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[…] y want an upholstered bed but I made a whole bunch of new purchases and upgrades […]
We all know my love for all things Costco. When most people think about Costco, they think about buying toilet paper and paper towels in bulk. However, that is seriously just a fraction of what my favorite Costco buys are all about. I rank the powerhouses of the world, Amazon as number one and Costco as number two. Even though sometimes with Costco’s customer service, they can edge out Amazon on days. Here are a few of my favorite Costco buys, most of them you probably had no clues about but I’m going to introduce you to my favorite underground buys.
Want to know my other favorite thing about Costco? Their return policies. If you bought it there and they can find it on your account. You are golden. They took my Keurig back, out of the box when I upgraded to the Nespresso, without even a peep. They gave me the full amount back to my American Express. Thank you very much. This post is in in no way sponsored, even though hello Costco can you hear me? I’d love to be a spokesperson! 
Top 10 Favorite Costco Buys
My Camera
Mark bought me the Canon Rebel T4i three Christmases ago. It came with two lens, a bag, cleaning kit and a ton of other add ons. Naturally, I did my research and they always have their cameras priced lower and with the best bundles. Plus, they stand behind their products. Any problems, you know how to return. I have upgraded my lens after using the camera for over three years. A lot of you have been asking what I’ve been shooting with lately. I used to shoot with this one but you have to be so far away to get the full shot. It is great for blurring (or bokeh) if you are taking an up close shot of an item and need to haze out the background. I added this wide angle lens and that is pretty much what I leave on now for all fashion shots.
Our Mattress
Always check out their mattress sales in the back. We got ours on major discount. The only point I will make is that we had to transport it home. At the time we didn’t have a truck. I am kicking myself for deleting the picture of it string tied around my roof…….so there is that. However, my Aunt and sister both ordered their mattresses online. They delivered the mattresses and carted away the old ones. Also, if you sleep on it and then hate it. No worries they will pick it up and refund you no problem. Our new mattress is a dream. This morning I had the most perfect ratio of cold room temperature to heavy warm comforter weight….you know what I’m talking about. It was almost impossible to get out of bed!
Furniture
While we are on that train, have you seen their furniture? It’s amazing. My Aunt fully furnished her new Florida home and purchased her couches, mattresses, beds and tables by Costco. They arrived with white glove delivery. What the entails, they bring all the furniture in and place it where you want it to go. They unwrap and assemble everything. As opposed to a lot of furniture companies that will curbside deliver and it’s up to you to assemble and place where you want. Costco then called afterwards to check to see if she was happy. There were a few rub marks on the couch from most likely the packaging. Costco offered to either take a discount credit off the purchase or send someone out to clean the scuff marks. The next day someone was out there touching them up. They would have exchanged them but the scuffs were minor. When we upgrade to a King, I will be purchasing this.
My Hunter Boots/Clothing
I know this is no secret now but I got my Hunter boots in the store two seasons ago. I mean look at that price point, they are selling for $150 on Nordstrom currently. So basically these are half off, major win. I’ve gotten Glamglow masks for the $40 range and they sell at Sephora for $69. I got an Andrew Marc leather coat there for $59 on clearance. Seriously, you never know what you are going to stumble on.
Ink Refills
Did you know you can get your printer ink refilled there? When you put it back in the printer it will give you a hate message about not being genuine HP ink but you know what? A 10 dollar refill is much better than a new 50 dollar cartridge. I thank Mark for that little gem. That was total news to me.
House Updates
We are not into a house yet but my sister and Aunt (can you tell a family theme here?) My sister had her garage doors installed by Costco and my Aunt recently redid all the blinds/shades in her home. All amazing prices and the best customer service. Speaking of things for the house. My two favorite recent purchases, these hangers will give you one third of your closet space back. This shoe rack is sturdy and wide enough for mens shoes.
The Bakery
Do you need a cake for your next party? Well, volunteer to bring one if you have a Costco membership. The last time we went to our friends 30th bday, we brought the cake to feed the entire party. It not only fed the party but the staff at the restaurant. The cake was less than $20 and they even customized it for no additional charge. Plus, Costco cakes seriously taste the best right? I mean have you had the cupcakes before?
The Liquor Store + Wines
Have you ever tasted the Kirkland brand liquors? They are pretty much identical to the high end brands at a major discounted price. They also come out with a scotch for the holidays that is teamed with an extremely expensive brand that usually sells for a couple hundred a bottle but the Kirkland price is around $60-70, I buy that for my parents and inlaws every year. Plus, make sure to keep an eye on the wine sales. This bottle of champagne tastes just like Veuve but half the price. It was just on sale for $5 off, you know we stocked up.
