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15 Costco Items Retirees Should Buy Before the End of July

These Costco bargains can benefit retirees' budgets and lives this season.

costco store exterior and featured item
Updated July 16, 2025
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Whether you're living on a fixed income or simply want to avoid burning through your retirement on overpriced items from specialty stores, you can save money at Costco and keep your summer budget on track.

We did the legwork for you and found the best buys from the warehouse club this July. So, keep reading for insider info on the season's top grocery, travel, clothing, healthcare, and home deals.

Editor's note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location.

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Elements Bug Repelling Fans

two boxes of bug repelling fans

Price: $18.99

Enjoy the great outdoors minus the biting bugs. Swap smelly sprays and over-scented candles for this sleek, stylish set of fans. The whisper-quiet blades provide up to 10 hours of runtime.

Vacation Classic Sunscreen Lotion

pack of classic sunscreen lotion

Price: $21.99

Protect your skin from the summer sun. This broad-spectrum SPF 50 is dermatologist-tested, oxybenzone and octinoxate-free, and water-resistant (up to 80 minutes). That's not all. Ingredients like coconut, banana, aloe vera, niacinamide, and vitamin E also nourish and hydrate.

Get two six-ounce tubes of the sweet-smelling sunscreen and a bonus fragranced air freshener for under $22. For reference, a single six-ounce size costs $16.99 at Target.

Adidas Men's Golf Polo

a pile of men's golf polo

Price: $18.99

Upgrade your summer wardrobe without overspending at department stores. Costco has brand-name buys, like this men's polo, for way less than other stores. Score this stylish selection for under $20 this month. You'll pay $40 at Macy's for a similar Adidas top.

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Kirkland Signature Flex-Tech Scented Kitchen Bags

scented kitchen bags

Price: $16.99

Stop strange smells and summertime stenches for less. Keep kitchen odors under control without breaking the bank on expensive bags that you'll just throw out. The 13-gallon drawstring scented Flex-Tech bags are strong, durable, and stretch to reduce tearing.

This bulk buy box of 200 is a steal for $16.99 ($0.08 per bag). Target sells a 50-count of Hefty's Lavender and Sweet Vanilla Kitchen Bags for $11.29 ($0.23 per bag).

Shopping pro tip: This month's best deals

rh2010/Adobe happy women with shopping bags

July is in full swing, bringing the height of summer. That also means peak season for hot deals and unbeatable savings. Now’s the time to save big on:

  • Grills, coolers, and outdoor living upgrades
  • Travel must-haves for road trips and beach days
  • Swimwear and summer fashion
  • For grocery savings, grab seasonal produce like watermelon, peaches, and tomatoes

While you're enjoying the sunshine, retailers are quietly making room for back-to-school inventory. That makes July a prime opportunity to scoop up summer favorites while the deals are still blazing.

Kirkland Signature Stretch-Tite Plastic Food Wrap

stack of plastic food wraps

Price: $16.89

Reduce food waste and keep your leftovers safe. High-quality plastic wrap is a staple for summer picnics and barbecues. Cover salads, fruit, ribs, burgers, and more this summer with this clingy 12-inch by 3,000-feet roll.

Kirkland Signature Grass-Fed Beef Patties

grass fed patties

Price: $28.59

Nab this five-pound bag of burgers for under $30. Prep for backyard barbecues and other outdoor summertime events while keeping your grocery budget under control. The 15-count pack of frozen one-third-pound ready-to-grill patties will save you time and money.

Kirkland Signature Bottled Water

bottled water on display

Price: $3.99

Stay hydrated in the warm, humid weather. Costco's generic KS 40-count is one bulk buy you can't skip this summer. Compare $3.99 for the generic to $7.19 for a smaller 32-pack of Poland Spring Bottled Water (at Target).

KeepCool Insulated Cooler Bag

insulated cooler bag

Price: $10.99

As the name implies, this bag keeps everything in it cool. This is more than just a regular reusable shopping bag. The insulated tote is water-resistant and will keep your food fresh on the way home. Planning a picnic at the park? Toss a few freezie packs into this bag to chill fruit, salads, and sandwiches.

