It feels like the retail calendar keeps getting busier: aside from Amazon Prime Day in the summer and Black Friday in November, many retailers now run a mid‑season round of major sales in October — think Big Deal Day and Target Circle Week. At first it seemed early to be seeing Black Friday–style discounts, but these October events are an excellent opportunity to spread out holiday shopping and avoid last‑minute stress.
Here’s why I love them: you can start crossing gifts off your list, take advantage of deeper discounts on frequently used items, and smooth out your budget by spreading purchases over several months. I’ve already started picking up presents for my daughters, nieces and nephews — and I’ve saved on everyday essentials too.
Below I’ve rounded up top tips and favorite deals from major retailers participating in these October sales. Use them to save money and get an early jump on holiday shopping — whether you’re buying for others or treating yourself.
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Amazon Prime Deals
Most Amazon deal events require an Amazon Prime membership. If you shop there often, Prime tends to pay for itself through fast, free shipping and access to streaming, music and other member perks. During these sales you’ll often find strong discounts on home goods, tech, toys and seasonal decor.
Tips for Shopping the BIG Deal Days
If an item has been on your radar, these sale periods are the best time to check whether it dropped in price. The same goes for regularly purchased supplies — stocking up during a sale can yield meaningful savings. Below are practical steps to make the most of Amazon’s deals:
1. Reorder Essentials from “Buy Again”
Visit your Buy Again list to see items you’ve previously purchased. This is a quick way to find household staples, pet supplies, and personal care products that may be discounted — perfect for stocking up at a lower price.
Tip: use the “deals” filter to hide items that aren’t currently discounted — it makes spotting savings much faster.
2. Use the “Save for Later” Section in Your Cart
When I find something I want but don’t need right away, I add it to my cart and then click “Save for later.” That keeps a running list of items I’m considering and lets me monitor price changes. During sale events, scroll to that section — you might find items you saved months ago suddenly on sale.
This strategy helps you avoid impulse buys while still keeping track of wanted items. Amazon will also notify you if a saved item’s price drops.
More Quick Tips
Set a budget before you shop, prioritize items you need or were planning to buy anyway, and compare similar products to ensure you’re getting the best value. If you use wish lists, check them for discounts during deal events.
Shop Prime Deals by Category
Looking for inspiration? Here are quick category links to popular Amazon sale collections: Christmas Decor | Outdoor Decor & Tools | Tech & Gadgets | Kids & Toys.
Target Circle Week
Target Circle Week is another great event for early holiday shopping. You’ll need to be a Target Circle member to access the best offers — membership is free and easy to join. During Circle Week you can often find discounts on home decor, kitchen essentials and kid’s gifts.
I’ll update this post with a curated collage and my top picks from Target Circle Week as deals are confirmed. For now, check the Circle offers and save items to your list so you can monitor price drops.
Walmart+ Deals
Walmart is also participating in these mid‑season promotions, and some deals are available exclusively to Walmart+ members. If you shop at Walmart frequently, membership can be useful for free pickup, delivery options and fuel savings at participating stations.
I’ll add favorite finds from Walmart+ soon, but if you’re already a member, browse the Walmart deals to spot discounts on groceries, home items and tech. Even if you’re not planning to buy big items, take a look at essentials you regularly purchase — savings on everyday goods add up quickly.
Whether you’re shopping Amazon Prime Deals, Target Circle Week, or Walmart+, these October sales are a smart way to start the holidays early, lock in gifts at attractive prices, and spread expenses across several months. Happy shopping — and happy saving!