I’m A Practical Shopper And I’m Grabbing These Labor Day Deals Before They’re Gone

The only products worth buying, in my opinion, are the ones that both provide an upgrade to your life and earn their price. And after having researched tons of Labor Day deals to find the ones most worth your time and money, I can confidently say that there are more than a few items that fit the bill here. These practical purchases would be worth it any time of year, but at their current discounted price, you could be wasting money by not buying them now and instead waiting until later on.

Read more Labor Day Deals Are Almost Over: Here Are 9 Sales You’ll Kick Yourself For Skipping

Below, you’ll find a selection of Labor Day sales on items that are truly practical purchases. No luxury skin care or non-essential gadgets here; just products that can solve your everyday problems. My only other piece of advice? Don’t wait too long to shop. These deals will likely go pretty fast.

1.
Amazon

An essential single-serve Keurig coffee maker (29% off list price)

It seems no matter how many new coffee gizmos and gadgets come on the scene, Keurig remains an enduring favorite for easy, at-home coffee making. Measuring less than five inches wide and 12 inches high, the Keurig K-Mini is the brand’s slimmest and space-conscious model that still manages to accommodate travel mugs that are up to seven inches tall. This single-serve maker has just one brew setting for the easiest operation possible and can make either a six- or a 12-ounce cup of coffee at a time. The non-removable reservoir is equally minute and just requires a simple fill with fresh water before each brew cycle.

$71 at Amazon (regularly $100)
2.

A 24-piece glass storage set that’s a little more polished (37% off list price)

It hardly gets more practical this. The JoyJolt 24-Piece Glass Storage Container Set comes with 12 rectangle, square and round glass containers, along with their respective snap-on, leakproof lids. They can go in both the freezer and oven, and are dishwasher-and microwave-safe (just don’t put the lids in the microwave). Choose from four colors.

$36 at Wayfair (regularly $58)
3.
Amazon

A portable flameless lighter you’ll use again and again (28% off list price)

Fire? Pfft – how primitive. The future is now, and we light our candles with electricity. Suprus’ windproof electric lighter is a genius invention that saves users from relying on butane, disposable BICs, and matchstick after matchstick, instead replacing it with an easy-to-use plasma coil. That plasma is strong enough to light wicks, grills and more, and when it’s out of juice, you can just recharge it via USB-C.

Senior staff writer Lourdes Avila Uribe (who owns and ardently endorses the device) explains how it works: “All you do is slide open the safety lock and press a button that ignites a spark. The lighter has an auto-stop safety function that stops the spark after seven seconds, and can swiftly be re-ignited by pushing down on the switch once more. As a worrier, I appreciate that it has an intuitive, thoughtful design that emphasizes safety.”

With a slightly astonishing 46,000+ ratings on Amazon, this device is clearly an upgrade for thousands of customers. Reviewers love that it “works regardless of the elements and wind” and that it “lights candles like a pro.”

$7 at Amazon (regularly $10)
4.
Amazon

Jansport laptop backpack (43% off list price)

Few things are more timeless than a classic Jansport backpack, and right now you can pick one up for a fraction of the price, just in time to go back to school. This navy shade is the most discounted in the bunch, just like the one you probably wore throughout middle and high school. The only difference is that this one has a laptop compartment. The interior is spacious, featuring two compartments, a utility pocket with an organizer and a side water bottle pocket.

$35 at Amazon (Regularly $62)
5.
Amazon

Shark Pet cordless vacuum cleaner (44% off list price)

Reviewers say this vacuum is “better than a Dyson” — and it’s 44% off right now for Labor Day. The Shark Pet Cordless vacuum cleaner is a trim, minimal stick vacuum with loads of features. It has a no-tangle brush head, an extra-large canister that easily pops open over a trash can with a button press and automatically adjusts its suction depending on what type of floor it rolls over.

LED headlights illuminate those darker corners while a crevice tool lets you dig into sofas and furniture. At 6.9 pounds, it’s light enough to use one-handed and lift over your head to suck up those ceiling dust bunnies. It also comes with crevice and pet hair tools, for a robust, custom clean on furniture, area rugs, carpets and more.

