Here are the most unexpected Costco finds!
Costco is one of the most popular and beloved warehouse clubs we have in the United States, a true retail phenomenon. There are 591 stores everywhere in the county, and people love this place because of the good prices, the thrill of the hunt, and the amazing offers you simply can’t find anywhere else. The experience itself, from the giant shopping carts to the legendary $1.50 hot dog combo, has become a cultural touchstone. But beyond the towering stacks of paper towels and family-sized snack boxes, there are some truly unexpected Costco finds you should definitely know about!
If you are a member, you will get many discounts on a large variety of things, which is the primary draw for its millions of cardholders. The annual fee quickly pays for itself for most families. From gas and groceries to high-end apparel and cutting-edge electronics, you can find almost anything at Costco. The aisles are a treasure trove of discovery. If we were to compare the quality of the items you bought from here to the quality offered by private brands, we can easily say that Costco’s private brand, Kirkland Signature, can exceed the quality many times over. In fact, many Kirkland products are manufactured by the same top-tier companies that sell their own branded versions for a much higher price.
There are some signature Cotco items that anyone knows about, like the rotisserie chicken or the giant sheet cakes, but today we want to dive deep and discover the most unexpected Cotco finds. These are the items that make you do a double-take and ask, “They sell *that* here?” Prepare to be amazed. Read on and find out all about them!
1. Jewelry
Costco sells more than just giant cereal boxes that you can find in bulk for amazing prices. It also sells fine jewelry, and we’re not just talking about simple silver chains. Tucked away in locked glass cases, you can discover an impressive collection. Diamond rings, elegant bracelets, premium watches, and stunning necklaces, and so on. You can find them all at Costo in their “keepsakes” collection, a fitting name for items destined to become family treasures.
What is amazing about all of this is that not only do they have jewelry, but they have everyone’s back when it comes to budget and taste. You can find simple and accessible jewelry perfect for a thoughtful gift, but you can also find extravagant and glamorous ones, including engagement rings with GIA-certified diamonds that can cost tens of thousands of dollars. The key benefit of buying jewelry here is the incredible value; the markups are significantly lower than what you would find at a traditional jewelry store. This jewelry section has a bit of everything, and this makes it one of the most unexpected Costco finds.
No matter the special event, you can find something here that will dazzle and delight. Maybe you want to surprise a loved one for an anniversary or a milestone birthday; if you just want a little self-indulgence to celebrate a personal achievement, you can get whatever you want from Costco. They make luxury attainable. Don’t hesitate to add some extra shine to your day on your next warehouse run!
2. Saunas
This is, for sure, one of the most unexpected Costco finds on our entire list. Saunas? Yes, you read that correctly. Who would expect to find full-sized, high-quality saunas nestled somewhere between the office furniture and the seasonal patio sets? Also, can you buy them in bulk? We’re kidding, of course, but the surprise is very real!
Jokes aside, if you are renovating your home or want to add a personal relaxing oasis to your garden or master bathroom and you think that a sauna is what you need, you can buy one from Costco. It’s a game-changer for home wellness. What is even more interesting is that they have a pretty wide collection from which you can choose based on specific criteria, such as dimensions, style, wood type (like hemlock or cedar), and heating technology, including modern infrared and traditional steam models.
If you are wondering if the prices are accessible, the answer is yes, they are, especially when you consider the quality and features offered. They bring a luxury item into a more approachable price range for their members. Now, the luxury of a personal sauna is not that far away from us because Costco can make our dreams come true with its incredible offerings, often including delivery right to your curb. Imagine ending a long day with a session in your very own spa.
Saunas are not something people casually buy on a whim, but the fact that you can find them at Costco makes them available to a wider audience and helps you build your dream spa at home without the hassle of dealing with specialty retailers. It’s the ultimate home upgrade you never knew you could get from a warehouse club.
3. Gift cards
These are some unexpected Costco finds for the uninitiated, but they are more popular than other entries we have on this list once you discover them. Most people know about the standard Costco gift cards (called Shop Cards), but not many of them take advantage of the discounted gift cards for other businesses. This is where the real savings magic happens, often found on a dedicated rack or near the checkout aisles.
If you are truly interested in that frugal way of living, you might want to know about how you can use these gift cards to save money consistently. Since they can be bought in bulk and are always discounted, you will pay less for more value at places you already frequent. It’s like getting a guaranteed 20-25% off before you even walk in the door of another establishment.
