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.
Earn 2% cash rewards at grocery stores and Costco
The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card(Rates and fees) is a powerful rewards card that allows you to earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases — including on groceries, even at warehouse stores like Costco. New cardholders can also earn a one-time cash rewards bonus — $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months!
This card also offers an intro APR of 0% for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers (then 18.49%, 24.49%, or 28.49% Variable).
The best part? There's no annual fee.
Click here to apply for the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card now.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
- 18-29
- 30-39
- 40-49
- 50-59
- 60-69
- 70-79
- 80+
Kirkland Signature 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
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
Subscribe Today
Learn how to make an extra $200
Get vetted side hustles and proven ways to earn extra cash sent to your inbox.