Forget sugarplums, the visions dancing in my head this winter are of all the tempting treats on the shelves of my beloved grocery store. We’re talking Trader Joe’s of course, and every year their holiday goodies are in hot demand.
From sweet and savory delights to adorable décor and cute stocking stuffers, we’ve rounded up the best eats, treats and gifts for the holiday season. These festive finds won’t last, so get in and stock up while you can!
1. Hot cocoa polar bears
These hot cocoa bombs appeared in stores as snowmen last winter, selling out at lightning speed. This year, they are back as cuddly polar bears, in ready-to-gift boxes that make perfect stocking stuffers. The white- and milk-chocolate shells are filled with chocolate drops and mini marshmallows — just drop them into a cup of hot milk and watch the magic happen!
2. Gummy bear lip duo
While we’re on the topic of stocking stuffers — and bears — this new lip care duo hitting the shelves will be a must-have for every tween/teen girl on your list; and you’ll definitely want one for mom, too! The set comes with a sweet-smelling lip balm butter and overnight lip mask, packed with coconut oil and shea butter to keep winter dryness away. It comes wrapped up in a bright-pink box complete with a hanging ribbon.
3. DIY holiday ornaments cookie kit
We love a treat that doubles as a fun activity to keep kids busy — and this holiday cookie decorating kit fits the bill. The box has everything you need to let the kiddos get creative — eight sugar cookies in seasonal shapes, icing and colorful candies. Plus, the cookies come with holes so you can hang them up and admire them before devouring.
4. Gingerbread ice cream
Ice cream might not be what you think of when it comes to winter desserts, but this new gingerbread ice cream in TJ’s freezers might just make you reconsider. Taking inspo from the a favorite holiday cookie, this cool treat starts with a ginger-spiced ice cream, blended with pieces of ginger cookies and a sweet gingerbread swirl. Use it to top holiday pies, make a wintry milkshake or just grab a spoon and dig in!
5. O’Nog non-dairy oat beverage
Staying away from dairy shouldn’t stand in the way of enjoying a glass of the delicious holiday beverage that is eggnog! Trader Joe’s has you covered with this new take on the classic concoction, made with an oat milk base — it’s just as rich, creamy and delightful as the real thing.
6. Gingerbread house kit
Trader Joe’s version of the classic holiday tradition, the gingerbread house, is our family’s absolute favorite. Inspired by the German “Hexen Haus,” it makes a cute and simple A-frame cabin. The best part is that you’ll actually want to eat it — the gingerbread is soft and mildly sweet, with no preservatives or artificial additives. The kit comes with a simple icing mix and assorted all-natural candy, including an adorable marzipan family.
7. Crispy vegetable pouches
Can’t get the kids to eat their veggies? They’ll be fighting over them when served in the form of these delicious pouches, which are essentially a take on a deliciously light, crispy spring roll. The bite-sized format makes for easy finger food, and a fantastic appetizer for those holiday get-togethers. Stash a few in the freezer for unexpected guests.
8. Mini poinsettias
These sparkly, miniature red poinsettia plants, set in gold, silver and metallic red buckets, are a hidden gem for uber-affordable gifting. Just slip a gift card envelope on the side, and you’re good to go for teacher gifts, coaches, bus drivers, mail carriers, neighbors and anyone else — no wrapping required! Don’t forget to keep one (or more) for your home — they add festive color to tight spaces like windowsills and bookshelves.
9. Grump tree
If you have Grinch fans in your household, this whimsical little potted tree — a nod to the Grinch’s stolen Christmas trees — is a must-have for your Christmas décor. The bending Cyprus plant comes in a red Santa sack, tied up with red ribbon and topped with a single ball ornament. These make fun gifts for family and friends, too!
10. Peppermint soap
The bad germs have been rampant this winter, so it’s more important than ever to keep everyone washing their hands — and kids will be much more likely to participate when the soap smells like candy canes! This candied-peppermint-scented foaming hand soap is gentle on the skin and comes in a bright candy-striped bottle that little kids will love.
You might also like: |
