Most people use Amazon like a regular ol’ online store: search, click, checkout, done. But if you’re not gaming the system just a little, you’re probably overpaying like a rookie. So let’s fix that. Today, we’re diving into one of Amazon’s weirdest (and most underused) money-saving hacks. It sounds shady, but I promise it’s fully legit.

Meet the “Subscribe, Skip, and Save” Trick

Amazon’s Subscribe & Save program was built for people who are wildly organized. You know the type: they never run out of paper towels, their recycling is color-coded, and their dog gets flea meds delivered like clockwork.

But what if I told you…

You can sign up for Subscribe & Save, get the discount, then immediately cancel (or skip indefinitely) and still keep the deal.

That’s right. Amazon’s basically handing out discounts for a subscription you never have to follow through on.

I’ve been doing it for years. And guess what? Jeff Bezos has yet to show up at my door demanding I explain myself.

PRO TIP: ORDER 5 THINGS AT ONCE

If you subscribe to five or more items in one month, you’ll get 15% off instead of 5%.

It’s like unlocking the boss level of savings. Even if you don’t need five things, add extras like soap, trail mix, or toilet paper. Cancel them all later.

See Also: Check Quantity Pricing on Amazon, They’re Prolly Messing With You

A Quick Step-By-Step for the Chaos-Loving Shopper

Let’s break it down like the Amazon savings goblin you were born to be:

1. Find a product with “Subscribe & Save”

Look underneath the price and it’ll usually say something like:

Save 5% (or up to 15%) with Subscribe & Save

Click it. Pick your flavor of “every 2 months” or “every 6 months.” Doesn’t matter. We’re never letting it get that far.

2. Check for a Clickable Coupon

Amazon loves dangling those little “Save $2 now” coupons right under the price.

You can clip that and still use Subscribe & Save. That’s double discounts. That’s math magic. That’s what we live for.

3. Place your order like a Responsible Adult

Hit “Subscribe & Save”, pretend you’ve got your life together, and check out like you didn’t just impulse-add Oreos at 2 am.

4. Wait for Shipping Confirmation

As soon as the item ships, or even sometimes before, go to:

Your Account → Subscribe & Save → Manage Subscriptions

From there, you can do the following:

• Cancel it
• Skip it for 6 months
• Reschedule it for the year 2099
• Whatever makes your chaotic couponer heart happy

Boom. You keep the discount, Amazon forgets about you, and no one shows up with a clipboard asking questions.

PRO TIP: KEEP A “CANCEL CALENDAR” IF YOU’RE NERVOUS

Worried you’ll forget and end up with monthly shipments of peanut butter?

All you gotta do is set a calendar reminder on your phone or go old-school and use a post-it. Or just live dangerously. I’m not your dad.

See Also: 8 Amazon Savings Hacks You Gotta Start Using

Real Life Example: I Needed Chlorine

So early this year, I needed to order some chlorine tablets for my pool so the water wouldn’t be green by the middle of July.

I always order these 3″ tabs from a company call In The Swim.

This year I noticed I could “Subscribe” to the chlorine tablets and save a quick $9.50, so I gave it a try.

I then went and immediately Cancelled the subscription and kept the $9.50. Why aren’t we all doing this? Especially on expensive items like the tablets.

Here’s how it broke down:

In The Swim 3 Inch Chlorine Tablets – 50 Pounds

Regular price: $188.99
With Subscribe & Save: $179.54

Just under $180 for 50 pounds of tabs is a GREAT price. I will now hoard these like a raccoon with anxiety.

I canceled the subscription before the box even made it out of Kentucky. No one noticed. Everyone’s fine.

Why This Works (and Why Amazon Lets You Do It)

Here’s the thing: Amazon just wants you in the system.

They know a percentage of shoppers will forget to cancel and get charged full price next month. They’re playing the odds.

You, however, are not like other shoppers. You’re the main character. You cancel the moment your delivery hits the doorstep like a ninja in pajamas. You are the 1%, the discount elite if you will.

See Also: All the Amazon Prime Benefits You’re Not Using or Forgot About

Best Things to Use This Hack On:

This works best on household stuff you’d normally grab at Target or Costco:

• Trash bags
• Dish pods
• Paper towels
• Toilet paper
• Snacks for your feral children
• Coffee (especially K-cups)
• Deodorant (you stink but you’re frugal)

You can even use it on gifts and seasonal stuff. I once did it with a Halloween candy variety pack and got 20% off. My kids’ dentists have never forgiven me.

