We asked parents what they're planning to buy on Prime Day, and there was one clear theme

Our team at Business Insider covers Prime Day deals every year by tracking discounts on tried-and-tested products from our buying guides and reviews. But beyond tracking our own product recommendations, we also look to our colleagues, friends, and family to understand what people are saving for.

Who better to ask than parents, who are experienced at managing household budgets and making practical purchases? With women controlling or influencing an estimated 85% of consumer spending, I specifically asked the moms in my life what they were hoping would go on sale for Prime Day.

The biggest trend I saw was parents investing in items that would reduce screen time, encourage creative play, or lead to more outdoor activities. One standout is the Yoto Mini, a clever audio player with no screen that two moms have on their list for car time entertainment. Some moms said they were waiting to check deals on the basics (like snacks), but most seem keen on finding ways to keep their kids away from the iPad. Here are the products parents are planning to buy when Prime Day starts on Tuesday.

Yoto Player

The Yoto Player (current price: $109) and the Yoto Player Mini (Current price: $79.99)

Best for: Screen-free entertainment

"My three kids, all under the age of 9, don't have iPads and don't even know how to unlock my phone. We are very much a no-screen family, unless we are watching a movie together. We also love taking road trips and have relied on kids' podcasts and Peppa Pig stories to help keep our kids entertained while on the road.

That said, they are all growing and having different interests, and agreeing on what to listen to is becoming harder and harder.

That's why I want to get all three their own Yoto Player. That way, we can still travel without screens, but everyone has the independence to choose a story, song, or podcast to listen to. I'm also throwing in headphones for each so our car doesn't turn into a cacophony of competing stories.

I really like that the Yoto cards don't have any ads, which is the one complaint I have about listening to kids' podcasts. I always try to skip ahead, but then get whining when I accidentally skip five seconds from the story they are listening to.

Yoto has over 1,000 cards to choose from, and they are small enough that we can bring the player plus several cards on not only road trips, but also planes." —Conz Preti, deputy editor.

Freelance writer Hawys Boobier also has a Yoto on her Prime Day wish list.

"My 5-year-old is a real bookworm and goes to sleep every night listening to her Yoto Player. I really want to get her the mini version so that we can stop lugging the big box around when we travel.

She also gets very car sick, so non-screen-based entertainment for long journeys is always a winner." — Hawys Boobier, freelance writer.

Blue Lizard Baby Mineral Sunscreen

Blue Lizard Baby Mineral Sunscreen (current price: $14.94)

Best for: Sun protection for sensitive skin

"I'm restocking my go-to baby SPF: Blue Lizard Baby Mineral Sunscreen. Not only is it sensitive-skin-friendly with a clean formula that's safe for little ones, but it's reef-conscious, too. Hello, scrapbook-worthy summer memories with my little family, snacks and sun protection included." — Olivia Rose Rushing, freelance style and beauty writer.

Kodak PIXPRO FZ55

Kodak PIX PRO FZ55 (current price: $139.99)

Best for: Beginner photography

"I'm on the hunt for an inexpensive digital camera to hand over to my kids this summer. At 6 and 8, they've outgrown the bulky, plastic-encased shooter I bought when my oldest was 4, and I don't love handing over my iPhone every time they want to film a video or stage a photo shoot.

Friends of ours have the Camp Snap and love it, but the elder millennial in me craves the gratification of seeing an image right after it's taken, and I seem to have passed that need along to my offspring.

I've narrowed down my search to the budget-friendly Kodak PIXPRO FZ55. It's not flashy, but it has a nice screen, the user interface seems easy enough for my kids to navigate, and it should be compact enough for them to carry around without complaining. The camera has more than 7,500 reviews on Amazon, and 80% of them are 5 stars as of the time this story was written.

I'm hoping that being able to play around a bit with the zoom and lighting functions will help my kids elevate their budding photography skills and give them new ways to beat summertime boredom." — Jennifer Beck Goldblatt, senior editor, Health + Parenting

JLab Go Sport+ Earbuds

JLab Go Sport+ Earbuds (current price: $29.98)

Best for: Music, sports, and everyday listening

What I am excited about buying for my moody, music-loving teen is a pair of JLab Go Sport+ earbuds. They're inexpensive, which is key for an ADHD kid who loses everything that's not glued to him. I also love that the charging cord is built into the case, giving us one less thing to lose in the chaos pit of his bedroom.

He already has a different model from JLab, but complains that they fall out of his ears all the time, so I think the ear hooks will solve this problem, too. And now, even if he changes his mind about his favorite artist five times before the summer is over, I won't regret my purchase." — Sabrina Rojas Weiss, freelance writer.

JOYIN Recycling Truck Toy

JOYIN Recycling Truck Toy (current price: $33.99)

Best for: Vehicle-loving toddlers

"We were at a friend's place recently, and my transport-loving 1-year-old was glued to this recycling truck toy, so I'll be keeping an eye out for a Prime Day discount. It comes complete with trash cans, it beeps and lights up, and it can even move on its own.

Hopefully, in due course, it will even teach him about the environment, so it's kind of educational, too. Anything that buys hours of fun for him and relative peace for me is welcome in our house." — Hawys Boobier, freelance writer.

Little Spoon Kale Apple Meltable Baby Puffs

Little Spoon Kale Apple Meltable Baby Puffs (current price: $19.96, 4-pack)

Best for: On-the-go toddler snacks

"Summertime with a toddler means getting out of the house and going on adventures as much as possible — and every parent knows that packing snacks is a total must. This Prime Day, I plan on stocking up on some easy-to-grab Little Spoon essentials, like the Kale Apple Meltable Baby Puffs. They're not only yummy and fun for little ones, but made with whole ingredients." — Olivia Rose Rushing, freelance style and beauty writer.

DoubleFill Wicker Insulated Picnic Basket

DoubleFill Wicker Insulated Picnic Basket (current price: $52.99)

Best for: Family outings and picnics

"Last Prime Day, I added an insulated, retro wicker picnic basket to my cart. It fits everything and keeps my daughter's treats cool for hours on end. It's also something so many moms have complimented me on when we're out and about, making it a tried-and-tested must in my eyes." — Olivia Rose Rushing, freelance style and beauty writer.

Eufy Robot Vacuum and Mop

Eufy Robot Vacuum and Mop (current price: $499.98)

Best for: Busy parents

"I've been desperate for a robot vacuum for a while, and this one from Eufy, which is also a mop, gets rave reviews. As a mom of two young kids, I feel like I spend my whole time cleaning, so the prospect of coming down to a sparkling floor in the morning with minimal effort is just too tempting." — Hawys Boobier, freelance writer.

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