The holiday season, as twinkly and jubilant as it is, can be a real budget buster. All the yuletiding, festive gatherings, and thoughtful shopping can be a serious stretch, both time- and money-wise. Trader Joe's [1] is already a thrifty choice for groceries, of course, but it's definitely nailed the definition of one-stop shop with its holiday selection [2] this year. Dominating the festive and frugal game, there are options for seemingly everyone in your life: the kiddos, fine-food aficionados [3], booze enjoyers, and of course, the chocolate appreciators. A bold statement, but TJ's just may very well be our holiday shopping miracle.
The chocolate-covered everything beckons, people . . . and it's not gonna gift itself. You may find yourself gallivanting through grab-bag heaven in the gift-decked aisles, and that's encouraged. Good luck choosing, though, as the selection is merrily abundant [4]. Shopping at TJ's infuses joy on the regular, so it's no surprise that during the holiday season it's downright dripping in it. And for this, we are not mad. So get your shopping vibes going with the best holiday gifts from Trader Joe's. They've turned time-crunch gifting into an art, and us into holiday rock stars. Oh, and did we mention there's not a thing over $10? Boom.
Prices and products may vary by Trader Joe's location.
— Additional reporting by Lauren Harano
Trader Joe's Real Mistletoe ($2)
Adorably packaged mistletoe? Yes, please. At $2.49 a pop, we might've bought out the whole lot. A flirtatiously cute little gift laced with tradition and loaded with meaning . . . who says you can't give love for cheap.
Trader Joe's 10-Inch Wreath Centrepiece ($7)
Can't go wrong with a wreath . . . that's what we always say. An item that smells like the holidays is an item that should be gifted for the holidays. This winter greenery is a decorative host or hostess gift that will most definitely be approved. And at 10 inches, it's cute to boot.
Trader Joe's Chocolate Covered Pretzel Twist Assortment ($7)
The sweet and salty holiday tradition we love, all curated and boxed-up nicety-nice for us, courtesy of Trader Joe's. We've been good this year, so go on and get crazy with some delectable pretzel twist treats. One for me, one for you.
Trader Joe's Peppermint Bark ($10)
If you don't have peppermint bark on hand at all times, is it even the holiday season? Sling a tin under your arm and march into that holiday gathering like the peppermint boss that you are.
Trader Joe's Double Chocolate Hot Cocoa Stirring Spoon ($1)
. . . speaking of hot cocoa, these cocoa-ready spoons are the stocking stuffer or party favours we wish we had thought of! Also, let's take a moment to appreciate the double chocolate feature. Like we said, TJ's just gets us.
Trader Joe's Boozy Little Truffles ($7)
You had us at "boozy." This elegant-looking box of boozy little chocolates is a holiday dream, basically. A truffled nightcap in various chocolate flavours and a gift to be proud of giving. You're a real pal, TJ's.
Trader Joe's Mini Succulents ($3)
The cutest little succulents that ever were make the perfect gift for almost anyone. These little guys look comfortably at home on a desk, windowsill, shelf, and well, anywhere really. We're a big fan of the succulent trio, because succulents need buddies, too.
Trader Joe's Holiday Popcorn Tin ($10)
For all your holiday-movie-watching needs. And because ginormous is better. The holidays are for gathering, and so is this giant popcorn tin . . . for that, we are grateful.
Trader Joe's Advent Calendar ($1)
For one dollar, you can snatch up one of TJ's cheerfully decorated chocolate-filled Advent calendars for a classic Christmas countdown. A chocolate a day is the best way to keep track, obviously.
Trader Joe's White Pine Hand Soap and Lotion ($6)
A crisp duo is waiting to adorn bathroom or kitchen sinks for the holiday season. A gift that will be appreciated by anyone and everyone hosting a party this winter. Bye, germs, bye.