Ask the Reader: Have you ever used Subscribe & Save just to ghost it like a bad Tinder date? What was the item and how much did you save?

By Kyle James

Disclaimer: This article contains Amazon affiliate links.

If your dad says, “I don’t need anything” every time gift-giving season rolls around, congratulations you’ve got a classic. The dad who claims he doesn’t want anything, yet lights up like a kid on Christmas when you hand him a new tech toy, multitool, or grill gadget. So what do you get the guy who insists he has it all? Answer: You trick him. You gift him something so useful, clever, or fun he never knew he needed it until it was in his hands. Here’s your ultimate list of Amazon-approved, dad-core gadget gold.

1. KeySmart iPro Key Organizer

Why he’ll love it: No more pocket-jangling like he’s a walking wind chime. The KeySmart iPro keeps his keys organized and ninja-silent—basically the Swiss Army knife of not losing stuff.

Why it’s dad-approved: It’s tidy, it’s clever, and it solves a problem he didn’t admit he had. Peak dad energy.

Bonus points: Spring for the version with the built-in Tile tracker so he can finally stop blaming everyone else for his missing keys.

Price: $49.99

2. Meater Plus Smart Meat Thermometer

Why he’ll love it: The Meater is a wireless meat thermometer with Bluetooth. He can monitor the brisket, prime rib, or turkey without leaving the couch.

Why it’s dad-approved: It’s meat science meets chill time. He’ll brag about this thing for years.

Pro tip: Pair it with a pack of dry rubs for a full-on BBQ dad moment.

Price: $99.00

PRO GIFT IDEA: FINGERPRINT PADLOCK

Why he’ll love it: This SUPER cool smart padlock opens with his thumbprint—no keys, no combos, no yelling “What’s the code again?!”

Why it’s dad-approved: Because he will absolutely use it just to show off to the neighbors.

Price: $69.50

3. Rocketbook Smart Reusable Notebook

Why he’ll love it: The Rocketbook is great for dads who still write things down but constantly lose the paper. He can write notes, scan them with the app, and reuse the notebook forever.

Why it’s dad-approved: It feels old-school, but it’s high-tech. Just his style.

Perfect for: Work-from-home dads, or anyone who likes writing lists but hates clutter.

Price: $38.99

See Also: The 37 Coolest Things on Amazon Under $25

4. Leatherman Wingman

Why he’ll love it: The Leatherman is the gold standard of dad gear. Pliers, knife, screwdriver, bottle opener—everything he needs to fix the world in his back pocket.

Why it’s dad-approved: He’ll finally have an excuse to say, “Hold on, I’ve got just the thing for that.”

Optional add-on: Belt holster = bonus dad points.

Price: $69.95

PRO GIFT IDEA: ENDOSCOPE CAMERA

Why he’ll love it: A snake camera that plugs into his phone. He can peek into drains, engines, or the mysterious gap behind the fridge.

Why it’s dad-approved: He’ll find excuses to use this everywhere. It’s highly clever problem-solving on a wire.

Price: $33.99

5. Anker Portable Charger (PowerCore 20,000mAh)

Why he’ll love it: With this killer Anker portable charger his phone will never die again. Long trips, golf days, tailgating—he’s covered. You’ll actually get closer to 4 full charges out of it.

Why it’s dad-approved: He’ll call it “the brick” and carry it everywhere like a badge of honor.

Bonus: Charges tablets too. And if he’s secretly on TikTok? This keeps the binge going.

Price: $39.99

6. Magnetic Wristband for Tools

Why he’ll love it: Tiny screws, nails, drill bits—they stick right to his wrist while he’s working. It’s basically Iron Man for dads.

Why it’s dad-approved: It makes him feel invincible. Or at least less clumsy.

Great for: DIYers, home fixers, and anyone who ever dropped a nail into the grass.

Price: $16.99

7. Digital Tire Pressure Gauge

Why he’ll love it: Because your dad 100% checks tire pressure before a road trip. This digital version is fast, accurate, and easier to read than the old-school stick.

Why it’s dad-approved: He can finally retire that rusty analog gauge from 1987.

Bonus: Under $20. Slide it into his stocking or glove box.

Price: $7.99

PRO GIFT IDEA: VERTICAL EGG COOKER

Why he’ll love it: This thing cooks eggs upright—like a breakfast lava lamp. No pan, no spatula, just a tube of hot egg that launches itself skyward like it’s trying to escape brunch. No mess, no pan. Just vertical egg magic.

