What Retirees Should Buy at Costco

Bulk Up

Shopping at Costco makes a lot of sense as you get older, even if you're an empty nester. The warehouse club promises savings that shouldn't be ignored during an economic downturn like this pandemic — doubly so if you're on a fixed income. There are a lot of products and services that are designed for seniors or have particular appeal for older shoppers. So head to the store and flash that membership card (or shop online!) to grab some of these deals. (Not a Costco member? You can apply here.)

Prices and availability are subject to change. Some items may be available in store at a lower sale price.

Reading Glasses

$19
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Somehow your reading glasses are never there when you need them, and at this price, you might as well buy a few more to scatter around. These three-packs come in multiple stylish frame options and magnification strengths. If you need prescription-strength lenses, you can also head to the Costco optical department to see an optometrist, or bring in your prescription from another doctor to order glasses or contacts.

Ricardo 2-Piece Luggage Set

$180
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If you've been using the same set of luggage for more than a decade, it's probably time for a replacement. This 2-piece set has hard sides to keep your possessions safe and undamaged, while the four casters on each suitcase make them really easy to maneuver in crowded airports and down jetways.

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Apple Watch

$270
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Everyone seems to be wearing a smartwatch these days, and for good reason. It can track your activity throughout the day, including workouts, steps taken, and geographic information like a bike ride route. This version of the Apple Watch is relatively inexpensive, because it doesn't include all the bells and whistles, but it's still a powerful tool for helping you stay active.

Ghostbed 11" Memory Foam Mattress, Queen — Costco

Ghostbed Memory Foam Mattress

$650
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It's a whole lot easier to get a comfortable mattress now than it used to be. Mattresses made out of memory foam, like this one, are rolled up and compressed in a box for shipping directly to you, so you don't have to worry about finding people to help you move it in, or paying for the service. All you have to do is open the bag, and it'll pop open and expand to its full size in less than a day. Costco is also a great place to purchase bed frames, including adjustable ones, online.

ThermaCare Heat Wraps

$25
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When you have minor aches and pains, or sore joints or muscles, applying heat can be soothing. Electric heating pads are great when you're at home, but these heat wraps can be worn under your clothes on the go. They're air-activated, stick gently to your skin, and last for up to 8 hours.

PureGuardian Ultrasonic Warm and Cool Mist Humidifier — Costco

PureGuardian Humidifier

$80
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Low humidity in your home, especially in winter when the air is extra dry, can affect your well-being by prompting nosebleeds, making you more prone to dehydration, and drying out your skin. A good humidifier is essential, and this one has a large 2-gallon capacity so you won't have to refill it as often, and even a tray for aromatherapy oils.

Lasko Ceramic Tower Heater

$53
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If you live in an area with all four seasons, a room heater in winter is just as essential as a fan in summer. This Lasko model spreads warm air around the room, and looks pretty stylish to boot. It's slim and comes with a remote control, so you can fit it into a relatively inaccessible spot and still operate it easily.

Kirkland Signature Golf Balls

$25
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People love Costco's store brand, Kirkland Signature, and that includes the golf balls. This 24-count box has an average rating of 4.7 stars. Golfing is a safe, socially distant activity, so if you find yourself golfing more, try these affordable balls and see what all the hype is about.

Disposable Masks

$12
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You can never have too many masks in a pandemic. This 75-count box of disposable masks — the basic, blue surgeon type — is only 12 bucks. Put it near the door so you always remember to grab one on the way out of the house, or keep it in your car.

Centrum Silver Vitamins

$24
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Costco has a large selection of vitamins and supplements, including everything from calcium to multivitamins formulated for older adults. There are different formulas based on sex, age, and intended health benefit, so read the labels and talk to your doctor to find what works best for you.

Ensure Original Nutrition Shakes, 30 ct. — Costco

Ensure Nutrition Shakes

$37
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If you prefer to get your vitamins from what you eat, you can add a nutrition shake to your diet. Ensure contains lots of vitamins A and D, plus calcium, protein, and antioxidants intended to help boost your immune system and strengthen your bones and muscles.

Kirkland Signature Dog Food

$50
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Costco's dog and cat foods all have pretty good reviews; this chicken, rice, and vegetable formula for adult dogs has earned a 4.6-star rating. It comes in 40-pound bags so you don't have to buy it often. Order online and have it shipped to you if you don't want to lug it around yourself.

Kirkland Signature Acetaminophen

$9
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Generic over-the-counter medications, like acetaminophen and other pain relievers, are inexpensive at Costco. If you won't go through the entire amount before the expiration date, consider splitting the purchase with family or friends — medications are often sold in packs of two bottles at the warehouse club.

Honey Roasted Nut Mix

$39
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Honey roasted nuts are a delicious snack that doesn't always stick around in the house long. If you buy in bulk, it'll be quite a while before you run out and you save money per pound. This mix is made from premium nuts: cashews, almonds, pecans, and pistachios. It comes in two resealable 30-ounce cans, so they'll stay fresh.

Blood Pressure Monitor

$45
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Monitoring blood pressure and heart rate is important for everyone, especially as we age. There's no reason to head to a doctor's office or find one of those blood pressure machines in the pharmacy when you can buy an electronic blood pressure cuff and monitor for home use. Multiple people can use this cuff and it will keep separate, accurate records for them all.

Peet's Coffee K-Cup Pods

$37
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It's great to purchase coffee in bulk, especially when you're buying pods or whole beans that will stay fresh for a while. These Peet's Coffee K-cup pods have an average rating of 4.8 stars from over 2,500 reviewers, so it's safe to say they're pretty good. This is a French roast that's bold and smoky, but there are other varieties available too.

Wine Rack

$70
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Wine is a great thing to buy in store at Costco, but if you do it too often, you may run out of storage space. That's what this handy wine rack is for. It holds up to 24 bottles. If you're really serious about collecting wine, you can upgrade to one of the many wine coolers and cellars available.

Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion

$16
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It's never a bad idea to stock up on lotions and beauty items while you're at Costco. Especially in winter months, it's easy to go through lotion like crazy, so you might as well buy it in bulk. Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion comes in a two-pack of 20-ounce pumps so your skin can soak up as much as it wants.

Softsoap Hand Soap

$10
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With everyone washing their hands more now, hand soap is a more valuable commodity than usual. You won't have to worry about running out for a while if you buy this two-pack of 80-ounce bottles for only $10. Just fill up your old dispensers and you're ready to wash.

Transport Wheelchair

$170
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Although it's not designed for continual use, this wheelchair can help someone get around the house, the park, or somewhere else they might want to go. It's lightweight, at just under 20 pounds, and it folds for easy transport.

Boston Market Gift Cards Costco — Costco

Restaurant Gift Cards

$80
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Costco sells a lot of restaurant gift cards in four-packs of $25 cards that cost only $80, so you're saving $20. They're great to keep around for gifts, of course, but if there's a restaurant you eat at often, you can just buy them for yourself in order to save money each time you use them.

Hummingbird Urn

$90
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It may be surprising, but Costco actually sells caskets and urns. And why not — everyone needs one eventually, right? The urns look beautiful and tasteful, and the caskets look just like caskets from anywhere else, but they cost less. It's the ultimate send-off for a deal lover.