5 Little Luxuries To Skip at Sam’s Club This Holiday Season
Written by
Madeline Duley
Edited by
Rebekah Evans
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With the holiday season in full swing, Sam’s Club’s decked-out aisles of enticing deals on the season’s hottest items make it tempting to splurge on unnecessary purchases. However, with holiday expenses already running high, it’s wise to resist the temptation to break your budget and focus on your list instead of those dazzling displays–your wallet and financial peace of mind will thank you later.
One of the easiest ways to rein in costs is by skipping non-essential purchases. If you don’t need it, pause and let your budget recover from holiday expenses before any impulse buys. While Sam’s Club is a go-to destination for great deals, bulk buying often means paying bulk prices, and even small indulgences can quickly snowball into bigger financial regrets.
To stay on track this holiday season, here are a few luxury items to skip at Sam’s Club.
Deluxe Ghirardelli Chocolate Delights Gift Basket
- Price: $79.78
This deluxe Ghirardelli Chocolate delights gift basket may look like a chocolate lover’s dream, but its $80 price tag firmly places it in the luxury category. If you’re craving something sweet, opt for a budget-friendly bag of chocolate instead of letting this hefty price tag sneak into your cart.
“You’re paying for the presentation and convenience here, not necessarily for the quality,” said Gary Gray, CEO of CouponChief. “Instead, grab some Ghirardelli bars individually, maybe a mix of dark chocolate and caramel. You’ll save money and still have a delicious gift that feels more personal without the hefty price tag.”
Large Charcuterie Board Gift Set
- Price: $99.94
Attending upcoming holiday parties and need a hosting gift? If your budget is already stretched thin, the large charcuterie board gift set at Sam’s Club is one to walk right past. Sure, it comes with a sleek wooden cheese board and an array of gourmet foods, but you can easily make your own for a fraction of the price.
“I usually go to the local grocery store and pick out my favorite cheeses, meats and crackers,” Gray said. “Arrange them on a wooden board, make your own dipping sauces and you have an impressive platter that doesn’t burn a hole in your pocket.”
Golden State Fruit Chocolate, Caramel and Christmas Candy Gift Tower
- Price: $65.94
This four-tiered Golden State fruit chocolate, caramel and Christmas candy gift tower may look like a beautifully wrapped stack of presents, but what’s inside doesn’t live up to the hefty price tag.
“This gift tower costs around $65 and honestly, most of those chocolates and candies are mass-produced and pretty generic,” Gray said. “Skip this cookie-cutter option and just put together your own box filled with your favorite candies or baked goods. It’s thoughtful and shows you care more than just grabbing something off the shelf.”
La Mer Creme de la Mer Moisturizing Cream
- Price: $398.00
Unless $400 feels like pocket change, La Mer Creme de La Mer moisturizing cream is a luxury splurge best deferred until after the holidays. Save the younger, smoother skin for later, when your budget has had time to recover.
“While it has a cult following, it’s hard to justify spending $398 for just 100 milliliters of product,” Gray said. “There are many other effective moisturizers out there. I’d go with brands like CeraVe or Neutrogena that hydrate without costing an arm and a leg.”
Member’s Mark Gourmet Brownie Platter
- Price: $21.98
Luxury doesn’t always mean $400 face creams. Sometimes, it’s the convenience of grabbing a pre-made dessert like the Member’s Mark gourmet brownie platter from Sam’s Club. While it might seem like a sweet solution for a holiday gathering, if you can spare the time to whip up some brownies at home, you can save significantly.
“It’s priced around $20 and while it might seem like a sweet deal, it’s essentially just sugar in fancy packaging,” Gray said. “You’re better off whipping up some homemade fudge or brownies with basic ingredients that you probably already have at home.”
Editor’s note: Pricing and availability may vary depending on location.
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