Why it’s dad-approved: It’s weird, it’s slightly unnecessary, and it’s absolutely going on the kitchen counter next to his prized air fryer. He’ll eat eggs this way for the rest of the year just to show it off.

Price: $36.00

8. LED Beanie Hat with Rechargeable Light

Why he’ll love it: This beanie is great for dog walks, camping, grilling in the dark, or navigating a power outage without bumping into every piece of furniture you own.

Why it’s dad-approved: It’s the one time he’ll say, “Why didn’t I think of this?” and actually mean it.

What makes it cool: The headlamp pops out and recharges via USB. Because of course it does…it’s 2025.

Price: $21.99

9. Ocoopa Rechargeable Hand Warmer

Why he’ll love it: This sleek little lifesaver heats up in seconds and keeps his hands toasty for hours. Great for early morning dog walks, cold garage tinkering, or pretending he’s fine at a freezing football game.

Why it’s dad-approved: It’s rechargeable, reusable, and way better than those crinkly, one-time-use hand warmers he keeps “saving for later.” He’ll use it once and instantly declare it essential.

Bonus: He’ll bring it everywhere and act like it was his idea.

Price: $19.99

10. Camco Handy Mat with Strap

Why he’ll love it: While not for every Dad, this super cool mat is perfect for the beach, tailgates, campgrounds, or just relaxing in the backyard. Lightweight, foldable, and it has a shoulder strap.

Bonus: He’ll bring it everywhere and act like it was his idea.

Price: $19.99

11. Fire TV Stick 4K with Alexa Voice Remote

Why he’ll love it: The newest Fire TV Stick lets you stream all his favorite shows, control it with his voice, and skip the cable bill drama….all in 4K resolution. It even has AI powered search capabilities.

Why it’s dad-approved: It turns any TV into a command center, and he’ll love saying “Alexa, watch Die Hard” like it’s a magic trick.

Great add-on: Set it up for him with all his favorite apps. You’re now the favorite child.

Price: $48.99

PRO GIFT IDEA: AUTOMATIC GRILL CLEANER

Why he’ll love it: The Grillbot is basically a Roomba for the grill. He sets it down, presses a button, and this little robot does all the dirty work while he gets to sit back and pretend this was part of his master grilling plan.

Why it’s dad-approved: He’s spent years chiseling burnt burger bits with a wire brush like it’s a rite of passage. Now? He just hits start and cracks open a cold one. Game. Changed.

Price: $138.95

12. NOCO Boost Plus Jump Starter Car Battery Pack

Why he’ll love it: A dead car battery is dad’s personal nemesis. This compact jump starter from NOCO fits in the glovebox and has enough juice to rescue his car and charge his phone.

Why it’s dad-approved: He gets to feel like a roadside hero—without needing to call AAA or flag down a neighbor.

Add a bow, and boom: Hero status.

Price: $99.95

13. ThermoPro Digital Meat Thermometer (Instant Read)

Why he’ll love it: Grill masters hate guessing. This digital thermometer gives a temp reading in 1 second flat, no overcooked steaks required.

Why it’s dad-approved: It turns every BBQ into a precision operation. No more poking meat and “eyeballing it.”

Perfect for: Dads who argue with the grill lid closed.

Price: $47.99

14. Baseus USB-C Hub for Laptops

Why he’ll love it: His laptop has, like, one port. This hub from Baseus turns it into a full-on control center so he can plug in all his gadgets at once—mouse, keyboard, external monitor, whatever weird tech he’s hoarding.

Why it’s dad-approved: It makes him feel like he’s running mission control. He’ll call it “my hub” and proudly tell everyone how it solved “a big issue with my setup.” No one will know what he means, but we’ll let him have it.

Price: $39.98

15. GPS Tracker from Bouncie for the Car

The Bouncie provides real-time location, speed tracking, and “Wait, why are you at Taco Bell again?” alerts. I have a Bouncie in 2 of my cars and absolutely love the data I get from it, it even notifies me when the car battery is low and tells me from anywhere how much gas is in the tank.

Why he’ll love it: It’s the ultimate dad gadget—lets him track the car like a pro, set geo-fences, check speed, and even get notified of accidents. Perfect for dads who like data, control, or just being “in the know”.

Why it’s dad-approved: Great for keeping tabs on teen drivers or making sure the truck stays out of the ditch. No contracts, cancel anytime, because commitment issues are real for many dads when it comes to tech.

Price: $89.99

Sure, he says he doesn’t want anything, but hand him one of the above gadgets and watch his eyes light up like it’s Christmas morning and someone just handed him a perfectly grilled steak.

