In case you were wondering… yes, I will be continuing the popular Stuff I didn’t know I needed…until I went to Costco series in 2017! If you’re just joining me, each month I head to Costco and highlight on the blog stuff that I find interesting, beautiful, delicious, or a combination of these things. Sometimes these items end up being good deals. But a good chunk of these items are highlighted for their simple fact of having caught my eye.
The truth is that many people say they shop at Costco for the cost savings, but very few will admit that they like shopping at Costco just because of the cool stuff they find. This series is a judgment-free zone where you can face facts about how much you love killing time at Costco perusing coffee table books, coffee tables, previously unheard-of small kitchen appliances, and gourmet chocolates in obscenely large quantities.
With that, here are some of the items I found during my trip today.
Guys, I was totally craving chocolate today and I very nearly bought these Hershey’s Cookie Layer Crunch bars. They looked so good! Have you tried them? I wasn’t sure I wanted to commit to a large bag. 
Today was just a “meh” sample day at Costco. They had coconut water, shrimp toast, cup o’ noodles (pictured), and Ranch dressing. Anyone that shops at Costco regularly knows that the weekend samples are where it’s at.
Mac & Cheese seasoning mix… is a thing? I guess so! This large container was $6.99. Have you tried it?
I totally bought these Angus Steak sliders they looked so good! Plus, they are on sale right now – 16 in the box for $8.99. That works out to $0.56 each. I’m thinking they might make good snacks in between school and soccer.
Ooooo…. these plates are so pretty! The 12 piece setting is $18.99 after instant manufacturer’s rebate, but through 1/29 only.
I’m digging these laundry hampers for $14.99. Stylish! They’ll almost make you excited to do the laundry…. well, almost.
Now I love ginger candy. Love, love, love! So I was totally intrigued by these Nutty Fruity Ginger Chews. While they are sweetened, they are non-crystallized. I decided to buy a bag (it was about $7). I’d have to say I’m kind of on the fence by them (yes, I totally ate some on the drive home… don’t judge). They are more spicy than sweet. Like, probably the spiciest ginger candy I’ve tried. I think I’d have preferred just a touch mellower and a bit more sweetness. But I’ll keep working on them, and by the time the bag’s gone, I might change my mind.
Oh look, swimsuit season is here! My store carried both girls’ ($12.99) and women’s sizes ($19.99).
Oh man, someone had second thoughts about the chocolate cake?! How is this possible?! Let me tell you something guys: this is my absolute favorite cake. It is so good! When you cut into it, you’ll also realize it’s huge. I like to buy one once, maybe twice, a year.
What’s a trip to Costco without stroking a few luxurious plus throws? Ahhhh…. feel the softness! (These were $9.99, in case you’re wondering!)
It’s a bomb! But don’t worry, it’s actually only the Famous Lancashire Cheese Bomb, so it’s all good! It was about $13 and in case you’re wondering, I’d never heard of this cheese bomb before. Is it any good?
These fruit trees were selling for $12.99. This is actually the best time of year to plant fruit trees, too! They had nectarines, apples, pears, plums, peaches, and I think cherries.
If you like Tillamook cheese, check this out. It’s Extra Sharp Cheddar (aged 3 years). This wedge was selling for about $7.
Set of two lighted spheres for your front porch or garden for $39.97.
My parents actually bought me this vest for my birthday and I LOVE it! It’s fluffy and warm, but fitted. (So you won’t feel like a marshmallow in it!) It’s selling for $19.99 right now, in a variety of colors. I just got mine on Sunday and I think I’ve worn it at least three times already!
Kinda random, but I found a popcorn pillow for $4.97 down the bedding aisle.
I am digging this outdoor vintage-style light! How cool is this? It’s only $28.99 too.
While it might seem like I’m just joking around here, I do want to point out that periodically you can find toilets at Costco. I apologize that my photo cut off the prices! The one on the right was about $85 and I want to say the one on the left was around $150. Keep this in mind if you’re doing any bathroom remodeling. I’ve actually wanted to get the toilets replaced in our home for awhile now and can tell you, they ain’t cheap at the home improvement stores. These are the best values I’ve personally seen and I need to remind my husband I’d like to have him tackle this project this year!
Fitness equipment, because January. New Year; New You blah blah blah.
I am loving these pretty porcelain bowls! They are on rebate right now for $14.99 (I think just through the 29th of this month though). These are exactly the kind of bowls I love photographing recipes for the blog in. So pretty!
100 Gel Pens for $19.99. I did the math; that works out to $0.19 per pen. Seems like a good deal to me.
Pretty huge sectional for $899.99. I spotted this right before I got in line, and resisted the urge to plop down on it. (I’m afraid I would likely not have gotten up for a long time.)
Women’s active leggings for $16.99!
Guys, they *still* have these amazing 24-month planners on sale! Seriously, they are AWESOME. They come with stickers, tabs, tape, pens – everything you need for 2 years of cute, organized planning. I ended up buying FOUR of these over the holidays. One for me, and then one for my sister, my mom, and my aunt. Everyone loves them.
Travel Hammock for $29.99. Trees not included.
Roast Beef… in a can? The idea!
Laundry Space Saving Basket for $9.99 after instant rebate.
Small chest freezer for $139.99. Maybe pick one of these up and finally get around to placing an order for bulk meat from Zaycon to get started on the freezer cooking bandwagon!
Little organizing cart with 4-trays for $27.99. What would you put in here? Office supplies? Kids’ craft supplies? Bathroom items? Something else?
Adventure Camera Backpack for $49.97. I think this would specifically be a good backpack for a GoPro. There are a number of padded dividers inside, and a place to strap on a tripod on the side.
Cool rain barrel for $69.99.
32 Degrees 2-pack Women’s Short Sleeve shirts. These are great to workout or run in! I swear last year they only had one in a package. This year, there are TWO for $9.99! That works out to $4.99 each – a good deal in my book.
Ready to see how I did today?
All told, I spent $96.92. PHEW! That was dangerously close to my personal goal of $100 or less. (Admittedly, this can be harder to do on some months!)
For more posts in this series, please see my Costco page.
Now it’s your turn: have you recently spotted (or purchased) any of these items at Costco recently? What other items (deals or not) have you taken home recently? I’d love to hear your Costco stories! Leave a comment below!