It’s no secret that I am a huge Trader Joe’s fan. They have some of the best items available on the market at great prices. Their holiday items are no exception. During this season of wining and dining, entertaining, traveling and spending, our time and resources are precious I’ve found Trader Joe’s to be an absolute life (and mind!) saver.

Whether you’re hosting an impromptu get together for 2 or 20 or you’ve accepted a last minute invitation to an Ugly Sweater party, Ornament or Cookie Exchange, you’ll no doubt need to come up with last minute food and gift ideas. Even the most celebrated host has a few time-saving tricks up his sleeve. Luckily I have not one but two Trader Joe’s nearby that I can run to at the 11th hour if I have to. I do try to stockpile a few things so that I don’t have to run out at the last minute. (Please note that none of these items are particularly figure-friendly!)

Below are some of my Trader Joe’s favorite things that will guarantee to get me through the holiday season. (In no particular order)

Trader Joe’s Burrata, Prosciutto & Arugula flatbread

So we like all their frozen pizzas but this one is something special. You may very well want so spread out on the couch, turn on Netflix and devour this in its entirety, and I am not one to say that’s a terrible idea, but I also may suggest to keep a spare in the freezer. When cut into bite-sized pieces, this makes a wonderful appetizer/hors ‘d’oeuvre.

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Brie en Croute

Everything old is new again. Baked Brie is enjoying the appetizer spotlight once again. Trader Joe’s offers up bite sized versions that make entertaining a cinch. No mess, no fuss. Only one hand is needed so that you can hang on to your glass of bubbly with the other.

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Stuffing seasoned Kettle Chips

We loved the seasonal twist to these super crispy potato chips which have that distinct herb flavor that reminds us so much of the holiday table. Don’t just toss these into a large bowl and set the out. They deserve more - elevate the experience by placing them in smaller silver dishes throughout the room.

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Peppermint Joe-Joe’s

It’s not the holiday season without these! Now of course I could easily devour a sleeve in a single sitting, but I’ve had such fun creating or doctoring up my own deserts with these. Make your own Cookies and Cream ice cream or Slutty Brownies, substituting these for Oreos. In a pinch for time use boxed mixes. Betty Crocker’s taste almost as good as homemade so that you can pass them off as your own.

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Peppermint Joe Joe’s, Jingle Jangle and Buche de Noel Ice Cream

For no real reason other than just because… Not really for entertaining purposes. Just be sure to hit that spin class extra hard if you do!

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Parmesan Pastry Pups

If there was one app that could put the beloved Pigs in a Blanket to shame, this would be it. Trust me here and buy a freezer-full. THESE ARE THAT GOOD.

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Trader Joe’s FROZEN Croissants

I am EXTRAORDINARILY picky about croissants. Once you have the real deal from a Parisian bakery not just any croissant will do… These are absolutely incredible. Whether you are a purist, prefer the almond or chocolate-filled, you will not be disappointed. Perfect for a special occasion breakfast, like Thanksgiving or Christmas morning, these require just a bit of planning. They need to be removed from the freezer and and left to thaw overnight then all you have to do is pop them into the oven just before you’re ready to serve them. Wow your overnight guests this holiday season!

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Ugly Sweater Cookie Kit

Have an ugly sweater cookie competition! Perfect for friends and family of all ages. 10 pre-cooked sweater shaped cookies come in a box with icing and miniature candy pieces.

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Trader Joe’s Candles

Whether tapered, pillar or scented, Trader Joe’s is my go-to for candles during the holiday season. We tend to burn them non-stop and theirs are long lasting and budget friendly. These are a must to stock up on.

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Wreaths and Greenery

Trader Joe’s has the best selection of holiday greenery. Hands down. From boxwood to pine wreaths, to garland - pine, boxwood and magnolia and all are super budget friendly. We also love their flowers and plants for adding touches of color to your holiday table, and for creating the perfect bouquet.

All of your Charcuterie and cheese board needs!

Trader Joe’s does not disappoint with its selection of cheeses, cured meats, olives, nuts and dried fruits. It’s a one stop shop for all your charcuterie and cheese board needs.

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Honey Goat Cheese

This goat cheese is worth singling out. I first had it about a year or so ago at a holiday party thrown by a friend of mine. It’s been a favorite ever since. Whether in a salad, sandwich, or spread on petite toasts to be passed around, this will elevate all your goat cheese recipes.

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Trader Joe’s Truffle Honey Mustard

This here jar is guaranteed to elevate your mustard experience. Whether with the Pastry Pups, your charcuterie board or your holiday ham, this slightly sweet, slightly bitter, slightly nutty and earthy mustard is a game changer.

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Trader Joe’s Chocolate Chips

Whether you’re making your favorite from-scratch chocolate chip cookies or need a quick way to elevate a store bought dessert (like the items pictured above or some Peppermint Joe-Joes (!) their chocolate chips also serve as a great melting chocolate at a fraction of the brands you see at the grocery store.

Marcona Almonds

I won’t lie, I love all of Trader Joe’s nuts, but these almonds hold a special place in my heart. They’re slightly more sophisticated, slightly more delicate and incomparably delicious. These need to be in your pantry at all times.

For more holiday entertaining tips be sure to visit Everything You’ll Need for a Well-stocked Holiday Pantry

15 items from Trader Joe's that you must have this holiday season