You know some of the people I’m really thankful for? Trader Joe’s team members. My cart was so full for this haul of holiday treats, I was able to have a lovely conversation during checkout with two members of the TJ’s team as we talked about our holiday plans, in-laws moving nearby, and the big TJ sellers this season (hint hint: stock up on the Mini Brie En Croute below!).
I’m sharing some of my favorite Trader Joe’s holiday standbys as well as some treats I’m excited to try, from appetizers to sweet treats to gift ideas. Plus, don’t forget Trader Joe’s always has the best affordable wreaths, garland, flower bouquets, and more.
Appetizers & Drinks
French Onion Soup Bites
I originally tried these at a friend’s holiday party and have been buying them ever since. They look and taste gourmet, plus they’re so easy to just throw into the oven and serve.
Mini Brie En Croute
These caught my eye on the shelf because of the beautiful photo on the packaging—and they were also the much-talked-about item in the checkout line. They did not disappoint!
Bacon-Wrapped Scallops
My husband likes to make these fresh for the holidays, but I thought I’d buy some frozen to try and see if I could save him a step—he’s also usually in charge of the primary meat course on Christmas Eve.
Sparkling Cranberry Ginger Beverage
My cousin texted me this very photo for a fun alternative holiday drink idea! The packaging includes a recipe to make it a cocktail—or a mocktail—perfect if you’re pregnant this season and still want a way to toast to the end of 2021!
Trader Joe’s Holiday Treats
Dark Chocolate Star Cookies
I wait all year for these cookies to come out: delicious star-shaped shortbread cookies dipped in dark chocolate with white snowy-like sprinkles. My daughter also loves the mini-star mint chocolate-flavored cookies. I stock up on these for daily treats for the season, but they also look so cute as part of a holiday cookie tray (when I’m willing to share).
Hold the Cone! Peppermint Flavored
My year-round go-to treats at Trader Joe’s are the Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups and Hold the Cones. My kids have been loving the peppermint-flavored Hold the Cones!
Danish Butter Cookies
I’m officially obsessed with the Scandinavian-style packaging for these butter cookies. Not only are they delicious, but they’ll also look so cute on the counter.
Mini Gingerbread People
My sister-in-law texted me a pic of these cookies with the caption, “If you don’t know, now you know.” Gingerbread cookies with white fudge frosting—yum! And here’s another reason to love TJ’s: for their gender-inclusive “gingerbread people.”
Cookie Mug Hangers
As seen in so many cute blogger photos, these little friends make any cup of hot cocoa that much cuter!
Gift Ideas
Gingerbread House Kits
Everything you need for an at-home kid’s activity is in this adorable package!
Rosemary Trees
I’ve always thought these looked so sweet, so I finally bought one this year for my 90-something-year-old neighbor. They smell amazing and can be used beyond the holidays (if you can keep it alive all winter and plant it outside in the spring).
Double Chocolate Hot Cocoa Stirring Spoons
My kids request hot chocolate daily once the weather turns cold, so I know they’ll love these special hot cocoa spoons. They are perfectly sized to be stocking stuffers or a treat for your kids from their Elf on the Shelf.
White Pine Soap and Lotion Duo
I bought this last year too for our downstairs powder room for a little holiday touch. This year, I know the hand soap will go quickly, but the bottle is so cute, I’ll probably refill it through the winter.
Taste of Vermont Organic Maple Syrup Set
I’m gifting this to a friend of mine who is vegan and turned me on to using maple syrup as a more natural sweetener in coffee, salad dressings, and more. It’s one way to say thank you for our friendship and all the healthy tips she shares with me.
Cali Red Wine
Why would I not try a celebrity wine? Snoop Dogg’s Cali Red description sounds delicious and was on the shelf right next to my standby under-$10 wine, Tribunal. So I grabbed a bottle to either toast to the holidays at home or gift to a friend who’d appreciate a good ’90s throwback.
McBride Sisters Black Girl Magic
More of a white wine drinker? Pick up a bottle of McBride Sisters’ Black Girl Magic wine, also sold at Trader Joe’s.
