Take Your House Back: cli.re/Take-Your-House-Back-Dawn JUST $84 right now through Monday! We'd love to help you declutter your house in the new year! Thank you for watching :) - Dawn

I am from central europe, and yes, we really eat these cookies! 😆 This kind of assorted cookie box is very popular and can be bought in every supermarket over here. 🍪🙋‍♀️

Costco fits in perfect for minimalism for us because there’s less options and usually Costco carries quality items. Less decision fatigue and driving around. Frees up more time which is what I’m always after.

I go to Costco weekly & really like the small selection for things. Like if you want peanut butter, there's only one option. So much less decision fatigue! I've also gotten really good about going directly to my staples and blocking out the rest. If nothing else, the savings on gas alone pays for my membership.

I’m of Dutch heritage and I live in Canada. I’m loving having stroopwaffels at Costco up here too. We pronounce it strope-waffle (like stroke). They are lekker (Dutch for tasty) when you let them sit on top of your tea cup so it gets nice and warm and gooey!!

I drew a stovetop burners and faux knobs on the lid of a big plastic tub that I used to store the play food and kitchen items in. Took up way less space than a play kitchen and served as storage for the play kitchen items.

As a dutch person I can guarantee you that we love stroopwafels in Holland, they are like part of our national heritage. :) Amazing to see they have them in the US now. With regards to the 'European cookies', I only recognize one of those cookies... but I guess it differs a lot per European country what kind of cookies they sell.

I have to admit that the giant squishmallows get more use in our house than the little ones! Costco has the best prices, and our kids use them for pillows, floor pillows, punching bags, pillow fights… they get pretty creative. I also appreciate that they [just barely] fit in the wash and wash up really well! They’ve held up over the last 2 years through all the abuse and are about the only stuffed things in our house that haven’t had to be re-sewed.

You can't beat Costco prices especially on paper towels, toilet paper, cleaning products, eggs, butter, etc. You have to go in prepared with a list and stay focused if you don't want to impulse buy! The prepared foods are a really good alternative to eating out. I try to limit my trips to once a month and go when they first open before lines get long. I can be in and out in 15 min.

Thanks for taking us in the store to experience it. I think it would be so hard to talk to a video while going through a store, but I’m glad you do it for us. Thanks.

I like Costco as company because I appreciate their business model and how much they value their employees. We moved and go less often, but there are staples we get there. And I like the clothes there. 😁

My husband and I go to Costco probably once a week. We LOVE Costco! Like some others have said, we have the executive membership and don't have any dues. We spend enough to cover our membership and more. I love their produce, meats, rotisserie chicken, dog food, paper products, etc. Also, that street corn dip is BOMB, I highly recommend it! I think Costco has helped us keep it simple and stay with minimalist grocery shopping!

I love Costco and honestly would drive over an hour to go to our closest one monthly when we lived in Buffalo. Meat, clothing, buying our snack items etc….. I could go on and on. I know what we like go in grab a months worth and move on. It prevents me from having to go into other stores more than necessary. Your Costco looked calm ours is always a nuthouse!

I will be sixty-three, and I get excited and enjoy watching your videos and shopping. I don't have much family where we live, so it's like going with family and close friends when you are on the road and sharing. My husband and I are from Minnesota, and we are headed back up north when my husband retires in a few years. Hearing your voice around my home is heartwarming and comforts me since I miss my family. I admit to keeping your videos playing during the day at times. I appreciate the wisdom about toys, ideas, and cautions for the grandkids. We don't have a Costco, so would you consider shopping at Sam's? We don't have an Aldi's either, but I find Big Lots is a great place to find unusual holiday items which are reasonably priced. God bless you, Dawn, and your ministry to help others.

We don’t call those cookies 🍪 We call them biscuits 🍪 ☕️ lovely with a cup of tea 😂 love from the UK 🇬🇧 ❤️

We have the executive membership ($120), but you get a cash-back check in the mail at the end of your membership year and we spend enough at Costco that it covers the renewal cost plus some, so it’s free! Our regular items that we buy consistently are diapers, wipes, toilet paper, paper towels, milk, eggs, cheese, maple syrup, chicken nuggets, spaghetti sauce, kid snacks and socks lol 😅 We love Costco, but we generally try and only go once a month, otherwise it blows the budget! Loved all your suggestions Dawn!