Get a protection plan on all your appliances

Did you know if your air conditioner stops working, your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover it? Same with plumbing, electrical issues, appliances, and more.

Whether or not you’re a new homeowner, a home warranty from Choice Home Warranty could pick up the slack where insurance falls short and protect you against surprise expenses. If a covered system in your home breaks, you can call their hotline 24/7 to get it repaired.

For a limited time, you can get your first month free with a Single Payment home warranty plan.

Get a free quote

Core 10-Person Lighted Tent

ten person lighted tent

Price: $264.99

While this is a pricier product, the investment will pay for itself over time. Gone are the days of stuffing your whole family into a tiny pop-up tent. Now you can camp in comfort. This 14-by-10-foot 10-person "cabin" features built-in LED lighting, pre-attached poles, a two-minute instant setup, and an optional room divider.

Quick tips: How to travel or dine out without going broke

Kay A/peopleimages.com/Adobe woman packing suitcase for travel

Thoughtful planning can help you maximize your travel experience without draining your wallet. Here are some tips on how to balance your adventure with a budget:

  • Visit restaurants during happy hour or lunch for lower prices
  • Use cashback dining apps like Seated or credit cards with travel/dining rewards
  • Use price comparison tools like Hopper or Google Flights to track airfare drops
  • Book accommodations with kitchens to prepare some meals yourself

You never know where your most memorable moments will come from. So consider both the emotional and financial value of an experience to find the things that are truly worth your money.

SLK Premium Pickleball Set

premium pickleball set

Price: $69.99

Join the pickleball craze without throwing away your savings on pricey equipment. Score this name-brand set of two paddles and three balls (carry bag included) for a bargain. Check your local Costco club for the best price. We found this pack for $59.99.

Kirkland Signature Triple Action Joint Health

triple action joint health

Price: $22.99

Don't let stiff, achy joints stop you from your summer adventures. Costco's generic brand triple-action supplement supports mobility and bone health while maintaining cartilage.

Get 110 of the coated tablets for $22.99. The UC-II Undenatured Type II Collagen, Boron, and Hyaluronic Acid formula is a budget-friendly dupe for Move Free Ultra ($20.99 for 64 tablets).

Columbia Packable Blanket

packable outdoor blanket

Price: $24.99

This packable blanket is perfect for picnics, outdoor concerts, and other summertime events. A waterproof shell makes the 72-by-72-inch throw ideal for adventures in the elements, and the adjustable strap makes this "bag" easy to carry.

What do Costco shoppers think? Customer "Patty Traveler" gave this pick a five-star review, noting, "So nice to have for picnics or emergencies and easy size for travels."

Tretorn Women's Jogger Sneakers

a pair of shoes on top of box

Price: $28.99

Comfort is crucial in the summer months. Between walks at the park, strolls on vacation, and everything else you do, you need a shoe that doesn't disappoint. A memory foam footbed and padded collar make these Tretorns ideal for outdoor activities.

Costco's under-$30 price beats what you'll pay at other stores. DSW sells a similar style from the same brand for over $59.

CleverMade Foldable Tote Bag On Wheels

foldable tote bag on wheels

Price: $36.99

Make carrying groceries a breeze. Instead of lugging around heavy shopping bags, fill this wheeled tote with up to 75 pounds of veggies, cereal, sunscreen, beach towels, or anything else that will fit inside. And bonus, this item folds flat for easy storage.

Kirkland Signature Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts

boneless and skinless chicken meat

Price: $2.99 per pound

Save some serious cash on the price of poultry. For $2.99 per pound, this deal is a can't-miss bargain. And don't worry about having too much to use. Costco's KS bulk buy is split into three individual bags that you can freeze.

Bottom line

Refrina/Adobe costco wholesale building

When it comes down to it, warehouse clubs like Costco make it easy to tackle high grocery costs and save money on a wide range of other items as well.

Instead of wasting your retirement on pricey polos, fancy footwear, and more, snap up these summertime selections before they're gone. Additionally, make the most of your membership by scoring in-store specials, discounted bulk buys, and generic Kirkland Signature products.

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