15 Affordable Costco Buys If You’ve Got Wiggle Room in Your January Budget

After the holiday spending spree, January can feel sobering. Still, it's the right time to reset your finances and think strategically. While sticking to a budget is important, splurging on items that deliver ongoing value or save money over time is worth it.

The 15 items below are more than "nice-to-haves." They help you save money at Costco and simplify daily life without derailing your financial goals.

Editor's note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location.

Price: $28.99

This 33.8-ounce shampoo contains plant-based ingredients that support scalp health. It's worth buying if you're trying to avoid expensive salon shampoos without sacrificing results.

As for effectiveness, this is what reviewer Sean90 has to say: "My hair has definitely been revitalized. Strongly recommend."

Price: $20.99

Buying this two-liter pantry staple in January will give you excellent quality for your daily cooking, roasting, and salad dressings for months.

If part of your post-holiday reset is to cook more at home to save money, don't buy your cooking oil elsewhere. Even Walmart's Great Value brand costs four cents more per fluid ounce.

Price: $169.99

Investing in oral care can reduce future dental costs, so this two-pack of electric toothbrushes is worth it this January. They improve gum and teeth health by removing plaque.

As reviewer Miss Shopper points out: "I decided to do research and found that this was the best brand and Costco has the lowest price anywhere for a set of two."

Price: $49.99

There's no better time than January to buy a warm, well-made winter coat. This Bench puffer jacket delivers serious warmth with a streamlined look, without costing designer prices.

Available in black, cream, and gray, it's a much more affordable buy than the $94 Rokka&Rolla puffer jacket from Kohl's.

Price: $10.49

Cooking from scratch may be a hard sell if you hosted throughout December, but this 19-ounce container of bruschetta seasoning adds instant flavor to pasta, chicken, and casseroles. A little goes a long way, too.

Shoppers love this "very scrumptious kitchen staple."

Price: $10.99

If you're trying to eat healthier in 2026, this clean, 27-ounce jar of almond butter is a worthy replacement for sugar-heavy peanut butter. It's versatile enough for smoothies, baking, or snacking.

It's also a better buy than Target's No Stir Creamy Almond Butter, which costs the same per ounce but contains sugar.

Price: $14.99

Cooking at home doesn't mean doing everything from scratch. These ready-to-heat pouches combine organic quinoa, brown rice, and garlic, and offer a solid base for quick lunches and dinners.

Reviewer Marie G. loves them: "Makes a great stir fry. The garlic does not overpower, but gives a little punch. You could even not add veggies."

Price: $49.97

A solid pair of waterproof boots is ideal for slushy sidewalks in January. Hunter boots are known for their durability and timeless design, and this short version is easy to pull on.

This is a classic "buy once, use forever" item that fits perfectly into your budget refresh without spending over $100 on the Hunter website.

Price: $37.99

For pet owners, this fountain combo kit is a practical upgrade that encourages cats (and small dogs) to drink more water. It includes filters that stretch its use over time.

Shoppers love the design, but also that it's "an adorable fountain that is easy to assemble and is very quiet when running."

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Price: $36.99

You likely need to do a bit of in-depth laundry after last month's festivities. The Tide Plus is formulated to tackle tough stains, which means fewer rewashes and less waste.

With enough detergent for 143 loads, this bulk buy dramatically lowers your per-load cost of laundry. It's 25 cents per load versus 39 cents per load at Walmart.

Price: $22.99

Beef jerky comes in handy if you're trying to clean up your snacking act in January. This 12-pack contains six original and six teriyaki snacks. It balances protein with taste and portion control.

This last part makes it a favorite of shoppers. "Great tasting. What I like about it is they are in separate packages, so I don't eat too much at one time," explains reviewer Mickey.

Price: $34.99

Do you need a versatile soap? Consider these three 32-ounce bottles that contain natural ingredients, including almond, peppermint, and lavender essential oils.

They're an ultra-affordable buy, considering that a single 16-ounce Dr. Bronner's castile soap bottle costs $11.99 at Target.

Price: $22.99

To avoid waste, get these white cotton towels. They're a workhorse buy for the entire house, and the 52-count bundle ensures you have enough without repeated purchases.

If, like reviewer CEliz, you use way too many paper towels, give these "cotton terrycloth and washcloth-sized towels that could even be used as washcloths" a try.

Price: $17.99

Individually wrapped and easy to grab, these nut bars are ideal for quick, healthy breakfasts, travel days, and afternoon snacks.

With a 30-count, this package is a bargain compared to individual Larabars, which cost $2.39 or over $70 for the same amount at CVS.

Price: $26.99

We must have cleaning on the brain this January, but do hear us out. The Pink Stuff cleaning bundle delivers three household cleaners and various sponges that tackle everything from kitchen grease to bathroom grime.

It performs beautifully, too: "The Pink Stuff is an excellent cleaning bundle to tackle all kinds of jobs. I am very pleased with it," writes reviewer Toni.

January doesn't have to be all about cutting back. You can still spend whatever wiggle room you have in your budget, as long as you're smart about it, and these affordable Costco buys deliver long-term value this winter.

To save more on everyday essentials, buy products that store well in bulk and track value per use. Anything you use daily or often is likely worth the spend.