I also live in MN. We have a Costco membership, and I am there every week for sure, and sometimes more than that. I would say that 95% of our groceries come from Costco. We buy almost all of our meat and produce there and some smaller fill in type things from the regular grocery store. My husband and I are convinced we eat more food than the average couple though, lol. Those science kits look great! We also buy our protein bars there, but we buy the Fit Crunch brand. We also never actually pay for our membership. We have the executive membership, and always get rebate checks each year.

Love my Costco membership here in Canada. I go once a week for regular supplies. Your meal planning 'structure' has really helped me minimize my grocery shopping since I buy mostly the same things over and over. Costco does have better prices on the food items we buy, but right now, lettuce is non-existent. You do have to know your prices and not just assume it's cheaper in bulk! And the cash-back with the Excutive membership pays for itself with some extra. Gas prices are also cheaper than anywhere around me.

Painting your own dino etc is a gift I would think is just future clutter. It's going to occupy them for a few hours or maybe a day. It won't be any sort of masterpiece worth keeping and by Valentine's day it will be in the way or in the trash. Legos! Clay! Paper and gel pens, paint, sidewalk chalk. Your kids might also enjoy stuff to make their own gifts or snacks. Cake pops. Ice cream. Yogurt. Jello jigglers. Soap making, candle making are very similar processes and super minimal friendly. You can mix them in a pyrex bowl, get a few molds. The inventory is very manageable. Soap base, some colors, essential oils, and maybe a bit of glitter. It's a creative, quick activity. Easy learning curve and KZfaq directions (no lessons or guidebooks) The end product is consumable and dep on your choices the soaps can be better than drugstore soap. Aaaaand the kids can make and give their own gifts.

i have used costco gift wrap for years and LOVE it. I love that it is stronger paper (less likely to tear,) and is printed on both sides, so two for one, and there is a LOT of paper per roll. I have found it to be a great value! Also, the ribbon is beautiful, and an awesome value for what it is as well!

I dropped Costco years ago and have not looked back. Dawn, what you said about consuming things more quickly when you have a huge package of something is TOTALLY true, and I have never had lots of space for back -stock storage. And then I end up with way too much inventory! I have been living Lidl lately (similar to Aldi), and appreciate way lower prices but without the bulk aspect. Also, switching to only buying what we need for a week (without lots of stocking up when things are on sale) has helped bring down our grocery bill and stress!

Costco- otherwise known as the "$300 or more store" Lol- love the dang place!!

The slime sand is probably kinetic sand which is a winner in my house super fun and it doesn't ruin things like slime does. The pop it is perfect for sensory loving kiddos. I love the clothes at Costco and they are often high end brands and I can spend all day in the books. I try to limit it to once a month. My husband's whiskey is half the price it is anywhere else. Rotisserie chicken is cheaper than I can make it from scratch and the bakery is fantastic.

Minimal Mom is UNPACKING COSTCO! OMG! I am consistently mystified by COSTCO and what is actually worth it ... Dawn is saving our family once again!! You are so awesome, thank you so MUCH!

I love my Costco membership. I shop around once a month and like that while everything isn't cheaper, the quality is better for most things. (We are plus size and no kids so we don't even look at the clothes). I buy the basic groceries that I always want on hand and toilet paper and paper towels are the best values. Also the gas is usually considerably cheaper at Costco than anywhere around.

The gift wrap is 1,000% better than dollar tree... it's like four times as thick! Doesn't rip... etc

As an empty nester I don't go to Costco much anymore. During the winter months I used to treat myself to fresh cut flowers. Inexpensive, cheery and toss when done (they actually last a long time)

I get it Dawn, as I also get overwhelmed by the inventory in these stores. I really think Tom will like his flannel though. I love how you shared your thought processes regarding your shopping. I think it will help others to maybe rethink how they are spending their hard earned money. Great video!

