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7 Holiday Gifts to Buy at Warehouse Clubs
Buying bulk can save you money on these festive presents
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You may already be planning to visit your local warehouse club to pick up holiday decorations or ingredients for a big holiday meal with extended family. While you’re there, you may also be able to check some gifts off your holiday shopping list.
“Warehouse clubs offer a variety of deals on gifts for just about everyone,” says budgeting expert Andrea Woroch. “You can get more for the same price you’d spend at a big box retailer like Walmart or Target. For instance, you will usually get a bundle set of Barbie dolls for the same price as one or two at another retailer.”
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Making a list and checking it twice is important when shopping at warehouse stores, especially if you’re buying gifts in bulk. And if you aren’t a warehouse club member, factor in the cost of membership to determine if it’s worth it. If you don’t plan to shop there often, it may not be.
The savings depend on how you split the items up, but Julie Ramhold, a consumer analyst at DealNews, says you can expect to save $5 to $10 per gift. Woroch says if you shop strategically and take advantage of sales, the discount can be as much as 30 percent.
Here’s a look at seven items worth buying in bulk this season.
1. Gift cards
About 53 percent of holiday shoppers say they would like to receive a gift card, according to the National Retail Federation’s Winter Holidays forecast. That’s good news for warehouse club shoppers, since it’s a category in which you can get a deal buying in bulk. “You can get 10 to 20 percent off gift card bundles to restaurants, spas, airlines, select retailers and more,” Woroch says. “During Black Friday sales and other holiday promotions, you may even get an extra discount.”
2. Small kitchen gadgets
If a blender, espresso machine or other small appliance is on your shopping list, Woroch says you can save at Costco, BJ’s and Sam’s Club. If you shop at Costco, you can even get a price adjustment for 30 days from purchase of the item if you find it somewhere cheaper. “Online purchases are easy to request a price adjustment too," Woroch says. "You just submit the info online at their customer service desk."
3. Big-ticket items
You may not have a lot of brands to choose from, but a big-ticket item such as a TV, kitchen appliance or laptop can be cheaper at a warehouse club. “Look for huge sales in categories like 4K TVs, wireless electronics, large appliances, smartphones, cameras and security systems, especially during Black Friday and leading up to Thanksgiving weekend,” says Vipin Porwal, founder and consumer savings expert at Smarty, a cash-back shopping app. “While the selection is very brand-specific and limited, there are deals that compare to both in-store at big box [retailers] and online at the Amazons of the world.”
Plus, purchasing such items at warehouse stores often gives you access to extended warranties and free shipping, if you’re ordering online.
4. Candles and mugs
Scented candles and mugs have long been go-to gifts for friends and family. Warehouse retailers often sell them in variety packs, which means you can split them up and offer a more personalized gift while also saving money, Ramhold says.
5. Holiday bundles
During the holidays, warehouse clubs roll out gift packs or baskets in a variety of categories, from beauty and perfume to candy and cookies. Those bundles can make perfect gifts — and can be a great way to save money. But you have to act fast if you see something you like. Ramhold says many of the holiday bundles are unique to the warehouse clubs and they sell out. “From scented candles to the Starbucks mug sets, these items may be warehouse club exclusives. You may be able to track down something similar elsewhere, but don’t count on being able to find the exact item tucked on a clearance shelf at your local Target,” she says.
6. Beauty products
Have a skin care, makeup or hair maven on your list? High-end beauty tools and cosmetics can be expensive, but you can find great prices in warehouses for name-brand hair dryers, straightening irons, curling wands, moisturizers, eyeshadow, lipsticks and more.
7. Clothing
While clothing may not be top of mind when you’re thinking of warehouse stores, the clubs have an array of apparel worth checking out, including “a nice selection of clothing from both their own brands and name brands like Disney, Puma, Splendid, GAP, Levi’s and more,” Woroch says. “They also have dress-up clothing, which is fun for kids.”
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