10 Sam's Club Items I Wish I'd Started Buying Years Sooner

It happens to us all. You finally find a magical item that somehow manages to combine high quality with low cost, and suddenly you're wondering how you managed to live life without it. That's what happened to me when I finally discovered these frugal finds at Sam's Club.

If you're looking for an easy way to get the most out of your Sam's membership (and really, who isn't?), I've got you covered with the top products that I wish I had started buying sooner.

Don't fall into the same traps that I fell for. Instead of overpaying for items you won't use or wasting cash on pricey picks that just don't make sense for your family, check out the budget-friendly bulk buys, generics, and other affordable options that have changed the way I shop.

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

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Price: $22.98

For years, I assumed that extra virgin olive oil was an overpriced item only fancy gourmet stores stocked. But then I found this bulk buy at Sam's. The 101-ounce bottle (that's over six pounds) from the warehouse club's private-label line is a steal at under $23.

I have to admit, I was expecting a so-so oil. But this Mediterranean EVOO is smooth, subtle, and perfect for cooking, drizzling, or dipping. Add in the budget-friendly price, and this pick is a winner.

How much can you save on this generic? Target sells a 25.3-ounce bottle of Filippo Berio Extra Virgin Olive Oil for $11.29. In a price-per-ounce showdown, Sam's wins at $0.23 versus $0.45.

Price: $6.98

Here's a shopping mistake that I'm not proud of: For years, I wasted money on expensive plush bath towels from upscale home stores. I mistakenly assumed that a brand name equaled a better product. That is, until I checked out Sam's version.

Member's Mark's Premier Collection is more luxurious than I expected. The 30-by-58-inch cotton/polyester towels are soft, absorbent, and easy to care for. And don't worry about your makeup remover or facial cleanser ruining this frugal find. The OEKO-TEX-certified material features special benzoyl peroxide-resistant dyes.

Compare $6.98 per towel at Sam's Club to $34.50 for one of Pottery Barn's Resort Organic Cotton Bath Towels.

Price: $24.94

Warm, cozy throws always seem to end up in my shopping cart. I keep one in the living room for movie nights, drape one over the sofa to camouflage my playful pup's mess, use one to cover my regular bedroom comforter, and stash a few in the guest room.

This Sam's Club brand buy offers significant savings over what I used to pay for similar blankets. Not only is the 60-by-70-inch oversized blanket less expensive than what high-end home stores charge (a smaller 50-by-60-inch Faux Fur Plush Throw costs $69 at West Elm), but it's just as soft. And bonus, the bubble texture has a chic style that gives this affordable item an upscale look.

Price: $17.98

Viral beauty buys don't have to break the bank. And this popular product proves it. I've never thought of a warehouse club as my go-to shop for higher-end skincare and cosmetics. But as it turns out, Sam's stock rivals what I can find in specialty stores.

This sleeping mask is a sought-after product that can leave your lips soft, smooth, and hydrated. My lips are almost always dry. While balm can help with minor chapping and cracking, nothing else worked as well as this overnight treatment.

Even though I'm a fan of this nourishing mask, it costs $24 at Sephora (for 0.70 ounces). The identical item sells for $17.98 at Sam's Club.

Price: $8.78

Score this bulk container of zesty seasoning for under $9. I used to shop for spices at specialty retailers and my local grocery store. I now know that Sam's economy-sized containers are a much better bargain. And unlike milk, cheese, and baked goods, this item won't spoil before I get my money's worth.

Thirty-one ounces (that's almost two pounds) may seem like a lot. But this blend is so versatile that I use it almost every day. Sprinkle the lemon pepper over grilled chicken or fish, add it to a gourmet burger, mix it into homemade salad dressing, or (my personal favorite use) shake it onto popcorn.

Price: $18.98

Paper plates make picnics, parties, backyard barbecues, and even a few everyday meals easier. Instead of wasting time washing my regular dishes, I just pick up a pack of these sturdy 10-inch disposables.

The 204-count is a budget-friendly bargain I wish I had found earlier. I've spent years overspending on smaller packs from brand names at other stores. For reference, 64 of Dixie's 10-inch paper plates cost $8.99. At that price, I would pay $28.65 to get Sam's Club's quantity.

I'm not the only Sam's shopper who enjoys this bargain buy. The product has over 7,730 reviews and a 4.9-star rating.

Price: $12.74

Fresh produce isn't always the most frugal option. And that's why I started buying frozen fruit. But inflation has led me to switch from brand-name bags and specialty-store selections to this Sam's Club generic option.

The mixed fruit variety features flash-frozen pineapple, strawberries, mangoes, and peaches. A five-pack of one-pound bags costs $12.74 at the warehouse club. Whole Foods Market sells a 32-ounce bag of its 365 brand's Organic Tropical Fruit Medley for $6.99. If "organic" isn't a requirement, the Member's Mark bulk buy costs $2.55 per pound. In comparison, the other retailer charges $3.50 per pound.

Price: $5.98

Breakfast, brunch, and dessert just got better. I used to shop at pricey bakeries for this type of fresh, flaky, buttery treat. Then I found Sam's deal on apple turnovers. The eight-count is a bargain for $5.98.

Made from puff pastry and sinfully sweet apple filling, these turnovers are best served warm (at least, in my opinion). Don't worry about spending hours in the kitchen. Simply pop one into the toaster oven until it gets crispy.

Looking for an easy way to dress up this breakfast-dessert? Drizzle caramel sauce on top, dust with cinnamon, and add a dollop of fresh whipped cream.

Price: $11.98

Swap designer socks for this Member's Mark generic. The cotton-polyester-spandex blend is soft, breathable, and provides just the right amount of stretch. A reinforced toe and heel, extra arch support, and moisture-wicking technology will keep your feet cool and comfortable all day.

The 10-pack is available in one size (fits men's shoe sizes six to 12) and either black or white. Get this bulk buy for under $12. A six-count of Adidas Performance No-Show Socks costs $28 at Dick's Sporting Goods.

Are you looking for women's footwear? I found an eight-pair pack of Member's Mark Low Cut Liner Socks for $9.98 at Sam's.

Price: $13.48

I'm done buying gourmet goodies from fancy chocolatiers. These sea salt caramels have everything I could ask for and so much more. Made from rich, creamy milk chocolate, indulgent caramel, and a sprinkle of sea salt, the private-label confection has a decadently delicious flavor that stands up to similar brand-name buys.

Eat the sumptuous selection straight from the 36-ounce canister or (if you're an adventurous foodie) add these caramel-filled goodies to campfire s'mores.

Other Sam's Club customers also enjoy this tasty treat. Member Teddy raved in the product's review section, "Awesome! Our family loves them — maybe too much! These caramels are delicious. There's just enough salt to give it the "yum" factor. Would definitely recommend."

So there you have it — the items that I now regret not trying sooner. Keep in mind, even though these Sam's Club deals make financial sense for my family, yours may have different needs. That means you might have to adjust your shopping list.

While your cart may not look exactly like mine, one thing is true: Even though a brand name may have a pretty package or come with a catchy description that lures you into thinking it has superpowers, sometimes your cash is better spent on warehouse club generics. Sam's Club's Member's Mark line makes it easy to save money on groceries, everyday essentials, and so much more.