7 Can't-Miss Game-Day Essentials from Costco

If you're a dedicated football fan -- and even if you're not -- celebrating the big game can be a big deal. That doesn't mean it has to be a big expense, however. And that's especially true if you're a Costco member.

Costco always has great deals on everyday essentials, which is what makes it such a great personal finance choice any time of year. But you can also find most of your game-day essentials at your local Costco, too -- and for a great price. Here are some of my top picks.

1. Ninja Woodfire Electric Outdoor Grill, Smoker & Griddle

It's a grill. No, it's a smoker! No, it's -- an air fryer?!

No matter how you want to prepare your game-day feast, this machine can probably handle it. The Ninja Woodfire Electric Outdoor Grill, Smoker & Griddle bundle from Costco comes with a host of accessories, including a handy cover.

The regular Costco price on this machine is better than I could find anywhere else, which makes the $239.99 sale price a serious deal. (Price valid through Feb. 11, 2024.)

2. Samsung 75" CLass - Q70C Series QLED

If you find yourself squinting to find the ball, perhaps a larger screen is the solution. And this screen is plenty large, offering 75" of ultra high definition QLED with 4K upscaling. (QLED has better color accuracy than regular LED, and it excels in well-lit rooms, such as during a daytime sporting event.)

Now, full disclosure, I did find this same model at the same $999.99 price on Best Buy's website, where you don't need a Costco membership. However, if you do buy from Costco, you get the included Allstate 3-Year Protection Plan, which extends your warranty to a total of five years. Best Buy's 2-Year Geek Squad plan will run you $129.99 and only get you to the four-year mark.

3. Aidell's All Natural Chicken Meatballs

I love a good buffalo wing as much as the next person, but I will choose the meatball-on-a-toothpick over a chicken wing any day of the week. (They're also easier to make!) You can get these tasty Teriyaki & Pineapple meatballs for $3.70 off through Feb. 25, 2024.

More into meatball sliders slathered in marinara and mozz? The Kirkland Signature Italian Style Beef Meatballs can make a killer game-day sandwich.

4. Cheese!

It's a well-known fact that every party is better with cheese. (I'd go so far as to opine that pretty much everything is better with cheese.) And if you need cheese for your game-day spread, Costco is a good place to find it affordably.

There are a lot of Kirkland Signature cheeses, from basic cheddar to blocks of Parmesan (ideal for adding to those meatball subs). You can also find pre-made cheese boards and variety packs perfect for a grazing table.

(Now, I will say that if you want some particularly fancy cheeses, you may need to venture to a grocery store with a dedicated cheese counter. But at least then you'll be able to use your grocery rewards card, so it's not a total bummer.)

5. Hummus and dips

Much like cheese, dips are an integral part of any great party food experience. But who wants to pay $4 for a tiny cup of hummus at the grocery store? No, when it comes to game-day dips, you need to buy in bulk -- which is the perfect job for Costco.

You can get a great variety of hummus and dips from Costco (though specific options will vary by store). My local Costco has feta dips, multiple hummus options, and even organic guacamole.

A big game-day party may also be one of the few times it pays to get wholesale club produce. While it would normally be hard to get through something like bulk avocados, it could be a money saver when whipping up a vat of guac for the game.

6. Kirkland Signature booze

Costco's house-brand liquor selection is both remarkably diverse and surprisingly decent. You can find everything from Kirkland Signature Spiced Rum to Kirkland Signature Cabernet Sauvignon.

While certain products are better than others -- Kirkland Signature vodka is reported to be especially good -- the prices are downright fantastic.

Is this the place to get a luxury bottle of single malt? Absolutely not. Is it a great place to pick up vodka and rum for that game-day punch? Absolutely yes. You can treat the whole party without dipping into your savings.

7. Shark Matrix Plus Robot Vacuum

Every great game must come to an end, and soon the season will be over. Thankfully you'll still have all that party mess to remind you!

If you'd rather not have to deal with it, why not set your trusty robot vacuum to handle the cleanup? (Well, at least part of it -- nothing Costco sells you will load the dishwasher. You're on your own for that one.)

Through Feb. 25, 2024, you can pick up the Shark Matrix Plus Robot Vacuum with Self-Empty HEPA Base for just $299.99, which is $100 off the regular Costco price. Not only does it vacuum for you, it also empties itself into its base, giving you up to 30 days of maintenance-free vacuuming.

Big game, big savings

Whether you need winter must-haves or game-day essentials, Costco has you covered. And chances are pretty good you'll save money compared to other retailers.

The chances are good, but not 100%. As with anything else, make sure you're comparison shopping before you decide Costco has the best price, especially on big-ticket items like TVs. That way, even if your team doesn't win, your wallet does.