7 Best Back-To-School Items To Buy at Costco Before They Sell Out

We wouldn’t advise putting off a Costco back-to-school shopping run for much longer. Some of the top school essentials are beginning to sell out at the warehouse club while others are on sale to save shoppers money — but these sales last only for a limited time.

What’s worth buying while it’s still in stock? See our seven recommendations to shop at Costco, from apparel to the top name brands in school accessories.

• Price: $34.99

Available in four colors, these backpacks are ideal for high school and college students alike. Each has the capacity to hold a 15″ laptop for classes, two water bottle pockets to stay hydrated on the go, and plenty of zippered pockets to store small essentials like pens, pencils, smartphones and more.

• Price: $14.99

Attending a school with a dress code this semester? Stock up on fitted polo tops with a two-pack from the French Toast brand and spend just $7.50 per shirt. 

These polos are available online only in youth sizes XS through XXL and come in light blue, blue, white and red colors.

• Price: $9.97

You might have a tough time picking which of these Gap Kids’ dresses you’ll wear on your first day of school. Each set includes two dresses in a variety of patterns and in sizes 2T up to 6. Best of all, you’re spending just $4.99 per dress.

• Price: $39.99

Save $10 off now through Aug. 31 when you shop online for the Bentgo kids’ back-to-lunch set. 

These sets include a leakproof, insulated lunch box, a leakproof water bottle and ultra-thin ice packs designed to stay cold for up to four hours. Choose from fairy, rocket, shark and unicorn designs.

• Price: $15.99

Enjoy smoothness and quick drying speed as you write or sketch with Uniball 207 Plus+ retractable gel pens. Each 14-count pack includes 10 black gel pens and four blue gel pens. 

“I like these pens. The ink is smooth, consistent and vibrant. You don’t get the icky ink blobs that you get from ballpoint ink. You can use lighter pressure than a ballpoint. Great price!” wrote Drummer in a five-star review.

• Price: $11.39

Cross scissors off the supply list after investing in 3M Scotch precision ultra edge scissors. This three-pack of scissors is ideal for use in art class and with crafts and fabric. You’re spending just about $3.80 per pair, making the trio a fantastic value for the money.

• Price: $14.39

Admittedly, we aren’t sure Costco will run out of Yoo-Hoo chocolate drinks, but it’s better to shop now instead of later for these lunchtime favorites. Each family pack includes 40 chocolate milk boxes, which is eight more boxes than the previous 32-packs allotted for. Store ’em in the fridge and pantry to make packing up school lunches a breeze. 

Editor’s note: Prices and availability are accurate as of Aug. 14, 2025, and are subject to change.