14 Costco Buys Under $30 That Make Easy, Last-Minute Gifts

There's no need to break the bank gifting your loved ones, whether celebrating a birthday, graduation, retirement, or a wedding. You can find the perfect gifts for every occasion for less than $30 each.

Having a Costco membership gives you access to delicious gourmet foods as well as tech, home, and personal care items that make great gifts for friends and family.

If you're a last-minute shopper, you can grab these gifts at Costco for an easy one-stop shopping experience. But because Costco's selection changes by warehouse and season, just be sure to check local inventory before making a special trip.

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

A little self-care goes a long way. Help your friends relax with some personal care items.

Pamper them with face masks, luxurious body washes, and bath salts. You can grab a few items and make a personalized spa package if you want to go the extra mile.

Costco's health and personal care selection may also include body lotions, hand creams, soaps, and other bath products. Before buying, check ingredient lists for fragrances or common allergens, particularly if the recipient has sensitive skin. A multipack can be divided among several people, helping lower the cost of each gift.

To add a special touch, include a note for free babysitting, so they have time to use all the goodies you bought them.

Help friends prepare for all the holiday parties with gifts they will actually use.

Wine tumbler sets make excellent gifts for all your wine-loving friends. This gift is perfect on its own, but you can pair it with a bottle of their favorite wine if you really want to impress.

If you have a friend who loves to cook and entertain, they might enjoy a new set of decorative serving bowls or accessories for the grill.

Other useful possibilities include food-storage containers, kitchen towels, utensils, and insulated drinkware. For sets, compare the number of pieces and price per piece instead of looking only at the package price.

A warm blanket makes the perfect gift for friends in colder climates. They will appreciate staying warm and cozy when the temperature drops.

People of all ages use blankets. Whether you are buying for kids or adults, this gift won't disappoint. A machine-washable option may be more convenient for a family with children or pets. Consider color, fabric feel and weight, and read recent customer reviews for comments about shedding, softness and durability.

Plush blankets are easy to wrap, too. You can wrap it as is or buy a large gift box if you want to keep them guessing until they open it.

Consider a coffee-related gift for your caffeine-loving friends and family members. You can buy their favorite flavored coffee syrups or new ones for them to try. Add a package of their favorite coffee and a mug to create a thoughtful gift basket.

Costco's coffee selection can include whole beans, ground coffee, single-serve pods and instant varieties, although brands and flavors vary. Confirm that pods fit the recipient's machine, and choose whole beans only if the person owns a grinder. For syrups, check the bottle size, flavor, and whether a sugar-free option is appropriate. Dividing a multipack among several baskets can help keep each gift below budget.

Appeal to their senses with a great-smelling candle. If you've noticed candles adorning your friend's table or counters, you already know they'll love this gift.

If you aren't sure what scent they'd like, stick to the basics or choose one based on the design. Sometimes, the way a candle looks is just as important as how it smells. Recent reviews may reveal whether buyers consider the fragrance subtle or strong.

You can wrap a single candle or add one to a self-care package for extra relaxation. Wrap glass containers carefully, and remind the recipient to follow the manufacturer's burning and trimming directions.

It's the season for sweets, and candy makes for a perfect stocking stuffer. You can also tie a piece on top of another present with a ribbon.

If you want to make candy its own gift, purchase an assortment to place in a gift box. Add some tissue paper for an extra touch. 

Costco's larger packages can work especially well when you need favors, classroom treats, or gifts for several people. Review ingredient and allergen statements for milk, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat or soy, and look for any storage instructions. Comparing the price per ounce can help you evaluate assortments of different sizes.

Inspire a new hobby this holiday season for your loved ones. Activity sets will keep them entertained. Gardening has many benefits, and you can find plenty of supplies at Costco.

For a beginner gardener, look for a manageable kit with clear instructions and the basic tools or materials included. Seed varieties should suit the recipient's climate, available sunlight and growing space. Someone in an apartment may prefer herbs or another compact container garden. Because Costco's garden inventory is seasonal, selection may be broader in spring than during the winter holidays.

Beyond pots and plants, many love receiving things to do, like gardening sets, paint-by-number, or jewelry-making kits, even. 

