Decorating the tree, baking treats, enjoying the twinkling lights — there is plenty to look forward to during the holiday season. At the top of my list? Heading over to stock up on all the new seasonal goodies at Trader Joe’s, of course. This fan-favorite store is known for its unique, limited-edition products that fill the shelves come late fall — and disappear just as quickly — as shoppers rush to get their hands on beloved holiday eats, treats, giftables and décor.
Ready to join their ranks? Here is the scoop on popular new finds to keep an eye out for this year, along with must-have returning favorites.
1. Iced gingerbread squares
Making gingerbread from scratch is great fun, but let’s face it, sometimes we just don’t have it in us to deal with the messes of flour and bits of cookie dough all over the house. No problem. Enter these delicious gingerbread bites that are all about the sugar and spice. The chewy, soft-baked bars are iced with a sweet glaze for a holiday treat whenever the mood hits. Stash a few boxes in your freezer and take them out a couple of hours before serving.
2. Advent calendars for cats and dogs
Who says human children get to have all the fun? Pamper your furry kids with a Christmas countdown all their own. Trader Joe’s comes out with a new version of these adorable advent calendars each year, packed with a selection of 24 daily treats for your four-legged friend, available in dog or cat varieties. These cute calendars sell out lightning-quick, so snag them if you see them!
3. Stollen crisps
Everyone loves the traditional German Christmas bread known as stollen: a sweet, dense loaf packed with dried fruits and nuts. Now, in its constant quest to give familiar staples a funky spin, TJ’s reinvents the tasty baked good in the form of a snackable cracker-meets-crisp. Satisfyingly crunchy, with just a hint of sweetness and studded with plump raisins and zesty orange, these can be munched with cheeses, dips (such as creamy sweet cannoli) or straight out of the box by the handful.
4. Chicken sausage and cheddar cheese breakfast bake
A crowd-pleaser Christmas breakfast without the prep, effort or clean-up? Done. This hearty breakfast bake comes fully-cooked and packed with all the essential morning food groups — bread, eggs, sausage and cheese for a delicious dish that TJ’s describes as a “savory bread pudding.” Just pop a couple in the oven and wait for breakfast to be ready as you gulp down coffee and watch the kids rip into their gifts in the wee hours of morning.
5. Christmas sprinkle
Baking homemade holiday treats with the kids is a beloved tradition for many; and if your kids are anything like mine, showering everything with a ridiculous amount of sprinkles is their favorite part. Trader Joe’s is bringing this baking essential to its shelves for the first time this year — a cute mix of red, green and white sprinkles in festive shapes. The best part? In keeping with TJ’s stance on avoiding artificial additives in their products, the colors are made with all-natural food dyes so you can feel good about letting the kids go crazy.
6. Felted wool pine cones
If you have toddlers and preschoolers around, you know that fragile glass ornaments and dainty ceramic figurines are most definitely not options for Christmas décor. But that doesn’t mean you need to forgo adding some festive flair to your home. The solution? The soft and fuzzy felted décor from Trader Joe’s, like these new adorably whimsical pine cones that look like they’re straight out of a fairy tale. Use these oversized, woodsy-hued pieces to add a holiday touch anywhere you like; they can be dropped, tossed, launched and nibbled on with no harm done.
7. Candy cane body butter
Got a beauty product-obsessed tween or teen on your Christmas list? Then don’t walk past this one. This candied body butter makes an irresistible stocking stuffer for every sparkle-loving kid out there (and yes, that includes moms), shimmering with iridescent glitter and scented with a light peppermint and vanilla fragrance. Pair it with another sweet new find, the hot cocoa whipped body scrub, for the ultimate pampering experience.
8. Salted caramel hot cocoa stirring spoons
These nifty little spoons have shown up in winters past in their classic version, making for awesome stocking stuffers and easy additions to gift cards and baskets. This year, they get a tasty salted caramel makeover. The cute wooden spoons come with a solid chocolate hunk on the end, studded with chocolate chips and miniature pink marshmallows. Just dip into a mug of hot milk and stir until melted. They make a great addition to your home hot cocoa bar, too.
9. Brazil nut body trio
Trader Joe’s Brazil nut skincare lineup has gained a cult following for its gourmand fragrance with notes of salted caramel, pistachio and vanilla, and rich, nourishing textures. This brand-new seasonal set hits the store just in time for the holidays: a gift-ready fuschia box holding a tin of body butter, body mist and scented body oil. These won’t last on the shelves for long: wrap one for a lucky recipient on your list, or keep all for yourself if you manage to snag one before they’re gone.
10. Nordic reindeer tillandsia
If you have a soft spot for modern or Scandi decor, you’ll love this cute alternative to traditional Christmas florals. Brand new for this year, these spiky green tillandsia plants are set in minimalist, Nordic-inspired ceramic planters shaped like whimsical reindeer that will appeal to kids and grown-ups alike. Neutral white, grey and black color options blend perfectly into any contemporary decor. Set one on an entry table or windowsill for understated holiday style.
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