Trader Joe’s Viral Mini Tote Bags Are Back for Halloween
Trader Joe’s is bringing back one of its most sought-after products, and fans are already buzzing. The grocery chain confirmed that its viral mini tote bags will return to stores on Wednesday, October 8, perfectly timed for Halloween shoppers.
The bags, which first sent customers into a frenzy in 2024, will once again cost just $2.99 each. Measuring approximately 13 x 11 x 6 inches, the totes are sized for everyday use but have the same sturdy canvas material as Trader Joe’s larger shopping bags.
A Halloween-Inspired Update
This time, the mini totes are getting a seasonal refresh. Instead of the pastel or classic primary shades from previous launches, the October drop will feature four Halloween-ready designs:
Solid black
Solid orange
Solid purple
A multicolor version with black, green, orange, and purple
It’s the first time Trader Joe’s has leaned into a holiday theme with its viral bags, and fans are already predicting another sellout.
A Viral History
The frenzy began in spring 2024 when Trader Joe’s first released the mini totes. Social media platforms, especially TikTok, were flooded with videos of shoppers lining up outside stores, racing to snag the bags before they sold out.
Within days, shelves were cleared, and resellers on sites like eBay listed the bags for jaw-dropping prices—some climbing as high as $999. The hype continued with subsequent restocks in September 2024 and April 2025, which prompted certain locations to enforce strict purchasing limits.
“The response has been overwhelming every time,” a Trader Joe’s spokesperson told People. “If customers have any questions about product availability, they can ask any Crew Member in their neighborhood store.”
Other Tote Successes
The $2.99 mini bags aren’t Trader Joe’s only cult-favorite carryalls. In June 2024, the company also launched a $3.99 insulated mini tote bag, designed to fit a six-pack of drinks or a packed lunch. Like the canvas versions, the insulated bags also sold out quickly and became a hot item on resale platforms.
Competition for Seasonal Attention
The tote release comes as other retailers are also rolling out their seasonal specials. Costco, for example, recently unveiled its massive 2025 Advent calendar, which stands five feet tall and costs $190. Filled with full-sized Lindt chocolates, it has already become a viral find thanks to TikTok.
But while Costco leans into Christmas early, Trader Joe’s is staking its claim on the Halloween season with a fan favorite that has proven time and again to be a social media sensation.
What Fans Can Expect
Given the history of previous drops, customers hoping to snag a Halloween tote are advised to shop early. While Trader Joe’s hasn’t confirmed whether stores will limit purchases, the bags are expected to sell out within days, if not hours.
For many fans, the totes are more than just reusable grocery bags—they’ve become a collectible item that reflects Trader Joe’s quirky, cult-like following. And with a festive spin this October, demand is likely to be higher than ever.
Did you find this information useful? Feel free to bookmark or to post to your timeline to share with your friends.