Truly, giving is better than receiving. Giving gifts to our friends, family, neighbors, teachers and co-workers is one of our favorite parts of the holiday season. So we're embracing it! And this year, we're all about edible gifts like cookies or hot cocoa to help your loved ones welcome the holiday spirit in a delicious way. They will enjoy the treat, without the clutter of one more thing to store in the closet, kitchen or garage. And with ingredients you can find at your local Grocery Outlet, your budget will rejoice too!

Here are simple recipes for edible holiday gifts, developed by food blogger Amy Sherman at Cooking with Amy.

Chocolate Chip Cookies in a Jar
1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 12 ounce package, semi sweet chocolate chips, about 2 cups
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup granulated sugar

Combine the flour, baking soda and salt in small bowl. Place flour mixture in a 1-quart jar. Layer on the chocolate chips, brown sugar and finally the white sugar on top, pressing firmly after each layer. Seal with lid and decorate with fabric, ribbon and a recipe tag.

Recipe tag to attach to jar:
Preheat oven to 350° F. Beat 1 stick softened butter or margarine and 1 large egg in large mixer bowl until blended. Fold in the contents of the jar with a wooden spoon. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake for 12 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on baking sheets for 10 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely. Makes about 2 dozen cookies. Enjoy with a glass of milk - and don't forget to save one for Santa!




Hot Cocoa Mix in a Jar
4 packets hot cocoa mix
4 teaspoons chocolate chips
1/4 cup mini marshmallows

Open the packets of cocoa mix and pour them into a tall narrow jar. Top with marshmallows and add a layer of chocolate chips on top.  Seal with lid and decorate with fabric, ribbon and a recipe tag.

Recipe tag to attach to jar:
Combine jar contents with 4 cups of hot water and stir until dissolved. Pour into 4 mugs and sip by the glow of the holiday lights. Enjoy!

 

‘Tis the Season!  Since Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals have come and gone, this time of the year goes from being "The Season of Giving" to "The Season of Over-Spending."  Even though you’ve checked your Holiday Gift List multiple times, it’s easy to lose track of things in your holiday bows and wrapping paper.

Let Grocery Outlet be your one stop shop for holiday gifts!  There are all kinds of wonderful finds for the holidays—at amazing prices!  The Health & Beauty Department has all kinds of gift sets and stocking stuffers that will be sure to WOW on Christmas morning.

 

 

 

 

• Nail Polish
• Hair brushes & Accessories
• Tooth Brushes
• Tooth Paste
• Whitening Kits
• Small bottles of perfume
• Makeup Sets
• Nail Clippers
• Nail Files
• Body Lotions
• Lip Gloss
• Travel Kits

Some great brand names to snatch up and stuff into stockings: Revlon, Sally Hansen, Bert’s Bees, Tim McGraw, Katy Perry, Trim, Marvel, Star Wars, Crest, E.L.F., Adidas, Barbie, Dora the Explorer, Disney, Justice League, Baby Phat, and much more!

Gift Sets From: 

• E.L.F
• Adidas
• Disney
• Trim
• Baylis & Harding
• Assorted Fragrance Sets
• Burt’s Bees
• Crest

Don’t forget, you can also create your own unique gift sets! Grocery Outlet has everything you need—from bags, baskets & boxes—to ribbon, bows, & cards!

No matter how big or small your holiday budget is, Grocery Outlet can help you bring tremendous value to your holiday. Save time shopping—spend time with those you hold near and dear.

Remember gift sets and quantities vary from store to store—but each Grocery Outlet is stocked with extraordinary finds! Enjoy the treasure hunt—we’ve loaded the stores up with all kinds of goodies this year!

by Amy Sherman, of Cooking with Amy

The holidays mean friends, family and, of course, food. Lots of food.

While it may seem like a lot of cooking, many holiday dishes can become the base for great meals the day after the holiday and all weekend long. Best of all, you’ll be saving money and trips to the grocery store too.

Instead of a cold turkey or ham sandwich, I like grilled cheese sandwiches with ham or turkey. These versions don’t feel like leftovers, but something special that everyone will enjoy. With people stopping by to drop off gifts and visit, it’s nice to have something warm on the stove to serve. Split pea soup or turkey rice soup are warm and soothing and can be served for lunch or a light supper. For bigger appetites, serve soup and a sandwich.

