"My love for Trader Joe’s knows no bounds. The fun and affordable grocery finds that line the shelves are hard enough to resist (Dill Pickle Hummus? Cacio e Pepe frozen pasta? Hold the Cone Mini Ice Cream Cones? Be still my heart!). But lucky for us, the magic doesn’t stop at food. Have you ever browsed through their household items? Don’t sleep on the aisle reserved for things like laundry essentials, cleaning supplies, skincare, and beauty products—there are some hidden gems here for sure. If you’ve never explored the non-food items at your local store, let this be your sign. Here are the seven Trader Joe’s products I reach for again and again.
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1. Hand Soap
I was at a friend’s house when I discovered TJ’s Pink Pomelo Grapefruit Hand Soap. After instantly falling in love with the scent, I had to have it in my own bathroom! The smell is to die for, and it’s perfect for any time of year. The Lemon Kitchen Hand Soap is also a staple in my house, and come spring, I switch out the grapefruit for the Peony Blossom Foaming Hand Soap in my bathroom. I’ve never tried a Trader Joe’s hand soap I didn’t love!
2. Wool Dryer Balls
A few years ago, it seemed like everyone on my Instagram was talking about getting rid of dryer sheets and opting for eco-friendly dryer balls instead. I was curious about them and, on a whim, bought a pack of four at my Trader Joe’s. Wool dryer balls are not only reusable, but they keep static at bay and speed up drying time. You also won’t have to throw away single-use dryer sheets anymore, which means you’ll no doubt save money, too. I love that TJ’s always has these four-packs in stock. It’s not always convenient to make an eco-conscious trade, but these are readily available (and affordable!) all season long. I haven’t used dryer sheets since.
3. Ultra Moisturizing Hand Cream
I started doing at-home manicures religiously over the pandemic, and I learned that keeping your hands and cuticles hydrated is key to a fresh-looking mani. Good hand cream is a must! I love how soft this TJ’s hand cream keeps my hands, and the scent is clean and fresh. It’s a bit thick for daytime use, so I keep it on my nightstand and put it on right before bed. It’s now a non-negotiable part of my nighttime routine.
4. Pop-Up Sponges
How exciting can sponges really be, right? Bear with me here. Remember those toys that you put in water, and then overnight they puffed up and turned into something else, like a dinosaur or a butterfly? These are the vibes. When you get them wet, these pop-up versions take a few seconds to expand into thick, high-quality sponges. A pack comes with 12, and since they are flat in the package, they take up less storage space underneath your sink. And at less than $1 per sponge, they’re affordable, too!
5. Rose Water Facial Toner
I once impulse-bought the Herbivore Rose Hibiscus face mist at Anthropologie, and while the toner was lovely, the price tag was a bit steep for me. Enter this $4 Trader Joe’s dupe. The TJ’s Rose Water Facial Toner is so nice to have on hand for any time of day. I spritz it on after my morning skincare routine and throughout the afternoon to keep me energized and focused. And it definitely smells like roses, which can be an acquired scent, but if you’re into that, it’s a great find!
6. Plants and Flowers
Arguably some of the best Trader Joe’s products can be found in the flower aisle and plant section. I’m never disappointed in their selection, and TJ’s makes it almost too convenient to bring a new plant baby home that is already in a cute pot. Their plant selection rotates pretty quickly, so if you see one you love, be sure to pick one up before it’s gone! It’s also currently tulip season and $10.99 for 20 stems is a steal. Run, don’t walk!
7. Greeting Cards
At my Trader Joe’s, the greeting card section is right by the cashiers, so it’s easy to miss, but trust me, you don’t want to skip out on these cards! They’re super cute and only 99 cents apiece. I don’t usually pick up seasonal or holiday cards here (though they are available!), but you can always count on them having everyday cards like Congratulations, Wedding, Baby, and Thank You cards all year round.