Trader Joe's Gingerbread Scented Candle ($4)
A traditionally versatile gift, this gingerbread candle is up to the holiday scent challenge, and in a lovely tin to boot. Stocking stuffer, host and hostess, grab bag, or even a treat-yo-self present: this one is a crowd-pleaser, folks.
Trader Joe's Fruit Fancies ($7)
You had us at the name. The holidays are for getting a little fancy, and these Fruit Fancies are the ideal accessory to any party table. Adorn a plain old block of cheese with some of these bad boys, and bam: classiness achieved. See? You fancy.
Trader Joe's Holiday Zygocactus ($3)
The bright red wrapping just screams "holiday!" on this extra-festive celebratory cactus. And when you hand it over, the empty space in your hand will likely be filled with an equally as festive holiday cocktail, so there's that.
Trader Joe's Chocolate Passport ($10)
Can't go wrong with a classic. With its solid design, this box of goodness doesn't even need to be wrapped. Around the world in chocolate? Um, definitely. You don't need to be a world traveller to appreciate this one.
Trader Joe's Gingerbread House Kit ($8)
Activate nostalgia again. Even the packageing is fun (no surprise there) in a roof-shaped box filled with a favourite childhood activity that could easily be turned into a fun holiday adult activity with some mulled wine. Just throwin' that out there.
Trader Joe's Poinsettias ($3 to $15)
When in doubt, give a poinsettia. It's the brilliant holiday plant we all know and love. The selection at Trader Joe's is impressive with an actual poinsettia family of four; basically, the mic drop if you're in a holiday gift-giving pinch. There's one for every occasion . . . small to large. For the tiny guy (2.5 inches) it's a mere $2.99. Next up is the 4.5-inch at a cool $3.49. If you're going mid-size, perhaps the 6.5-inch is more your speed for $5.99. And if you're in a go big or go home situation, the 10-inch poinsettia has got you covered for $14.99. Done.
Trader Joe's Holiday Pastas ($2 to $3)
Shout-out to all the carb-lovers out there. The candy-cane-striped garganelli is a true work of art that can be appreciated for just a couple dollars. Strength in numbers, so its pasta cousin, the winter snowflake, makes the perfect pasta pair. Buon appetito!
Trader Joe's Sour Cranberry Ale ($8)
Cheer in a bottle . . . you'll be a hit when gifting this holiday beverage. Since it's a limited edition, it may be wise to stock up. TJ's, you've outdone yourself.
Trader Joe's Spirited Fruit Spreads ($8)
Spirited, indeed. These fruit spreads with a kick will jazz up your holiday toast this season. They pair perfectly with mimosas, just sayin'.
Trader Joe's Chocolate Bar Quintet ($4)
Adorably packaged, this choco-bar quintet is proof that things are sweeter in fives. This one is especially versatile since you can either dole them out as five individual tiny giftlets (if you will) or the whole damn thing for someone you really like. Win, win.
Trader Joe's Rainbow of Honey ($10)
Trader Joe's really is a magical land, complete with rainbows . . . of honey. For 10 bucks, you can score an eye-pleasing assortment of flavoured honey. Now if we can just get some unicorns in stock, we'd be all set.
Trader Joe's Brandy Beans ($3)
These are some magic beans all right. TJ's combines two amazing things — alcohol and chocolate — in a bean nugget form for after-dinner-treat-popping enjoyment. Best get two boxes.
Trader Joe's Nuts and Fruits and Honey Jar ($8)
Pretty AND tasty. It's SO pretty in fact, that it'll be tough to crack into it. But when you do, your taste buds will rejoice in a holiday dance involving an homage to peanuts, dried figs, almonds, pistachios, hazelnuts, currants, walnuts, coconut, sesame seeds, and honey and bee pollen. Yeah, seriously. Yum.
Trader Joe's Triple Ginger Brew ($3)
TJ's calls this a "seasonal favourite," and who are we to argue? This nonalcoholic holiday refreshment comes in vintage holiday bottles with an extra ginger kick. Mix and match to create fun holiday beverages or drink a glass on its own. Either way, delicious.