How can you unlock the true value of your Costco membership? If you're looking for the top ways to keep your monthly shopping budget in check, we can help. Along with bulk buys and in-store specials, Kirkland generics offer an easy way to save money on practical products.
From paper towels to multivitamins, this line includes everything you need plus some surprising items you'd never expect — and we've rounded up the most useful bargains for less than $20. These low prices will leave cash in your wallet and a smile on your face.
Editor's note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location.
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This card also offers an intro APR of 0% for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers (then 19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% Variable). Which is great for someone who wants a break from high interest rates, while still earning rewards.
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Facial Tissue
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Price: $19.99
Stock up and save on this 12-pack of three-ply tissues. With 84 in each box, you'll get 1,008 tissues for under $20. A single 60-count of Kleenex Ultra Soft costs $3.19 at CVS. You would spend over $38 to get 12 boxes, and you still get fewer tissues than Costco's quantity.
Check your local Costco club for the best deal. We spotted the bulk buy for $15.99.
Microfiber Towels
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Price: $19.99
Clean your car, wash windows, or dust your home with this 36-pack of 16x16-inch microfiber cloths. Costco customer "The Rag Lady" raved about this buy, "These are the best rags…The rags are wonderful for mirrors and glass, shower doors, shower tile, furniture, ceramics, and pictures."
Men's Boxer Briefs
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Price: $16.99
Snag this four-pack for $16.99. The super-soft cotton tagless briefs are a steal compared to what you'll pay for brand names. A three-count from Jockey sells for over $29 at Macy's.
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Big Red Cups
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Price: $13.59
Prep for a party without breaking the bank. The 240-cup pack is a budget-friendly deal for under $14. And you might get a better in-store bargain. This bulk buy was only $11.99 at our neighborhood Costco club.
Compare Costco's price for the generic to what you could pay for the brand name. A 72-count of Solo cups costs $10.69 at Target. You'll pay over $40 at the big red bullseye retailer for the same 240-piece quantity.
Ultra Shine Dishwashing Liquid
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Price: $9.99
Cut grease and remove odors almost instantly. Kirkland's 90-ounce bottle of liquid dish soap is a bargain for under $10. BJ's sells the same size container of Dawn for $11.99.
You could pay less than the already low members-only price. Costco advertises $9.99 online, but we found this store-brand at our nearest warehouse club for $7.99.
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Ibuprofen
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Price: $16.95
Don't let the cost of pain relievers give you a headache. Score a two-pack of ibuprofen for $16.95. Each bottle contains 500 of the generic 200 mg caplets.
Sleep Aid
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Price: $6.99
Pass on pricey, brand-name sleep aids. Kirkland's version contains doxylamine succinate — the same active ingredient in Unisom. You'll get 192 of the generic for $6.99 from Costco, while Target sells a smaller 80-count pack of Unisom for $18.19.
Nitrile Gloves
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Price: $18.99
Protect your hands from germs, or use these latex-free nitrile gloves to clean your home. This is a must-have bulk buy at $18.99 for two 200-count boxes (400 total). CVS sells a single box of 50 for $15.49.
Flushable Wipes
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Price: $19.99
These premoistened flushable wipes are gentle, fragrance-free, and contain skin-softening aloe and vitamin E. Keep them in the bathroom or pop a pack in your purse for on-the-go cleansing.
Even though the web price of $19.99 is affordable, we found the 640-count box in a local Costco store for $14.99. At $0.02 per sheet, that's a better deal than what you'll pay for a brand name. Walgreens sells Cottonelle's version for $0.07 a wipe.
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Shopping pro tip: This month's best deals
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May brings both warmer weather and major sales with the combo of Mother's Day (May 11) and Memorial Day (May 26). Here are some of the best deals to watch for:
- Mattresses, furniture, and large appliances
- Spring clothing clearance
- Garden plants and outdoor furniture
- For grocery savings, consider seasonal produce like strawberries, artichokes, and cherries.
Retailers are already prepping for summer while you're just enjoying spring, making May perfect to save money at your favorite retailers.
Absorbent Puppy Pads
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Price: $19.99
Potty train your puppy without wasting money on pricey pads. This absorbent item protects your floors and reduces smelly messes. The 100-count of 23x30-inch dog pads was less than $17 at our local Costo. A one-time purchase of the same size and quantity from Chewy's Frisco brand is more than $21.
Plastic Food Wrap
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Price: $19.99
Wrap leftovers for weeks or months using this 3,000-square-foot pack of plastic wrap. Target sells Glad's Cling Wrap for $4.49. But you'll only get 300 square feet. You'll need 10 rolls (totaling more than $44) to equal the Kirkland brand quantity.
Quick tips: How to save on your grocery bill
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Grocery shopping doesn't have to break the bank when you use the right strategies. Here are three quick tips for reducing food expenses:
- Buy store brands instead of name brands whenever possible.
- Always make sure to compare unit prices, not just sticker prices.
- Join your store's loyalty program so you don’t miss out on member discounts.
Even though something like choosing coupons in your grocery store app can feel like an annoying task, the savings can really add up.
Bar Soap
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Price: $13.99
Moisturize dry, sensitive skin with this hydrating body bar. Kirkland's 15-count pack of soap is a fan favorite. Cosco shopper Jackie praised this pick, "Great ingredients and feels great on the skin…Best part is the price for the quality and amount that you get. Better than Dove! Love it!"
Bottom line
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Before you buy brand names, look for comparable generics. Whether you're shopping for inexpensive OTC medications, dishwashing detergent, or cozy wool socks, you can save money by shopping the Kikrland line of products. And bonus, many of these seriously useful buys are under $20.
Add to your savings and get more out of your next trip to Costco by using the top rewards credit cards. You could earn cash back, travel points, or other perks.
Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Current Offer
$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
Benefits
- Low spend threshold for its welcome offer — $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
- Cell phone protection benefit (subject to a $25 deductible)
- Can redeem rewards at an ATM for literal cash
Drawbacks
- Foreign transaction fee of 3%
- No bonus categories
- Apply Now to take advantage of this offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
- $0 annual fee.
- No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
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