News & Trending Shopping & Deals News

14 Costco Items Retirees Should Buy Before the End of December

Scoop up these end-of-the-year bargains ASAP.

costco storefront
Updated Jan. 9, 2026
Fact check checkmark icon Fact checked

You just spent the last month filling everyone else's gift wish list, and now it's finally time to shop for yourself. But if you're living on a fixed income, the idea of wasting your savings on overpriced items isn't exactly inviting.

Don't stress. We have the best Costco hacks to help retirees save money this month. From a hydrating ceramide-rich cream to tasty treats, our roundup includes bargains from almost every aisle of the store.

So if you're ready to start shopping, here are our 14 favorite December deals.

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

Amazon Prime members: get a $150 Amazon Gift Card!

If you're an Amazon Prime member, apply for the Prime Visa(Rates and fees) credit card here and you can get a $150 Amazon Gift Card instantly loaded into your Amazon account's Gift Card Balance upon approval (get an instant decision within 15 seconds).1

There is no extra work or spending requirement and no annual fee! 

The Prime Visa credit card also lets you earn unlimited 5% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market, and on Chase Travel purchases with an eligible Prime membership, unlimited 2% back at gas stations, restaurants, and on local transit and commuting (including rideshare), and unlimited 1% on all other purchases.

If you spend a good amount on Amazon this card could be worth $100s in cash back every year. Don't delay — apply today!

Good or excellent credit (typically 670 or higher) is recommended.

Click here to apply for the Prime Visa credit card today and get an instant decision in 15 seconds

Kirkland Signature Vitamin C

kirkland signature vitamin c

Price: $14.99

Cold and flu season is in full swing. Boost your immune system with this bulk buy. The 500-tablet bottle of 1,000 mg vitamin C is a steal for under $15. A smaller 100-count from Nature Made costs $5 more ($19.99) at CVS.

Kohler Assert Handshower

kohler assert handshower

Price: $59.99

This sleek, stylish handshower makes bathing a breeze. Convenient features that make it a popular product among Costco shoppers include six spray settings, magnetic docking, a 72-inch hose, and easy installation.

Koda Motion-Activated Floodlight

motion activated floodlight

Price: $29.99

Improve home safety and reduce nighttime slip-and-fall accidents with this motion-activated floodlight. The 4,200 lumen LED fixture has a 240-degree detection zone and senses movement up to 70 feet away.

As if those aren't enough reasons to nab this under-$30 find, this weather-resistant model also includes a nightlight for added security.

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

cerave moisturizing cream

Price: $29.99

Keep dry winter skin at bay with this double-pack of ultra-hydrating cream. Hyaluronic acid and ceramides moisturize without a greasy feel. This dermatologist-tested beauty buy is National Eczema Association-accepted and free of parabens, fragrances, and oil.

Get two 16-ounce containers and a reusable, interchangeable pump for $29.99. Ulta sells a single jar (also 16 ounces) for $19.99.

Kirkland Signature Microwave Popcorn

microwave popcorn

Price: $16.99

Save money and treat yourself to a movie night in. Chain theaters, like AMC, charge $9 or more for a single tub of popcorn. But you can snag this 44-count of the microwavable variety for under $16.99. That equals $0.40 per bag.

Rao's Eggplant Parmesan

raos eggplant parmesan

Price: $16.79

Pass on pricey takeout. Get four pounds of lightly breaded eggplant in a rich, savory marinara sauce for under $17 this month.

The cheese-topped recipe is perfect for parties or a family dinner. And don't worry about using the entire bulk buy at one time. This freezer section find is already pre-portioned into two trays.

Lysol Disinfectant Wipes

lysol disinfectant wipes

Price: $14.39

Holiday parties and houseguests can leave your home a mess. This four-count pack of brand-name wipes makes cleaning a breeze. Use the 95-piece packs to disinfect bathroom surfaces, your kitchen counter, doorknobs, and more.

How much can you save at Costco? Get 380 total wipes for under $15. Target sells one container of 80 for $4.99. At that price, you would pay over $23 to get the warehouse club's quantity.

La Dolce Vita Almond Biscotti

la dolce vita almond biscotti

Price: $11.99

Gourmet goodies from overpriced eateries may not fit into your monthly budget. But you can still satisfy your sweet tooth and enjoy a crispy, crunchy almond biscotti with coffee, tea, or a hot cup of cocoa. For $11.99, this 2.5-pound pack is a bargain buy that won't break the bank.

