“Cheap” probably isn’t the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of a shopping trip at Costco. But I promise, it’s doable! Especially if you’re buying in bulk to please a lot of people. The more mouths you feed, the cheaper it is per person—and that makes it the perfect place to shop for a bitchin’ summer party. Here’s what to buy at Costco for your
- Tostitos Salsa Verde Tortilla Chips ($6.49)
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Real Costco heads will know you can get a 32 oz. bag of potato chips for just about the same price as this 25 oz. bag of tortilla chips. Obviously, 32 is bigger than 25, but that’s limited thinking! These salsa verde chips come with chips and dip all in one. And think of all the shirts you’ll save from potential queso spillage.
Read our ranking of the best tortilla chips
- Finlandia Premium Cheese Slice Variety Pack ($11.99)
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Oddly, this is one of the pricier things on our list, but when you look at the full picture you’ll see the vision. You can get a block of cheese from Costco for cheap but what are the odds that everyone will like one type? With this, you’re getting four varieties—Swiss, Colby jack, cheddar, and Monterey Jack—in one 2 lb. package, all pre-sliced for convenience. Ultimately, I think a deal you’d be a fool to pass up. For what it’s worth, this has the Vinz stamp of approval because it’s the very cheese I had on hand for my Costco-themed 30th birthday party (yes, that really happened).
Read our ranking of the best sliced cheese
- Utz Pub Mix ($10.99)
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You know I had to do it. A party stocked with Costco items would be nothing without a tub of the illustrious Utz Pub Mix! It’s got everything you could want and, quite frankly, much more. It’s a mix of pretzels, rice crackers, cheese crunchies, rye chips, and more. Again, a little something for everyone—or a lot of something for one person who just likes lots of snacks in one container.
Read our ranking of the best snack mix
- Bud Light Beer 36 Pack ($24.39)
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A summer party is nothing without beer. Unless you’re hosting AA at your place, then I’ll understand skipping this round. Either way, if you’re looking to provide a quintessential summer beverage for cheap, Costco’s got you covered with cans of Bud Light for less than 75 cents a pop! Uhh or rather, a beer!
Read our ranking of the best light beer
- Kirkland Signature Sparkling Water Variety Pack ($11.99)
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Sorry, sober friends, kids, and people who just don’t want to drink under the summer sun and dehydrate themselves, I didn’t mean to rub it in your face back there. I’ve got you covered with a hefty serving of sparkling water though. With very fitting citrusy flavors of lemon, lime, and grapefruit, you can sip these on their own or use them as a base for mocktails (or cocktails for the drinkers).
Read our ranking of the best sparkling water
- Jonny Pops Organic Freezer Pops ($10.59)
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Too cheap to turn on the AC for your summer party? Well, even if you’re living in the lap of luxury and lounging in your nice, refreshing swimming pool, a big ol’ bag of freezer pops at a summer party is as quintessential as getting a $1.50 hot dog combo during your trip to Costco. It’s just the poetic cherry on top that we get one last variety pack to tie up our summer party on the cheap from Costco.
Read our ranking of the best popsicles
Thoughts? Questions? Complete disagreement? Leave a comment!