During the warm and sunny season, the last thing you want to splurge on is necessities. With this time of year being ideal for travel, adventure, water parks and excursions, saving on essentials is an easy way to free up more room in the budget for “fun stuff”.
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So who better to ask for savings tips than frugal people? Their secret weapon? Costco. We spoke with frugal living experts to discover six must-buy Costco items they swear by grabbing before summer hits.
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Made Good Granola Minis
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Price: $14.49
Between camps, swim lessons and day-long adventures, the Made Good Granola Minis are the perfect companion to keep energy up in between summer activities.
“These tasty little on-the-go granola snacks are a mother’s dream, especially if your child has food allergies,” said Hope Ware, founder of the personal finance site Under the Median. “They are gluten-free, vegan, organic and made from whole food ingredients. The price is right, too; you get 24 generous-sized pouches for $14.49.”
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Vornado High Velocity Box Fan
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Price: $69.99
Say goodbye to flimsy fans that break after a summer of use thanks to Costco’s Vornado High Velocity Box Fan.
“The fan has a kickstand, so it will remain stable, whether it’s sitting on the floor or a table,” Ware said. “Box fans are more practical than other fans because you can use it inside or place it in a window to bring cooler air into the house when the outdoor temperatures drop.”
While cheaper fans are on the market, with Costco’s 5-year warranty on this one, it’s a reliable, long-lasting buy that’s well worth the investment.
Solar Edison Solar LED Lantern
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Price: $35.99
Sturdy, stunning and a fantastic value, upgrade your patio this summer with the 14″ Edison Solar LED Lantern.
“This lantern is an amazing deal,” Ware said. “It’s made of metal and glass, with no plastic parts. It’s heavy enough not to blow over in a moderate wind. There are five solar panels on the top, so it will be charging during the day and be ready to use when the sun goes down.”
Weatherproof Vintage Men’s Cotton/Linen Short Sleeve Shirt
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Price: $11.99
Costco’s Weatherproof Vintage Men’s Short Sleeve Woven Shirt makes it easy to stay cool while looking sharp during the warm summer months.
“Right now, Costco is offering $2 off the already low price of a Vintage Men’s Cotton/Linen Short Sleeve Shirt through May 4th,” Ware said. “The blue and white striped pattern gives off a fun 1960s vibe. It is well-made and thicker than most linen shirts, but the weave allows for more airflow, keeping you cool.”
SunVilla Clifton 4-piece Outdoor Patio Seating Set
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Price: $1,299.99
Don’t wait until peak summer to shop for outdoor furniture. Get ahead of the game (and higher prices) by picking up the SunVilla Clifton 4-piece Outdoor Patio Seating Set now.
“Outdoor furniture sales are beginning, and brands like Thomasville, SunVilla and Sirio Niko are up to $800 off at Costco,” said Melissa Cid, consumer savings expert at MySaving. “The SunVilla Clifton 4-piece Outdoor Patio Seating Set is highly rated, and currently $600 off for a limited time.”
It includes two lounge chairs, a sofa, a permastone coffee table and four pillows — all scratch, stain, rust, mildew and fade-resistant.
Kirkland Signature Ice Cream Bars
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Price: $12.86
Prep your freezer for summer sweet tooth cravings with the Kirkland Signature Ice Cream Bars.
“We like to keep a fancy but fast dessert option on hand during the summer,” Ware said. “The Kirkland Signature Ice Cream Bars taste just like the far more expensive name brands, but at about half the price. An 18-count box is just $12.86.”
At just $0.71 per bar, this is a deal worth scooping up.
Disclaimer: Prices and availability are accurate as of April 25, 2025 and subject to change.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 6 Things Frugal People Should Buy From Costco Now Before Summer