Whether he’s the king of the grill, Mr. Fix-It, or just loves a good “look what this thing does” moment, there’s something here he didn’t know he needed (but now won’t shut up about). No mushy stuff required.

By Kyle James

All image credits to Amazon.com.

Disclaimer: While all opinions are my own, I get a small kickback from Amazon if you go through the links on this page and make a purchase. Money I use to keep this blog rolling with new content.

BJ’s Wholesale Club kinda flies under the radar compared to Costco, but if you’re about to throw down a few hundred bucks on a giant flat-screen or a bulk pack of batteries, their return policy suddenly becomes a big deal. Spoiler: it’s definitely not a carbon copy of Costco’s famously chill return rules. Here’s the full scoop on how BJ’s actually does returns along with some real talk on how it compares to the big dog in the warehouse world.

BJ’s Gives You 365 Days

While BJ’s 365-day return window on general merchandise is good, it’s not as good as Costco’s policy (more on that below).

Here’s a screenshot of what BJ’s determines to be “General Merchandise”:

Some in-club purchases might get a little more wiggle room (a few reports suggest up to a year and half for general merchandise), but officially, 365 days is the standard, and BJ’s customer service will typically stick to it if you try to push your luck.

For electronics you have 90 days to make the return, the same as Costco. (Be sure to hold on to the box, manual, and accessories to make your return MUCH easier)

Oddly, if you open the electronic item, and find that it’s damaged, they only give you 14 days to make the return.

Also worth noting: If you start a return online but don’t ship the item back within 30 days, BJ’s will auto-cancel the request. So don’t wait around.

Costco absolutely crushes this one. They let you return most items whenever you want. Yes, really. A couch you bought a couple years ago? If you’re unhappy, they’ll still take it back. So if return flexibility is your thing, Costco is the clear winner.

PRO TIP: SIMILAR TO COSTCO, ITEMS CAN BE USED

This was confusing to me originally because the BJ’s website clearly states “Returned items must be in new condition with accessories intact”.

So I started a live chat to get to the bottom of this and I found a set of Cuisinart pans that I “used” for 8 months as my example (and I threw the box away).

The chat rep told me this, “You can return the pans even if they are used and without the box, but it’s best to check with your local club for their specific return process.”

So apparently their website is wrong and their policy is similar to Costco’s in that you CAN take back used items.

All the Stuff That Can’t Be Returned

BJ’s has a decent list of stuff that they won’t take back, most notably….

– Trading cards: Includes Pokémon and sports cards, whether they’re sealed or opened, can’t return them.

– Alcohol, lottery tickets, cigarettes, and tobacco: Some states let you return alcohol to Costco but apparently not to BJ’s.

– Gift cards: Once you buy them, they’re yours. Sell them on eBay if you don’t want them.

– Opened DVDs, video games, or computer software

– Fireworks: This includes anything that’s had gas, oil, or fuel added to it.

– Opened massage chairs: Officially, opened massage chairs are non-returnable. But I was told by a longtime BJ’s shoppers that if you claim it malfunctioned or caused discomfort, they’ll often make a one-time exception. She also told me to avoid saying “I didn’t like it”. Instead say, “It stopped working” or “It aggravated my back” and ask for store credit or an exchange.

– Prescription glasses or contact lenses

– Anything marked “Final Sale”

PRO TIP: GET AROUND THE 90-DAY LIMIT ON ELECTRONICS

BJ’s says most electronics must be returned within 90 days, but here’s the workaround: If the product is defective after 90 days but within the manufacturer’s warranty, take it to the club and ask for a manager.

In many cases, they’ll override the policy and issue a refund or store credit to keep you from dealing with the manufacturer. Bring in the warranty paperwork as backup. Also, mention you’re a long-time member or you’re replacing it with another BJ’s item. Loyalty + repurchase = leverage.

Here’s How You Actually Return Stuff

Returning to BJ’s is pretty simple—but only if you stick to the rules.

– Online purchases: Go to your BJ’s account, select the item, and start the return. They’ll give you a prepaid shipping label.

– In-club purchases: Bring it back to any BJ’s Member Services desk. You *usually* need your receipt or membership card to process it.

A weird quirk: BJ’s doesn’t do straight exchanges. If you bought the wrong size or just want a different model, you’ll need to return the item and place a brand-new order. No “even swaps”.

COSTCO WITH THE “W” AGAIN

Costco makes this easier. You can return anything you bought online at any warehouse, no questions asked.

