Target gets our vote for playful holiday treats…as you might have guessed based on its historic reputation for awesomeness. But Walmart makes it closer than you’d think. It makes a strong case when you need to feed a crowd. Whether you’re supplementing homemade peppermint bark or skipping baking altogether, both stores have tempting shortcuts.
These five standouts from each retailer cover everything from miniature pastries to pepper jelly. The prices below were listed online November 7, 2026; local prices and availability may differ.
Target’s five standout holiday goodies
1. Favorite Day mini holiday dessert assortment — $6.99
This 12-piece frozen dessert assortment includes chocolate eclairs, raspberry almond cakes, chocolate coffee opera cakes and lemon tartlets. Thaw and serve for a dessert tray with considerably more variety than another plate of sugar cookies.
2. Favorite Day holiday macarons — $6.99
The 12-count box includes six flavors, including gingerbread and chocolate peppermint alongside hazelnut, pistachio, dark chocolate and salted caramel. These are another thaw-and-serve option, especially appealing for a small gathering where everyone can sample different flavors.
3. Favorite Day cherry chipotle holiday popcorn — $3
Here’s the wildcard for anyone tired of peppermint everything. This 5.5-ounce bag takes popcorn in a cherry-chipotle direction instead. Add it to a movie-night snack spread or an edible gift basket for someone who enjoys unusual flavor combinations.
4. Favorite Day pistachio almond creme-filled rolled wafers — $6.99
These rolled wafers come in a 14.1-ounce holiday tin, making them an easy small gift. They’re also an easy addition to a coffee-and-dessert spread when you want something besides chocolate chip cookies or another box of candy.
5. Favorite Day Yeti sugar cookie kit — $12
This 27-ounce kit puts a whimsical spin on the holiday cookie activity. Pick it for a family afternoon or gathering where making something together matters as much as the finished treat—not when you need dessert ready immediately.
Walmart’s five standout holiday goodies
1. Bettergoods holiday pepper jellies combo pack — $6.97
This 20-ounce set includes jalapeño and habanero pepper jellies. Spoon them over cream cheese or add them to a cheese board for a sweet-and-spicy alternative to the dessert-heavy holiday spread.
2. Marketside holiday cookie platter — $11.97
The 32-cookie platter includes chocolate chunk, red velvet, brown butter toffee and cranberry white chocolate varieties. At roughly 37 cents per cookie, it’s our strongest pick here for an office party or larger gathering.
3. Little Dutch Boy Bakery pecan meltaway cookie tin — $7.94
This 12-ounce tin contains 26 cookies featuring pecan pieces and powdered sugar. It’s the traditional gift-cookie choice in this matchup, with no baking, decorating or separate gift container required.
4. Bettergoods gluten-free gingerbread muffin mix — $4.97
Gingerbread doesn’t have to wait until dessert. This 15.6-ounce mix brings the flavor to holiday breakfast or brunch, making it a useful pick for shoppers who would rather bake muffins than decorate cookies.
5. Marketside peppermint bark — $5.84
The 8.25-ounce package is the classic holiday candy pick. Set it beside cookies on a dessert platter, or keep it for an after-dinner treat when you don’t need another full-size dessert.
Which store wins?
Target wins this matchup for festive originality, especially its miniature pastries and Yeti kit. Walmart gets the nod for practical entertaining: the cookie platter handles a crowd, while the pepper jellies give the snack table something beyond sweets.
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