 

 

Shopping at Grocery Outlet, you will find lots of special ingredients that can help add pizzazz to your holiday meals without adding a lot of expense, whether you are serving a holiday meal or dressing up leftovers. To make a festive holiday salad, I used a pomegranate that was only 69 cents and some roasted salted pepitas, which were also a great buy. While there is a lot of rich food at the holidays, look for dried fruit, nuts and pies on sale.  They are all wonderful choices for dessert and will give your holiday table a traditional feel—all while saving you money.

It's that time of year. The magical and joyful holiday season, with twinkling lights, festive music and parties galore. It's a time to reconnect with loved ones, and embrace the spirit of giving. And while kids are making their holiday wish lists and hoping to make the “nice list,” grown-ups often become too over-committed and overstressed to enjoy the season. At Grocery Outlet, we hope to inspire our customers, employees and friends to be nice to themselves by keeping the holidays simple.

 

 

We put together this Grown-Up Holiday Wish List to remind folks to keep it simple and enjoy the greatest gift of the season – making holiday memories with family and friends.

A Grown-Up Holiday Wish List

• I wish to embrace the joy of the holiday season
• I wish to not exhaust my energy and financial resources
• I wish to resist the urge to do it all
• I wish to plan ahead to avoid last-minute stress
• I wish to ask for help when I need it. Even Santa has lots of helpers.
• I wish to stick to my holiday budget
• I wish to give gifts from the heart more than the wallet
• I wish to leave room in my schedule to slow down and enjoy the small things
• I wish to slow down and keep it simple

Throughout the season, we will be sharing tips and ideas for a simple holiday. We hope you'll join us and wrap-up 2012 on the “nice list.”

This Valentine's Day, we've got you covered at Grocery Outlet Bargain Market. Let Christopher show you all of the great deals that you can pick up for your sweetheart without causing heartache for your wallet!

What are you planning for your valentine? What's the best valentine you've ever received?

Assignment time: what's your favorite chick flick? Leave a comment and let us know.

With all the festivities and shopping lists, we're all strapped for time and money during the holidays, and stockings are often overlooked until the last minute.  Often, this means paying premium for those sock-sized items, and the stuffed stocking can end up costing more than the big gift.  The Bargainistas at Grocery Outlet have some simple suggestions to help you save time and money and deliver stocking bliss.

• Be Convenient. You don't need to make a special trip to a special store.  Look for stocking stuffers at the places you normally frequent, like Grocery Outlet.

• Be Sneaky.  Sneak in some practical items like a toothbrush, socks, band-aids and school supplies.  These are things you'll need to buy anyways, so you'll be stuffing two socks with one dollar.  And, one less trip to the store when your kid needs new socks.

• Be Consumable.  If you're one of those parents that feels like all the little toys are overtaking your home, stuff those socks with consumable items, like their favorite candy, gum, fruit snacks and granola bars.

• Be Thematic.  Follow a theme for all the items.  Have an art enthusiast?  Fill the stocking with art supplies – markers, crayons, glue, and butcher paper rolled up.  It will give you back a fridge door full of artwork to display.

• Be Silly.  Throw in a couple things that will make them laugh.  Maybe a whoopie cushion or a pet rock.

Happy sock stuffing and Happy Holidays from everyone at Grocery Outlet!

The holiday season is a wonderful time to bring together families and friends, and celebrate the season with festive traditions, old and new. But it's also easy to get caught up in the holiday spending trap for the sake of making holiday memories. So this year, our Season of Sanity pledge inspired us to consider holiday merriment that won't break your budget. In fact, many of these fun and festive ideas are free!

Light Drive. Surprise your family or friends with a tour of the local holiday light displays. Put on some cozy pajamas, pack some cookies, then start driving. Don't forget the holiday tunes!

 

Seasonal Song. Bring back an old-time tradition with an evening of caroling. Dress in warm and festive attire and surprise your favorite neighbors with carols at their door. It will surely put a smile on their faces. And, you might be invited in for some hot cocoa and conversation!

Give Service. It will only cost you time, but you'll receive much more and lasting memories. Schedule time to visit a local shelter or food bank and lend a helping hand. Include the children to inspire the next generation of do-gooders.

Winter Wonderland.  December 22nd marks the Winter Solstice this year, welcoming longer days of sunlight, and a day many cultures celebrate with winter festivals. Host your own winter wonderland celebration, even without snow outside.  Build a paper snowman, make homemade ice cream and go ice gummy fishing in a bowl of ice!

Chris gets his party on with festive ideas on how to save money on holiday entertaining.  He also previews our latest ad on Bargain TV.

