The first article that I wrote for Her Campus was “Top Ten Trader Joe’s Items to Try this Fall.” Now I have come full circle with this article, my last one of the semester. This is the same article, but a holiday edition, which I am even more excited for! I feel like everyone (myself definitely included) likes to say that their favorite time of the year is the holiday season, but can you blame us? I love decorating my room for Christmas and seeing my house after my dad has put up the lights. I know it’s cliche to say that this is “the most wonderful time of the year,” but I genuinely think it is! It’s especially great when my friends or family host holiday get togethers; they can always count me in. But sometimes, I don’t know what to bring, and I never want to show up empty handed, of course. However, with the help of this list, and Trader Joe’s, I now have so many great and delicious options that I can bring! So, here is the “sequel” to my previous Trader Joe’s article, but this time, it’s the holiday edition! (By the way, apologies in advance if you are not a fan of peppermint …)
- Peppermint Pretzel Slims
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I’m starting this list off with what is probably my favorite item on it. Granted, I love anything peppermint flavored (as you will see based on the majority of the items on this list), but for some reason these just taste so good. Peppermint and pretzels may sound like a weird combination, but trust me, you will not regret buying these!
- Mini Gingerbread Men
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Gingerbread cookies are a classic holiday treat, and these are even better because they’re mini, cute, and delicious of course. However, because they’re so small, you might want to buy two boxes because I can guarantee that they’ll be gone much too quickly for your liking!
- Chocolate Peppermint Almond Beverage
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Chocolate and peppermint is definitely one of the best combinations of all time, so you just know this has to be good. I have a feeling this would taste like a cold version of a peppermint mocha or peppermint hot chocolate, which are two things I personally love, so this sounds great to me. I want to try using this drink in oatmeal to make it peppermint and chocolate flavored, which may sound weird to some people, but because these are two of my favorite holiday (and year-round, really), flavors, it sounds super yummy to me!
- Hold the Cone! Mini Peppermint Flavored Ice Cream Cones
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Just like the gingerbread men, this is another cute, mini version of a classic favorite, ice cream in a cone! But of course, it’s peppermint flavored for that added holiday twist. (Again, very sorry if you don’t like peppermint…) These are a small but delicious holiday treat or snack to have anytime of day.
- Chocolate Peppermint Loaf & Baking Mix
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The holiday season obviously calls for baking! Although I enjoy baking things from scratch, sometimes I just need a simple box mix to make the process easier, quicker, and cheaper. This is another perfect dessert to bring to a holiday party or bake for your own, and you can make it just hours before, stress-free, because the mix is already made!
- Butter Toffee Pretzels
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Clearly, peppermint is synonymous with the holiday season, but finally, here is a non-peppermint item. (Sorry mom, and anyone else who doesn’t like peppermint, this article may not be your favorite.) But, back to this item; I tried these a few weeks ago for the first time and they were amazing — that may sound like a strong word just to describe some pretzels, but once you try them, you’ll understand! Trader Joe’s has the best “upgraded” pretzels; these ones, the peppermint ones, and have you tried their dark chocolate covered ones? Those are also, well, amazing. These toffee ones will be the perfect sweet and savory snack to have out at a holiday party, or just to have out for yourself at home!
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Peppermint Mini Marshmallows
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These peppermint marshmallows will be your hot cocoa’s best friend this holiday season. All you need are some of these and some whipped cream to warm yourself up on the cold days of this month! (Or, if you’re like me and are from Southern California where it’s still too warm and does not feel like December, you can drink your hot chocolate topped with these festive marshmallows to at least make yourself feel like it’s the holiday season.)
- Dark Chocolate Peppermint Joe Joe’s
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Here’s yet another ideal and yummy treat for those holiday parties! Joe Joe’s are basically the Trader Joe’s version of an Oreo, and they’re just as good as the real thing. Plus, they always have seasonal flavors, like these, to make them even more fun. These are a must-buy on your grocery shopping list for the holidays.
- Mini Peppermint Meringues
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Considering the vanilla meringues from Trader Joe’s used to be one of my favorite treats, I have high hopes for these. I’ll admit, they sound a bit strange, but I have yet to dislike anything from Trader Joe’s, so I can only assume these will be good. Like the rest of the items on this list, this is another festive food item that you’ll want to have around this month.
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Peppermint Bark Popcorn
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Peppermint bark popcorn, A.K.A your favorite movie night snack, upgraded. At first, I thought peppermint and popcorn wouldn’t go that well together, but after trying these, I was proved wrong. When you invite your friends over for a Christmas movie marathon, make sure you have these out for everyone to snack on!
Well, there you have it, ten delicious and festive snacks and treats that you should probably, no, definitely, go out and buy to kickstart the holiday season! Although this list was filled with mostly peppermint flavored treats, not to worry, because Trader Joe’s has a variety of other holiday foods for you to try if you aren’t too sold on all of these peppermint ones. You’ll certainly find some fun and festive foods that you can buy for yourself or bring with you to a holiday gathering to share with your family and friends. Now that I’m done writing this article, I think I’m going to go buy another bag of the peppermint pretzels slims, because I’ve just finished mine and I need to restock!