I'm an empty nester who travels 45 minutes out of state to shop at Costco. Here are 12 things I can't leave the store without.

Hilary FlanaganJan 14, 2024, 23:03 IST

Kirkland salsa and tissues are just two of the many items on my Costco shopping list.Hilary Flanagan

My husband and I drive over 45 minutes out of state to shop at Costco.
Even though we're now empty nesters, we still find bulk shopping to be worthwhile.

Shopping at Costco usually makes sense when you have a full house of growing kids. However, even now that we're empty nesters, my husband and I still drive over 45 minutes out of state to shop there.

For us, the trip to Costco is worth it, particularly for the following 12 items:

Fresh Medjool dates are a versatile snack.

Medjool dates are great for baking.Hilary Flanagan

We can never buy enough Kleenex tissues.

The 12-pack of Kleenex tissues at Costco is a great buy.Hilary Flanagan

We always leave the store with a different bag of tortilla chips.

We have tried many brands of tortilla chips. Hilary Flanagan

The twin pack of Kirkland salsa is a must-have.

We like to add salsa to our breakfast scrambles.Hilary Flanagan

My husband and I love nut butter.

We recently tried NuttZo for the first time.Hilary Flanagan

Nature's Path organic pumpkin-seed-and-flax granola is a family favorite.

We never leave Costco without a big bag of granola. Hilary Flanagan

Kirkland maple syrup is one of my favorite items at Costco.

I love using maple syrup to make golden milk from scratch.Hilary Flanagan

Kirkland Signature organic roasted seaweed is great as either a snack or a side.

I love snacking on Kirkland Signature's organic seaweed. Hilary Flanagan

We always stock up on organic frozen fruit.

We use lots of frozen fruit for smoothies. Hilary Flanagan

My husband and I eat lots of oats.

Overnight oats are a breakfast staple in our house. Hilary Flanagan

Dried fruit is great to have in the pantry.

I love picking up different varieties of dried fruit. Hilary Flanagan

Before heading home, we always stop for gas.

The gas prices at Costco are incredible. Trong Nguyen/Shutterstock

I ordered from Portillo's, the historic Chicago hot-dog chain. For $35, I got 2 entrées, fries, and a shake.

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