December shopping may feel different when you live alone, but just because you're not feeding a large household, it doesn't mean you can't enjoy the best Costco membership perks. These include buying products that stretch your dollar without creating waste or extra effort as the holidays arrive.
These 15 deals offer the best prices for essentials, gifts, indulgences, and more, just in time for Christmas.
Editor's note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location.
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Kirkland Signature Nut Bars
Price: $17.99
A high-quality, healthy snack is optimal during December's maelstrom of activity. As a solo household, you'll benefit from these 30 individually wrapped bars made with real nuts.
At 1.41 ounces per bar, they're larger than Target's Good & Gather nut bars, and also 66 cents cheaper per ounce.
Below Zero Wearable Blanket
Price: $29.99
With the high spending in December, keeping the house cooler can save money. This oversized wearable blanket keeps you toasty while you read or watch TV without constantly adjusting the thermostat.
Shoppers love the water-repellent fabric and the hood, which helped reviewer Stacia stay "warm and dry at my grandson's football game."
Steve Madden Women's Sequin Dress
Price: $34.99
If you're attending a New Year's party later this month, this fully lined bodice sequin dress can dazzle. Since it's a "wear-once-a-year" item, you don't want to break the bank.
While it's a new arrival, it has already earned some love from Costco reviewers, who are giving it an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars.
Tide Pods
Price: $24.59
Laundry pods are best for those who live alone because they don't have to measure soap while washing their Christmas finery. With 104 Ultra Oxi pods on hand, you'll have shiny, fresh-smelling clothes for months.
A half-pack, or 57 Tide pods, costs $19.99 at Target.
Design Pac Colander Gift Set
Price: $49.99
While this gift set would arrive too late for Christmas, consider it a practical present for your household of one if you're a pasta lover. It comes with crisps, pasta, sauce, dessert squares, orzo, all nestled inside a functional colander.
It attracts rave reviews, too: "Bought as a gift and got terrific feedback," writes reviewer CarrieM.
JJ's Bakery Cherry Pie
Price: $11.99
For a sweet indulgence this month, instead of baking a full cherry pie, try these 16 individually wrapped hand pies. They're lightly glazed, kosher, and made with real cherries.
They're also sold at Walmart, but for $24.50 for the same count.
Kirkland Signature Wastebasket Liner
Price: $13.99
Trash bags are mundane, but for people living alone, they're the perfect example of something you buy once and then forget for a year. These 500 10-gallon liners fit kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom bins perfectly.
They're an awesome deal compared to the Glad 13-gallon liners that sell at Target for $12.79 for 50 bags.
Microfiber Down Comforter
Price: $36.99
Staying toasty overnight during chilly December is possible without turning up the thermostat. This lightweight comforter gives you warmth without the heavy weight or frequent dry cleaning.
Besides being easy to machine wash at home, it's "so cushy soft it's hard to stop touching it. It is lightweight, yet warm," explains reviewer CCDC.
Jif Extra Crunchy Peanut Butter
Price: $13.99
Even though you're a solo eater, if you go through peanut butter regularly, this 48-ounce twin pack is perfect for your pantry. It also lasts for a long time.
You'll save money by getting it at Costco, since buying the same amount at Target would set you back $16.76.
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Natura Ekos Hand Cream Set
Price: $15.99
Dry hands are a bane of December. You may think a three-piece hand cream set is overkill, but you'll be able to keep one cream by the sink, one by the bed, and one in your purse for less than $20.
Besides, each 1.4-ounce cream in the set addresses a different common skin problem, so you'll be tackling them concurrently.
Chex Mix
Price: $18.49
If you enjoy a salty, crunchy snack, but don't want to overeat, try these 42 1.75-ounce bags of Chex Mix. They're perfect for an afternoon indulgence, movie night, or keeping a spare in the car for December errands.
Your Costco membership means you won't pay over $24 for the same amount at Walmart.
Scrub Daddy Sponges
Price: $17.99
Sponges that soften in warm water and firm up in cold water make cleaning easier, which is a lifesaver during December. Eight sponges in one pack last a long time in a single-person household, no matter how busy the kitchen.
They are a favorite with shoppers. "They last a long time and don't get a gross smell," explains reviewer Stella K., who highly recommends them.
Wonderful Pistachios
Price: $18.99
Snacking on nuts at Christmas time is the perfect way to enjoy the season's bounty. This variety pack includes 24 no-shell packs of regular, sea salt and vinegar, and chili in 0.75-ounce individual portions.
They offer better value than Target's variety pack of nine assorted bags for $8.29.
Chomps Beef Sticks
Price: $21.99
Watching your diet during calorie-heavy December? Individually wrapped protein snacks are the best choice. The 12 Chomps in this pack can help you stay full between errands.
Reviewer Michael B. feels these meaty treats "further his membership value" as "yet another Costco advantage."
ScentSationals Scented Wax Warmer Set
Price: $27.99
To enjoy the season, consider this plug-in ceramic warmer shaped like a Christmas tree or gingerbread house, along with three scented wax packs in festive fragrances like vanilla pine or cinnamon apples.
It's a functional piece of Christmas decor that is more cost-effective than buying multiple candles. "This is a perfect addition to my Christmas decor," writes reviewer Fran.
Bottom line
Living alone doesn't mean giving up warehouse savings; it just means shopping smarter. The best Costco December deals for solo households reduce waste and simplify routines without requiring bulk consumption.
Another smart way to save money at Costco is to watch for the quiet price drops on seasonal comfort items like candles and apparel after the holiday rush, when you get the best value without competing crowds.
Benefits Card Details on Wells Fargo’s secure website Intro Offer
$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Annual Fee $0 Why we like it
If you love earning cash rewards but prefer to avoid the hassle of tracking spending categories, the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card could be a good option for you. Card members can earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
This card also offers a 0% intro APR on qualifying balance transfers and purchases for 12 months from account opening, then 18.49%, 24.49%, or 28.49% Variable. Those looking for straightforward rewards and an introductory APR will likely find value in this card.
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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