6 Practical Things to Buy with a Costco Gift Card You Just Got

So you got a Costco gift card as a holiday gift this year — lucky you! Known as Costco shop cards, these are a great way for non-Costco members to shop at the massively popular and exclusive retailer. Even if you’ve never been to Costco before, there are plenty of practical household essentials you should add to your cart to help you take advantage of this useful gift. 

Yes, you can use a Costco shop card as a non-member. According to Costco’s website, “non-members as well as members may use Costco Shop Cards to shop at any Costco location in the U.S., Canada, or Puerto Rico, as well as online at Costco.com. Costco Shop Cards may be used toward a membership and merchandise.”

However, there are a few caveats. For one, if you have a balance left to pay after you’ve used the shop card, you must pay it with cash or a debit card only — not credit. Additionally, non-members cannot reload the shop card, and shop cards cannot be used at the food court without a membership. Lastly, a manager always has to come by to approve the transaction when you’re paying with a shop card — something to consider if you’re in a rush. 

Now that you know everything there is to know about the coveted Costco shop card, here are six practical essentials you should buy.

It’s rare to find shampoo, soap, body wash, and toothpaste in a Costco size or quantity anywhere else. Avoid that annoying feeling of running out of shampoo (and adding water to make it last longer!) and instead stock up on these personal care products. 

Essentials such as trash bags, paper towels, microfiber towels, and detergent (both laundry and dishwasher) are worth buying in bulk. These items get used frequently in any household, regardless of size, so you’ll thank yourself later for still having a supply when you thought you were out.

If you know the feeling of bookmarking a new pair of earbuds or headphones, or a smart watch to track its potential price decrease, then using your Costco shop card on electronics is the way to go. Save up to hundreds on a laptop, TV, security cameras, and so much more.

Costco clothing is arguably underrated. With popular brand brands such as Banana Republic, Levi’s, and Calvin Klein, there are pieces for everyone in your family. At just a fraction of the brand name’s price, you can get the activewear, shoes, sweaters, and sunglasses you’ve been eyeing. 

While shopping at your local nursery or family-owned garden store is the best option, buying plants at Costco is the next best thing. Larger plants (such as fiddle leaf figs, monsteras, and palms) can cost quite the pretty penny, but at Costco you might be able to get two for the typical price of one! You can also choose from a variety of smaller plants and flowers such as orchids and anthuriums.

It may seem counterintuitive to buy gift cards with a gift card, but Costco has excellent gift card deals for a plethora of stores, restaurants, and experiences. Use your shop card for movie tickets, digital downloads, or a pack of four restaurant gift cards for the price of two or three.

Gas is always one of those things you wish you never have to pay for — even if you’re just paying for a gallon. Thankfully, you can use your newly minted Costco shop card to fill up your tank and save your own money for something special. However, some Reddit users say that only a physical shop card will be accepted as payment.