Dawn, I laughed so many times through this video. I have been a Costco member since 1984. I have not paid any membership dues since 2004. Because we have the executive membership and every year it pays us back over and above what the cost of the executive membership is. I’ll go probably once a week, maybe once every two weeks. And I love Costco so much! I’m sorry that you had a little bit of a tough time while you were there. Inflation has hit everywhere for sure. By the way bath bombs go for 5 to 8 dollars a piece when you’re buying them in a store so that mini bath bombs for $20 was actually a really good guy. Do you know if there is a cheaper place to get back bombs? I would love to hear it. I don’t use them myself because they’re so expensive, but I know several people that make them and sell them and they charge a tremendous amount of money per use. A possible solution to Tom using his Celsius drinks too quickly would be to simply put the box away in the basement and show him three bottles every week as you always have. Also, I don’t agree with Diana‘s assessment of the clothing from Costco. I think that in general their clothing is good quality. And excellent value. For about the first 25 years of our Costco membership I would religiously check reviews, price check with other stores and other models and 100% of the time Costco had The best price for the highest quality model of whatever it was we were shopping for. After 25 years, I just stopped comparison shopping because it was such a big waste of my time. And our family philosophy is if Costco carries it and it’s something we need just get it at Costco. Also because their return policy is the best return policy in the business you can’t go wrong, there’s no risk. You can use something up where it out and still return it. I just love you and your heart, and thank you for taking us along on your journey. I also believe you chose the right color longjohns for Tom! It’s so funny during the video I was calling out my opinions as you went through the store hoping you would make the same decisions I would so funny!😂🤣😅

I always order groceries to my house from regular grocery stores but I love Costco so my husband and I take a once a month date night there and we always love it! The only food store I can stand going into 😂 almost half of our monthly food budget is saved for our Costco trip too. We get gift cards to restaurants we like and use them for our other date nights which saves us 20% every time! Or 40% on cold stone if we want dessert 😋

I like to hit up Costco on rainy cold days in order to get in my steps 😁 Favorite food items from Costco: Big bag of Spinach, Pasture eggs, almond milk and Madra Lentils. Good electronics for teenager gifts. We also like their leggings. Finally, love their peppermint bark.

We have the gold membership and it’s totally worth it for us. I love their organic options and I’ve found most of the clothes to be good quality- especially the men’s clothes. Their return policy is FANTASTIC. we buy enough each year that the cash back we get pays for next year’s membership.

Stroopwaffles are amazing!! We use your graham cracker method for gingerbread houses and my kids LOVE that tradition. We’ve even used your handout and kit ideas to give to neighbors.

I have a computerized list of items that we buy at Costco. (Cheese, specific meat, cream, milk) I follow a local Costco group where a lady shows the "sales" and new items twice a week. If something pops up in that group that I think my adult children would need I send a picture to my kids and they tell me if I should pick it up for them. I also buy my gas there weekly. I can get in and out in 35 mins because my list is set-up to how the store is laid out.

I love this so much, Dawn. You are just narrating exactly what my mind thinks every time I'm shopping now. LOL, I have learned a lot from you!

I’ve been shopping at Costco for years and always find good deals and good quality. Also- check out the gas prices!

Hahaha! I love how Dawn gets more and more excited as the video goes on (until the end)! Also, I feel like the more you go the more comfortable you are in the store. You see what they have and you can beeline it to exactly what you need. Never go on a Saturday, it's way too busy. Tuesday or Wednesday mornings are best. The holiday season is always more crazy so don't judge it by that.

Hi Dawn, I understand the sticker shock on each trip, but for many things the cost per oz or serving is often quite low and the quality is high. Good prices on toilet paper, printer paper, rotisserie chicken, bread, butter, sprouted oats, baking goods, and spices. If you like Better Than Bouillon for cooking to save a ton of money and better flavor over box or canned broth, they usually have the large organic reduced sodium jars in beef and chicken flavors for not much more than I would pay for a small jar at Walmart. The Kirkland brand of organic salsa is very good and well priced for 2 large jars. Gas is equivalent to top tier. Prescription eyeglasses from Costco are high quality with good pricing. Just all depends on how you use the membership, but I think you can save a lot of money overall to make up for the membership fee. Also, Ikea usually has gingerbread house kits - just the gingerbread - for a low price. I then get frosting and decorations at Walmart or Target. Thank you for another helpful video!

When you ask us questions I am answering them out loud “yes” or “no”😂. I guess I feel like I am right there with you!

