4 of the Most Mind-Boggling Items You Can Buy at Costco

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Lately, I've been inching closer to signing up for a Costco membership. As a result, I've been doing plenty of research and weighing the pros and cons before I decide. And I have to say, the more I learn about the savings that are possible at Costco , the more impressed I am.

I already knew that Kirkland Signature brand items are a great value, and that the lower price of gas at Costco can be worth waiting in line for. But there were some items I recently found out you can buy at the warehouse giant that made me do a double take.

1. A casket

Not to start on too morbid a note, but did you ever think you'd be able to buy your final resting place in the same store as your paper towels? That's pretty wild. But once I thought about how expensive funeral costs can be, I understood the appeal of saving money on this very pricey item.

The average cost of a casket is $2,000 to $5,000. Meanwhile, at Costco, you can take your pick from various tasteful options -- not a store logo in sight -- for $1,150.

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2. A gold bar

I've seen plenty of cartoons and movies that feature a glimmering pile of neatly stacked gold bars. It seems like such a trope that I was well into adulthood before I realized gold bars are something you can actually buy. If you're looking to start your own stockpile, you might want to give Costco a look.

For the current price of about $2,720, Costco members can take home a 1 oz 24kt gold bar. Just keep in mind, the website says these are non-refundable. Apparently gold doesn't fall under Costco's normally generous return policy.

3. A diamond engagement ring

Whether you're ring shopping for or with your future spouse or you're browsing solo to get ideas for your future self, take a break from your grocery list and check out Costco's selection of engagement rings. I was surprised to learn just how wide the store's jewelry selection is.

From a $500 band to a $340,000 halo ring, you have a lot of options to choose from. Various colors, sizes, and settings are available. And once you find the one that speaks to you, you can go straight back to shopping for gallon jugs of olive oil. Efficient!

4. A 6.6-pound bucket of Nutella

I saved the best for last, and this was actually the item that spurred this article idea. While sure, it's just a tasty spread and not a sparkly jewel, it seems both decadent and ridiculous to be able to buy Nutella in such a large quantity.

I will point out that this tub-o-hazelnuts is available for delivery through Costco Business Center, so your average member won't be able to walk out of the store with it. I suppose thinking of this as a restaurant supply item makes a lot more sense, but I still like to imagine reaching into this huge bucket for a little swirl to put on my morning toast.

Costco offers a lot more than you might think

While the beloved warehouse chain is well known for its bulk home goods and grocery items, look beyond your standard shopping list. Costco offers a wide range of services, from pharmacy prescriptions to photo printing to hearing aids, that can provide plenty of relief for your savings account . And large, infrequent purchases like major appliances, car tires, and travel packages can be found at significant discounts.

If you're considering getting a Costco membership, don't overlook all the less-obvious ways you can save money. Yes, you can get an excellent deal on sunscreen or Parmesan cheese. But there's a whole wide world of Costco discounts out there to explore, too.

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