Plus, a powerful cooling fan and supportive walking shoes.

Friday, June 19, 2026 • 3 min read

In case you missed the memo, Amazon's annual summer Prime Day sale kicks off next week. We're expecting major markdowns on popular tech like Apple AirPods and seasonal essentials like flowy dresses. The deals will be unveiled June 23, so set an alert. In the meantime, folks who hate waiting will be happy to know there are already early discounts worth nabbing before the main event. These bestselling bed pillows are 25% off, and flattering shorts are on sale for just $13. Add them to your cart, plus the must-buys below.

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Photo illustration: Yahoo News; photos: Tanming via Amazon, Chef'n via Amazon, LEVOIT via Amazon, Skechers via Amazon / Photo illustration: Yahoo News; photos: Jeanine Edwards/Yahoo News

Wondering what other shoppers are scooping up for the season? Everyday essentials for their closets, kitchens and more:

Yes, dresses are great, but when you need something a little different, reach for this cute matching top and pants. It's among the best loungewear sets, according to our experts, and shoppers say it's chic, versatile and great quality.
Taking a summer trip that will include lots of exploring? Make sure your feet feel good when you're walking around in these top-rated slip-on sneakers. Our shopping pros named them the best Skechers shoes, and one reviewer called them "super comfy."
90°F days without AC are no match for this whisper-quiet fan. "Life-changing product," one cool customer declared. "Absolutely amazing," another added.
Save yourself the hassle of cleaning stringy corn from your teeth with this kernel-slicing gizmo. It's under $10, easy to use and a smart investment for anyone who hates sinking their chompers directly into the cob.

Photo illustration: Yahoo News; photos: Jeanine Edwards/Yahoo News

My secret to surviving the intense summer heat and humidity in NYC? Linen. This lightweight, breathable fabric keeps me cooler and more comfortable than anything else out there. If you're on the hunt for new additions to your wardrobe, here are the styles I wear on repeat pretty much every single week:

I own this Quince button-up shirt in four colors because it's just that good. (Read my full review here!) It's roomy without being boxy, and the quality is top-notch. I purchased my first one back in 2024; two years and countless washes later, it still looks like new (minus a few wrinkles, of course).
I bought this skirt on Amazon at the beginning of the month, and I've already worn it three times. It's 100% linen, has a super flattering fit and looks good with everything. I've worn it casually with a tee and flats, and dressed it up for date night with heeled slides and a beaded tank top.
I've written about this amazing linen-blend dress before, and I'm still singing its praises. I have four in my closet, and they're easily my most-worn items in the summer because they look effortlessly chic, stylish and put together. Add jewelry and a little makeup, and you're a total knockout.
Fellow editor Rebecca Carhart and I are major fans of these elastic-waist pull-on pants. We own multiple pairs and have been wearing them for several summers. This year's color selection is unmatched — I'm eyeing the Peacock Liquid Teal, which is a vibrant blue that's sure to turn heads.
This striped tee is a linen-cotton blend, which makes it feel a little more elevated and special. I love how it looks with jeans, but it's also nice with trousers to make them look a little less stuffy.

Illustration: Jiaqi Wang for Yahoo News

If your summer plans include cooking out, gardening, hiking or swimming, then you'll want to check out the winners of our 2026 Outdoor Awards. Our team spent months testing products, and 50 picks earned top honors. A few highlights for the grillers out there:

Senior Home Writer Lisa Schweitzer says this is the best charcoal grill because the setup is simple, controlling the heat is intuitive and it's portable. Bonus: It's under $100!
Restaurant-worthy smashburgers at home? It's possible thanks to this cast-iron patty press that weighs just 2 pounds but produces a glorious crispy crust. "The 6-inch tool will give you the best burger of your life in five minutes ... flat," Schweitzer says.
Stop guessing whether your steak or chicken breast is cooked through, and treat yourself to this smart meat thermometer. Schweitzer says it's a handy tool that turns an average griller into an exceptional one.
Cleaning up is no fun, but it's a necessary evil after the party's over. According to Schweitzer, this foam and steel mesh brush can leave grates sparkling, making it ideal for deep cleaning.

I know shorts are a summer staple, but I've always found them tricky to wear. So often they rise up in the middle, making me self-conscious with every step. And I never really know what to wear with them. I recently asked some stylists for advice, and they suggested a loose-fitting coordinating shorts set. I'm excited to try this two-piece outfit that's less than $30 on Amazon. If it's good, I'm definitely buying more colors.

The Checkout team

The Checkout is written by Jeanine Edwards. Today's issue was edited by Saundra Latham.