7 Secret Holiday Budgeting Hacks Costco Shoppers Swear by That’ll Save You Money
Written by
Dawn Allcot
Edited by
Levi Leidy
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Whether you’re getting a jump-start on your holiday shopping or planning a party and need to feed a crowd, shopping at Costco can help you stretch your budget. GOBankingRates spoke to superfans and drew on our years of experience as Costco enthusiasts to share the top Costco budgeting hacks for the 2024 holiday season.
Buy Gift Cards at a Discount
Costco sells gift cards to popular restaurants, attractions, subscription services and more at steep discounts. Grab two $50 gift cards or four $25 gift cards for just $80 — a 20% savings. Some gift cards are also available in multipacks of $15 and $20 denominations, also at 20% off. Gift cards to places like Panera, Peet’s Coffee and Krispy Kreme make the perfect gifts for teachers, mail carriers and other service providers you want to thank during the holiday season. Discounted Roblox, Nintendo eShop and Xbox gift cards make great stocking stuffers for teens and tweens.
Stock Up on Wrapping Paper
Costco’s giant rolls of wrapping paper can last for many seasons, if stored properly. Take it from Costco employee Carol who previously told GOBankingRates, “Kirkland Signature wrapping paper is always a no-brainer for me.”
Mary Corcoran, a mom of two from Long Island, New York, agreed. “The wrapping paper is amazing quality, and will last you forever!” she said. “I always purchase ahead of time; it lasts me two Christmases. Plus, it’s double-sided.”
Find Discounted Lego Sets as Gifts
Around this time of year, Costco typically offers steep discounts on popular LEGO sets, including licensed character advent calendar kits. You’ll also find exclusive sets, like this Lego poinsettia bundled with a Christmas tree, at special member-only pricing.
Book Holiday Travel Through Costco
Whether you’re visiting family during the December holidays or booking a cruise to get away from it all, you can save when you book hotels, airfare or even all-inclusive resort stays and cruises through Costco. Plus, many vacation deals include added perks, like room upgrades or Costco gift cards as a rebate.
Grab a Rotisserie Chicken To Avoid Takeout on Busy Nights
The December holidays represent a hectic time for many families. Often, people alleviate some of the stress by picking up fast food for dinner or even ordering through DoorDash or UberEats. Instead, grab a rotisserie chicken during your Costco run. A $5 rotisserie chicken and an easy side salad can feed a family of four with leftovers. You’ll save money and eat better!
Pick up an extra chicken and turn it into chicken soup, chicken salad or chicken pot pie and you’ll no longer have to finish a long day of work or shopping and wonder, “What’s for dinner?”
Buy Prepared Foods To Streamline Family Get-Togethers
Costco doesn’t just have easy meals to feed your immediate family. If you’re planning a get-together, or need to bring a dish to your office potluck, spend a few minutes in Costco’s prepared foods section. Costco’s ravioli lasagna is a favorite, and costs just $20 for roughly 4 pounds of food, according to DealNews consumer analyst Julie Ramhold.
Other solid choices to feed a crowd include premade chicken alfredo, beef chili and Kirkland Signature mac and cheese.
Don’t Forget the Pie
Pumpkin pie and apple pie are holiday staples. You can stretch your holiday budget by purchasing a giant pie from Costco at less than the price you’ll pay from a local bakery. Laura Hamm, owner of A Better Choice Tax Service LLC, said the pies are “huge and to-die-for delicious!”
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