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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Maybe a scrub set would be a good gift. This set is $7.99 at Trader Joe's.
And after you exfoliate, you'll probably want to moisturize. This Body Butter Trio set is also priced at $7.99
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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)
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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Alek says
Another great idea: the amazing chocolate bars can be gifted. Buy few of these $1.99 organic chocolate, mix it up with dark chocolate, and maybe some wine together.
becomebetty says
Hey Alek! Great suggestion, I wish I could find more to add the the lower end of this list.