12 Trader Joe’s Holiday Must-Have Items Under $5

Trader Joe’s is the perfect place to stock up on holiday treats while staying on a budget.

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Key points

• Holiday foods can be fun to try, and they can help get you in the festive mood.
• Trader Joe’s is an affordable place to get all your holiday treats.
• Cookie Mug Hangers, Potato Pancakes, Candy Cane Joe-Joe’s and Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies are a win for your wallet and your taste buds.

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Trader Joe’s has a loyal following. With affordable prices and plenty of products to choose from, customers can fill their shopping carts without emptying their bank accounts. If you have a store near you, don’t miss these must-have vacation finds. You can celebrate the season without breaking your budget. Here are some Trader Joe’s vacation items you can pick up for $5 or less.

1. Cranberry Goat Cheese

Trader Joe’s is known for having an excellent selection of affordable cheeses. Whether you’re hosting a cozy movie night or a holiday get-together, Trader Joe’s Cranberry Chevre Goat Cheese is the perfect festive addition to your charcuterie board.

2. Orange Dark Chocolate

This Trader Joe’s Dark Chocolate Orange makes a fantastic Christmas gift! Once you crack the shell, you’ll find pieces of orange-infused dark chocolate shaped like orange slices. This makes for a fun way to give a tasty treat.

3. O’ Nog Non-Dairy Oat Beverage

Want to celebrate the season, but dairy is giving you a stomach ache? Discover Trader Joe’s O’ Nog non-dairy oat drink. This creamy eggnog drink is made with oats and flavored with nutmeg and ginger. It’s the perfect vegan treat to sip on while setting up your decorations.

4. Cookie Cup Hangers

These cookie cup hangers are affordable and delicious. Hang them over a cup of hot chocolate or a glass of milk, then dunk them when you’re ready! They are also an original gift idea.

5. Candy Cane Joe-Joe’s

Peppermint fans will love Candy Cane Joe-Joe’s. This iconic seasonal sandwich cookie features chocolate wafers and a vanilla cream filling with candy cane pieces. If you are looking for a dessert worthy of the name, this is the one.

6. Mini Gingerbread People

I bought them last season; before I knew it, I had accidentally eaten half the box. These crispy gingerbread cookies are bite-sized and covered in a sweet white fudge frosting. It’s an affordable and adorable snack that will disappear faster than you expect.

7. Winter Wassail Punch

This drink contains apple, black currant and lemon juices and a blend of festive spices for a delicious drink with a kick of flavor. The Winter Wassail Punch is a superb mixer for your holiday cocktails.

8. Potato pancakes

These are available year-round, but latkes are a traditional holiday food. Trader Joe’s Potato Pancakes are kosher certified and delicious. Whether you’re looking for a great side dish or considering serving them as an appetizer, you can’t go wrong with this purchase.

9. Double Chocolate Hot Chocolate Mixing Spoon

A Trader Joe’s Double Chocolate Hot Chocolate Stirrer is the perfect accompaniment to a cup of hot milk and an easy way to enjoy a cup of hot chocolate. Each scoop costs around $1, so you can grab a few for cold winter days.

10. Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies

I bought a box of gingerbread cookies for my book club and it was a hit. Each sandwich cookie is two soft gingerbread cookies covered in a coating of sugar crystals and a sweet vanilla frosting inside. They’re super sweet, so you’ll only be tempted to eat one or two at a time. The packaging is affordable, so it’s an ideal treat to give to someone you love.

11. Dark chocolate stars

If you’re a cookie lover, you’ll love these seasonal treats. Dark chocolate stars are shortbread cookies in the shape of stars and covered in dark chocolate. This snack will be a great addition to your cookie tray.

12. Peppermint Pretzel

These mini pretzels offer a sweet and savory way to experience the joy of the season. Trader Joe’s sells several seasonal versions throughout the year, but Peppermint Pretzel Slims feature a creamy coating with peppermint candy sprinkles.

You can save money on groceries if you shop at the right stores. Trader Joe’s offers affordable prices and a variety of fun products. Don’t miss these seasonal discoveries. Check out our personal finance resources for more ways to save money.