You ever walk into Walmart, toss something in your cart, and later find out you could’ve gotten it for like 25% less if you’d just bought it online while standing in the same freaking aisle? Yeah. That’s this story. Because turns out, Walmart’s in-store prices and online prices live in completely separate universes, and if you’re not checking both you’re probably paying too much.

Wait, What? Isn’t Walmart Supposed to be Cheap?

Sure. But “cheap” is relative, and Walmart’s pricing game is kind of like playing 3D chess with a blindfold on.

Here’s the dealio: Walmart uses dynamic pricing online which means the prices on Walmart.com will change based on things like your zip code, a store’s inventory levels, and probably the mood of some intern in Bentonville.

In the mean time, in-store prices are more like an old dog…slow to update and not very flexible.

So that $24.88 Rubbermaid container set you’re looking at in the kitchen aisle? Pull it up on Walmart.com (via their app) and it’s $14.88. Same product. Same store.

But online… it’s cheaper.

It’s not a sale. It’s not a glitch. It’s just… how it works.

See Also: 9 More Walmart Savings Hacks That’ll Knock Your Socks Off

Why Not Just Ask a Cashier For a Price Match?

Technically, Walmart does allow you to price match their website in-store.

BUT…it’s one item per day, and you’ll probably need a manager.

Also, the item MUST be identical and in-stock and not every associate knows or follows the policy consistently which can be super frustrating.

Also, while not a big deal, it’s not allowed in Alaska, Hawaii, or Puerto Rico.

I’ve had better luck just flipping the game: Order it online while I’m still in the aisle, choose store pickup, and walk out with the lower price minus the drama.

No confrontation. No awkwardness. Just straight-up savings.

Here’s the 3 Steps to Pull It Off:

Step 1: Get the Walmart app.

If you don’t already have it, go download it. (If you’re trying to save money but can’t be bothered to download one free app, I can’t help you.)

Open the app, tap the little barcode icon, and get ready to scan. Start walking through the store like you’re on a mission from the frugal gods.

Step 2: Scan everything you’re about to buy.

I’m talking groceries, shampoo, patio chairs — whatever. Just scan it and see what the app says. If the online price is cheaper? Do not go to the checkout lane.

Step 3: Buy it online… for store pickup.

Yup. Literally just stand there in the aisle and order it on your phone. Select “store pickup”, pay for it at the lower online price, and go pick it up an hour later at customer service — while the full-priced suckers walk by with their $24 Rubbermaid.

It’s legal. It’s easy. It’s weirdly satisfying.

PRO TIP: COMBINE PICKUP WITH SAME-DAY CLEARANCE SCANS

Here’s the galaxy-brain move: while you’re doing your online price-checking in-store, also scan nearby clearance items with the app. Sometimes they’re marked down even more online -OR- labeled wrong in-store.

Stack that lower online price with a same-day pickup, and you just doubled down on the discount.

I once scanned a $29.97 blanket labeled “Rollback” in-store, found it on Walmart.com for $14.82, ordered for pickup, and got the exact one off the same shelf.

Yes, I made eye contact with the cashier. No, I did not blink.

Real Life Example #1

A few weeks ago, I was standing in the back-to-school aisle, eyeing a pack of Paper Mate Flair pens, you know, the ones teachers get weirdly territorial about. The shelf tag read $14.72. Painful, but fine.

The price seemed high so I scanned the barcode in the Walmart app… and the same exact 12-pack showed up for $9.97 online, eligible for same-store pickup.

Same product. Same store. Different universe.

So I did what any mildly unhinged bargain hunter would do: I left the pens on the shelf, stepped six inches to the left, and ordered them on my phone for pickup.

An hour later, after running another errand nearby, I walked back in, showed my order number, and left with those pens — now 32% cheaper — like some kind of frugal wizard.

See Also: All the Smart and Dumb Things to Buy at Walmart

Real Life Example #2

Walmart had a Black+Decker 4-slice toaster tagged at $38.97 in the kitchen aisle. I’d been watching it for a while, and it had barely budged from that price for weeks.

Quick scan in the app while leaning on my cart and the online price was only $29.96. Same toaster. Same aisle.

So I ordered it on my phone and picked it up an hour later.