What's your favorite holiday song of all time? Leave us a comment and let us know.

This month is sure to hold holiday gatherings galore! It's the most wonderful time of the year to gather family and friends for a night of holiday merriment. So whether you are hosting or attending the festivities, use these ideas to help you enjoy the holiday party season without sacrificing your savings or your sanity.

Simplify. Your friends and family don't expect a Martha Stewart-style soiree, so don't stress-out about making it elaborate. In fact, a casual and understated event will be a welcome respite from all the craziness of the holidays. But make sure the holiday tunes are plentiful!

Skip the meal. Keep the focus on your friends, not the food. It's a great reason why you don't have to slave away in the kitchen all day to serve a full-on meal. Just two or three appetizers will do. Consider a weekend afternoon gathering with mulled wine, cheese and crackers.

Salud! Add some holiday cheer to your party, but keep it limited to one or two choices, not a full bar. Serve just eggnog or just wine, but not both. Try our Novella Synergy Zinfandel or Cabernet Sauvignon, just $4.99 per bottle (you save $7). And the kid revelers will enjoy toasting with our Martinelli's Northwest Blend Sparkling Apple Cider for just $1.79 per bottle (you save $1.90).

Say Thanks. Certain holiday traditions never go out of style, like arriving at a holiday party with a gift for the gracious host/hostess. We suggest some gourmet chocolates like our Brown & Haley Candy Cane Roca for $2.99 (you save $2), or a festive 4” poinsettia for $4.99 (you save $4).

Surely, you have your own budget-friendly party tips, and we'd love to hear them. How do you entertain during the holidays without blowing the budget?

Happy Holidays from everyone at Grocery Outlet!

 

The holiday season is in full swing! Gift giving is an age-old tradition in the holiday season.  But this year, don't let your holiday budget and your sanity fly to the North Pole.  Consider giving homemade, personalized gift baskets with items you can find at Grocery Outlet for 50% less than traditional stores.  Follow these simple tips for a gifty and thrify holiday:

Gather an assortment of small, inexpensive items with a common theme that the recipient will appreciate.  No need to go overboard, just three or four items will do.  Here are some ideas:

• Chocolate Lovers—chocolate of every kind, don't forget the hot cocoa
• Foodie Friends—gourmet cheeses, crackers, olive oil, nuts and a unique cooking tool
• Wine Enthusiast—red, white and rosé varieties, with fresh grapes, wine glasses and a corkscrew
• Home Spa—beauty care products, bath salts, loofah sponge, cozy socks
• Tea Time—a combination of black and herbal teas, a pretty mug or tea cup and specialty cookies
• Pet Perfect—pet toys, pet treats and a pet dish
• Movie Night—DVDs, microwave popcorn, candy and a blanket

Find a decorative basket or container.  Check your cupboards and storage space, you probably already have something laying around that you can use. Place items in the basket, using tissue paper or old gift wrap to help stabilize the items inside the basket. Finish with festive trimmings, like ribbon, raffia or even old-fashioned tinsel, then add a homemade gift tag.

Your family and friends will be thrilled to receive something you know they'll love.  And your wallet will say thanks, too.  Wishing you a simple holiday season!

We've got less than a week to Thanksgiving and we're here to help you Simplify the Season with our $3 Thanksgiving Menu. Check out the latest Bargain TV to help you save your money and your sanity!

 

You can download the Thanksgiving menu that Christopher mentions in the video by clicking here: Download Thanksgiving Menu.

What's your favorite holiday movie? Leave a comment below.

Football season is well underway and whether you are a football fan or not, chances are that you'll be attending a football party in the coming weeks. Party wings, veggie trays, and quick and easy frozen items are just a few ways to make that party much more enjoyable!

Check out this week's Bargain TV and let Christopher show you just some of the sporty snacks and healthy choices that you can bring to the next football party or weekend sporting event. You'lll save big on big brands at Grocery Outlet Bargain Market.

Leave a comment and let us know which team is your team!

Chris shows how easy it is to save money on all of summer's best! Plus, you can see him assemble our popular Bond Canopy in seconds!  Check out the latest episode of our Bargain TV now:

 

What's your best summer bargain? How do you stay cool?

Have some fun this summer and for the 4th of July with these great items from Grocery Outlet.  Don't forget the sunscreen!  Stay safe this summer.

 

Check out our latest vlog on grilling at Grocery Outlet!  We're just in time for Father's Day.

 

Got any great grilling ideas? Share them with us in the comments.