For example, you can often buy a pack of four $25 gift cards to a popular restaurant for just $79.99, or purchase $200 worth of gift cards for an airline or spa for just $150. You can use them for various services or to buy other things. Movie theaters, spas, dozens of local and national restaurants, video games, and even ski lift tickets are all available, and you can pay for them with these pre-purchased, discounted gift cards.
Also, don’t forget that gift card purchases are also valid for the annual 2% reward for executive members. That means that at the end of the year, you will get back 2% of the money you spent at Costco, including on these discounted cards, up to a maximum of $1000. It’s a fantastic way to stack your savings and maximize your membership benefits.
4. Home improvement items
If you feel like it’s finally time to start that long-awaited DIY home improvement project, you should know that Costco is here for you. Maybe you were thinking about going straight to Home Depot or Lowe’s, but why would you do that when there is a high chance to find what you need at more affordable prices at Costco? Their selection is more curated, but the value is often unbeatable.
One of the unexpected Costco finds is, for sure, their large variety of home renovation items. You can find anything from high-end lighting fixtures and ceiling fans to durable laminate flooring and even kitchen cabinetry. What is even better is that you can also buy the tools and the equipment required for your renovation. They have everything from small-scale repair toolkits and powerful drills to large-scale renovation tools like pressure washers and generators.
As you can see, Costco can be the perfect spot for anyone, no matter if you are a true handyman with years of experience or just someone who is an amateur DIY enthusiast looking to tackle a weekend project. The store also features seasonal items like garage storage systems in the spring and powerful snow blowers in the winter. Next time you want to repair something at home, don’t forget to stop at Costco. You might be surprised by what you can find.
If you need a carpet for your newly renovated home, you can also find one at Costco, and that’s not all. They work with local providers and can help you save money when you need various home improvement items and services, such as carpets, custom window treatments, or even HVAC system installations. Costco essentially acts as a trusted project manager, connecting you with vetted local professionals while offering exclusive member pricing.
5. Automobiles
Ok, this is for sure one of the most unexpected Costco finds of them all, and it often leaves people speechless. Yes, you can go to Coscto one day, and you can leave with a new car. Well, not quite literally from the parking lot, but through their dedicated service. This is possible, and people actually buy thousands of cars from here every year.
You also have the chance to choose from more options than you might think. They have an auto program where you can buy new cars and even certified pre-owned vehicles. The program is pretty popular, and it is called the “Costco Auto Program.” It’s designed to take the stress and haggle out of car buying by providing a pre-negotiated, transparent price for members at participating dealerships.
Now, you need to know that Costco is not the direct seller, but this program makes it easier for you to look at the cars online and decide what to buy. You select your vehicle, and the program connects you with a local dealership and an authorized dealer contact who will honor the pre-arranged Costco price. No haggling necessary. Also, since you are a member, you will gain access to all the specials and discounts, which can include manufacturer rebates and other limited-time offers.
If you are not looking to buy a car right now but still need one for a trip, check out Costco Travel. This is a platform that is only available to members, and from here you can rent a car at exceptionally low rates. Moreover, a key perk is that the fee for an additional driver is often waived, which can save you a significant amount. You can also get amazing deals on hotel stays, complete vacation packages, cruises, and more.
6. Musical instruments
Believe it or not, you can buy a wide range of musical instruments from Costco. Yes, we know that this is one of the most unexpected Costco finds, but you would be even more surprised to hear that they have a rather large variety of instruments, especially on their website, Costco.com. This isn’t just a toy keyboard; we’re talking about legitimate instruments for budding musicians.
They sell ukuleles, acoustic guitar bundles, full electronic drum sets, digital pianos from reputable brands like Yamaha or Casio, saxophones, and even fun-for-the-whole-family karaoke machines. You might say that you don’t want to buy a new guitar from Costco because you are looking for something of high quality. But hear us out: the instruments that they sell are of good quality, often aimed at beginners and intermediate players, and the prices are incredible. You can’t miss an offer like this, especially when it includes a bundle with a case, tuner, and other accessories.
And what is even more interesting is that, from time to time, you can also buy grand pianos and high-quality electrical guitars from this store, particularly online. This means you can buy all of these from Costco, benefiting from their generous return policy, instead of visiting a specialty store where you might feel intimidated or pressured to spend more.
If you or your children want to explore a hidden musical talent, you should know that it is never too late, and it doesn’t have to break the bank. Now that you have access to good-quality instruments at affordable prices at Costco, you can try to learn to play an instrument without a massive financial commitment. It’s a wonderful way to bring creativity into your home.
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