We did buy the laser tag guns a few years ago and they are super fun! And don't forget that a great reason to shop at Costco is their awesome return policy in case something breaks or doesn't end up working out for you. :)

I love the tins of danish cookies they sell this time of year with holiday themes on the tin my mom 88 years old LOVES them and she loves to put them out to share when visitors come to have with tea or coffee

I’ve been shopping at Costco since 1987, and have been going weekly for almost as long. I usually do a Tuesday shopping day and start there, get their gas, groceries (organic) next for things Costco didn’t have, then to places like Kohls to return any Amazon items, or Target or Walgreens if necessary. It is a large circle that goes from what I need most, least expensive, and what needs to be filled in from my list with the other stops. We have moved quite a bit, and have lived a few blocks from Costco, to 45 minute drive away. Most of my, and my husbands clothes are from Costco. And shoes. And boots. And gifts. And housewares. And glasses. And hearing aides for my mom. And paper products. (I also help direct people if they look lost, and if they’re looking like they don’t know if what they are looking at is something they should get-and it’s something I’ve purchased and researched)

I'm just a few miles from my local Costco, and I am in there at least a couple of times a month. I have always liked the quality of items, and I love that the choices are narrowed, making deciding easier, if it's something I'm interested in. Their fresh food items are the best!

I’m a once a month Costco shopper. I get all my paper goods, toiletries, some pantry things that we go through a lot of (PB, mac-n-cheese, maple syrup), love a lot of frozen foods, some produce and I like their clothes! If I can’t find it at a thrift store Costco has pretty good quality and decent prices!

Agree about the dollhouse. My daughter hardly ever played with hers, but she was so excited about it at the time. I think she thought it would be more fun than it was.

Yes those are the sort of cookies (biscuits in the U.K.) we eat at Christmas or whenever we get the chance. Dutch stroopwaffles are delicious warmed up by balancing over your hot drink until the middle gets all melted 🤤

We live about 10 minutes from Costco and savings on gas alone makes it worth it. Then I eat a lot of paleo and organic foods. Buying them in bulk is so much cheaper. Sometimes a huge bag of Siete chips at Costco cost less than one two-serving bag at any grocery store. I go twice a month. I wish I could get it down to once but I always forget something 😅

We go to Costco 2-3 times a month, some months we skip - but the fuel prices are usually worth it for us for the membership. We don't browse the whole store everytime, and when we do it's more window shopping than buying 'off list'. We go for our staples, cheese, some produce, eggs sometimes, the rotisserie chicken is a meal saver. And the Costco pizza is a great meal solution for our family. We have our favorite items, it doesn't replace another store, just certain items.

I love going to Costco. Just not when it's busy. The best time is Tuesday morning for my local store. Yes it's big and a bit overwhelming but the more you go, the more it makes sense and less overwhelming it feels. I just really like the quality of their products and their sales are so good.

Love you Dawn 😊 I agree 100%, the big box stores are very overwhelming and anxiety creating, lol! I feel like they are very strategic and getting people to spend way more than they ever planned. I did not renew my Sam's club membership after I tried it for a year. Sometimes miss it, but I feel like it was a good decision. Thanks for the video! I just love frugality! 💯💯💯

Great video Dawn. What a huge store,. No wonder you needed a hot dog and coffee at the end of that haul! The cookies look like the biscuits we have in England. I like Aldi for seasonal Christmas food xx

I love seeing you walk by all the toys explaining why you dont need/want them so many videos are the opposite trying to convince us why we need more and justifying so many purchases. It is so refreshing!

I go to Costco probably 2-3 times per week! It’s right down the road from my house. I know the prices like the back of my hand, so I usually never over spend. But the biggest factor is I NEVER go when it’s crowded, since we live so close. Usually a Monday evening around 7:00 is good 😊 I guess since I’m in there all the time it’s not overwhelming. We have the gold membership, but haven’t had to pay for it in 10 years b/c of the rewards.

Even though we have a Costco membership, I avoid it like the plague. My husband gets his propane there, new truck tires. It’s ALWAYS insane in there so I try to stay away. I am 65 and am blown away by the number of seniors who shop for groceries there. I understand it for large families but you have to be careful with pricing, bulk isn’t always cheaper.🇨🇦

I am from Germany and there are many Grandmas who always seem to have those cookies on hand. They are kind of an oldschool classic. And its good when you have company because everyone can pick what they like.