Restaurant Gift Cards
When we know we are going out to dinner, we make sure to swing by Costco and pick up the giftcards. For example, they have at least 20 restaurants to choose from including one of our favorites which is Flemings steakhouse. You get $100 worth of giftcards and pay $79.99 for them, that’s an automatic 20% off. For the holidays, we picked up a bunch of these and distributed them out to our staff and friends. They also have iTunes giftcards for discounts as well.
My Number One Favorite Costco Purchase to Date
Drumroll please……
Our honeymoon trip to Greece
Yes. You read that right. I seriously will write an entire blog post for any of you that are interested in our experience with Costco Travel for our honeymoon. My husband hasn’t travelled outside of the country for at least 10 years. Getting him to agree to Europe was a HUGE stretch for our honeymoon. Once I showed him how detailed and precise the Greece itinerary was from Costco, that is the only reason why he said yes. I am not kidding, the trip was FLAWLESS. Not one single mistake was made. Let me give you a quick rundown.
We flew from Tampa to New York, had a layover and then flew New York to Athens. Delta was the airlines which I adore them. The economy plus was well worth the extra upgrade. We landed in a foreign country, walked out and once we cleared customs and hit the baggage claim, there was a guy holding a large Costco sign with our names on it. He gave us a welcome packet and everything we needed to get ahold of him if we had any problems in Athens. He spoke perfect English. He then handed us off to our local taxi driver who also spoke perfect English. We walked out and in his cab was an official Costco logo in the dash. He drove us to our hotel. Which if you remember from this post, was insanely luxurious. Cab included. With each stay we had Costco membership perks, the first hotel it was high tea and welcome drinks. Full Athens review here.
Then, we had a taxi driver waiting for us the next morning at 6am to take us to the ferry. He was there at 5:55 and drove us to the ferry. Included. The ferry tickets were already purchased and in our welcome packet from the airport. Once we arrived to Santorini, there was our Costco representative waiting with the sign and transportation. This time was a Mercedes sprinter. They dropped us at our amazing hotel, remember my full Santorini review from here.
When we left, once again, hotel pickup to the ferry. We arrived to Mykonos, pickup there. Then transportation to and from the hotels. Cavo Tagoo is the most luxurious hotel I’ve ever stayed in full review here. Then from the ferry back to the airport, included.
So let me say this. Traveling to a foreign country can be so daunting/intimidating. How are you going to arrange your transportation, taxis, travel within the country? Are you going to be scammed or taken advantage of? I can honestly say that traveling with Costco was the best experience I’ve ever had with traveling and I travel all the time. I have been out of the country a lot. Every transport, taken care of. We never had to wait. I never felt like I was being taken advantage of or that the language barrier was preventing me from getting the best deals. We are going back to Europe in September and you better believe who we are booking it with. Also, we aren’t big cruise people but the deals that Costco has for cruises are unreal. The onboard credits and credit spending credit back to the store are unrivaled.
[bctt tweet=”10 best Costco buys that you probably were never even aware of!”]
Bonus Pointer….Rental Cars + Tires
Did you know that you can also rent cars through Costco and the majority of the times they are the lowest for the best car? Also, the tire center is the best! Free rotations, balancing, checks & flats repair, as well as road hazard warranty. I had a nail in my tire and I have run flats. Nobody would patch it for me. I brought it my local Costco and they totally took care of me. He took the nail out and even though he thought it wouldn’t hold, he patched the hole (in a run flat oh the horror) and knock on wood it has been running strong with no problems. You can look up your make/model online and have your tires ready for you. Just make sure to get there first thing in the morning if you try to go on the weekend.
So there are my favorite Costco buys. Honorable mention also goes to the gas. It is always the cheapest in the area and one of the best for low additives. Were you aware of most of them? Did you know about their travel? If you have any questions, I would be happy to give you more reviews or the packages that we actually used. I hope you learned something new about my favorite store today! If you did, I’d love if you would pin this post or tweet about it! Thanks loves!
I buy food and bulk products at Costco, guess I need to UP my game.
Especially with the Greece trip. I’ve mentioned we’re planning ours, so I’m excited for the POST! <3
I wish we had the space to really take all of costco’s benefits, but the mattress is my favorite tidbit!! I’ll have to use my dad’s card to get one – because we are in dire need of one lol!! xo, Biana –BlovedBoston
All great things Costco offers…which is why you go in for a couple things and end up leaving and spending 10K hahah jk…kinda.
