This Costco Gift Could Be the Best Christmas Present of All

The holiday season is approaching. And while there's still plenty of time to do your shopping, you don't want to wait too long to start checking items off of your gift list.

Now in the coming weeks, you might find yourself scouring the internet for sales, whether it's apparel, electronics, or home goods. But if you're looking for the perfect gift for a Costco fan in your life, then you may want to consider picking up a Costco Shop Card.

Better than your average gift card

A Costco Shop Card is basically Costco's version of a store gift card. You can use a Costco Shop Card at any warehouse club store or online. You can also use one to purchase gas at Costco stations.

Now some people will tell you that gift cards aren't actually the best holiday gift for a few reasons. First, they can be somewhat impersonal. And also, you run the risk of them going unused.

But that's less likely if you give a Costco Shop Card to someone who you know is a member and shops at the store frequently. For one thing, the recipient of your gift can always use that Shop Card to cover expenses like groceries and household essentials.

Granted, that may not be the most fun way to use a Costco Shop Card. But if money is tight and it minimizes their credit card bill that month, so be it.

Otherwise, a Costco Shop Card might be someone's ticket to guilt-free Costco spending. A lot of people force themselves to stick to a list of essentials when shopping at Costco, but the store is actually loaded with fun purchases.

Someone you care about might use their Costco Shop Card to buy a new kitchen gadget they've had their eye on. Or, they might buy some clothing. Heck, they might even decide to spend the Costco Shop Card you give them on snacks and sweets from the bakery. And there's nothing wrong with that.

A good gift for non-members, too

You have to be a Costco member to purchase a Costco Shop Card. But you don't have to be a member to use one.

So if you have a friend who you know has been eager to give Costco a try, a Costco Shop Card could be a great thing to hand over during the holidays. That Shop Card will give them access to Costco (even without a membership), so they can try out the store and, better yet, purchase some items that you paid for.

There are plenty of great holiday gifts you can find at Costco, from cozy blankets to gourmet food baskets. But it pays to consider the gift of a Costco Shop Card. That way, your friends and loved ones can pick out their favorite Costco items without having to reach into their own wallets as they normally would. And if you gift a Costco Shop Card to a non-member, you might help introduce them to the wonder of Costco. That alone is a good reason to go this route.