We bought the Paw Patrol busy book for our 2 year old son for his birthday this summer. He loves it. We tossed the mat, but we’ve read the book many times and the figurines get played with regularly at home, as well as when we go out.

We got that exact laser tag gift from Costco for Christmas last year and the kids love it!

Re: Costco. I am a single woman and have a Costco pretty close to my home. I renew my Costco membership annually for several reasons and items. Costco usually has the best price on tires and gas in my area. They also have specific food items that I like: rotisserie chicken, marinated artichoke hearts, and their albacore tuna. I only go bi-monthly to browse because that can be financially dangerous. I've trained myself to go straight to the items I need and not browse when it's the specific items I'm after. You taught me that. I think that your trip today was like being in DisneyLand with so many new things. I've been caught up in that before. I like Costco for other reasons also. I got my new car through one of their programs and my glasses. Even for an old-ish lady living alone it is worth the annual fee. You just need to get past the shock and awe.

Like other people have said, I love that there are not too many options of things at Costco. I go once a month and have 7 children, so the bulk items actually make sense. My Costco is half an hour away, but if it were within 15 minutes, I know I would be there more. It is exciting to me to see all the new finds there! Going without kids would be amazing. My husband and I just went on a date there and it was so much fun to look at items together, peruse the books for our kids, and eat yummy chicken bakes.

I agree with you on the gift giving / my son is 39 and and I purchased Lazer tag for him as a child and he loved it and played with it so much

I go to Costco every couple of months. Small family now and things last from there. I Love their paper products and don't want to get them anywhere else. I love to find stuff for the grandkids. I like to get things that help them be creative or active so some of the things you were pointing out are perfect. 😊

We don’t even have a Costco around here and yet when people post their Costco finds I eagerly think “that’s amazing!” 😅

Dawn, only put a certain amount of drinks out at a time for each week. That way they last as long as buying them each week at the grocery store and you save money, too.

Well, kid things I got a couple of ideas….but the headlamps….perfect for the hubs! He is so hard to buy for since he gets what he needs all throughout the year! Thanks!!!

I'm with you on feeling overwhelmed in warehouse stores! I have Sam's premium membership as my mom's complimentary person. I love the free shipping on even one item and I go every 6ish weeks because it's 20min away and online order and pickup only. I bring my knitting to do while waiting in the car😉 definitely do the cost analysis with Wal-Mart and Aldi!!

Costco has just been winning me over as of this year. I LOVE buying kids clothes there! I have 6 kids, plus we foster, and they hold up great! I just got 2 packs of kids pajamas for $5 to take on a Christmas missions trip!

I've had a COSTCO membership for a number of years. I think my husband originally got it as a perk of his work. He and I would shop together monthly with a list. We'd split the list and go different directions to get done quicker. We'd go first thing when they opened on a week day (never a weekend). After his death, I found it hard to do on my own, so I started ordering from Instacart. It costs slightly more, but I don't have to go to the store, and they deliver to my door. Things I get regularly: Toilet paper, Paper towels, dishwasher soap, garbage bags, cereal, butter (I freeze the extra), Coffee creamer when they have it, Broccoli cheese soup (quick dinner on cold nights), Rotisserie chicken, snack items (nuts, crackers, fruit snacks).

Big squishmallow is actually very good present Dawn. My daughter (she’s got it for her 11th birthday last December) using it all the time as a pillow, bringing it with her to the car when travelling, comforting her on the sofa, etc. After a year of massive usage still very soft and looking new.

I go in Costco with a repeated list every 4-6 weeks. Toilet paper, dog food etc. It never fails I walk out spending over $200 each time. You'll always see something that's a decent price that you need or could use. So limiting how often you go will keep you from spending more than your budget allows. Like you said "if I buy the 24 pack I'll probably drink it more often because it's there"

Gas.....$2.99 instead of $3.49! And a cash back Citi Bank Costco card. That makes it worth it to me. We get some cheese there, some fish, some bread. And the vision center is worth the price of membership.