Eddie Bauer Rainier Fleece-Lined Men's Pants

rainier fleece lined mens pants

Price: $24.99

Retirement leaves time for outdoor activities and mid-winter adventures. Keep the cold wind at bay and dress for the weather in these cozy fleece-lined pants.

While you could buy a similar style straight from the brand, this $24.99 Costco deal will save you money. We spotted an almost-identical pair on Eddie Bauer's website for $90.

Smart Drivers, Smarter Savings.
Compare car insurance rates in Ohio
See if you qualify for a lower rate in less than 2 minutes
Currently Insured?
Multiple Cars?
Homeowner
Age
map pin icon
By clicking the button above, I understand and agree that this site uses site visit recording technology (provided by Trusted Form, Jornaya, and Microsoft Clarity) Privacy Policy

Kirkland Signature Organic Blueberries

organic blueberries

Price: $8.69

Blueberry season is over, making the fresh fruit an expensive item. If you're sweet on smoothies or prefer your pancakes with filling, this frozen bulk buy is an affordable alternative that definitely deserves a spot in your cart.

Score savings on the warehouse club's generic three-pound bag. Compare $8.69 at Costco to $9.29 for a smaller 32-ounce size from Whole Foods Market's 365 brand.

Koda Power Failure Night Light

koda power failure night light

Price: $24.99

Prepare for wild winter weather. This three-pack of rechargeable LEDs can light the night when the power goes out. Other must-have features include a portable flashlight mode, an integrated power bank, a rotating light head, and a motion sensor.

Mikasa Enamel Photo Frames

enamel photo frames

Price: $22.99

Showcase precious family moments and magical holiday memories. The five-piece collection of modern metal and enamel frames includes one 8-by-10-inch, two 5-by-7-inch, and two 4-by-6-inch sizes. Create a salon-style gallery on your living room wall or display the stylish set on a coffee table.

Barilla Pasta

a stack barilla pasta

Price: $9.99

Do you need easy-to-make meals? Instead of filling your fridge with ingredients that spoil within a week, pack your pantry with pasta.

Get eight one-pound boxes of spaghetti for under $10. At that price, you'll have plenty of cash leftover to spend on Kirkland Signature's organic tomato sauce ($13.99 for a 12-count of 15-ounce cans).

Sanctuary Home and Office Safe

sanctuary  home and office safe

Price: $279.99

Protect your valuables while you're away. Even though this Costco deal costs more than the average warehouse club buy, the $279.99 price tag is well worth the investment.

The 1.69 cubic-foot waterproof (up to seven days) model features tempered glass shelving, a three-spoke solid steel handle, solid steel bolts, interior lighting, and a door organizer.

Bottom line

Kirk Fisher/Adobe costco store exterior

December is almost over. But there's still time to snag some of Costco's top deals. Whether you're taking an extended winter vacation, looking for a way to stay healthy during the cold winter months, or stocking up on everyday essentials, these buys are budget-friendly bargains.

Now that you're retired, every dollar counts. Make the most out of your December Costco haul and use the best cash back credit cards to earn valuable perks or rewards on eligible purchases this month.

Earn Easy Cash Rewards at Amazon.com

Benefits

Card Details

  • $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
  • Eligible for Chase travel and purchase protections
  • Cashback rewards can be redeemed as soon as the next day
  • Apply Now
  • Get a $150 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval exclusively for Prime members
  • Earn unlimited 5% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market and on Chase Travel purchases with an eligible Prime membership
  • Prime Card Bonus: Earn 10% back or more on a rotating selection of items and categories on Amazon.com with an eligible Prime membership
  • Earn unlimited 2% back at gas stations, restaurants, and on local transit and commuting (including rideshare)
  • Earn unlimited 1% back on all other purchases
  • No annual credit card fee
  • No more waiting. Redeem daily rewards at Amazon.com as soon as the next day
  • Member FDIC
Prime Visa
4.9
info

on Chase’s secure website

Read Card Review

Intro Offer

Get a $150 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval exclusively for Prime members

Annual Fee

$0

+

Why we like it


Financebuzz logo

Thanks for subscribing!

Please check your email to confirm your subscription.