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Trader Joe's Gingerbread Spice Granola

The Fall brought us Trader Joe's Apple Caramel Granola, this winter we have been graced by yet another seasonal granola variety. This is Trader Joe's Gingerbread Spice Granola. But if you loved the sweetness of the Fall's seasonal granola, I'm not sure you are going to like this. And yes, this granola is vastly different from the Peanut Butter variety that is on shelves year-round.

Taste and review

And that isn't to say that this is bad. This is just a very different type of granola. If you loved the sweetness, you might be taken back by how not sweet tasting this granola is.

In fact, it's spicy. If you thought this was going to take like a cookie, you might be a bit off. Because this granola brings the heat. So don't let that cute gingerbread clear area on the bag confuse you.

This is just a little sweet, brings the ginger flavor, and adds some pecans for a bit for added crunch.

But I found the secret to enjoying this item to be written right on the back of the bag.

This product was just ok at room temperature but really shined when heated up. Several people suggested this to me before I even had a chance to try it.

They weren't kidding. This makes an awesome breakfast. Or snack if you so choose. My husband ate this right from the bag. I was going to get to this review much earlier, but I was left with a few crumbs at the bottom of the bag.

Needless to say, this has been purchased a few times at this point.

He likes it straight from the bag and I've been enjoying it a bit more as oatmeal that I really don't find myself adding anything to other than just simple almond milk.

Overall

For $3.49 this has been a good option in my household to keep on hand. Not that there isn't a decent amount of calories in this, but it reduces the number of really sweet items that end up in my kitchen this time of year.

Product photos

The bag of Trader Joe's Ginger Bread Spice Granola:

An unopened bag of Trader Joe's Ginger Bread Spice Granola

Calories

Ingredients

How Trader Joe's describes this product:

Warming suggestions on the back of the bag of Trader Joe's Ginger Bread Spice Granola

Want to see more items I've reviewed from Trader Joe's? Click on Thoughts & Reviews of Trader Joe's for a searchable list.

Did you try it? Let me know what you think in the comments section!

The Bottom Line

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Trader Joe's Lip Treatment Duo

So, true story: Just the other day I was listening to a podcast and they were talking about, of all things lip scrubs. Lip scrubs are new to the beauty scene and up until this set I have never bought one. I mean with all the scrubs out there, who would think you need one just for your lips?

After buying this I kinda like it.

Pinterest image for Trader Joe's Lip Treatment Duo review

Testing this

That's not to say that I couldn't use one of the multiple scrubs that are sitting in my shower right now. But it's nice to know this will be a little bit more gentle than the one that I use on my legs.

That being said, I did what many people do after listening to an interview and checked out the product. I checked out the website knowing that I had listened all the way though about the development of the product.

I wasn't quite ready for the sticker shock: $22. Now, I didn't order and won't be ordering for quite some time (maybe after I win the Powerball). So I'll keep my eye out for a more affordable option.

In fact, I picked this up last year, but didn't try it until they were long out of stock on this duo.

But I liked it enough to pick it up again this year.

The balm has a smell that I think is closer to orange sherbert than most balms I've tried. But it's pleasant and seemingly moisturizing. My lips are always dry this time of year and this seems to do the trick to make them less parched.

My only complaint about this product is actually about the scrub. And it isn't about the scrub itself. It's about the size. I wish it was about double the size.

With a product that is gritty, you tend to use more than the balm which is thick. Since the purpose is to exfoliate, I tend to use a higher proportion to the balm. The balm seems to provide a temporary moisturized feeling.

Overall

Which means I always run out of the scrub long before the balm. But being that this duo doesn't cost what many designer products do, I won't complain too much. This duo is well packaged, would make for a nice gift, and is priced at $3.99.

Did you try it? Let me know what you think in the comments section!

Product photos

The box of Trader Joe's Lip Treatment Duo:

An unopened box of Trader Joe's Lip Treatment Duo

Ingredients and directions

Ingredients in Trader Joe's Lip Treatment Duo

How Trader Joe's describes this product:

Drug facts of Trader Joe's Lip Treatment Duo

Want to see more items I've reviewed from Trader Joe's? Click on Thoughts & Reviews of Trader Joe's for a searchable list.