$169 at Amazon (regularly $300)
6.
Amazon

Affordable, noise-cancelling earbuds that’ll give your AirPods some competition (30% off list price)

I have always been an Apple devotee when it comes to personal tech, despite knowing there is better (and far cheaper) tech out there. But that all changed when I purchased the Tozo NC9 noise-cancelling earbuds on a whim during a Black Friday sale last year. Not only had I heard these earbuds were affordable, noise-canceling, crisp and long-lasting, but they were, according to several customer reviews, better than AirPods.

Were they? Well, in some ways, surprisingly, yes.

As I wrote in my initial review, I was impressed by the sound quality. The noise-cancelling does work; I’ve used the feature on my daily commute, as well as on crowded planes. It’s not completely silent, but it’s a huge upgrade from what I was working with before.

Are these AirPods killers? Of course not! But for $40 (and even less on sale), these are shockingly good for what you get, and they’re worth a shot if the Apple tax isn’t in your budget’s favor.

$28+ at Amazon (regularly $40)
7.
REI

A trail-ready men’s rain jacket for damp days (25% off list price)

Here’s a 2.5-liter rain jacket to take on your next dreary day adventure. Wind- and water-proof, REI’s Rainier jacket has two inside drop pockets, to outer hand pockets, vent zippers to air out your pits if things get too steamy and a hoodie to stay totally dry. Get it in six colors in men’s sizes S to 3XL.

$75 at REI (regularly $100)
8.
REI

An all-around bike helmet for safety on the road (50% off list price)

Cannondale’s Sidestreet bike helmet is a well-rounded, functional piece of safety equipment. It’s lightweight, has plenty of ventilation for airing out sweat and, probably best of all, it’s loaded with MIPS (Multidirectional Impact Protection System) technology to help keep you protected. Grab one in S, M or L, and in one of three colors.

$57 at REI (Regularly $115)
9.
Amazon

A pair of quick dry women’s hiking pants (39% off list price)

Crafted from lightweight, quick-dry material, these hiking pants are great for working out, hanging out and traveling. Water-resistant and stretchy, they’re comfortable for all-day wear with an elastic waist, a ton of pockets, and adjustable cuffs you can make bigger or smaller. These come in a bunch of colors in women’s sizes XS-3XL and boast a 4.5-star rating.

$22 at Amazon (regularly $36)
10.
Dollar Shave Club

An electric razor from Dollar Shave Club (20% off list price)

This precision foil electric razor is built for a close, comfortable shave without the irritation of a traditional blade. It has a compact silhouette, is rechargeable, and is designed for everyday use; it’s the kind of grooming upgrade that’s easy to incorporate in a low-maintenance routine. From now through Sept. 10, you can get $10 off all electric grooming devices at Dollar Shave Club.

$40 at Dollar Shave Club (regularly $50)Shop All Deals at Dollar Shave Club
11.
Amazon

An anti-theft messenger bag with five points of security (26% off list price)

This medium-sized messenger purse uses five points of security to prevent loss or theft. It has a cut-resistant strap, another strap that keeps it locked down to a chair when not being worn and two locking compartment zipper pulls. Shop it in four colors.

$51 at Amazon (regularly $69)
12.
Amazon

A reader-adored “jelly bra” (42% off list price)

Our coverage of this wireless Cocomarts “jelly bra” introduced the brand to both us and our readers, and it seems like we’d been missing out. Not only is the under-$20 price attractive, but reviewers are calling it “literally the softest, most comfortable garment I have ever put on my body.” No more poking, weird gaps, riding up or so many other common issues people have with wearing bras.

The bra’s design swaps underwires for W-shaped jelly strips to provide support and lift while remaining flexible with a barely-there feel. This is a bra that puts comfort first, with thick adjustable straps and breathable, semi-fixed pads, but it doesn’t sacrifice fashion for function. The bra has a pretty scalloped design that sets it apart and has the most variety in colorways and sizing (sizes S-4XL) among all Cocomarts’ bras.

