Costco shoppers reveal their must-buy items, from garbage bags to designer perfume

Anyone who has ever strolled the aisles of a Costco store knows it’s a unique experience. You never know what you might find. A new wine that’s a hit at your dinner party, diamond earrings for a fraction of the price you’d get them elsewhere, toilet paper that gets a seal of approval from even the pickiest wipers — the wholesale club really does have it all.

Of course, taking advantage of all that Costco has to offer requires one really important thing: a membership. And at $65 per year, joining the club isn’t exactly cheap. But if Costco fanatics around the Web — and on Reddit, in particular — are to be believed, then a membership is absolutely money well spent. Not only can you find great deals on everyday items, but buying in bulk often means you’re spending less — and saving more — in the long run.

Another reason to consider splurging on a Costco membership? New members who sign up via Groupon for the $65 Gold Star membership will receive a $20 gift card for their next shopping trip. Sign up for the $130 Executive membership and you’ll get a $40 gift card.

Groupon

If you’re hosting or entertaining this holiday season, you should seriously consider investing in a Costco membership while there’s a $20 gift card up for grabs. Some shopper-approved party picks to consider serving up at your next shindig? Kirkland Prosecco, cheese for your charcuterie board, artisanal breads and pre-made pies and desserts.

$65 at Coscto

When it comes to shopping at Costco, some people go with time and money to burn. There’s no list, no plan, just vibes. Others, however, are on a mission and know exactly what they want to buy before they even step foot inside the store. Curious about what should be at the top of your must-try list when you sign up for a Costco membership? Loyal shoppers on Reddit have you covered.

“Garbage bags. I love the Kirkland kitchen bags so much that I refuse to buy them anywhere else,” one Reddit commenter wrote. “We’ve gone through thousands of them and have only ever had one single bag leak.”

“Discounted Le Labo Santal 33!” another person wrote on Reddit, referencing the popular fragrance that has countless TikTok videos devoted to it. “Buying it from Costco is cheaper than buying it elsewhere.”

Yet another surprising essential you can save on at Costco? Gas. “The last time I filled up it was $0.35-$0.40 cheaper per gallon than other gas,” someone noted on Reddit.

Among the other near-unanimous must-buys were toilet paper, paper towels, baby wipes, laundry detergent, hand soap, eggs, rotisserie chicken, bottled water, olive oil and pasta sauce.

Not sure you need a Costco membership because you live alone or you and your partner are empty nesters? Think again! Folks in this Reddit thread are sharing their single-person must-buys at Costco. In addition to non-perishables and household items that don’t go bad, people praise the surprise discounts around the store. “Their deals on clothes, electronics, and furniture alone are worth having a membership for me,” one person wrote.

Ready to see what all the hype is about and get your very own Costco membership? Here’s the deal on how the Groupon works:

• Choose the membership you’d like to purchase on groupon.com. As a reminder, the Gold Star membership is $65, while the Executive membership is $130. Both memberships include one-year access to shop at all Costco locations and on costco.com. The Executive membership also includes 2% rewards on select purchases and access to discounts on travel, insurance and other services.

• Once you complete your purchase at Groupon, you’ll receive an email from Costco confirming your membership details. Your membership begins as soon as you complete your purchase and is valid for one year. If you’d like a physical membership card, you can get one at your local store by showing your confirmation email and a valid photo ID at the membership counter.

• Your $20 or $40 Costco gift card will be emailed to you within two weeks of completing your order at Groupon. You can use it either in-store or online.

One important note — this Costco deal is only available on Groupon until October 27, 2024, so don’t miss out.

Groupon

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, Costco — and its diehard shoppers — have you covered. 

“Heavenly Hunks oatmeal chocolate chip,” one person recommends to satisfy your cravings. “These things are so good I swear they taste like you’re eating cookie dough.” Another person says, “I also suggest the butter toffee almonds. Holy crap they’re good.”

$65 at Costco

The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.