product that you’ll be happy with.
Also here are Amazon items you must buy on a retirement budget.
Splurge On: Smart Home Devices
Amazon has a fantastic selection of smart home devices, many of which pair with your Amazon account. Certain smart devices, like this two-pack of Wyze security cameras for $69.94, can enhance your home’s safety and give you peace-of-mind. Some insurance companies even offer discounts on homeowners insurance if you install safety devices like cameras, so be sure to contact your insurance provider to see if you could save money on your insurance.
If you’re not ready to go too high-tech, some simple smart home devices can help you save on your utility costs. Amazon offers a low price of $20.99 on a set of smart light bulbs and you can dim them using an app or voice assistant to save energy.
Splurge On: Kitchen Accessories
Prices on items that are typically very affordable — like a basic single serving spoon — typically aren’t that great, but if you buy a package of utensils — like the 10-piece Woodenhouse wooden cooking utensils set for  $49.99 — you can get a great deal and stock up your kitchen. Other items, like the Cisily kitchen sink caddy organizer for $16.04, are often priced well. Plus, Amazon frequently offers great sales and deals on items like knife sets and cookware sets.
Splurge On: Pet Food
You can find some great deals on pet food on Amazon, especially if you’re willing to buy larger bags or boxes of canned food. The price on items like the Fancy Feast cat food variety pack ($22.00) is lower than you’ll find at most other retailers and you’ll save substantially over what you would pay for this food in stores. Amazon also has a great deal of $14.96 on the Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula adult dry dog food, plus you can save more when you set up a subscription to buy food regularly.
Want to save even more? Check to see if the pet food manufacturer offers a rewards program. For example, with the Purina Perks Rewards program, you can earn points for every Purina purchase that you can redeem for free pet food, toys and other items. Â
Settle For: Clothing
Buying clothing on Amazon can be hit-or-miss. There are many cheaper clothing options that are poor quality or that have highly inconsistent sizing. But, if you shop carefully, you can also find good deals on clothing on Amazon, especially if you catch the items on sale. For example, Amazon has some great deals on multi-packs of Hanes men’s cotton tee undershirts (prices vary) and you can often find shoes available for less than they cost in stores, like Dansko’s peony women’s walking sneakers for $79.95.
If you decide to shop for clothes, look for name brands that you’re already familiar with to take the guesswork out of the quality and sizing. Check the seller’s profile and see if they’ve consistently received positive reviews. Look out for any warnings on the clothing product page, like notices that the item is frequently returned and read reviews of the product before you buy, too.
Skip: Furniture
Furniture is tricky to buy on Amazon and while the sale prices can be appealing, you’re unlikely to be happy with the end result. Most Amazon furniture is made of particleboard, so it’s not terribly durable. Quality can be a real issue when you’re buying items like a sofa or chair and just about any furniture item you buy will need to be assembled. If you want to get the best value for your money, consider heading to a traditional furniture store and watching for sales. Chances are you’ll be able to get the items delivered and you won’t have to take the time to assemble them yourself.
Editor’s note: Pricing and availability may vary.
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