I bought the tires for my car there and it was cheaper than other places. We have a Costco trip planned for this weekend–another thing they offer is dog prescriptions at their pharmacy…and much cheaper than other pharmacies!
I’m a major fan of Costco too! They seriously have it all. I get all of our no slip hangers there and also got my tires there! Did you know they even have healthcare?? My aunt filled me in on that!
I have actually never stepped foot in a Costco before. I always hear they have great deals but there isn’t one near me so I just never bother! I might have to look into their cameras though, I’ve been wanting a new one! <3, Pamela Sequins & Sea Breezes
I love taking a few hours to browse my Costco- you can find some serious killer deals on unexpected items (like your Hunter score!) there, for sure.
The Grecian honeymoon takes the cake, lady! So happy it was a seamless experience!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
Shut up! Your honeymoon?! Girrrrl. Okay, we just bought a membership and last week while on staycation, both had new tires put on (true adulting on staycation). Jason hates those tire shops that always tell you, you supposedly need fifteen other things when you don’t. I always make him take care of a task like this, lol. He asked on Reddit of all places and lots of people came back raving about Costco tires. I’ll have to check out all the other perks, since we’re new members. Awesome post!
This post is great! I have been debating joining a Costco and now I think I’m sold. I am huge on checking out the latest and greatest travel packages on sites such as Monograms, so I am totally going to check out this Costco Travel!!
Christina :: Simple and Delish
well now you’re making me re-think renewing my costco card next year. haha. i really do get some great stuff there. and those big ticket things like home stuff and travel are so worth it! and their return policy is beyond. :)
xoxo cheshire kat
I love Costco SO much and all of this is why! I need to start shopping Costco online more and I cannot believe how well they did your honeymoon, that is so amazing! I heard that the Kirkland vodka is supposedly made at the same place as Grey Goose, which is why it’s so good. I’m off to browse cruises now….
I am obsessed with Costco!!! Loved reading this post because a lot of it isn’t what I typically buy or look at. I did spy the Hunter boots there and can’t believe I haven’t gotten them yet.
Ok. I’m convinced! We have a Costco pretty close to us and we’re in desperate need of a new mattress. And I’m so jealous of your Hunters find! Now to convince the husband we need a membership… :)
Another positive about Costco, if you join, buy your mattress and then for some reason decide that you will not enjoy your membership you may cancel with a full refund of membership fees. That might be a negotiation tactic with the DH, just saying’
I always forget about the ink refills!!!
I love their flowers. Such HUGE bouquets for so cheap
I love this post and Costco! I actually was pretty familiar with all of this, but I need to pay closer attention to the furniture. My brother in law and his wife swear by the travel services!
good to know about costco travel! i have looked at them before but never booked anything because i could find it cheaper or i didn’t like the itinerary, but i always check just in case :) they have cruises too and they are super affordable compared to most travel agents and such. my hunter boots are by far the best thing i have ever bought there haha. and i LOVE that you can buy stuff online in case your store doesn’t have it. so fantastic.
Wow I had no clue about the Costco Travel planning site but that sounds like the way to go. Also didn’t know about the discounted gift cards…I’ve been missing out on that big time. 20% is a nice discount for a fancy dinner.
I love that bed. I really want an upholstered bed but I made a whole bunch of new purchases and upgrades so that has to be on the backburner for a bit. The trip to Greece looks amazing! This gem is something I recently began to recognize and never knew of before.
I use Costco Travel for rental cars all the time – seriously some of the best prices out there! And I just recently used their tire service and loved them, I plan to keep going there in the future. It’s nice to have a whole store to shop in while you wait for your tires. ;)
I honestly had no idea you could get so many cool things from Costco! that camera? those boots?! heck yes!!
My cousin was just telling me that when she visited the original Costco in Kirkland they had a Glenfiddich/Kirkland collab – crazy! I’m not sure if we have all of these in Canadian stores but you bet I’m going to find out about the travel stuff for sure!
Awesome! Didn’t know about vacations. We bought an automatic sunshade for a big window at work from them and it is the best – really cools things off & runs on remote. And cost less than buying direct from manufacturer
No Joke, I’ve also loved getting my moisturizer, toothpaste, cleaning supplies and even a hair dryer from Costco! We go close to once a week for something meek like bananas, and come out with so much more that we will always use and never run out of.
About the ink refills; the Costco in Sarasota, Fl does NOT offer this service anymore. I do not know why, however I took a cartridge in for a refill within the last 2 weeks and was seriously disappointed that they they no longer offer any ink refills.
