I really try not to shop at Costco too often because I could seriously spend a lot of money there. I also don't really have enough room to store a lot of bulk items in my home but there are definitely some items that I like to keep stocked. There are some things in the home that you really just do not want to run out of. Bath tissue is top on that list followed closely by tooth paste.
I try to stick to my essentials and grab a couple extra fun items while I am there.
My Top 10 Costco Essentials:
Paper Towels $25.89 (12 count)
Bath Tissue $18.28 (30 count)
Laundry Soap $34.99 (210 loads)
Trash Bags $15.89 (100 count)
Tooth Brushes $13.99 (8 count)
Tooth Paste $12.99 (4 pack)
Olive Oil $15.10 (2 liter)
Bananas $1.56 (3 lbs)
Paper Plates $11.64 (1000 count)
Wipes $29.99 (1120 count)
Some of these items are purely just needed – especially with the little ones in the house. Others, like olive oil are just smart choices based on cost. The amount of bananas you get for just $1.56 is pure craziness. There is a lot of other produce that is pretty inexpensive too but since there is so much of it you have to factor in if you will actually go through it all. Some items are easy to freeze too. Either way you look at it, it is nice to have a few things in the house that you don”t worry about running out of as often as others.
Other items that I typically purchase as well but are not exactly essentials are the roasted chicken, the artichoke chicken pasta, apple sauce pouches and other fruit. I really love to shop at Costco, actually. It is so big and full of new items every time I visit. The downside is going when the crowd is there. Seriously, trying to pick up a pie the day before Thanksgiving is probably the worst idea I have ever had. I try to go early in the morning and during the week. What are your Costco essentials? What else do you like to keep in bulk at your house?
We love shopping at Costco! They have great deals!
Yeah! The deals are even better when they have a coupon for the essential items.
We are thinking of getting a Costco membership, but I was wondering about the meat prices there? Are they much cheaper than elsewhere? I’ve heard good things about their organic ground beef! I’ve also used friends memberships to get pictures printed!
Yes! The ground beef is a pretty good deal also. When I do buy it there, I take it home and separate zip lock bags at about 1 pound each so that it is ready for easy dinner nights. You could also cook it all at once and then freeze it in separate containers. Photos are also a great deal including their holiday cards.
Thank you 🙂 🙂
The best time for us to go is weekday evenings, the store is usually empty. We also try to avoid going too often because it’s a $100 trip with just a few items. We do have some standard shopping list items like yogurt, string cheese, chicken, cheese, paper products and their rotisserie chicken!
Great tip Karen! I will have to try shopping in the evening sometime. We like to pick up some greek yogurt when it is on sale too.
Bananas! I never buy bananas at Costco, but that’s a great price.
I know! I was totally shocked the first time I saw the price too.
Our top 10 essentials are a bit different but we always have the same 10 items in our cart every 1-2 weeks. We’re definitely a Costco family.
Every 1-2 weeks! What are your essentials Danielle? I try to go only once per month or whenever I am running low.
Our weekly go-to’s are:
– organic beef or chicken (whatever we’re running low on)
– organic eggs
– organic milk
– Fage yogurt
– fruit (whatever we’re running low on)
– spinach
– microwavable bacon for the kids and husband (once every two weeks)/Turkey bacon for me (once a month)
– organic frozen veggies (whatever we’re low on)
Our monthly go-to’s are:
– laundry detergent
– dishwasher detergent
– various meats
– waffles
– organic corn chips
– maple syrup (the real stuff)
– toilet paper if we’re running low
– organic canned tomatoes
– organic tomato sauce
– organic marinara sauce
– organic pasta
– organic chicken broth
– various seasonings/whatever we need refills on
And of course the various other random stuff that finds it’s way into the cart. We enjoy having a full pantry and freezer “just in case” and have found that this helps when we have slimmer months with our food budget.
We don’t have Costco here, but we’re definitely buy in bulk people. We like to buy applesauce and mandarin oranges, produce, and disposable silverware.
Buying in bulk has saved us from making as many trips to the store too. Our warehouse is a little further than our regular grocery store.
I love buying in bulk, especially paper products. It really helps to stretch my budget.
I hear ya Angela!