The Top 10 Trader Joe’s Gifts to Grab While You’re Getting Groceries

If you thought TJ’s wasn’t the best place to buy stocking stuffers, think again.

By Betty Gold

October 01, 2019

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Whatever way you slice it, there’s no denying that Trader Joe’s is ~the place~ for finding one-of-a-kind, make-a-special-trip-to-purchase products. Where else can you find Everything But the Bagel Seasoning Dip, Peanut Butter Blondies, Apple Cider Drinking Vinegar, or Truffle Marcona Almonds? You certainly won’t be finding a jar of their pickled beets anywhere else, and we’d like to keep it that way, thankyouverymuch. Some things in this world are still sacred.

That being said. If TJ’s is the place for cult-worthy food finds, why not make it your last minute gift shop too? It’s convenient, affordable, and who wouldn’t want to bust open a bag of Chocolate Mousse Muffins, Pumpkin Body Butter, and Speculoos Cookie Butter on Christmas morning.

Welcome to our Trader Joe’s gift guide—a collection of special sanity-saving, stress-free items you can pick up while you’re stocking up on paper towels, $3 Pinot Noir, and Trader Giotto’s Penne Arrabbiata. You’d be crazy not to!

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. In the month of December, we’re partial to their advent calendar aisle. With fun offerings like Holiday Traditions and Tidings, Design Your Own Ugly Christmas Sweater, and The Adventure of Fearless Fox and His Tangled-Up Scarf, kids and adults alike will love popping open daily windows to discover 24 unique treats made from delicious milk chocolate and a generous amount of cocoa butter. Best part? They’re only 99 cents.

Old-Fashioned Egg Nog

We’re all well aware of Trader Joe's' three-buck-chuck aisle. But when it comes to booze, the store has so many other worthwhile options that are great for gifting. For a festive Christmas cocktail party hostess gift, grab a bottle of Old-Fashioned Egg Nog Liqueur. It’s made from a combination of spiced rum, brandy, cream, and cinnamon, and tastes delicious on its own, in coffee, or over ice cream.

Pumpkin Body Butter

With its pretty packaging and downright delicious scent, you’re going to want to make sure you buy yourself a container of Pumpkin Body Butter while you’re gift shopping. It smells like fall, and thanks to shea butter and pumpkin seed oil, will leave your skin feeling super soft and smooth.

Gingerbread Flavor Dog Treats

Why should humans get all the grocery store goodies? Good boys deserve gifts. too. These festive gingerbread-flavored dog treats are the go-to gift for the puppy person in your life. They’re made just from whole wheat, rolled oats, molasses, and natural gingerbread flavor and will ensure weeks of wagging.

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 Pumpkin Spice Biocellulose Face Masks (they’re made with ultra-soothing clove leaf, orange peel, and ginger root) and drop them into everyone’s stocking, or give them out on Christmas Eve for a before-bed de-stressing session.

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 bouquets and potted plants, like Double-Dozen Roses for $10.99 or seasonal box arrangements for $12.99. Some stores can help you with special orders if you’re looking to gift a substantial centerpiece, too.

Champagne Gummy Candies

What’s more celebratory than popping open Champagne-shaped gummy candies? Share a bag of these sweet treats with someone special on Christmas and it’ll give them something festive to snack on come New Year’s Eve (if they last that long).

Mediterranean Olive Oil Set

This tasty trio includes three types of extra virgin olive oil: Italian, Greek, and Spanish. Whether or not your loved one will be traveling this holiday season, they’ll (at very least) get transported across the globe as they taste these delicious oils. Pair with some of TJ’s fresh bread or pita chips and you’ve got yourself a great hostess gift for your token foodie friend or family member.

Festively Flavored Coffee Cup Celebration

Honestly, the name says it all. This giftable box of various high-quality Arabica beans from Brazil includes 20 single-serve coffee pods. There are four each of their beloved Wintry Blend, Gingerbread, Salted Caramel, French Vanilla, and Chocolate Mint-flavored coffees.

Nutty Popcorn Trio

Here’s a fun game you can play with everyone you give this sweet treat to: it’s called "Try not to finish this in one sitting." It's next to impossible to lose once they taste the delicious combination of Pecan Praline Caramel Corn, Chocolate Almond Popcorn, and Macadamia Caramel Corn.

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