Every so often, we get a crazy deal.  Actually, we get crazy good deals all the time, but this one is super special and pretty unique—we got 1,200 wedding dresses from Alfred Angelo that we're now offering for only $99 in a special event at our Oakland store.  It's this Saturday, June 18th, so if you're in the bay area, stop by.  This is a deal that bargainista brides-to-be will not want to miss!

 

 

 

We're trying something a little different over here at Grocery Outlet HQ.  Chris, an employee in our South Tacoma store had been making videos about all the affordable and fantastic food and merchandise you can find at Grocery Outlet.  Since he's become an expert, we invited him to start making video blogs, or vlogs, that we'll be posting here on our Barganista Blog.  We're very excited to share Chris's enthusiasm for saving money and showcase our incredible deals.

Here is our inaugural vlog, this time about our Easter ad which breaks today. Enjoy!

Keep your eye out on your receipts at Grocery Outlet!  Some lucky customers will receive Bargain Bucks printed on selected receipts between now and April 28th.

 

Be sure to save these Bargain Bucks because they can be spent like cash (except certain categories restricted by state, like alcohol and dairy) at our celebration of the buck—Buck-O-Rama, which will take place Friday, April 29th through Sunday, May 1st.

There is no limit to how many you can spend per purchase (i.e., if you have 10 bargain bucks, you can use them to purchase $10 of merchandise!  Remember the tax!)

Also, they have no cash value, so you will not receive change should your purchase be less than the number of bucks you spend, so spend more than you have to maximize the value!

The Academy Awards are upon us and one of our favorite traditions is to host an inexpensive party while we watch the big show.  With a little creativity, you can have a fabulous fete for very little money.

 

 

Party Attire
Let your guests know that dressing up is encouraged.  Break out any appropriate formal wear from the back of your closet. We've found many a retired prom dress or suit at thrift shops.  Cheap tiaras from the party store complete the look.

Decor
A plain white tablecloth will add style to any setting.  Add a red runner down the center for that red carpet feel—if you can't find one, a wide red ribbon will have the same effect.  Write guests' names on gold stars and use them for place cards on the table.  Party stores will also probably stock some cheap Oscars decorations this time of year.

Food
Grocery Outlet has a wide array of party appetizers, snacks, and entrees. Fresh cut veggies and dip are always popular, as are fancy cheese and crackers, or heated appetizers from our frozen section. 

Think about theming your food to the best picture nominees, or choosing your favorite film and making food in keeping with what the characters might eat: barbecue for True Grit, British fare for The King's Speech, or replicate the ballerina cake from Black Swan.

Whatever you choose to do, top it off with a glass of sparkling wine or champagne from Grocery Outlet, and get ready to toast!

Entertainment
Make ballots for celebrity party attire.  Who has the best dress?  Who has the weirdest look?  Who made the best joke?  Who had the best speech?  Worst speech?

Prepare movie trivia for the commercial breaks to keep everyone entertained.  Give away fancy candy as prizes. 

Make up your own awards as the night goes on, and put the names of the winners in fancy envelopes.  At the end of the night, announce who your winners are, and give guests prizes as they leave. 

You're always a winner with us!

Score your own Super Bowl victory with inexpensive party food from Grocery Outlet.  We’ve got a snack solution for each quarter, so stop in and get your best party line-up now!

Pre-Game Planning
Pop some of these great party appetizers and entrées into the oven before game time for a simple meal that feeds many.  We have Stouffer’s 94 oz Meat Lasagna for only $6.99!  It’s a wholesale size that comes packaged in a restaurant-style silver tray—super easy to heat and serve.


You save $6!  Evergood Hot Links are only $6.99 for 2 lbs.  You save $2 on those.  Tender Bird Breaded Chicken Breast Tenderloins are fully cooked—just heat and serve!  They’re $6.99 for 3 lbs.  You save $4!

Halftime Snackin’
For halftime, you need something quick so you can catch the entertainment.  Kettle Potato Chips are a delicious, all natural, hearty chip that holds up under serious dip.  We have 14 oz bags in assorted varieties for $2.99.  You save $2.  Delicioso 5 Layer Dip is only $3.99 for a 30 oz tub.  We also have 16 oz Casa de Rosas salsa or 10 oz Cabo Fresh Guacamole for $1.99.  You save up to $3 on either.  Yum!

There are many more extreme values and incredible bargains at Grocery Outlet, so check out your local store.  Shop us first. Get more.