Costco and I have a love/hate relationship that I’m sure you guys can relate to.
Love.The.Stuff.
Hate.The.Bill.
Don’t get me wrong – the prices aren’t expensive. It’s the fact that everything is bulk that makes the final total so high.
My cart is always full. Even if there are only three things on my list and it’s only those three things in my cart – it’s still full.
My spare time could be spent browsing the isles (especially the ones I always avoid because of the time constraints with little ones… like the books, gadgets, blenders, etc.). There’s been more than one occasion where I have literally talked myself into putting things back onto the shelf. Today was the perfect example. I took one look at the box of Ghiradelli brownie mix and picked it up, ready to put it in my cart. The conversation went something like this:
Normal Tiffany: Oh look! They have Ghriadelli brownie mixes. Hmm… $9.99 seems like a lot. Wait a sec, they have six servings in each one?! Quick, where’s my calculator?
<finds calculator on phone>
Dang! Only $1.66 per bag? That’s MUCH better than the grocery store!
<puts bag into cart>
Frugal Tiffany: Stop it. Put it back. You know better.
<shakes finger>
You had plans to make brownies in a jar, remember? I know $1.66 is a good deal, but you already have everything at home to make them. And you’re not spending $1.66, you’re spending $9.99.
Normal Tiffany: *sigh* Fine, you’re right.
<puts the box back>
I kid.you.not. The kids were thoroughly confused and I’m sure this conversation earned a few head turns.
So if this is you too, take comfort in that you’re not alone in the battle.
Truth is, Costco really does have some excellent prices and I’d like to highlight some of these for anyone else who shops at Costco and wonders whether something is really a good deal or not.
The low down: Coscto sends out a coupon booklet each month to its members. There’s only one barcode, so once a coupon is scanned you get savings automatically on everything. In fact, most cashiers scan their own coupon barcode so you don’t have to bring the booklet with you (but bring it just in case). Some items have limits and these are is per transaction. Don’t try to argue if you buy more than the limit because you’ll lose.
So, with that said, here are the items from August’s booklet that I believe are noteworthy. I am not listing every single item in the booklet here. I am only listing what I personally would be buying. Costco runs deals on computers and televisions all the time, as well as hot tubs, but we don’t need any more computers, televisions or hot tubs, so I’m skipping that stuff. There are also deals on food that really aren’t good for you – traditional potato chips, sugary drinks and frozen, processed food. I’m not posting those either because not only are there better options, but you can make your own for a fraction of the cost and it’ll taste WAY better. (Remember the fast food ordeal?) The coupons (and deals) expire 9/9 and these deals come around every 2-4 months or so, so plan accordingly.
Annie’s Variety Pack (whole grain grahams & baked snack crackers), 36ct – reg price $10.99
- August coupon $2.75 = $8.24
Finish Powerball Tabs, 100ct AND/OR Finish Jet-Dry, 32oz – reg price 17.99
- August coupon $3.25 = $14.74
Brita Oceania Pitcher AND/OR Pitcher Filters, 10pk – reg price $41.99 for Filters (Pitcher is less)
- August coupon $8 = $33.99
Snapware Glasslock 20pc Set – $29.99 (if you’re interested in kicking the plastic)
- August coupon $6 = $23.99
L’il Critters Gummy Vites, 275ct – reg price $1.99
-August coupon $2 = $9.99
Huggies Boxed Diapers – $47.99**
- August coupon $6 = $41.99
Huggies Wipes – $34.99**
- August coupon $5 = $29.99
** In my pre-coupon days, we bought Kirkland brand (over brand-name) diapers and wipes and were impressed with the quality of both. I included Huggies in case you’re brand-specific.
Just a heads up, you may see some of these items in this week’s Counting Crumbs. Proof that I practice what I preach!!
What items do you prefer to buy at Coscto?
I buy meat and some produce at Costco–the six pack of Romaine lettuce is only $3.79, 10# Earth Bound Farm organic carrots $6.49. I also buy butter (cheaper than even Aldi, usually) and the uncooked Tortilla Land tortillas (so good!) $7.39 for 2 packs of 22. That might seem expensive, but there are only 5 ingredients compared to the amount of nasty stuff in the other brands. Yeast is another good buy. I also buy our K-Cups there.
I like that their meat prices are consistent, and I bought the romaine lettuce too – it’s organic! You reminded me on the yeast – we’re getting low!
Maybe you should change professions and do PR for Costco! Yes, they do have some great deals, many of which are very hard to resist. I do more Costco “runs” here in Oregon than I was previously doing in CA, ‘cuz there’s now 3 to buy for rather than 2.
Happy week to you and the rest of the Crumbs!
Ahhh! I don’t have a membership, but my sibling does. May have to slip in with them…
A must do! And splurge on lunch – get a hot dog and a coke for $1.50 !
I buy the organic milk 3pk if I don’t have coupons for the grocery store. Half and half is less at Costco. The big bottle of Pom juice is $8.99, which is crazy cheap compared to our cheapest grocery store. Organic sugar, quinoa, honey, and flour are all bargains. Coffee-not so much. I can almost always do better at the grocery store with a coupon. Although the k-cups are usually the best price at Costco. I love my Costco.
We buy quinoa, honey and flour there as well!