As a team that’s constantly tracking deals, we’ve learned to pause and ask: which sales are worth your time? Fourth of July sales and Amazon’s four-day Prime Day event are landing just days apart this year, which makes things exciting (and a little overwhelming).

“July Fourth sales cater heavily to our summer lifestyles, offering huge savings on products that can satisfy our need for outdoor fun and comfort,” says Vipin Porwal, the CEO and a consumer savings expert at Smarty.

Shop early: 

“Late June through July 5 is your prime window,” says Stephanie Carls, a shopping expert at RetailMeNot. No need to wait for the holiday — early deals are often the best ones.

What to buy:

You’ll find a little bit of everything on sale, but these categories are the real standouts.

What to skip: 

Not every deal is a good one. Skip:

Amazon Prime Day vs. Fourth of July — Do you need both?:
Both are worth shopping — they just serve different needs.

Fourth of July: Seasonal items, home upgrades, summer gear

Amazon Prime Day: Tech, smart home, beauty, everyday basics

The key is knowing what you want — and when to grab it.

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Editorial Note: Opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this newsletter are those of the NBC Select editorial staff's alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any third party. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time.