Fun fact: That damn toaster was literally bagged up from the same shelf I found it on. I know because I watched the associate grab it.

3 Next Level Bonus Nerd Tips

1. Change your ZIP…Walmart’s weird like that – So here’s the deal: open the app, go into your settings, and change your store ZIP to somewhere random — small towns are gold. Prices change.

For no reason. I once saved $18 on a car seat just by picking a store 30 minutes away. Still picked it up at my local one. No one questioned it. Not even a side-eye. It’s stupid and makes no sense and I do it all the time.

2. Use cash-back apps like Rakuten or Capital One Shopping – when you check out online. Yes, even for pickup orders. Click it. Rakuten, Capital One, whatever.

It works on pickup orders too, which feels like stealing but somehow isn’t. You’re stacking savings like a clearance ninja.

3. Pickup-only discounts are sneaky AF – Walmart will sometimes just quietly drop the price if you choose “pickup” instead of shipping.

No banner, no confetti. It just… gets cheaper. I’ve seen it go down a couple bucks and had to double-check I wasn’t hallucinating. I don’t know why they do it. I don’t care. I’m in.

See Also: Shop Smart! These Stores Will Price Match Walmart

PRO TIP: FIND ONLINE COUPONS TOO

Walmart.com sneaks in little online-only deals all the time. Stuff like “$5 off this brand” or “Buy 2, save $4”. You won’t see these deals on the shelf at the store, but if you order online for pickup? Jackpot.

So if you’re scanning something in the app and spot a tiny “Save $3 now” banner? That’s real money. Skip it and just grab it off the shelf, and you’re basically donating that discount back to Walmart.

What to Use This Trick on:

• Groceries (especially name-brand snacks and canned goods)
• School supplies
• Diapers and baby gear
• Toiletries and beauty products
• Small kitchen appliances
• Toys and seasonal decor

Basically, anything that’s stocked both online and in your store = fair game.

Closing thoughts from your resident Walmart gremlin:

If you’ve ever stood in a Walmart aisle holding a $55 blender and thought, “There’s gotta be a cheaper way”, there is. It’s this.

It’s not flashy. There’s no secret handshake or underground coupon cabal. Just you, your phone, and a willingness to double-check Walmart against… itself.

Don’t worry, you’re not scamming anyone. Now go forth and flip those prices.

And if you ever see me ordering Great Value peanut butter on my phone while standing in front of the shelf, mind your own business.

Ask the Reader: Have you ever tried this savings trick at Walmart? How did it turn out and was it worth the savings? Let me know.

By Kyle James

Teachers are notoriously hard to shop for. You want to say, “Thanks for educating tiny humans and surviving 87 parent emails a week”, but without gifting yet another mug that says “#1 Teacher”. That’s why we hunted down 15 hilarious, useful, and downright genius gifts from Amazon — all under $30 — that teachers will actually love. Whether it’s for Teacher Appreciation Week, the end of the year, or just because their classroom survived another full moon, these are guaranteed to earn you an A+.

1. Magnetic Phone Holder for Whiteboards

Perfect for: Filming lessons, classroom TikToks, or “just one more” parent message would all make for great uses for this magnetic phone holder.

For when your teacher TikTok career takes off or you’re filming yet another ‘Don’t eat the glue’ PSA.

Price: $19.97

2. Flair Felt Tip Pens

Perfect for: These pens are great for grading with flair, underlining like a boss, or color-coding emotions.

Teachers will straight-up elbow a child for these pens. Paper Mate’s tropical or candy color sets are gold.

Price: $19.99

QUIRKY GIFT IDEA #1: FUNNY TEE

This women’s “I’m Silently Correcting Your Grammar” t-shirt is ideal for the grammar-savvy teacher, this t-shirt combines humor with style.

It’s a fun way for teachers to showcase their love for proper grammar in a lighthearted manner.

Price – $13.99

3. Mini Laminator

Perfect for: preserving lesson plans, center cards, or their last shred of sanity.

Because if it’s not laminated, it’s basically trash. Scotch or Qfun mini models, usually $25–$30.

Price: $19.99

4. Cute Heating Pad (preferably shaped like a frog)

Perfect for: This heating pad is great for “I stood for 6 hours straight” lower back pain.

