14 Phenomenal Trader Joe's Gifts to Grab While Grocery Shopping
There's no denying that Trader Joe's is the spot for finding one-of-a-kind, affordable products. Where else can you grab Everything But the Bagel Seasoning Dip, Chicken Gyoza Potstickers, or Truffle Marcona Almonds? And if TJ's is the place for cult-worthy finds, why not make it your last-minute gift shop too? It's convenient, affordable, and who wouldn't want to bust open a gift of Double Chocolate Hot Cocoa Spoons or Coconut Body Butter this holiday season?
Welcome to our Trader Joe's gift guide—a collection of special, sanity-saving, stress-free items you can pick up for loved ones while you're stocking up on paper towels, $3 Pinot Noir, and Trader Joe's Mandarin Orange Chicken. Happy holidays, indeed! And, as always, check your favorite Trader Joe's location for items, as availability may vary—especially for the most popular limited and seasonal goodies.
1 Milk Chocolate Advent Calendars
From cute cacao nibs to semi-sweet chips, baking chocolate, and countless bars, Trader Joe's is the spot for chocolate gifts galore. When the holidays roll around, we're partial to the advent calendar aisle. With fun themes like adorable Christmas sloths, Gingerbread characters, and a Jolly "Joe-Cuterie" Board, kids and adults alike will love popping open daily windows to discover 24 milk chocolate treats. Best part? They're only 99 cents.
2 Advent Calendar for Dogs
Speaking of advent calendars—TJ's is bringing back its pet-themed advent calendars this year, and they've already started to hit some shelves (check out your local spot to see if they've arrived!). Whether you're a cat parent, dog parent, or both, pick up a countdown-til-Christmas calendar (or three) with 24 delectable treats for your or your loved ones' furry friends (smoked Scottish salmon and sweet potato for pups; Atlantic salmon and dried seaweed for kitties).
3 Fresh-Cut Flowers
The flower section at Trader Joe's is not to miss. Quite literally: The second you walk into the grocery store, you'll likely be greeted with the sweet scent of fresh flowers and greenery. The section is stocked with an extensive collection of high-quality, very affordable bouquets and potted plants. Some stores can help you with special orders if you're looking to gift a substantial centerpiece, too.
4 Coconut Body Butter
With its pretty packaging and downright delicious scent, you're going to want to make sure to pick up a luxurious container of Coconut Body Butter while you're gift shopping. It smells like a warm, tropical vacation—and thanks to shea butter, aloe vera, vitamin E, and coconut oil, will leave skin feeling super soft and smooth.
5 Pumpkin Spice Biocellulose Face Mask
Face masks are one of the most fun, festive ways to make someone feel pampered. Stock up on a bunch of Trader Joe's Rich Hydrating face sheet masks, made with soothing, skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid, honey, chamomile and turmeric extract, and more. Drop them into everyone's stocking, or hand them out on Christmas Eve for a before-bed destressing session.
6 Organic Sea Salt & Nibs Dark Chocolate Bar
'Tis the season for sweets and treats. What better way to treat a friend or family member than with a chocolate bar made from delicious organically grown Madagascar chocolate, cocoa nibs, and just the right amount of sea salt? It's a trick question: There is truly no better way.
7 Double Chocolate Hot Cocoa Stirring Spoon
The ultimate holiday treat for kids (and adults—let's not kid ourselves) is a toasty mug of hot chocolate studded with marshmallows. On your next grocery run, grab a few of these hot cocoa stirring spoons: A combo of hard dark and milk chocolate on a stick that magically melts when stirred into a warm cup of milk. There's nothing better to sip on after playing in the snow or while singing carols by the fire.
8 A Mini Succulent
We've already talked about how strong TJ's plant game is, and if you needed any more proof, these beyond-adorable mini succulents are all you need. Grab a small, pretty succulent next time you need a low-key gift that says, "Thanks for hosting me" or "Thinking of you!"
9 Almond Ginger Scent Oatmeal Exfoliant Bar
You know the food is irresistible, but don't forget about the bath and beauty products at Trader Joe's, too. This relaxing oatmeal exfoliant bar, made in France, has the most soothing, spa-like almond ginger scent and a creamy formula to leave skin baby-soft. A perfect last-minute gift or stocking stuffer.
10 Rose Water Facial Toner
TJ's fans can't get enough of this light and invigorating facial toner spray that smells so much like a freshly cut rose you won't believe your nose. Wrap up this sweet gift for the loved one who can never have too many skincare products.
11 Cranberry Orange Bars
When you need a no-bake, celebratory dessert STAT, look no further than these tart, sweet, buttery cranberry-orange squares with shortbread crust. The only prep required? Thaw at room temp for an hour or in the fridge for two hours for a ready-to-eat treat that's anything but your average cookie. A tray of these beauties will be gobbled up in no time, whether you bring them to a holiday cookie exchange, winter cocktail party, or leave them out for Santa to enjoy (wink!).
RELATED: 7 Trader Joe's Desserts That Require Absolutely No Cooking This Thanksgiving
12 Italian Truffle Cheese
Nothing says "special occasion" more than truffles—but "special occasion" often means "expensive." Luckily, Trader Joe's is famous for its wide and affordable selection of party-worthy cheeses. Show up to your next holiday gathering toting truffle-infused cheese and watch it disappear in minutes. This mild cow's milk cheese is laced with both aromatic Italian black truffle pieces and truffle oil for a double dose of decadence.
13 Sparkling Cranberry Ginger Beverage
Because you don't want to show up anywhere this holiday season empty-handed, stock up on a festive sparkling beverage that's special enough for both drinkers and non-drinkers—even the kids will love it! Crisp, tangy cranberry and warm, spicy ginger meet for the perfect holiday sip. Trader Joe's recommends serving at cocktail hour or, even more fun, in flutes during dinner.
14 The Spice Market
This "set of curated seasoning blends" brings together the best of the best spice mixes TJ's has to offer: Spicy Italian-Style Sprinkle, Cocoa Cinnamon Sugar, Everything But the Elote, Chile Lime Seasoning, and Everything But the Bagel. Bye bye, bland food. And these cult-favorite blends are so popular, the set is available to order on Amazon, too.