Read more These Are The 7 Most Common Items Hotel Guests Leave Behind

$20+ at Amazon (regularly $25)
13.
Walmart

A Crest teeth whitening kit complete with a light (31% off list price)

Save money on expensive whitening treatments with this Crest kit, which includes 19 3D Whitestrips treatments and a whitening light to help your teeth get up to 32 shades whiter. According to the brand, the no-slip seal on these strips even lets you drink water and talk while you’re using them, so if you’ve avoided whitening strips because of the inconvenience, these could be a better option for you.

$45 at Walmart (regularly $65)
14.
Amazon

A “Mary Poppins” toiletry kit (up to 40% off list price)

A great toiletry case can make or break a travel experience, and this ridiculously roomy Bagsmart kit is so perfectly designed that it warranted a spot among this year’s selection of top-notch beauty products. After all, your precious goodies need a special home to keep them safe.

Contributor Shawna Hudson first tipped us off to this “Mary Poppins” bag – she found that you could fit “everything but the kitchen sink” into its four roomy compartments, and she loved that the “puffer-like” water resistant material could repel the residual wetness that tends to linger on the bathroom sink.

One of the bag’s greatest strength is its interior organization — specifically the extra-spacious side pockets that accommodate full-sized toiletries in a standing position, which, as one reviewer pointed out, can significantly minimize potential messes from product that might tip over and leak in transit. According to Hudson and many reviewers, it’s so meticulously divided that it semi-eliminates the need to unpack — all of your products remain lined up and accessible when you unzip it at your destination.

Hudson was happy to report that in lieu of packing multiple smaller bags for her makeup and toiletries, she’s now able to travel with just the Crush toiletry kit. Some reviewers are even using it to store crafting supplies. It’s clearly a problem-solving purchase with a lot of uses, so snap up this award-winner before your favorite color sells out (as Hudson pointed out, it’s often low on stock.)

$22+ at Amazon (typically $36)
15.
Amazon

A Blueair smart air purifier for all your allergies and sinus issues (29% off list price)

The Blueair 511i air purifier uses a four-stage HEPA filtration to quickly clear the air of pet dander, smog, pollen, and other common household allergens in spaces up to 1,138 square feet. This is the smallest and quietest Blueair model to date and has built-in air quality sensors that automatically adjust fan speed when pollution levels rise. Or, you can monitor air quality and control operation modes right from your phone.

$100 at Amazon (regularly $140)
16.
Buffy

Buffy’s iconic high-support full-body pillow, perfect for side sleepers (20% off list price)

The delightfully named Wiggle Pillow is an endlessly bendable, snug-able, and versatile body pillow that just so happens to look really good on your bed. It’s perfect for side-sleepers and can help minimize that pesky hip pain that can come with age when it’s placed between the knees, according to reviewers. It’s made from a soft and breathable lyocell fabric and filled just enough to be supportive, yet remain perfectly floppy so you can even tie it into a knotted pillow. The cover is purchased separately (also on sale for Labor Day) and comes in several colors, prints, and fabrics.

$87 at Buffy (regularly $109)Shop All Deals At Buffy
17.
Amazon

A bundle of The Pink Stuff cleaning paste (23% off list price)

A cleaning expert once told us they don’t leave home without The Pink Stuff, a TikTok-viral multipurpose cleaning paste that can tackle tough stains, grime, and buildup with ease — it even works on permanent marker, rusted pots and pans, and more. This bundle includes an 8.8-ounce tub of the paste along with a scrubber sponge so you can get to work right away.

$8 at Amazon (regularly $10)
18.
Merrell

Some street-to-trail shoes that are stylish, unique and extremely comfy (25% off list price)

With a FlexPlate for stability, an ultra-lightweight foam midsole and some dense cushioning, the SpeedArc Matis is one of Merrell’s most functional — and weirdest-looking — shoes. The trail shoe also has a Vibram MegaGrip, giving it extra traction on slippery trails, helping you maintain grip on gravel and wet terrain.

