Trader Joe’s Just Brought Back a $3 Favorite and Fans Are Lining up at 4 a.m. To Get It

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Amelia Manley/Dotdash Meredith

Key Takeaways

  • Every time Trader Joe’s brings back its viral $3 mini canvas tote bags, the bags cause a scene, with long lines outside stores and outrageous resale prices online.
  • This week, the beloved mini bags are back in stores with four new springtime shades—and more hype than ever before.

When Trader Joe’s mini cooler bags returned in February, it was a big deal for fans of the beloved grocery chain. The $4 insulated totes had people lining up before the store opened, hoping to add a new reusable bag to their collection. Little did we know that TJ’s had even bigger restock plans for its mini bags coming. Here’s everything you need to know to get your hands on this viral find.

Trader Joe’s Viral Mini Canvas Tote Bags Are Finally Back

While the mini cooler totes once sold for up to $250 on eBay, they aren’t even the most popular bag TJ’s sells. That title likely goes to the mini canvas tote bags—tiny versions of the store’s original reusable shopping bags.

If you thought the love for the mini cooler totes was too much, you’ll be even more shocked by the resale prices of the chain’s mini canvas bags. Months after their original launch, these totes were going for up to $650 on eBay.

The totes debuted in March 2024 and sold out almost instantly, gaining viral popularity on TikTok and even causing lines outside of many Trader Joe’s locations. The bags gained traction on social media, with fans sharing everything from their personalizations to their best tote bag stories. When the bags returned in September, they made headlines once again. Clearly, for many, this item is more than just a bag.

They’re finally back, and this time, the mini bags come in four springtime pastel shades: light blue, pink, teal, and purple. Their slightly smaller size makes them great for carrying a few grocery items—or just as an aesthetic accessory. The $2.99 tote bags are the ultimate souvenir of a successful grocery run, embodying the Trader Joe’s cult following and dedicated fan base. 

How to Get a Trader Joe's Mini Pastel Canvas Tote

The Mini Pastel Canvas Tote Bags are arriving at Trader Joe’s this week, with the exact drop date varying based on your store location. One thing is for certain: these will go fast. Videos have already circulated on social media of fans rushing the bags, with some commenters on TikTok claiming they lined up as early as 7 or even 4 a.m. to get their hands on one.

If you have been waiting for this moment since the first mini canvas totes hit shelves, now is your chance. With such high resale prices (one pastel tote is going for $1,000 on eBay), getting your hands on one of these bags feels like winning the lottery. Based on past drops of popular bags, I’d expect most TJ’s locations to have lines outside of the door before opening, and you might be limited on how many mini totes you can buy at once.

Who knew such a tiny bag would make such a splash in the TJ’s community? I get it, though. The store’s beloved items are precious cargo, and you need the right bag to carry them home safely. But, personally, I’d be happy with the larger version of the tote—or whatever reusable bag I can get my hands on. At the end of the day, my priority is getting my favorite snacks into my pantry—mini tote bag or not.

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