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12 Items You Should Start Buying at Costco if You Aren’t Already

Stock up on these affordable staples and treats you might normally overlook at your local Costco.

Costco Wholesale store at sunset
Updated Sept. 24, 2024
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Are you getting everything you can from your Costco membership?

Sure, items like toilet paper and that famous rotisserie chicken are easy buys whenever you’re at the warehouse retailer. And, of course, there are plenty of bulk food items that can help you unlock the true value of your membership.

However, there are likely other great items you're overlooking. So the next time you walk into your Costco, consider adding these items to your cart.

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Steaks

Courtesy of El Naranjo Entree at restaurant

Red meat can be expensive, but savvy shoppers know the big retailer has some great prices on steaks.

Check out the different options at your local Costco. These meats can be a good deal compared to what you would pay at your local grocery store or butcher for a similar cut.

Electric toothbrush heads

Olha Kozachenko/Adobe White electric toothbrush

Electric toothbrush heads cost more than what you would pay for a manual toothbrush. But you can save some money on toothbrush heads if you buy them from Costco.

The warehouse retailer carries several electric toothbrush brands, so check and see if they have the option that you need.

Alcohol

Courtesy of Costco Kirkland vodka

The cost of wine and liquor can add up, especially if you’re stocking a bar or wine rack or throwing a party.

Costco’s wine, beer, and liquor selection has a little bit of something for everyone at affordable prices.

Pro tip: A great way to save on groceries is to buy items from its Kirkland Signature in-store brand. The quality typically is great, and you can save compared to purchasing name brands.

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Tires

dennizn/Adobe costco receipt and membership card

Replacing your tires can be expensive, but your Costco membership helps you cut this cost.

The retailer includes rotation and balancing when it installs tires through Costco’s Tire Center. You also get a warranty that covers mileage, road issues, and manufacturer defects so you can save money on your car.

Paper goods

Africa Studio/Adobe rolls of paper towels

Everybody needs toilet paper and other paper goods, so keep an eye out for those items the next time you go to Costco.

Even if you don’t need more of them at this very moment, they’re good products to keep in stock so you’re not scrambling someday to find a paper towel when something spills in the kitchen.

Trash bags

Creative Cat Studio/Adobe man throwing out black eco-friendly recyclable trash bag

Sure, you might stock up on paper towels and toilet paper, but what about a household staple such as trash bags?

Buying them in bulk at Costco saves you money as well as time, since you won’t have to constantly run to the store to buy replacements for the home, office, or any other place you need them.

Oatmeal

nblxer/Adobe Bowl of oatmeal with bananas and blueberries with spoon on a wood surface

Oatmeal can be a filling and healthy breakfast item, and Costco has different options for you to choose from.

Grab bulk-size bags of oatmeal for breakfast or even to add to recipes. You can also grab variety packs that include individual portions in different flavors.

Gas

refrina/Adobe vacant costco wholesale gasoline station

Check if your local Costco has a gas station that can help you save cash the next time you fill up your vehicle. The warehouse retailer’s gas stations often charge a little less than other stations in the area.

Glasses

goodluz/Adobe relaxed fun senior couple wearing glasses

Costco’s eye care centers can help you save on vision correction, including frames, lenses, and contact lenses. Find your local Costco Optical to see what types of deals the retailer can give you.

You could find out if your local Costco does vision screenings, which might help you save cash when you’re ready to update your prescription.

Get a protection plan on all your appliances

Did you know if your air conditioner stops working, your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover it? Same with plumbing, electrical issues, appliances, and more.

Whether or not you’re a new homeowner, a home warranty from Choice Home Warranty could pick up the slack where insurance falls short and protect you against surprise expenses. If a covered system in your home breaks, you can call their hotline 24/7 to get it repaired.

For a limited time, you can get your first month free with a Single Payment home warranty plan.

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Gift cards

dennizn/Adobe gift cards of amazon and google play on table

Check out Costco’s selection of gift cards and see if they can save you some cash.

You can buy some gift cards at Costco for less than the actual face value of the cards. For example, you can purchase $60 worth of Krispy Kreme cards for only $45.99.

Coffee

scandamerican/Adobe bags of kirkland signature coffee for sale inside costco wholesale store

Coffee is another item where it’s easy to run out and not realize the fact until it’s too late. But Costco has you covered.

The retailer has plenty of options for coffee ranging from single-serving cups to ground coffee for a pot. See if your local Costco has a coffee grinder so you can buy whole-bean coffee and grind it in the store before you leave.

Flowers

K Abrahams/peopleimages.com/Adobe Older couple in the kitchen, man covers woman's eyes while holding a bouquet of flowers

Sure, you don’t need flowers. But it’s nice to pick up a bouquet or two to brighten your home or office space, especially during dreary winter months.

Costco has a good selection of bouquets at different price points. You can also pick up roses and other flowers for holidays like Valentine’s Day at your local Costco. You might even get them at a bargain compared to what you would pay other florists in your area.

Bottom line

Voy_ager/Adobe Warehouse storage of retail merchandise shop

Before you go to Costco, check your wallet to make sure you have one of the best cash back credit cards. Using one can help you earn cash back and other perks.

Also, remember to try new items that you haven’t purchased in the past. If you don’t like the item, Costco has a great return policy that lets you take most items back to the store if you’re not satisfied.

Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards

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Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Current Offer

$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months

Annual Fee

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Rewards Rate

Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases

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Author Details

Jenny Cohen

Jenny Cohen is a freelance writer who has covered a bit of everything, from finance to sports to her favorite TV shows. Her work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and FoxSports.com.