Perfect video for today. I went to BJs for the first time in two years. Your Costco looks the same. I love looking at the Christmas gifts. I bought none. I picked up sparkling cider and chocolate chips to make cookies 🍪 I had a great time looking around though. I’m proud of myself for not going crazy like I would have in the past.

I was just at Costco looking for gifts for my grandkids. The nice thing about buying at Costco is their wonderful return policy! I buy clothes there all the time!

We got the Melissa & Doug doll house for our grandkids. My granddaughter played with it for hours every time she visited between the ages of 5-8. Now my 3 y/o grandson is playing with it a lot. I feel like it’s good quality and sustainable.

I shop at Costco every week and I have to breathe deeply and fight back tears every single time before I get out of the car. I love Costco. It is pretty much the only place I shop. That doesn't mean it isn't super stressful even after 20 years of shopping there.

I totally understand how your feeling about being in Costco. I go every few months, 5-6x a year. I go straight to the items on my list and check out. I only go when it first opens on a Monday or Tuesday. I don't like crowds on top of over stimulation of "buy me". Kind of like the silent to do list, walking through Costco is like the silent "buy me" whisper. Love all the gift choices you made for the family. Your always a delight to visit with Dawn. Oh, gotta go, Rusty Judgement video just popped up on KZfaq. 😉

Love your videos! So down-to-earth. As a single Mom, I have a membership for tires, gas, paper goods, the chickens, water, catering platters, certain bulk consumables we use a lot like when my Mom was on a yogurt spree, and the occasional appliance and Christmas gifts!

I’m so excited for Tom! He might get to have one of his drinks everyday this week! Yay for Tom!

Stroopwafels! That's so funny. The -oo- sounds like "oh" and the -a- is a long open a, since you were wondering. I was admiring a Bundt cake pan from Minneapolis in a specialty bakery story yesterday. :) I believe that the flat rectangular cookies with chocolate in the centre (with a design on it) are also Dutch, the factories were important in the development of certain towns!

I go to Costco a couple times a year. I mainly like the prescription eyeglasses, and the razor refills that my husband and son use. The office supplies are good and I recently found some OXO cereal containers for half the price that I’ve seen other places.

You're hilarious! I wear my ball cap a lot and love seeing you in yours. Thank you for all your help in 2022!

Your words stuck in my head over thanksgiving! I borrowed a small extra crock pot table and chairs from my mom for a party. When done we took them back ! Ha.

I don't know if the European cookies are European, but they are really good! On the topic of the Celsius drinks, hide them Dawn! Put three in the fridge and put the case under your bed. Next week pull out 3. I hope Tom isn't reading this. LOL

As always, I love your videos. Blessings from Texas.

@theminimalmom I saw this video today and ran to Costco for the magnetic science book. That was such a unique gift for the older boys on our list that aren't the typical toys. Also, our church has a toy drive and we loaded up on toys. The quality of these toys were super surprising and such a great price. Thanks for the review!

Stroopwafels are the best! You should definately try them. And the European cookies do look a lot like a collection of cookies you can buy in every grocery store here (Germany).

We do keep a Costco membership.Items that we use it for include the rotisserie chicken, their brand sparkling water, some frozen foods, the gas from their gas station and the extended warranty that comes with using our Costco card to purchase electronics. They also have a generous return policy in case the item doesn’t work out. Thanks for taking us along! :)

Hey Dawn, I really enjoyed watching this 😊I don't have a Costco membership now but some things in Costco like the food items seem especially expensive, you could get an inexpensive basket and fill it with specialty bespoke food items that you know your grandma will like from Aldi and save a lot of money which may be a better idea - All the best from the UK 🇬🇧 😊

Love the stroopwaffles! We fell in love with then flying KLM through Amsterdam. Excellent with a cup of coffee or tea.

For Christmas, when my sister and I were young, about 10 ish, my grandma and great aunt, who had our family over for the holiday, got a set of big set of balsa wood ornaments, with lines on them for coloring, and the paints for them. It kept us busy for a long time, and I still have my ornaments.

I go about every 6 weeks. What makes me keep my membership is that they have some foods for my food allergies. I live in a smaller town so travel about 1 and 1/2 hours to get to it so we plan for our regular purchases. I don't have the options in my small town. At first we always bought too much but I know how much I can handle in my house now and tend to not over buy anymore.

