The super affordable store is the perfect place to load up on little treats.
As I wrap up my holiday shopping every year, I inevitably make one last dash to Dollar Tree to fill everyone's stockings. I regularly find excellent products at Dollar Tree, and this year, I discovered a goldmine of stocking stuffers.
Despite its name, this retailer is about more than just basic supplies. Dollar Tree stocks some seriously impressive name-brand products (and lesser-known brands and dupes), and I haven't found anywhere else that beats its prices.
Everything at Dollar Tree is $1.25 unless it's otherwise labeled (or in a specific $5 and under aisle), so I can easily fill everyone's stockings on a budget. I've rounded up my favorite finds that'll make you look like a holiday hero—all for just a few dollars each.
1. Ghirardelli Chocolate ($1.25 to $5.00)
I often find quality items at Dollar Tree, but when I spotted Ghirardelli chocolate, I may have audibly gasped in the middle of the store. Ghirardelli truly knows its chocolate, and these aren't just any chocolates. They hand-select the finest cocoa beans worldwide, blending and roasting them to perfection. And even with these luxury chocolates, there's an option at every price point.
For $1.25, you can purchase a small bar (two squares) of dark or milk chocolate with sea salt and caramel or a bar of milk chocolate with a gooey caramel filling. They're perfect for those moments when you need a little holiday cheer.
For only $5.00, you can also get a bag of 12 limited-edition peppermint bark squares, which feature layers of creamy white chocolate and rich dark chocolate studded with crisp peppermint pieces. I bought an extra $5.00 bag that I plan to sneak into my own stocking. Beyond the stocking, the chocolates make a high-end present topper, fit neatly into the envelope of a holiday card, and act as a mini teacher gift. Try taping one to a gift card for the teachers you really love.
2. Wonderful Pistachios ($1.25)
Yes, this is the Wonderful Pistachio brand, the same brand you'd pay triple for elsewhere. I love that they come in perfectly sized stocking portions and are a welcome savory break from all the holiday sweets. Plus, the whole "getting to crack them open" thing makes snacking feel more fun. They're the ideal size for gifting at meetings, sharing in snack bowls, sneaking into office mailboxes, or as part of a holiday basket.
3. Zachary Thin Mints ($1.25)
These little circles of chocolate-minty heaven are one of my favorite holiday treats. My most beloved way to enjoy them is straight from the freezer, where they have a little snap to the bite, and the peppermint filling is cold and refreshing.
Tuck a whole (5.5-ounce) box into a stocking with a note for other ways to eat them. May I recommend chopped up and used as an ice cream topping (or addition), incorporated into chocolate chip cookies or brownies for added flavor, or placed at the bottom of a mug before pouring in a hot cup of coffee or hot cocoa. Buy a few extra boxes. Once you try the freezer trick, you'll wish you'd stocked up.
4. Hot Cocoa Bombs ($1.25)
These might be the most fun stocking stuffer I've found in recent years. Drop one of these chocolate spheres into hot milk and watch the magic happen as it transitions into a smooth chocolate drink, melting to reveal mini marshmallows inside. Watching the bomb melt is the best part—a fun experience for kids (and kids at heart).
My nephew calls them "chocolate explosions," and that's a pretty accurate description. They're perfect for those cozy movie nights when you want to feel a little fancy while watching holiday classics in your pajamas. The best part is their convenience. Your giftees won't need to measure out powder or worry about mixing ingredients. It's a quick, single-serve solution for a warm, comforting drink. They can even be made boozy, with a nip of their favorite liquor.
5. Mascot Peanut Brittle ($1.25)
For the people in your life who love the combination of something sweet and crunchy, this peanut brittle is a choice selection—the fusion of golden roasted peanuts enrobed in thin, buttery-sweet brittle shatters with a satisfying snap when eaten. One reviewer even declared that it "fits the bill for getting everyone in the office a little something for Christmas without resorting to the old candy-filled candy cane," and I couldn't agree more!
The 4.5-ounce box is a generous size, and it's a nostalgic treat, reminiscent of the brittle that grandma used to make. Crumble over ice cream for an elevated dessert, pack it in lunch boxes for a special treat, or keep it handy for unexpected guest gifts. This timeless candy is pure joy in every bite.
6. So Natural Freeze-Dried Strawberries ($1.25)
Freeze-dried strawberries are the ultimate addition to a stocking. These berries are sweet, light as air, and supremely tasty. They're satisfying to eat straight from the bag, but they're also incredibly versatile. When I dole them out from a shared bag, my kids feel like they’ve hit the snack jackpot. So, I know they'll be over the moon when they each get their own bag in their stockings.
Bonus: They also happen to be vegan and gluten free, making them a thoughtful option for friends with dietary restrictions.
From nostalgic to trendy to cozy, these products offer a variety of delightful tastes and experiences. The best part is that you can grab a few of each and still go home with your wallet unscathed, which means more variety in those stockings. And if I'm being honest, the stockings are my favorite part of Christmas gifting. Discovering and seeing others uncover all the little treasures on Christmas morning is something I look forward to every year.
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