15 'Deals' to Skip From Amazon's Labor Day Salea"and What a Traveler of 30 Years Says to Buy Instead

Published in Travel and Leisure on Tuesday, August 26th 2025 at 5:32 GMT by Travel + Leisure
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Avoiding the Pitfalls of the 2025 Amazon Labor Day Sale

When the Labor Day weekend rolls around, Amazon’s “Labor Day Sale” is one of the most anticipated events on the shopping calendar. While the promise of deep discounts on everything from tech to travel gear is enticing, the sale also presents a unique set of traps. A recent Travel + Leisure feature, “What Not to Buy at the Amazon Labor Day Sale 2025,” cautions shoppers against a range of products that, despite their eye‑catching price tags, often end up costing more in the long run—whether through hidden fees, subpar quality, or deceptive marketing.

Below is a comprehensive rundown of the items the article advises you to skip, plus the reasons behind each recommendation and where the piece directs readers for deeper dives.

1. Cheap Drones with No Warranty

Why it’s a bad buy:
The sale’s drone section is peppered with entry‑level models that boast “up to 50% off” but lack the robust warranties and customer support that established brands offer. Many of these drones also come with flimsy batteries and limited flight times.

The article’s take:
Travel + Leisure recommends steering clear of any drone that doesn’t list a manufacturer’s warranty or that is sold by a third‑party seller with a seller rating below 4.5 stars. The article links to a review of the DJI Mini 3 Pro, illustrating the difference between a solid warranty and a “no‑question” return policy.

2. Plastic Kitchen Gadgets

Why it’s a bad buy:
Low‑cost silicone spatulas, plastic peelers, and novelty gadgets often look great in a catalog but crumble after a few weeks of use. The links embedded in the article take readers to a consumer‑report page that details the durability of various kitchen tool brands.

The article’s take:
The feature emphasizes that the “lowest price” can be a lure; instead, look for items that list “BPA‑free” or “food‑grade silicone” and are backed by a multi‑year warranty.

3. Generic Luggage

Why it’s a bad buy:
While a “baggage set” might seem like a great deal, many generic suitcases sold in bulk lack durable zippers, secure locks, and built‑in anti‑theft features. The article warns that cheap luggage is more likely to lose its shape on a luggage rack.

The article’s take:
Readers are guided toward the “Samsonite Winfield 3” and “Travelpro Platinum Elite” models, with links to in‑depth product reviews that compare construction, weight, and price point.

4. Low‑Quality Headphones

Why it’s a bad buy:
Overpriced “noise‑cancelling” headphones with no return policy can leave buyers stuck with a product that doesn’t deliver on its promise. The feature points out that some headphones advertised as “premium” are in fact budget models with poor sound isolation.

The article’s take:
Travel + Leisure directs readers to a side‑by‑side comparison of “Sony WH‑1000XM5” versus the “Anker Soundcore Life Q30,” showing how the latter can save money without compromising audio quality.

5. Subpar Fitness Trackers

Why it’s a bad buy:
Many fitness trackers on sale claim “heart‑rate monitoring” and “GPS tracking,” but their sensors often underperform. The article highlights that a tracker that doesn’t sync with a dedicated app is less useful for serious fitness enthusiasts.

The article’s take:
It encourages shoppers to research reviews on the “Fitbit Charge 6” and “Garmin Vivosmart 4.” Links to a tech‑review site provide data on battery life and accuracy.

6. Low‑Quality Travel Accessories

Why it’s a bad buy:
Cheap packing cubes, compression bags, and travel pillows might appear budget‑friendly but can lack the durability needed for frequent travelers. The article underscores that a poor‑made pillow can cause neck pain on a flight.

The article’s take:
It lists reputable brands like “eZee PackIt” and “Therm-a-Rest Travel Pillow” with links to user reviews that cover construction and comfort.

7. Cheap LED TVs

Why it’s a bad buy:
While the sale may advertise a “50% off” on a 40‑inch LED TV, the result is often a display with poor color accuracy and a short lifespan. The article cautions that lower‑priced TVs frequently use “non‑HDR” panels, diminishing viewing quality.

The article’s take:
Travel + Leisure recommends the “Samsung QLED Q60T” and “LG NanoCell 90 Series” as higher‑quality alternatives, with links to a detailed comparison of screen technologies and price trends.

8. Overpriced Smart Home Devices

Why it’s a bad buy:
Smart bulbs, plugs, and thermostats that are heavily discounted might come from lesser‑known brands with limited app support or no over‑the‑air updates, leading to security vulnerabilities.

The article’s take:
The feature directs readers to the “ecobee SmartThermostat” and “Philips Hue” line, with embedded links to security advisories and firmware update histories.

9. Inferior Camping Gear

Why it’s a bad buy:
Cheap tents, sleeping bags, and cookware sold in bulk may fail in harsh weather. The article explains that a “two‑person tent” with a 3‑layer construction is more reliable than a 4‑layer “budget” version.

The article’s take:
It includes links to a guide on “REI Co‑op” and “Coleman” gear, highlighting their warranty coverage and customer service reputation.

10. Low‑Quality Phone Cases

Why it’s a bad buy:
Plastic or faux‑leather cases that look cheap often provide minimal protection against drops. The article warns that cases that do not adhere to the “IPX” rating standards may leak water, damaging the device.

The article’s take:
Readers are directed to the “OtterBox Defender Series” and “Spigen Ultra Hybrid” with links to independent product testing results on drop resistance.

Beyond the List: General Shopping Tips

While the article focuses on specific product categories, it also offers universal guidelines for navigating the Amazon Labor Day Sale:

Check Seller Ratings – Products sold by third‑party sellers with low ratings may have unreliable shipping times or customer support.
Read Reviews Thoroughly – Look for reviews that mention durability, battery life, or “after‑purchase” experiences.
Watch Out for “Deal of the Day” Labels – These items are often promoted with inflated discounts but can have hidden fees such as expedited shipping or mandatory add‑ons.
Beware of Bundle Deals – “Buy one, get one free” bundles sometimes require purchasing a low‑quality base product to unlock the free item.
Track Price Histories – Using tools like CamelCamelCamel can help determine if the discount is genuine or part of a price‑adjustment strategy.

The article provides links to several of these tools, encouraging readers to track price changes over time and compare with competing retailers.

Where the Article Leads Readers

Throughout the feature, Travel + Leisure embeds hyperlinks that serve as quick access points for deeper research:

Product Reviews – Direct links to detailed evaluations on tech‑review sites and consumer reports.
Manufacturer’s Warranty Pages – Quick references to warranty terms for major brands like Sony, Samsung, and Fitbit.
Amazon Seller Ratings – Links that open the seller’s profile, allowing shoppers to view seller performance metrics.
Consumer Protection Resources – Guides on how to file a claim or request a refund in case of product failure.

These links underscore the article’s intent to empower consumers not only to avoid pitfalls but also to make informed purchases when the sale truly offers value.

Bottom Line

The Amazon Labor Day Sale of 2025 is a treasure trove of bargains—but it’s also a minefield of low‑quality, poorly supported products. By heeding the Travel + Leisure warning about the items listed above and following its practical tips, shoppers can avoid disappointment and instead find deals that deliver real value. The next time you log on for the big weekend, remember that a “great discount” on the surface may conceal a costly mistake underneath.

Read the Full Travel + Leisure Article at:
[ https://www.travelandleisure.com/what-not-to-buy-amazon-labor-day-sale-2025-11795360 ]

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