I save about $500.00 a year just on Allergy meds and Breath/nose strips for sleeping. Before Costco I was spending $22-25 a month just on allergy meds and another $23 for nose strips (that I couldnt sleep without) which I couldnt afford. When a friend took me to Costco I broke down in tears when I saw that I could get a six month supply for less than I had been paying for a MONTH at pharmacies. So it definaetly is worth it for me, but I do get in and out with a speciific list every six weeks or so. Thanks for the video it was a little funny and I am sure just about anyone who goes to Costco can relate to....oh wait...look over there, wow I didnt see that, hey this is a great deal lol

Stroopwaffles are amazing !!!!!! Yum!!!! You place them on top of your mug to warm in the steam from your coffee and they go all gooey and melty. Deeeeelicious

We love Costco! Make a big grocery haul at the beginning of the month. I try to only buy items that I know we will use up in the month so I don’t ruin our monthly budget. I took the time to price compare items to our Walmart- sometimes it’s a great deal and sometimes it isn’t. It just takes some time to figure it out. Loved watching you shop though! 🤗

You could make that popcorn for much less money! I was shopping with my sister one day, and we went into a shop where they were making caramel corn. It smelled heavenly, but it was $11.00 for a tiny bag! Her birthday was coming up, so I got cooking! I made a huge batch of caramel corn for only a few bucks, and she absolutely loved it!

I had a costco membership when my kids were going through milestone parties like 16ths, 18ths and 21st and Christmas celebrations. Now they have their own places and I haven't been to Costco at all for years, I think one of them has membership, as does my Brother, who is a next level consumer, his home is well overpacked. I have been very careful with bringing more things into the house because I have quite a bit of trouble parting with things, so it's better for me to just avoid those places.

I live 3 hours from our nearest Cosco and I only shop there when I have a large gathering I'm hosting. And just buy food and paper products. You have more stamina than I do with looking at all the things. Great and entertaining video,Dawn.

We go once a month for 1 big grocery haul. Our essentials are diapers, wipes, dog food, Dunkin coffee, frozen fruits/veggies, bread, tortillas, butter, cheese. Basically any freezable foods we buy in bulk! We usually do a $300 trip at the beginning of the month and then a once a week smaller $50 trip for our family of 3 in southern california.

I can so relate to feeling overwhelmed and anxious when shopping in Costco. This is our second time becoming members but I feel this time I bring a list and try to purchase items we definitely use on a consistent basis like cereal, bread, toilet paper/ paper towels, water. And I may purchase one or two new items to try or I think we might like . I have a hard time purchasing any clothes since you can’t try on but I would like to shop there next time I go and look at any books / Christmas items . Also, I love to get their Rotisserie chicken since the price is great and the size is a lot bigger than in a grocery store.

I’m bummed you didn’t enjoy your experience there. I do recall having a hard time getting over the final bill but have adapted. I shop there every 2-3 weeks and do a majority of my grocery shopping there. I love the selection of food items, they have new products often, and stand by their customers if you’re ever dissatisfied for any reason. They run sales often so I wait to stock up on pantry & freezer items. I feel their meat & dairy prices are really where you see savings. (Fun fact, they have some of the strictest meat pathogen testing in the nation). They have great warranties too for major appliances, especially coupled with their Costco credit card. I definitely fall prey to impulse buying there but have gotten better or have just learned to return it after i bring it home and have remorse.

I have had a Costco membership for about 5 years now! I have been going weekly during this season of our lives. With 4 kiddos 12 and under, we go through a lot of food! They have a lot of great organic food options as well as healthier food items that we enjoy for less than other stores. A couple of warnings…it is easy to stockpile. We recently had to tighten our budget quite a bit, and I realized that I kept stocking up on certain things each time I went. So, we used up most items before purchasing again and now only buy for the current week or so. For me, Costco can get overwhelming when I don’t have a list of specific items and just browse, AND during peak hours. 😅 Once we nailed down what we routinely use, it has been easier to shop. I have more brain space to look at new items when they come up. Costco is also great at including unit cost under the price on each of their items. That might help you feel better about prices! We also purchase Costco gas for our van as much as we can.