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. 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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Facial Tissue
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.
Microfiber Towels
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
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.
Big Red Cups
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 $8.99 at Target. You'll pay over $29 at the big red bullseye retailer for the same 240-piece quantity.
Ultra Shine Dishwashing Liquid
Price: $9.79
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 $9.79 online, but we found this store-brand at our nearest warehouse club for $7.99.
Ibuprofen
Price: $12.99
Don't let the cost of pain relievers give you a headache. Score a two-pack of ibuprofen for $12.99. Each bottle contains 500 of the generic 200 mg caplets.
Sleep Aid
Price: $7.93
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 $7.93 from Costco, while Target sells a smaller 80-count pack of Unisom for $14.29.
Nitrile Gloves
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 $15.79.
Flushable Wipes
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.
- 18-29
- 30-39
- 40-49
- 50-59
- 60-69
- 70-79
- 80+
Shopping pro tip: This month's best deals
January is here, bringing fresh starts, clean slates, and a renewed focus on routines. As the new year kicks off, so do savings, making it the perfect time to reset your space and budget with smart seasonal buys. Look for deals on:
- Fitness gear, wellness products, and activewear
- Home organization essentials
- Cold-weather basics, like coats, boots, and cozy layers
- For grocery savings, look for seasonal produce, including citrus fruits, leafy greens, and root vegetables
With post-holiday markdowns and a shift toward fresh priorities, January is a great time to shop smart, stock up, and set the tone for a well-prepped year ahead.
Absorbent Puppy Pads
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 Costco. A one-time purchase of the same size and quantity from Chewy's Frisco brand is more than $21.
Plastic Food Wrap
Price: $19.99
Wrap leftovers for weeks or months to save money on groceries using this 3,000-square-foot pack of plastic wrap. Target sells Glad's Cling Wrap for $4.19. 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
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
Price: $14.49
Moisturize dry, sensitive skin with this hydrating body bar. Kirkland's 15-count pack of soap is a fan favorite. Costco 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
Before you buy brand names, look for comparable generics. Whether you're shopping for inexpensive over-the-counter medications, dishwashing detergent, or cozy wool socks, you can save money by shopping the Kirkland line of products. And bonus, many of these seriously useful buys are under $20.
Another tip to add to your savings and get more out of your next trip to Costco is to use your best cash back credit cards.
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