Amazon Outlet is the retailer's best-kept secret. I've saved hundreds of dollars buying name-brand products for over 50% off.

• Amazon has many little-known nooks and crannies, including an overstock outlet.
• Amazon Outlet offers limited-time deals in categories, like clothes, electronics, and toys.
• I often see limited-time discounts of more than 50% off retail prices.

As someone with two small children and an aversion to driving , I've had an Amazon delivery save the day more than once. But my favorite part of Amazon is its outlet, which has saved me hundreds of dollars.

Amazon Outlet offers bargains on overstock and clearance items, from power tools to pet supplies. On an average day, prices are often up to 50% off retail, and lightning deals can feature even bigger discounts.

With Prime Day set to occur next month, now's the time to get ahead and learn what you should look for to get the best discounts possible.

Here's how I use Amazon Outlet to get the most bang for my buck.

I maximize my savings with limited-time deals

One of my biggest tips is to monitor the limited-time, limited-quantity offers in Amazon Outlet — they change often. Although they're available throughout the year, they proliferate during Prime Day and other special shopping events.

To locate the best limited-time deals, I scroll to the Shop by Category section of Amazon Outlet's homepage, click Overstock Deals, and filter the results by department to make the list manageable.

Then, I use the list's sorting tool to place the items with the steepest discounts at the top.

By applying this method to the health and household department, I quickly found two items I've been seeking: throw-pillow covers (two for $8.99, originally $17.99) and 6-inch ceramic plant pots with hand-painted designs (two for $12.49, originally $24.99).

While shopping, I also came across a coupon that reduced a discounted bench cushion's price even further from $36.99 to $16.64.

The outlet has a little bit of everything, including big-name brands

In addition to helping me furnish an empty house on a small budget, Amazon Outlet has become my go-to place for buying gifts .

I've often seen deals on OXO and Rachael Ray kitchen gadgets, as well as toys from popular brands such as Hot Wheels and Squishmallows.

In the toys section, I recently spotted a Little Tikes ride-on garbage truck marked down from $49.99 to $26.53, a three-pack of Melissa & Doug Created by Me craft kits discounted from $29.99 to $15.49, and Mattel's "Jurassic World" plush dinosaurs slashed from $21.99 to $6.35.

Grown-up interests are also well represented in the product selection. I've found deals on things from Coleman tents and Fjallraven backpacks to Smashbox cosmetics and Fabletics leggings.

I've also been tempted to buy footwear from Amazon Outlet after seeing discounted boots from Frye and Dr. Martens.

Ultimately, the thrill of the bargain hunt is what brings me back to Amazon Outlet. Brimming with surprises and dollar-stretching possibilities, the New Arrivals section is my first stop, and the Last-Chance Savings area is often my final one.