It has a slight rocker for an easy toe-off with each step, and the cushioning gives it a certain bounce that propels you forward. It’s designed for the trail, though it looks great enough to be a casual commuter shoe. These are available in so many colors, in women’s sizes 5-11 and men’s sizes 7-15.

Men’s: $135 at Merrell (regularly $180)Women’s: $135 at Merrell (regularly $180)
19.
Amazon

A three-pack of blue light glasses (68% off list price)

Protect your eyes and look good doing it, all while saving nearly 70% when you snag this three-pack of blue light glasses. They’re designed to help you avoid harmful blue light and potentially reduce glare, eye strain and other vision and sleep issues. They’re made with anti-reflective, non-prescription amber tint lenses that are lightweight and stylish. Choose from a wide variety of colors and patterns.

$6 at Amazon (regularly $20)
20.
Amazon

A 3-piece set of Carote bakeware at an impressive discount (50% off list price)

It’s never a bad idea to get a new set of baking sheets, and these beauties are made of carbon steel. They come in a set of three: a 13-inch, a 15-inch and a 17-inch sheet pan to nestle inside each other in storage. If the deep olive green shade isn’t your thing, it also comes in a lovely blue option, as well as pink.

$20 at Amazon (regularly $40)
21.
Amazon

The viral Beckham Hotel Collection pillows (30% off list price)

Over 176,000 5-star ratings on Amazon agree that the Beckham Hotel Collection pillows are the real deal, making these officially viral (and one of our 2025 HuffPost Shopping Award winners). The pillows have also appeared in the top 10 of the most ordered Amazon products we’ve covered this year, so our readers’ appetite for them is still growing. No wonder, since they’ve been called a “miracle” for back and side sleepers, especially, and are also beloved by hot sleepers.

“I like the firmness,” said HuffPost editor director Kristen Aiken of the famous bedding. “They’re mid-firm – squishy but not rock-hard, and they’re not too heavy/dense.”

You can buy a pack of two in a queen, king or throw size. The pillows are made with a 250 thread count cover and filled with down alternative that has a bounce-back design, so you won’t be stuck with a saggy pillow that can’t keep its shape as you sleep. They’re also machine-washable for easy maintenance, unlike many memory foam pillows.

$42 at Amazon (regularly $60+)
22.
Amazon

A Jackery portable power station with its own carrying bag (45% off list price)

After hours of research and reporting on the best products to save you during emergencies and extreme weather events, Jackery power stations have continually ranked top among our coverage. So while this particular Jackery station is still a big investment, we think it’s a worthy one, considering you won’t see this kind of discount any other time throughout the year. It’s lightweight yet has a powerful 3600W output with a 7200 surge and a 3072Wh capacity. It’s perfect for reliably backing up home essentials like fans, a refrigerator, a WiFi router and much more. It’s a must-have when outages strike. It will keep your devices charged thanks to AC, USB-C, USB-A and DC ports, along with an RV port.

$1,439 at Amazon (regularly $2,599)
23.
REI

A comfy pair of Keen sandals (25% off list price)

When we asked professional dog walkers about their favorite comfortable sandals, these lattice closed-toe shoes from Keen got a shoutout. They’ve got a cushy footbed and can be worn in or out of the water. The closed toe also keeps your feet protected, and the shoes come in several fun colorways. Get them in women’s sizes 5-12.

REI has Labor Day deals, including 25% off Keen footwear, from Aug. 28 through Sept. 7.

$90 at REI (regularly $120)
24.
Amazon

A highly effective and expert-recommended mosquito repellent system (18% off list price)

Summer may be coming to an end, but there’s no time like the present to save on this historically expensive Thermacell device and 3-pack of refills. We’ve been previously told on very good authority that the Thermacell electric repeller really works to stave off mosquitoes, without the use of DEET or the harsh stench of many bug sprays. It works by aerating a scent-free solution within a 20-foot radius to repel mosquitoes and other insects for hours on end.

Read more Trump Puts Postal Service At Risk With His Vendetta Against Mail-In Voting, Unions Warn

$28 at Amazon (regularly $45)

The original version of this story was published on HuffPost at an earlier date.

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