A warm hug for the spine that’s been destroyed by 27 years of teaching.

Price: $32.99

5. Funny Teacher Tumbler

Perfect for: iced coffee, hot coffee, or straight-up wine (no judgment).

Because if there’s no caffeine, there’s no class. Look for cool tumblers that say “Cool Teachers Club”, “This Might Be Wine” or “Don’t Make Me Use My Teacher Voice”.

Price: $24.95

QUIRKY GIFT IDEA #2: PORTABLE VOICE CHANGER

This tiny gadget that changes your voice to a robot, alien, or chipmunk. Why it’s epic? Let the teacher read spelling lists in Darth Vader’s voice. Morale booster guaranteed.

Student reactions? Instant engagement. Or confusion. Either way, it’s gold.

Price – $31.99

6. Wireless Presenter Clicker

Perfect for: This clicker is great for staff meetings, classroom PowerPoints, or dramatic lesson reveals.

Now you can dramatically click through slides like a boss.

Price: $20.99

7. Battery Variety Pack

Perfect for: This variety pack is terrific for everything from timers to remote-controlled chaos.

You’d be shocked how many things in a classroom run on AA batteries and sheer willpower. Amazon Basics 48-pack = practical perfection.

Price: $16

8. Mini USB Desk Vacuum

Perfect for: This little guy is PERFECT for sprinkles, glitter, and mysterious desk goo.

Tiny but mighty, just like a student named Brayden with a sugar high.

Price: $27.99

9. Blue-Light Blocking Glasses

Perfect for: These glasses are GREAT for grading on screens at midnight like a modern warrior.

For reading 30 essays about ‘My Favorite Animal’ without frying your retinas.

Price: $13

10. Magnetic Curtain Weights

Perfect for: Every teacher fights rogue classroom curtains that flap like they’re haunted, these solve that problem perfectly.

These are weirdly life-changing. Like binder clips for utter chaos.

Price: $15

QUIRKY GIFT IDEA #3: GIANT ENTER KEY

This massive, squishy USB “Enter” key pillow you can slam when grading tests gets too real.

Not only is its therapeutic but it’s the only keyboard violence that’s school-approved. Bonus use? Nap pillow between classes.

Price – $16.99

11. Custom Teacher Name Stamp

Perfect for: Teachers can use this stamp to say “Great Job!” 100 times without cramping.

Price: $9.95

12. Mini Essential Oil Diffuser

Perfect for: This diffuser is great for masking gym socks and calming the chaos.

Turn your classroom from ‘smells like feet’ to ‘ahhh… lavender hope.’

Price: $26.99

13. Desk Organizer Trays

Perfect for: Doesn’t matter how organized a teacher is, they can always use one of these for papers to grade, papers to file, and papers to pretend don’t exist.

Turns a desk that screams ‘I’ve given up’ into one that whispers ‘I’m barely holding on’.

Price: $14

PRO TIP: DON’T FORGET ABOUT TEACHER DISCOUNTS

Be sure to pass along my Teacher Discounts article to any educators that you know.

We rounded up over 50 places where teachers can save money, from bookstores and clothing retailers to tech companies and travel services.

Highlights include 20% off at Barnes & Noble, 15% off at Ann Taylor LOFT, and up to 60% off Adobe Creative Cloud. Most deals require a valid teacher ID or online verification to access the savings.

14. 5-Pound Bag of Jolly Ranchers

Perfect for: These Jolly Ranchers are terrific for student rewards, emergency sugar, and snack drawer dominance.

One for the students. Three for me. Repeat.

Price: $15.49

15. $10 Starbucks Gift Cards (4 Pack)

Perfect for: literally every teacher. Buy a 4 pack and hand them out because nothing says ‘thanks’ like funding their caffeine addiction.

Price: $40

Skip the apple-themed candles. Teachers are practical, hilarious, and hanging on by a thread , just like the rest of us. These gifts? They’ll use them, laugh at them, and maybe even share them on their secret teacher group chat.

Ask the Reader: Let me know what cool teacher gifts I missed and I’ll get them added. Thanks!

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. Full privacy policy.

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