The Bottom Line

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Trader Joe's Gift Ideas

So it's that time of year where gift-giving is the theme of the season. While you can't get the latest 4K TV at Trader Joe's, you can get the smaller gift items that would be appreciated. I've broken down a list of Trader Joe's Gift Ideas at different price points to help you and your budget. Whether you are doing a White Elephant, Grab Bag, Chris Kringle, Stocking Stuffer, gift-giving, or simply want to say "Thank You" to someone there are lots of gifts to choose from at different price points.

You can find health, beauty, household, and food gift ideas. Below is a list of gift ideas for under $2, $5, $7, $10, and $15 and $20. Some of these items aren't even seasonal, but would still make a lovely gift idea regardless of the time of year you shop.

I've tried the vast majority of these items and wouldn't mind giving them (or receiving them).

Gifts Under $2

Yes, even under $1 you can get this adorable Double Chocolate Hot Cocoa Stirring Spoon. It beats the powdered Hot Cocoa Mix any day. Plus it is individually wrapped making it perfect for storing in a drawer at work or giving to the chocolate lover in your life. You can read my review of this here. It is available seasonally at Trader Joe's priced at $0.99, but is also available on Amazon.com if you decide you need this in your life.

An unopened package of Trader Joe's Double Chocolate Hot Cocoa Stirring Spoon

Yes, here is another suggestion for a gift idea under $1. Trader Joe's sells inexpensive cards. Sometimes the best gift isn't an item. It's gratitude. Perhaps the person you want to say thank you to, can't accept a gift, especially those in civil service and other jobs. So for $0.99, why not write out your thoughts and appreciation? Those are sometimes the most meaningful gifts.

At $1.99 Trader Joe's Rich Hydrating Face Sheet Mask is the lowest cost beauty item I could think of. It's also a good deal too, AND it isn't seasonal. Yes, this is a year round product. You can find this in the health and beauty section, or on Amazon through various third party sellers.

Gifts Under $5

Continuing the health and beauty trend, here is something both myself and my husband love. Best of all, Trader Joe's Shea Butter and Coconut Oil Hair Mask is not seasonal either. At $3.99 at Trader Joe's, it's an affordable luxury. If you can't get to a Trader Joe's and need this in your life, it is available on Amazon.

Trader Joe's Shea Butter and Coconut Oil Hair Mask

Now, I can't tell you how many times I've bought these. But be advised, then name doesn't lie. These are totally NSFW (not safe for work). Have a row of these and you might find yourself with a little buzz. Trader Joe's Brandy Beans are the best of booze and chocolate. They might not be available in every state though, so check with your local store to see if they can sell these. You'll need ID to buy these.

An unopened box of Trader Joe's Brandy Beans box

Perhaps, the person you have in mind loves decadent flavors. The 7 Salts of the Earth set hasn't come back to shelves in 2018, but there is one salt option that would make a chef-y type happy. Trader Joe's Truffle Salt would make for a good gift idea. This is $3.99 in stores. Before I found this gem, I paid over $10 retail for a similar product.

Trader Joe's Truffle Salt with Black Truffles packaging from the top

Another item that isn't seasonal. Trader Joe's Lemongrass Coconut Oil is moisturizing and has a sweet aroma to it. Priced at $3.99 at Trader Joe's, it's an affordable moisturizer. You can also pick it up on Amazon through third-party sellers.

An unopened package of Trader Joe's Lemongrass Coconut Body Oil with a pink background

Trader Joe's Lip Treatment Duo has both a scrub and a balm. Pretty perfect for the cooler months. Or just those who are addicted to lip balms. And if you try to buy a balm and a lip scrub elsewhere, it can get pricey. This set is priced at $3.99 at Trader Joe's.

Perhaps the person you have in mind is a Francophile or just loves Macarons. Or just cute things. You can't eat Trader Joe's Macaron Soap no matter how much they resemble the frozen variety, but they are absolutely adorable. These are priced at $4.99.