I think we’ve purchased everything on your list from Costco except travel, but we have looked into it multiple times. There are so many amazing things there. And we always get our ink refilled there b/c it’s way cheaper than getting new cartridges.
I seriously did not know that they do travel???? I had a membership when I lived in Atlanta but the closet one to me now is 45 minutes away in the most annoying part of town so I don’t go anymore but I sure do miss it!!!!
Their bakery and wine selection is on point! Their pizza is pretty good too! I never thought to get a camera there, and have been loving the deals everyone’s been scoring on their Hunter Boots <3
Green Fashionista
Loved this! I am a Costco shopper as well! I’ve used the rental car but never the travel option – what a great idea! I also love the fresh meats and produce . . . and they have quite a few organic options too! You make me want to go to Greece!! :-)
I love Costco! I have my eye on a camera there and can’t pull the trigger. I did not know the travel part and will totally take advantage now, sounds amazing! My favorite thing is the big clamshell of Organic Spinach for only $3.99. My friend had a friend in town this past weekend and he remarked on how much Costco is peppered into our conversations and guessed that it was new here (Which it kind of is) He was like I grew up on Costco, it’s not that big of a deal. Turns out he is from KIRKLAND, Washington, home of Costco.
Yes yes yes!! We LOVE Costco and also used it to book our Hawaiian honeymoon! It was our best decision ever – the package saved us a couple thousand dollars and when we were stuck in LA on our way there due to a tropical storm, Costco handled everything and refunded us even though we didn’t pay for trip insurance. I can’t say enough good things about them!!
I had no idea that they had such great travel options! I’ll have to look into that for our next big trip. And I totally agree with you about the restaurant gift cards! They have great restaurant gift cards that pretty deeply discounted! Plus with their return policy, everything you buy there is a total win!
I knew about tires being a great deal at Costco, but I had no idea about some of the other items. I really need to get back into Costco and renew my membership!
xo, Whitney and Blaire
Peaches In A Pod
Okay, now I feel like I need to get a membership, especially when it comes time for us to buy a house! Those Hunter boots are a steal, seriously! And I’ve heard about Costco travel, definitely going to have to check it out and get a membership!
I hate that I can’t buy alcohol at the Costco in Pennsylvania. You are right on with the Costco bakery – the cakes are a bargain and beyond delicious!
I had no idea Costco did travel! I only have BJ’s and Sam’s near me, but I’ve been considering getting a membership for all of the deals. I’m curious how much I’d be saving a year vs. what the cost of the membership is. It sounds like you’ve been able to snag some pretty awesome deals though!
Wow I heard Costco is amazing but I cant believe you did you whole honeymoon with them how awesome!! I need to look into their travel!
<3 Shannon
Upbeat Soles
Confession… I’ve never been to a Costco!! The closest one is like 35 minutes away in the ‘burbs so I would never venture out there. We did just get a BJ’s uptown though! But I can’t believe you got your Greece trip through them.. that’s awesome!! Ryan & I are planning to go on our 1 year anniversary trip to Europe and the thought of all travel/pick-ups being taken care of would be amazing. Thanks for sharing :)
xo, Kristina
Medicine & Manicures
Costco is the best! I have booked hotels and airfare through them but never a whole vacation. What a great idea!
Ha… I am a Costco junkie. I even have them in my post today. Just walked in on Tuesday and ordered a new mac daddy phone for half price with a $350 Costco Gift Card as a rebate that they were offering that day. The $768 phone was basically free. LOVE. COSTCO.
My mom just gifted us a membership to Costco and I’m loving the cheap gas! Thanks for posting these tips!
Newyeartrueme.wordpress.com
Gosh! I want a Costco next to my house, STAT!!!! I’ve never been to one. The closest one is over 2 hours away. And now I’m depressed about that. Between the furniture, the liquor, and the cupcakes… You’ve got me sold! Oh, and the hunter boots! If I had won the powerball, I would open a store near me. Lol. Oh and amen to the slim hangers! That’s what I asked for for Christmas and they are amazing!
I’m totally sold until I remember there’s a CostCo nowhere near us!! I do love that bed you posted though!! Gorgeous!! I love the travel services you had too… What a relief to not have to worry about any of those details!!
As a mom of three now, I’m getting to the point where buying in bulk will be a lifesaver. My Costco is a bit out of the way for me, but we do have a Sam’s Club nearby. I would just have to make sure I utilize the membership if I go through with it. :)
This post makes me wish we had a Costco closer! I didn’t know they had furniture and mattresses! And I’m still amazed about your honeymoon!