The Anti-Prime Deals Guide to Everyday Essentials Worth Stocking up on at Walmart, Target and Sam's Club

With major sales events like Amazon Prime Big Deal Days, it's easy to get caught up in all the excitement and splurge on things you probably didn't actually need. There's nothing wrong with splurging on a few fun buys – especially if you spot an especially juicy October Prime Day deal. But, the best way to truly save during a big sale is to focus on spotting deals on things you were already planning to buy.

Stocking up on everyday essentials like paper towels, dish soap and deodorant might not be as exciting as grabbing an FSA or HSA eligible deal on smart rings or buying the latest AirPods at a deep discount. But taking advantage of deals on items you know you'll need can free up cash in your budget to splurge on fun things later.

With that in mind, I've scoured the many competing October Prime Day sales happening at rival retailers like Walmart and Target this week to bring you the very best anti-Prime deals on those everyday essentials.

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Keep reading for tips on finding the best prices on the brands you love and find out which competing Prime Day sale has the best deals on popular everyday essentials.

The best anti-Prime Day deals on everyday essentials from Walmart and Target

Both Walmart and Target have dropped prices across thousands of everyday essentials from trash bags and laundry detergent to toothpaste and toilet paper. So, now is a great time to stock up on your most-used products while prices are low.

As a shopping expert who regularly covers major sales events, I've compared deals at both sales to bring you the best deal on each of the items below.

Sam's Club's October Super Savings Event Beats Walmart and Target Almost Every Time

The best shopping tip this week: Sam's Club members should skip the sales at Walmart, Target and Amazon as you'll find even lower prices on nearly every item listed above at the warehouse club.

For example, the retailer's Members' Mark brand offers everyday low prices on trash bags and paper towels that beat the on-sale prices at both Walmart and Target right now. Buying name brands like Charmin or Listerine in bulk at Sam's Club will also often save you more than the deals listed above.

Those everyday low prices are even lower on select items during the Sam's Club October Super Savings event. Alongside discounted essentials, the sales event also includes price drops on tech, home decor and more.

If you're not a Sam's Club member yet, it may be worth joining, especially if you qualify for the senior discount or time it right to take advantage of the Stack Social deal to save up to $50 on a Sam's Club membership.

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Rachael Green is a personal finance eCommerce writer specializing in insurance, travel, and credit cards. Before joining Kiplinger in 2025, she wrote blogs and whitepapers for financial advisors and reported on everything from the latest business news and investing trends to the best shopping deals. Her bylines have appeared in Benzinga, CBS News, Travel + Leisure, Bustle, and numerous other publications. A former digital nomad, Rachael lived in Lund, Vienna, and New York before settling down in Atlanta. She’s eager to share her tips for finding the best travel deals and navigating the logistics of managing money while living abroad. When she’s not researching the latest insurance trends or sharing the best credit card reward hacks, Rachael can be found traveling or working in her garden.