An unopened package of Trader Joe's Macaron Soap set

Also, priced at $3.99 is this Rose Water Facial Toner. This available year-round, so no need to wait until the holidays to give this item or pick this one up.

Trader Joe's Rose Water Facial Toner bottle

Perhaps you have a baker or someone who just enjoys making cookies in mind. This It's Sedimentary My Dear Cookie mix makes for a great gift at $4.99, plus you get a reusable mason jar too.

Trader Joe's It's Sedimentary My Dear Cookie

Gifts Under $7

It might be one of the longest and most awkward fitting items you can pick up. For $5.99 at Trader Joe's, the Taste Test of Caramels is both tasty and fun. Split the calories with friends to see if you can correctly identify which caramel is which. My sister and best friend had a blast with this set. You can also pick this up on Amazon.com.

An unopened box of Trader Joe's Taste Test of Caramels

If you know someone who needs some relaxation, then Trader Joe's sells this Bath Fizzers Set that will make your next bath a more aromatic experience and mildly moisturizing. It's available for $6.99 at your local Trader Joe's, or if you need it in your life it is available also on Amazon.

An unopened package of Trader Joe's Bath Fizzers Set

Maybe you know (or are) someone who is into self-care. These masks take 10 minutes and achieve different goals. They are available at Trader Joe's for $6.99. You can also find them being sold on Amazon.

An unopened box of Trader Joe's Face Mask Trio

Another great option if you want a suggestion that is NOT a seasonal item, then you might want to consider Trader Joe's Blueberry Acai Scrub. It smells like a smoothie, but can exfoliate well. This is priced at $5.99 at Trader Joe's. If you can't get to a Trader Joe's, then you can pick this up on Amazon.

An unopened box of Trader Joe's Blueberry and Acai Facial Scrub

So here is one that seems to show up around Valentine's Day or Mother's Day only, so if you are hoping to make this a stocking stuffer then you might be out of luck. But if you know when to look for this item, then you can plan accordingly. This Rose Facial Oil is priced at $5.99 when it is available in stores.

An unopened box of Trader Joe's Rose Facial Oil package

At this price point, there is another boozy gift you might want to keep an eye out for. It's Trader Joe's Chocolate Liqueur Cherries. Be warned, this too is NSFW, but the taste is on point. If your local trader Joe's carries it, it is priced at $5.99. I pick this one up to give (and a few for myself) each year.

Also, continuing the theme of NSFW items, is Trader Joe's Boozy Assortment of Truffles. I gave these to my sister last year. Now, she asked me to pick up 4 more boxes so she can spread to love. These are $6.99 for 36 little bite-sized truffles.

An unopened box of Trader Joe's An Assortment of Boozy Little Chocolate Truffles

Gifts Under $10

So while a Jelly of the Month club might have been the butt of the joke in my favorite Christmas movie, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, this set isn't a joke. It pairs a spirit with a fruit spread. At $7.99 it's reasonably priced, well paired, and a solid set. And if you are wondering, the spirits in this one aren't very strong. You can read my review of Trader Joe's Spirited Fruit Spreads here.

An unopened package of Trader Joe's Spirited Fruit Spread

If you know someone who enjoys honey, you might want to pick up this Rainbow of Honey Gift Set. I was totally shocked by how different each variety was from each other. It's $9.99 for 24 ounces of honey in cute glass jars.

A new package of Trader Joes Rainbow of Honey

And if you know someone who likes their maple flavor then perhaps this Taste of Vermont Maple Syrup gift set might appeal to them. This too is priced at $9.99.

An unopened package of Trader Joe's Taste of Vermont Organic Maple Syrup

Maybe a scrub set would be a good gift. This set is $7.99 at Trader Joe's.

An unopened box of Trader Joe's Exfoliating Body Scrub Trio

And after you exfoliate, you'll probably want to moisturize. This Body Butter Trio set is also priced at $7.99

An unopened package of Trader Joe's Body Butter Trio

If the fragrances in the Body Butter Trio set there aren't for you, then perhaps this set of Ultra Moisturizing Hand Cream would be a better match. This is priced at $7.99.