They also don’t require a receipt—your membership number pulls up everything. And yes, Costco allows exchanges. BJ’s feels a little more old-school in comparison.

Refunds: How You Get Your Money Back

Once BJ’s receives your return (either in person or by mail), they’ll refund your original payment method.

Expect 5–7 business days for it to show up on your card. If you used a BJ’s gift card, they’ll issue store credit.

Worth noting: BJ’s doesn’t refund shipping or delivery charges unless the return is their fault (like a damaged or incorrect item).

COSTCO WINS ON REFUNDS

Costco doesn’t mess around. You usually get your refund on the spot if you return in-store.

Even online returns get processed quickly, and yes—they’ll typically refund shipping if there was an issue with the item. Another win for the Costco crowd.

See Also: Here’s How the Sam’s Club Return Policy Works

Product-Specific Rules at BJ’s

Here’s where BJ’s return policy gets a little more complicated. Some product categories have stricter rules:

– Electronics & TVs: 30-day return window. Don’t miss it.

– Jewelry: Must include all original packaging and paperwork. No exceptions.

– Perishable goods: Bring them back in-club with your receipt. BJ’s might not accept them via mail.

– Gift returns: Must be returned in-club. You’ll get store credit (not cash) if you’re not the original purchaser.

– Alcohol & cigarettes: Not returnable unless required by state law.

And again: No exchanges. Just returns and repurchases.

Costco also has product restrictions (electronics = 90-day window), but they’re much more forgiving with food.

You can return half a cake if you hate the frosting. They’re also more flexible with diamonds, alcohol (depending on state), and they allow some exceptions that BJ’s won’t touch. Overall, Costco handles “tricky” items better.

PRO TIP: USE THIS “ONLINE RETURN TRICK” TO AVOID CLUB HASSLES

Club returns can be hit or miss depending on who’s at the desk. If you sense resistance in-store, just return it online, even if you bought it at the warehouse.

Chat with BJ’s customer service and say you “can’t make it back to the store soon” and they’ll send a free return shipping label, no questions asked.

Membership Guarantee

If you’re unhappy with your BJ’s membership, you can cancel it and get a refund, but only for the current membership period.

Don’t expect them to refund last year’s renewal if you forgot to cancel it in time.

To cancel, go in-club or call their member care team at (800) 257-2582. If you ordered online, you can cancel through your account.

SEEING A PATTERN HERE?

Costco’s policy is more generous. If you’re ever dissatisfied with your membership—at any point—they’ll refund your fee in full, even if you’ve used it all year. They actually stand behind the “100% satisfaction” part.

Hold On to That Receipt

BJ’s usually wants you to have a receipt or proof of purchase to process a return.

If you ordered online, your digital order history works. In-store? If you lost the receipt, they *might* be able to look it up—but it’s not guaranteed.

Tip Alert: You gotta download the BJ’s app and start using the Express Pay feature. Not only does it allow you to just scan items as you shop, pay within in the app, and completely AVOID the checkout line, but all of your receipts get saved in the app.

To find your receipts just go to Account, Manage Orders, and then click on Club Orders and they’ll all be sitting there patiently waiting for you.

HMMM, TAKE A GUESS

This one’s easy. Costco tracks every purchase by membership number.

You could return a 3-year-old blender without a receipt, and they’ll still know it’s yours. BJ’s doesn’t have that level of system support, which makes Costco much more return-friendly.

See Also: The Big-Name Stores That Let You Make a Return Without Your Receipt

What Happens If You Abuse the Return Policy?

BJ’s doesn’t say much publicly about return policy abuse, but like any store, if you go too hard (constant returns, empty boxes, serial refunds), they can deny future returns or flag your membership.

COSTCO IS BUCKLING DOWN

Costco is also more vocal about this. They’ve shut down memberships for excessive or suspicious returns.

So even though their policy is looser, they’re watching. Abuse it, and you’re out.

Final Take…

BJ’s return policy is… okay. It’s not terrible, but it’s definitely stricter than Costco’s.

You’ve got a set 365-day return window, limited flexibility on food or high-value items, and no exchanges. It works fine if you follow the rules, but there’s not a lot of wiggle room if life gets in the way.

If you value return flexibility, no-hassle refunds, and generous timeframes, Costco wins this round hands down. But if you’re already a BJ’s shopper and you keep track of your receipts and deadlines, you’ll be just fine.

Ask the Reader: What’s your take on the return policy at BJ’s? Have you had any issues or problems using it? Let me know.

By Kyle James