Use Your Sam's Club Membership for Lunch, Gas, Books, Tires and Parties

When you think of Sam's Club, you probably think about buying in bulk. After all, it is a warehouse store. A single person or those who have a small family may not see the advantage of getting a membership.

If you think outside the box, however, you can discover the value of a Sam's Club membership without the need for extra storage space. Here are five unconventional ways to use your membership:

Lunch
Sam's Club has one of the best lunch deals in town. For $1.61 at my local club, I can purchase a hot dog and a never-ending soda. If I really want to spend cash, I'll get an oversized slice of pizza and a soda for around $2.50. Smoothies, sundaes and frozen cokes are also offered for less than $2. Really, you can not beat the deal.

Gas
Be careful with this one. Depending on your area, the price of gas at Sam's Club can be just as expensive as everywhere else. In fact, the cost of gas at different clubs can vary up to ten cents a gallon. The club in my neighborhood has the most consistently lowest prices in the area. The club near my workplace, however, has average gas prices. Do your homework and step up to the pump.

Birthday Cakes and Special Occasion Cakes
Sam's does an excellent job with cakes at a very reasonable price. They offer personalization and the same variety of character cakes as other bakeries.

My family regularly heads to Sam's Club for birthday cakes. In the past month, we've purchased a Blue's Clues cake for my niece and a birthday cake for my dad. Both were beautiful and tasty.

No one will know you bought the cake from Sam's Club unless you tell them. They're that good.

Books
Check Sam's Club before buying any best-selling books. Their prices are usually the best you can find anywhere. Of course, I'd suggest checking out the book from your library, first. If you are looking to give a gift or you want the book as a resource, check out Sam's Club.

In the past, I have seen cookbooks, paperback romances and hardcover business bestsellers at Sam's Club. Don't expect all clubs to stock the same books. You'll need to check the clubs in your area. Don't wait, though, or you might lose out. New books arrive weekly.

Tires
Not only do you get a good deal on the tires; they come with lifetime rotation and hazard insurance. If you keep running over nails, the ability to get a tire patched free will definitely pay for the tires over time. Add those cost savings to the free rotation and you have a winning combination.

So, there you have five unconventional ways of using a Sam's Club membership. Who knows? Maybe one day I'll see you there while I'm making a lunch run.