An unopened container of Trader Joe's Ultra Moisturizing Hand Cream Trio

Trader Joe's Jingle Jangle is a returning favorite that comes in a pretty cool tin. Perfect for munching or gift-giving. Priced at $8.99 in stores it's a holiday favorite. It's also available on Amazon through third-party sellers.

An unopened Trader Joe's Jingle Jangle package from top

Perhaps flowers, be they cut or potted are on your mind. The vast majority of the flowers available at Trader Joe's are $10 and under. If you are looking for some edible decorating ideas then check out these edible decorating ideas which will keep your budget in check too.

And don't think I forgot, Trader Joe's has cookies. Lot's of them. Too many to list. But if you want to check out the ones I have reviewed you can see them here. Most importantly, these are in budget with all of them under $10, a box of Speculoos cookies is as low as $1.99. Even the gift-wrapped ones are under $10.

Trader Joe's usually puts out a really nice tea set every year. This year is no exception. You get two glass jars of loose tea plus it comes with a nice infuser that (actually) works well. This year's set is priced at $9.99.

An unopened box of Trader Joe's Herbal Loose Tea Blends with Infuser

Gifts Under $15

Just hitting the shelves now, Trader Joe's has gotten into the essential oil game. This set comes with its own diffuser and three fragrances. They are for external use only but are priced at $11.99. As an added bonus, the diffusers are available in different colors. So it might be worth going through the shelf to get the one you want.

Trader Joe's Essential Oil Collection unopened box on a marble background

Olive Wood bowls and serving boards. I picked up the Olive Wood serving board you see here for $11.99. It's smooth but rustic. And makes for a pretty presentation for a foodie in your life. Just keep in mind you'll need to use food-grade oil to keep it healthy.

Trader Joe's Spirited Fruit Spread on cheese and crackers on a Trader Joe's Olive Wood Serving Board

Trader Joe's Gift Ideas under $20

This section is new for 2019 as we didn't see much in the way of $20 items. If you are lucky enough to pick one of these up for a beauty junkie in your life (or yourself)

An unopened box of Trader Joe's 12 Days of Beauty

Happy Holidays, Happy Shopping!

Did I miss something that you think would make for an answer gift? Share your thoughts below!

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Trader Joe's Spirited Fruit Spreads

Let's be honest for a second, whenever you get a "gift set" it would seem that there is at minimum at least one item you don't truly care for. This might be true for anything sold as a set. Usually you get one item you really, really like and then you muddle through the other items. But here is a rare case where that did not ring true.

Pinterest graphic for Trader Joe's Spirited Fruit Spread review

Taste and review

Once I realized these were "spirited" I was all in. I love Trader Joe's Brandy Beans or their Chocolate Liqueur Cherries. Both awesome and taste like Julia Child had her hand in with the amount of "spirited" flavor.

Those have enough spirit in them to require ID.

However, these on the other hand don't. So if you were hoping to have some cheese and crackers, you'll still want the wine to go with them. In fact, you probably need to eat all three jars to maybe at best get a buzz going.

Because the purpose of these is so vastly different.

These are paired with a fruit flavor. In other words, they are meant to enhance the flavors presented, not compete with them.

And as much as I'm not an apricot or fig fan, I enjoyed these. I was testing these out when my husband inquired as to what I was trying next. I made him one.

Suddenly, one wasn't enough. He wanted to try one of each.

The next day I found him eating my fruit spreads with cheese and crackers. And yes, he had all three containers open and in front of him.

He had the same struggle I did: picking out which one he liked the most.

This is a rare case of all three being tasty little jellies. For $7.99 these are good for giving or receiving. Mine are now half empty, which means I'll need to pick up more before the season is out. So, yes there is another one of these in my future hopefully.

Overall

Is this worth picking up? Yes! Is this good to give to someone? Yes!

In either case, you can buy it at Trader Joe's as long as they have them in stock or find it on Amazon through third-party sellers.

