Best Cheap Gifts from Aldi — December 2022

‘Tis the season for giving, and we have just the thing to help show your loved ones (or yourself!) how much they mean to you. Here at Kitchn, we believe in something called little luxuries. Little luxuries are those specialty items that one would not add to cart on a typical shopping trip, but, on special occasions, might make life easier or a little more delicious.

Aldi is my go-to spot for quirky-yet-quality items all year long. During the holiday season, the store is packed with budget-friendly finds for everyone on your list. Here are seven little luxuries (for $5 or less!) that I found on a recent trip to my local Aldi.

Dates are the sleeper hit of the dried fruit section, and if you haven’t tried them in years now is the time. Stuff the dates with almonds and dip in melted chocolate or wrap in bacon for a festive appetizer. You can even turn the dates into a refined-sugar-free syrup or caramel-style candies for gifting.

One way to enjoy little luxuries is by opting for a simple upgrade to your everyday purchases. Instead of buying your usual loaf of bread, pick up this loaf of soft brioche. Lunchtime sandwiches will taste even better, and you can use the final slices for French toast at the end of the week.

It’s amazing how a splash of ruby-hued juice can make you feel festive. Choose from 100% pomegranate, black cherry, or cranberry juice and add a splash to seltzer or Champagne. Try the juice as the base for martinis or mulled wine.

Once a special-order gourmet item, now you can find marcona almonds at Aldi! These Spanish nuts are more tender and sweeter than your everyday California almond. Choose from sea salt or rosemary varieties to serve with your favorite cheeses, eat out of hand, or sprinkle over salads.

A festive round of cheese is a welcome treat — especially this time of year. While this cheddar cheese is available year-round, the cranberries make it feel extra festive. Melt it between slices of bread for a seasonal take on grilled cheese, add it to an evening plate of crackers and fruit, or serve it between slices of bread with roasted turkey.

Chocolate truffles are exactly what little luxuries are all about. Aldi’s chocolate selection is part of what keeps us shopping here all year long. At this time of year, these pretty European-made chocolates make an elegant addition to a holiday dessert platter or can be gifted to neighbors and teachers.

There is no need to splurge on expensive seafood pastas at restaurants when you can have the very same flavors for a fraction of the cost at home. Find this fresh oversized pasta stuffed with lobster or crab in the refrigerated section. The ravioli require a short dip in boiling water before serving with brown butter, capers, and lemon or a creamy mushroom sauce.

What little luxuries are you picking up at Aldi this holiday season? Share your finds in the comments below.