My adoration for Trader Joe’s has no limits. The tempting and reasonably priced edible discoveries displayed on the shelves are incredibly hard to resist (Dill Pickle Hummus? Cacio e Pepe frozen pasta? Hold the Cone Mini Ice Cream Cones? My heart skips a beat!). However, luckily for us, the enchantment extends beyond food. Have you ever ventured through their non-edible merchandise? Don’t overlook the aisle stocked with essentials for laundry, cleaning, skincare, and beauty items—there are indeed some hidden treasures here. If you’ve never delved into the non-food products at your nearby store, consider this your nudge. Here are the seven Trader Joe’s items that I always find myself reaching for.
1. Hand Soap
During a visit to a friend’s place, I came across TJ’s Pink Pomelo Grapefruit Hand Soap. After immediately falling in love with the fragrance, I knew I needed it in my own bathroom! The scent is heavenly and suitable for any time of the year. The Lemon Kitchen Hand Soap is also a staple at my house, and once spring arrives, I swap the grapefruit for the Peony Blossom Foaming Hand Soap in my bathroom. I have yet to encounter a Trader Joe’s hand soap that disappoints!
2. Wool Dryer Balls
A few years back, it seemed like everyone on my Instagram was raving about ditching dryer sheets in favor of eco-friendly dryer balls. Intrigued, I purchased a pack of four on a whim at my Trader Joe’s. Wool dryer balls are not only reusable but they also help with static and drying time. Plus, you eliminate the need for single-use dryer sheets, resulting in cost savings. I appreciate that TJ’s consistently stocks these four-packs. Making environmentally friendly choices isn’t always convenient, but these are both accessible and economical throughout the year. Since then, I haven’t used dryer sheets.
3. Ultra Moisturizing Hand Cream
During the pandemic, I adopted a habit of doing regular at-home manicures and realized that well-hydrated hands and cuticles are essential for a polished look. A good hand cream is a must! I adore how supple this TJ’s hand cream keeps my hands, and the scent is invigorating and fresh. It’s a tad thick for daytime wear, so I reserve it for nighttime application by keeping it on my nightstand. It has now become an integral part of my nightly routine.
4. Pop-Up Sponges
You might ask, “How interesting can sponges really be?” Stick with me here. Remember those toys that expanded into various shapes like dinosaurs or butterflies when placed in water overnight? These sponges give off similar vibes. Upon contact with water, these pop-up versions swiftly transform into thick, high-quality sponges. Each pack contains 12 sponges, and since they are flat in the package, they require minimal storage space under your sink. Additionally, priced at less than $1 per sponge, they are cost-effective!
5. Rose Water Facial Toner
I once impulsively bought the Herbivore Rose Hibiscus face mist at Anthropologie, and while the toner was delightful, the price tag was steep for me. Enter this $4 Trader Joe’s alternative. The TJ’s Rose Water Facial Toner is handy for any time of the day. I spritz it on post my morning skincare routine and throughout the day to keep myself refreshed and focused. It exudes a pleasant rose scent, which may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but if you enjoy it, this is a great discovery!
6. Plants and Flowers
Arguably, some of the best products at Trader Joe’s can be found in the flower and plant section. Their assortment never fails to disappoint, and TJ’s makes it almost too easy to bring home a new plant that is already potted in an adorable pot. Their plant collection rotates frequently, so if you spot one you fancy, don’t hesitate to grab it before it’s gone! Additionally, tulip season is currently underway, offering 20 stems for just $10.99 is a true bargain. Hurry, don’t miss out!
7. Greeting Cards
In my Trader Joe’s store, the greeting cards are conveniently placed near the cashiers, making them easy to overlook, but trust me, you don’t want to miss out on these cards! They are incredibly cute and priced at only 99 cents each. I typically don’t opt for seasonal or holiday cards here (although they are available!), however, you can always rely on finding everyday cards like Congratulations, Wedding, Baby, and Thank You cards all year round.
