Friends throw a surprise birthday at Costco—complete with hugs, pizza, and plenty of shopping carts

We all know the pressure of planning an “Instagram-worthy” birthday party: decor, themes, catered food, the works. But sometimes the most joyful celebrations don’t happen in a trendy venue—they happen in the aisles of Costco. (Yes, Costco. Where else can you buy 40 muffins, a kayak, and a diamond ring in one trip?)

That’s exactly what one viral TikTok captures: a group of friends surprising someone for their birthday inside their favorite big-box store. The clip shows hugs, laughter, and pizza by the slice—all in between shopping carts and a warehouse backdrop. 

And honestly? It’s perfect.

Related: Flight attendant mom gets entire plane in on her son’s 9th birthday surprise

A party where practicality meets personality

Instead of chandeliers and champagne, this birthday had fluorescent lights and food court sodas—and it just worked. Why? Because the setting wasn’t just practical (groceries + birthday = multitasking win), it was deeply personal.

For the birthday guest of honor, Costco wasn’t just a store; it was a happy place. (“Costco is my sacred place,” creator @khanhlikewhoa jokes in the clip—and honestly, same.) By choosing a setting that reflected her and her husband’s real life, her friends made her husband’s surprise celebration uniquely perfect.

Why Costco feels like the perfect party backdrop

There’s something oddly magical about celebrating in a place woven into your everyday routine. Psychologists say meaningful rituals and spaces often deepen connection—not because they’re fancy, but because they’re familiar. (Translation: Yes, your Target runs and Starbucks orders do count as self-care traditions.)

Add in Costco’s legendary sheet cake, $1.50 hot dog combos, and aisles big enough to fit your entire crew? You’ve got yourself a party venue that’s low-pressure, affordable, and instantly memorable.

The deeper joy: Friendships that show up

Of course, what really makes this video resonate isn’t the setting—it’s the people. In adulthood, especially in the chaos of parenting, friendships can feel like a rare luxury. To see a group of friends coordinate, surprise, and show up—right in the middle of bulk toilet paper and rotisserie chickens—is a reminder of just how precious those bonds are.

Research shows that strong social connections improve both mental and physical health. For parents especially, friendships act as a lifeline—a reminder that you’re more than your to-do list. (And also, who else is going to split the 40-pack of granola bars with you?).

Related: This little boy’s surprise garbage truck birthday parade will warm your heart 

Why unconventional parties might just be the best kind

The takeaway? You don’t need a Pinterest-perfect backdrop to celebrate well. Sometimes the most meaningful moments happen in the everyday places where life already unfolds.

So, the next time you’re planning a birthday—whether for your kid, your partner, or yourself—consider this your permission slip to skip the stress. Pick a spot that feels authentic, grab the people who make you laugh, and lean into the joy.

Because at the end of the day, it’s not about the decorations—it’s about the connections. And if you can cross “buy 200 diapers” off your list while eating pizza with your best friends? That’s what we call a parenting win-win.