Did you try it? Let me know what you think in the comments section!

Product photos

The package of Trader Joe's Spirited Fruit Spread:

Calories

Ingredients

Enjoyed on some of Trader Joe's Golden Round Crackers, Triple Creme Brie on the new Olive Wood Serving Board:

Trader Joe's Spirited Fruit Spread behind cheese, brie, and a dollop of the spread showing the detail with a white background

Want to see more items I've reviewed from Trader Joe's? Click on Thoughts & Reviews of Trader Joe's for a searchable list.

The Bottom Line

Don't forget to share your thoughts by going to the "user review" at the bottom of the box (click on the number of stars you believe this product deserves) and leave a comment below.

You can also FOLLOW ME on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest to see what I'm up to.

Trader Joe's Body Scrub Trio

It isn't often that I complain about value at Trader Joe's. Usually, that's a high point for me. I usually believe that Trader Joe's does provide an average or better value. Now, if this is your first holiday season shopping there then you are none the wiser. Or if you aren't a blogger, you might not notice either, but this is one of those rare moments where I have to throw a bit of shade in the value department.

Pinterest image for Trader Joe's Exfoliating Body Scrub Trio review

Testing this

Last year one of my favorite seasonal items was Trader Joe's Exfoliating Sea Salt Body Scrub you can see pictures here about halfway down. It was $8.99 (I found my receipt thanks to an app called Receipt Hog that I have on my phone. Yay points for receipt pictures).

But this year's product is $7.99, so it should be a better value right? You still get three scrubs, so what is the big deal?

Well, caveat emptor. Or if my two years of taking Latin in high school are anything, that translates to "Let the Buyer Beware."

Last year's scrub set weighed in at 26.4 ounces in total. This is a dollar less and more than 50% smaller. Not cool.

I was totally looking forward to those little tubs from last year that had the feeling of sand against your skin. They were super moisturizing to boot.

These however are very similar to Trader Joe's Grapefruit Body Scrub. I love the tube design, but they weren't as moisturizing. And not that I have any shortage of moisturizer in my house, but still.

These are sufficiently gritty and each does have a pleasant aroma. The brown sugar has more of a molasses aroma. And the green tea and citrus both smell like their namesakes.

In either case, the product here is good. It does make for a nice gift set, but if you were looking for the quality item that was on shelves last year, this set doesn't quite live up to last year's value.

I regret not stocking up on last year.

Overall

Would I like this as a gift for myself? I wouldn't say no to it. But I'm also not as excited about this as last year. Would it make a good gift for someone? I don't see why not.

Did you try it? Let me know what you think in the comments section!

Product photos

Here are the updated images of this product from 2020. My review remains the same:

The box of Trader Joe's Exfoliating Body Scrub Trio:

An unopened package of Trader Joe's Exfoliating Body Scrub Trio

And the info from the back the package:

Ingredients and how to use Trader Joe's Exfoliating Body Scrub Trio information from the back of the box

The information below refers to the same product but with different packaging:

The box of Trader Joe's Exfoliating Body Scrub Trio (2019):

The ingredients:

Ingredients in Trader Joe's Exfoliating Body Scrub Trio tubes

How to enjoy this:

Product description on the back of the box of Trader Joe's Exfoliating Body Scrub Trio

Want to see more items I've reviewed from Trader Joe's? Click on Thoughts & Reviews of Trader Joe's for a searchable list.

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Don't forget to share your thoughts by going to the "user review" at the bottom of the box (click on the number of stars you believe this product deserves) and leave a comment below.

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Taste and review

Overall

Product photos

Calories

Ingredients

The Bottom Line

Testing this

Overall

Product photos

Ingredients and directions

The Bottom Line

Gifts Under $2

Gifts Under $5

Gifts Under $7

Gifts Under $10

Gifts Under $15

Trader Joe's Gift Ideas under $20

Happy Holidays, Happy Shopping!

Taste and review

Overall

Product photos

Calories

Ingredients

The Bottom Line

Testing this

Overall

Product photos

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