Clothing is always a great gift. Those who love style will enjoy a new item, and those who don't care could always use a new sweater since they rarely purchase clothes for themselves.

Check the garment's fabric content and care instructions, since some materials require special washing. For gloves, hats and other accessories, consider the recipient's climate and usual colors. Costco's website may offer sizes or colors that differ from warehouse inventory. Keep the receipt in case the fit is wrong, and verify the applicable return terms before gifting.

If you don't know their size, go for accessories; you can opt for a pair of gloves or a scarf in the winter season, or a nice beach hat in the summer. These are practical gifts that please everyone. 

Everyone enjoys receiving gift cards. Take the guesswork out of shopping and let your friends and family members choose their own gifts.

You can buy a store gift card or one that offers an experience. A trip to the movies or session at the spa will give them something to look forward to that they might not have splurged for on their own.

time. Read the listing for expiration dates, redemption restrictions, participating locations, and delivery format. Costco Shop Cards can be used at Costco warehouses and online, subject to their terms. Digital delivery can be convenient for a last-minute gift, but confirm the recipient's email address before ordering.

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Plush toys are a popular gift for children. If you don't know what to get for the kids on your list, a new plush to cuddle is a safe bet. They come in all shapes and sizes.

There are many inexpensive options to choose from, and you can find one to fit just about any child's interests and preferences.

Just be sure to check the manufacturer's recommended age and all safety warnings before buying. Pay particular attention to removable accessories or small parts when shopping for a baby or toddler. Size matters, too. An oversized plush may be exciting but difficult to store or transport. Parents may appreciate a machine-washable toy, so consult the care label and recent reviews for cleaning and durability information.

If you want to add a personal touch, consider a photo gift. Something as simple as a framed photo can bring a smile to your loved one's face.

You can also create a photo ornament or mugs that showcase your favorite pictures. Choose photos of the two of you together or photographs of your child to gift to grandparents. You can upload and order right from home.

Though Costco closed its in-house Photo Center, they now direct members to Shutterfly for photo products, where eligible Costco members can link accounts for available benefits. Before ordering, review the current price, production time, and shipping estimate. Use a high-resolution image, check the crop carefully, and preview spelling, dates, and placement before submitting the order.

Some people would rather participate in a fun activity than receive something they'll use once. You can gift a game and play it with them once the present exchange is over. It's something everyone can enjoy and extends the fun throughout the evening.

A quick party game may suit a large gathering, while a strategy game can work better for someone who enjoys longer sessions. Check that the box includes everything needed to play, and scan recent reviews for insight into the learning curve and replay value.

Buying something that results in spending time together is a win. Whether you're buying for friends or family members, they will appreciate the quality time.

There's nothing like curling up to read a good book on a rainy day. Encourage little ones to read with picture books or grab a new novel for your best friend.

For the chefs and bakers in your life, you can pick up a cookbook. If you want to make the gift extra special, include the ingredients for one of the recipes too.

Costco's book inventory varies, as regular book sections are no longer in warehouses most of the year. However, you can still find a selection of books during the holiday shopping season, which may include children's collections, boxed sets, cookbooks and seasonal titles. A set can offer better value than buying its books separately, but compare editions to avoid giving titles the person already owns.

You can't go wrong with warm and cozy slippers. Anyone walking on hardwood floors in the winter knows how desirable slippers are. They are a popular holiday gift for a reason.

Take a peek at your loved one's shoes to check their size if you can. Many slippers fit a range of sizes, so you might still pull this one off if you can't.

Beyond size, look to the sole, lining and care instructions. A sturdy, nonslip outsole may be useful for quick trips outside, while a softer sole may suit indoor wear. Customer reviews can also help identify whether a particular style runs small or large.

You don't have to spend a fortune on holiday or birthday shopping. You can get your friends and family members gifts they will love for prices that will also unlock the true value of your membership, all while keeping more cash in your pocket.

Don't forget the gift boxes and wrapping supplies while you are out. Presenting a beautifully packaged gift makes it all the more special.

Another tip? Set a total budget before shopping and make a list for each recipient. Save receipts, review return restrictions, and leave room in the budget for wrapping, shipping, or a small personal addition.