Going to Costco tomorrow-what should I look out for?

[forcookssake]

Very exciting, going to Costco as a guest tomorrow, likely to be the only visit... So I'd like to get some tips for what to look out for
I don't have any DCs (yet) and I don't plan any major purchases, but certainly things for the festive period that are particularly good are what I'd like to hear about. Much obliged!

You must remember to get a hot dog and soda!

There's so much you'll end up with one of everything if you're like me! Last visit we came back with an electronic drum kit!

I went last week. I got a double pack of two tins of chocolate truffles. They are incredible and I wished I'd got more coz they will be gone after Xmas.
Also the choc chip shortbread in the bakery section.
A whole brie for about a fiver.
Good quality Salmon - fresh and smoked

Have a good idea in your head what you are paying for supermarket stuff and take a calculator (or smartphone) so you can work out if basics are worth picking up too... stuff like big blocks of cheddar, butter etc that can be frozen.

Free samples!! Look out for the free samples

They won't have their Christmas stuff in stock for much longer , they always stock for the season ahead.
So if you want Christmas, now is the time to do it

I find their clothes a bit meh in the main but I've bought a few nice things.
Shearling boots for my 11yo DD (about £30) - she got a ladies size 6 but I'm not buying Uggs/ Emus until she stops growing.
Some North Face coats last time.

WRT to festive:
baubles - lovely. I buy a box every year ( olivey/sage and gold this year)
paper - 4 rolls . Really good quality

look at the household things . Any discounted items will have a notice on the shelf and there will be the 'wallets' of the coupons at the door (but the discounts come off automatically at the till)

croissants
cake (but I've never tried it)

I bought my KMix stand mixer there. And a Tassimmo last year.

Binbags

One thing to make sure though - don't get carried away (looking at you mother) , have you got an app on your phone to check prices in Tesco/ Sainsburys.
And don't forget the VAT on things.

Enjoy

nightsky

chocolate truffles you say... tell me more.
what brand and what kind of price?
are they chocolate sweeties type ?

plans trip.... I need tyres

I would second the choc chip shortbread, they are divine!

On a festive note I love the 'Tower of treats' it makes a great pressie for the 'house' where you might otherwise by something like biscuits/chocs/booze.

Be wary that unless its in offer alcohol is rarely cheaper/better value than the supermarkets. I agree with previous poster that you need to know how much you'd normally pay for 'basics' to know whether you're getting a good deal!

The big aerosol cream tins (French name, vanilla cream) . The cream lasts much much longer than Anchor (you know how aerosol cream melts like a puddle. This doesn't as quickly )

70isa so the prices in the shop don't have vat on?

that would explain why i spent so much when my bil took me there.

There decorations and Christmas cards and wrapping paper are fab.
Cookies and croissants are good.

What else would you like to know?

I get balsamic vinegar, olive oil, pesto, crisps (whichever's on offer) whole log of goats cheese for about £6 (slice and freeze), sausages, black forest ham, frozen prawns, frozen cod loins and garlic. I never spend less than about £150.

Just be aware that you'll be paying VAT on some stuff, and it will tell you that on the label on the shelf, so when you check the price ADD THE VAT ON!!

Oh, and they'll only take debit cards, not credit cards. Just check you have enough in your bank account!

Have fun!

Some things are VAT free slindile but there are 2 prices displayed on the tag.

I think if someone is Trade they don't pay VAT ?

Ooh yes the debit card (or they do their own credit card but not much help for the OP if she's going once)

That's why I haven't been there for my tyres - I know they are cheaper (and at the moment £50 off per pair) but I need 4 . Don't fancy shelling out for 4 tyres on my debit card.

The cakes are amazing. They're huge though so more of a big party buy than a random treat

70 The truffles are in a brown/beige tin and were stacked at the end of the xmas choc aisle.

They are made in France and called 'Mathez cacoa powdered truffles fantaisie'.

Dark, rich and yummy

I just went and go the tin out of the cupboard to make sure I got the name correct.

I did not eat 3 just to check they are still gorgeous

Mr noodle chicken noodles £8 for 12. The best noodles.

The Costco own brand UGG boots are excellent value at £40.

I also get washing powder, as it lasts for 6 months.

Packs of meat - I portion up and freeze.

My usual staples at Costco are:

18 free range eggs £3.29ish
Double packs of naice ham
Two free range chickens £7.50ish
3 jars of pasatta £3ish and the best I've ever tasted
Two boxes of 48 weetabix £5.50

Their own brand of dried dog food is excellent and £25 a bag

They have boys ski coats for £18 and they go right up to 14-16 yrs

Wrt Christmas stuff:
Don't get their fresh sweet mince pies, there is not enough sweet mince.
Pack of 8/10 mini Christmas puds
Yard of Jaffa cakes £2.30ish each
Have a look at the book sets, some lovely things
Beautiful wooden rocking horse advent calendar for £30
Massive pack of hand made gift tags
Boxes of biscuits/shortbread cheaper than in shops

They have a great selection of toys you'd not normally see in the shops as well. And some cheaper than in shops. I normally look on the amazon app to see if they are cheaper than Costco before I buy them.

Cakes are lovely. Buy multipacks of:
Loo rolls
alcohol & soft drinks
crisps/snacks
teabags
party food
washing powder & fairy liquid
cleaning fluids

This is everything on offer ATM.

Forgot to add milk is £1.69 for 2x2l

The chocolate chunk loaf cakes are DIVINE. You must get one but dont eat it in one sitting i didnt do that at all
If you like grapes they do a massive box for £5 or so i think its much better priced that supermarket and they are always delicious.

Cleaning product as a bargain there. I know you asked about Christmas but this is a year round purchase.

I went a few weeks ago and got

A birthday cake. Massive, huuuge
Loo rolls
Washing powder
Fabric softener
Guacamole
Peppers
Salmon side
Box of Jaffas - x 3 snack packs
Box of Walkers crisps
Box of Tangfastics - for Halloween and DS party bags
Marshmallows
Box of 2 Xmas house fudge, nice present £4.89 can split in two
Brioche
Sausages
Rotisserie chicken NB THIS WAS DIVINE AND HUGE £3.99
Allen no added sugar bag
Finger rolls
Dried fruit nuggets

A lot of this was for DS party. It's great for party catering.

Yeah, check you lot out! Thanks so much for your collected wisdom
I'm now going through the thread with my pen and paper and I shall definitely take my calculator. Probably no bad thing that this trip is fitting into a lunch hour... It should help with my focus!

lunch hour??? God, it takes me 2 hours to do it proper justice

The meat is fantastic quality: better than Waitrose imo. Kirkland soap powder is HUGE v cheap and unperfumed (an advantage if you have sensitive skin). Lavazza coffee is a good price. Finally, cashmere knitwear is v good, washes well and is v good value. I luff Costco!