Costco is known for its great deals on everything from delicious foods to household essentials, which is why it remains a favorite among savvy shoppers.
While the cost of living is sadly increasing by the day, getting a good deal on everyday items such as laundry detergent and batteries, to name just two, is becoming more important than ever. We like to save the pennies on the everyday essentials so we can spend our hard-earned money on much more luxurious things. Vacation in Barbados, anyone?
Keep reading to discover some of the household products we recommend stocking up on at Costco, and a few which loyal shoppers have warned us to stay away from due to their poor quality and disappointing durability.
1. Should: Kirkland Baby Wipes
While many Kirkland items don't get Costco fans' approval because the low price also means low quality, the same can't be said for the Kirkland Signature Baby Wipes.
Kirkland Signature Baby Wipes are a great choice for anyone looking for affordable and high-quality baby essentials. There are 900 wipes per pack (you'll be amazed how quickly you go through them, though!) with every wipe being gentle enough for delicate skin while being durable enough to clean up the mess.
2. Should: Duracell Batteries
There's nothing quite as frustrating as searching around the house for a fresh pair of batteries once the batteries in our TV remote run out – or worse still having to run to the nearest store as there are no reserves – so it's always good to have a supply on hand.
We all know that batteries are not the cheapest around, and we don't want to waste money by going for a cheaper brand (more on this later!) so saving yourself some money by buying a good brand such as Duracell at Costco is a good way to go. Although you'll typically find Duracell batteries for around 60 cents each, Costco shoppers can pick them up for about 45 cents each, which is why we will regularly add them to our carts when we go in.
3. Should: Ziploc Variety Pack
Ziploc bags are one of those household items we always recommend having in the kitchen, as they will come in handy for so many things. And you don't realize how much you need them until you're without them!
They're great for everything from packing your sandwiches, freezing your leftovers, and even getting your airport liquids together before a flight. We like to ensure a steady supply by purchasing a Variety Pack from Costco long before the previous pack runs out.
4. Should: Tide With Downy Liquid Detergent
Laundry detergent is another household essential we can never do without, because we all have to do laundry: whether we like it or not!
There are a lot of options out there, but Tide is a great, reliable option that will keep your clothes smelling fresh; especially when Downy is added in there. Luckily, you can also save a few bucks when you shop at Costco. While a jug at Target costs around $23, Costco carries this brand for $20. Every cent helps!
5. Should: Charmin Ultra Soft Toilet Paper
Known for its plush comfort and long-lasting rolls, Charmin Ultra Soft ensures a premium bathroom experience; and it's one of our favorite brands for a reason.
We know that not all toilet paper is created equal, and if we can get Charmin Ultra Soft a few cents cheaper at Costco, we will take it!
6. Should: Twin XL Bedding
It's never too early to start shopping for Christmas, or even shopping for a soon-to-be high school graduate on their way to college.
Daniela's Twin XL bedding set at Costco offers the perfect blend of comfort and practicality, with the set including everything from a comforter, sham, flat sheet, fitted sheet, and pillowcase. The Daniela bedding combines high quality with softness and durability, and comes in four versatile color combos: Light Blue, Light Gray, Light Green, and Light Pink.
7. Should: Dolly Parton Cast Iron Skillet
We love buying kitchen essentials from Costco due to the affordable price and high quality – and the Dolly Parton-themed Cast Iron Skillet with a butterfly-winged guitar design is no exception.
Even if you don't go for the Dolly Parton design (but we totally think you should!) Costco is still a great place to buy pots and pans. We like cooking with a cast iron skillet due to its excellent heat retention and even heat distribution, allowing for consistent cooking results every time. Additionally, cast iron skillets are extremely versatile as they can be used on the stovetop, oven, and even on the outdoor grill, making them ideal for a wide range of recipes.
8. Should: Cosmetic Organizers
Never lose your makeup and skincare again, as Costco's set of three plastic cosmetic organizers is here to save the day! The set is going to be a household essential. And includes a carousel organizer with modular inserts, making it perfect for neatly arranging cosmetics for easy access.
Additionally, two small drawers provide extra storage space for smaller items like lip products or eye shadow kits. We love how they're clear, which means it's easier than ever to see what you have and find what you're looking for with ease. Plus, these look so much more expensive than they actually are, and will add the perfect touch of elegance to your vanity or bathroom counter.
9. Should: Apotheke Candles
The Apotheke candle undoubtedly brings sophistication and ambiance to any space, and we seldom leave Costco without picking a candle up!
Known for its exquisite scents and sleek design, the Apotheke candle combines premium fragrance with a clean-burning soy wax blend, ensuring a long-lasting and aromatic experience.
10. Should: Collagen Peptides + Probiotics
For those looking to boost their gut health, Orgain Collagen Peptides + Probiotics is a must-have – and we love how we can pick this up at Costco!
This powerful supplement combines collagen peptides with probiotics to support digestive wellness and promote a healthy gut microbiome. It enhances gut health and also contributes to overall vitality and well-being.
11. Should: Knot Pillows
The Dream On knot pillows are one of our favorite new additions to Costco's home decor offerings – so much so, we wouldn't buy decorative pillows anywhere else!
Available in vibrant shades of green, ivory, navy, and pink, these pillows blend modern design with cozy comfort. Crafted to enhance any living space with their distinctive knot shape, they bring a touch of style and texture to sofas, beds, or lounge chairs.
1. Should Not: Kirkland Toilet Paper
First up on our list of things to never buy at Costco is the Kirkland-branded toilet paper. While it may be tempting to buy this product in bulk, Costco shoppers have taken to Reddit to suggest that you look for another brand, even if it comes at a slightly higher cost.
"The amount of lint these rolls shed makes my bathroom look like a ski resort," one person wrote on Reddit, as another referenced how it isn't good for the plumbing, either. "My pipe was clogged and the plumber literally asked me if I used Kirkland TP. It is a known issue for plumbers," they said. Yikes!
2. Should Not: Kirkland Dishwasher Pods
You also may be tempted to buy dishwasher pods in bulk if you see them at a lower cost, but Costco superfans warn us to not fall into that trap.
Many people took to Reddit to say that the Kirkland dishwasher pods left "a white residue" on their dishes, with one person saying: "I've had so many bad experiences with the Kirland dishwasher pods that I'm not taking any more chances." "Same. I end up with white residue all over things," concurred a second, as a third added: "This happened to us too. Our glasses all get a white residue.
3. Should Not: Kirkland Batteries
Batteries may be cheaper at Costco, but you sadly get what you pay for. Or in this case, don't pay for.
"Kirkland batteries are awful," one person wrote on Reddit, adding: "They leak like it is their job. I've had them leak, unused, in original packings inside of 18 months." Omg!
"Agreed. They are awful. Battery acid in all my remotes and kids' toys. Not worth it!" exclaimed a second, as a third went on to slam the longevity of the batteries, writing: "I can confirm that they don't last long. Had to buy Duracells because my toothbrush only lasted a week. Then my toothbrush lasted over a month with the new batteries.
4. Should Not: Kirkland Sheets
While some bedding is great to buy at Costco (see above) the Kirkland sheets should be avoided at all costs – even if these are your back up set of sheets or just the sheets you use for guests.
"The Kirkland sheets suck. Mine got holes in them after 3 washes," one shopper wrote on Reddit. "Yep. Only sheets in my life that I have punched a hole through with my foot while sleeping," replied another.
