There's no better time than January to buy practical items that make life easier all year long. With routines resetting and budgets back in focus, you can make a Sam's Club membership worth it by stocking up on essentials and investing in everyday items that help you start the year on a solid footing.
These 15 buys stretch your dollars further and help you feel prepared as the year gets going.
Editor's note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location.
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Clio Greek Yogurt Mini Bars
Price: $11.86
Combining creamy yogurt with real fruit flavor, these mini bars are a portion-controlled treat that fits into January's reset eating. The 12 strawberry-banana and 12 lemon bars are plentiful and ideal for breakfast or afternoon snacking.
Shoppers love these treats so much, their main complaint is Sam's seeming inability to keep them in stock.
Vince Camuto Valentine's Day Sweater
Price: $19.98
January is ideal for a transitional wardrobe piece, and this sweater strikes the perfect balance between festive and casual. Available in four designs, it looks polished and can be worn beyond Valentine's Day.
Compared to Nordstrom's Vince Camuto sweaters, this piece's price comes in at one-third or less.
Member's Mark Beer Battered Cod Filets
Price: $15.46
After the elaborate meals of the holidays, quick, filling dinners are a must. Made with wild-caught cod and a light beer batter, these fillets cook up crisp in the oven or air fryer with minimal effort.
They also withstand being reheated, which is rare. "Taste was great. [Reheated], they were pretty much the same taste and consistency, " writes reviewer walterswife.
Tramontina Dutch Oven
Price: $53.98
Ready for a "buy once, use forever" January buy? With a 7-quart capacity and durable enameled cast iron construction, this Dutch oven is perfect for soups, stews, and batch cooking, which is exactly what colder months and tight budgets call for.
It's also $24 cheaper than the same model at Walmart.
Rao's Homemade Pasta
Price: $8.28 (on sale from $9.28)
Rao is beloved for its high-quality Italian pasta and sauces, but buying them one at a time can add up fast. These four 16-ounce variety packs are budget-friendly but offer restaurant-quality flavor at home.
On sale, they're unmissable. Just one 16-ounce Rao's Homemade fusilli pack costs $2.99 at Target, or $11.96 for the same count.
Member's Mark Udon Bowl
Price: $9.44
If you feel your motivation to cook from scratch slipping by late January, these udon bowls are a lifesaver. Thick noodles, a bold sauce, and quick microwave or stovetop prep make them ideal for busy lunches or dinners.
Two 11.1-ounce packs for $9.44 are a steal. At Walmart, a single Nongshim udon bowl costs $9.10.
Mr. Clean Freak Cleaner
Price: $13.64
Cleaning in January is a must, but this 2-spray and one-refill bundle makes it affordable. The powerful lemon zest spray tackles grease and grime quickly, while the refill extends its value.
Just one Mr. Clean all-purpose cleaner spray costs $5.18 at Walmart.
Member's Mark Chicken Taco Kit
Price: $16.44
At Sam's, ready-made meal kits stretch the budget like no other offerings. This roughly three-pound taco kit includes seasoned chicken, tortillas, cheese, and toppings, making dinner quick and tasty.
It goes far for both families and singles, and beats ordering out on busy January nights.
Member's Mark Toffee Truffles
Price: $12.58
You may be tempted to cut out treats completely in January, but that only means you'll eat more on Valentine's Day. These rich chocolate truffles feel indulgent, but buying 19 ounces at Sam's keeps the price low.
They're a far more affordable deal than buying 4.8-ounce Ghirardelli chocolates at Target for $5.99 or $23.75 for the same quantity.
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.
Chefman "Obliterator" Blender
Price: $59.98 (on sale from $99.98)
We all want to eat healthy in January. This blender has ice-crushing capabilities and preset blending functions that handle frozen fruit and protein shakes with ease.
Buyers give it high praise. "Absolutely, by far, the best blender that I have ever used. I love the cleaning process. I love how it blends everything," gushes reviewer Debra P.
Twin Marquis Soup Pork Dumplings
Price: $9.94
These frozen soup dumplings bring restaurant flavors home for a fraction of the cost. Filled with pork and savory broth, they're a comforting option during cold January nights.
Less than $10 is a great price for a 22.78-ounce bag of delicious dumplings, given that a six-ounce bag of Feel Good soup dumplings costs $0.65 more per ounce at Walmart.
Member's Mark Cheescake Minis
Price: $18.27
Hosting may slow down in January, but having desserts on hand is still a win. With 63 pieces of three cheesecake varieties, including New York style, you'll have plenty to enjoy this month and beyond.
They're also 4 cents less per ounce than Target's Cheesecake Sampler Slices.
Member's Mark Organizer with Storage Bins
Price: $59.98
Organization is a must in January, and this cube unit offers flexible storage for closets or entryways. The clean design complements most decor styles, and it includes functional bins at no extra cost.
Reviewer Angie gives us the run-down: "It looks great in my space and is very functional. The included bins are well-made and fit perfectly."
Marie Callender's Chicken & Rice Bowls
Price: $12.44
Six cheesy rice bowls with chicken deliver warmth and convenience, making for filling meals in January. Shoppers appreciate the consistency and 12-ounce portion size.
Get them at Sam's Club to avoid paying 69 cents more per bowl at Walmart.
Knorr Chicken Bouillon
Price: $6.28
Soups and stews are what make January bearable, and these bouillon granules are easier to use than cubes to add taste to your broth.
Don't get a $6.48 32-ounce jar at Walmart when you can get 40.5 ounces for 20 cents less at Sam's.
Bottom line
Sticking to a January budget means shopping smarter. These Sam's Club buys are all about value that lasts beyond the month, helping you save on groceries and home essentials without cutting corners.
For more savings, check Sam's Club Instant Savings and Member's Mark options ahead of time. Store-brand items and limited-time January discounts offer the best per-unit prices, especially on pantry staples and household basics.
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FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment.
Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
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