The same things that make cash a great holiday gift — it's always the right size and color — largely apply to gift cards as well.

And when it comes to buying gift cards, it's hard to beat the deals found at Costco.

For starters, the wholesale club deals with gift cards in much the same way as it does everything else: in bulk.

That means customers get sizable discounts in exchange for buying a lot of something, in this case restaurant cash, vouchers for movie and sporting tickets, and digital codes for gaming and streaming services.

There are even options for airfare and cruises, for those who are feeling extra generous.

Warehouses often have jumbo-sized sheets of gift cards on display featuring national chains as well as local restaurants and teams. 

Online, a pack of four $25 gift cards to Domino's Pizza or Papa Johns sells for $79.99, for a discount of 20% off the combined face value. In addition, select NFL, NHL, and MLB ticket packages also include food and beverage credits.

While buying gift cards through Costco may be a bargain, the better gift (for certain recipients) just might be a gift card to Costco.

Starting at $25, the Costco Shop Card is more than a way to pay for purchases: it's an access pass to shop without a membership.

Many Costco members probably know at least a few people who are intrigued by the exclusive deals found within the warehouse, but who aren't willing to pay Costco's $60 annual fee to gain access.

While members can, of course, bring guests along, a Shop card is a way to let someone explore the club on their own, without the commitment of a membership.

Plus, if they do decide to sign up, the Shop Card is redeemable towards their annual fee.

As Cousin Eddie says in the classic holiday film "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation," "That's the gift that keeps on giving the whole year."