Yes, Trader Joe’s Employees Really Hide a Stuffed Animal for Kids to Find

It’s true, shopping for oatmeals and bananas with Mom or Dad might not seem super fun. But one store makes grocery shopping a little more exciting for the under-10 crowd. It’s Trader Joe’s, of course! The employees at TJ’s try to get kids involved in grocery shopping by secretly hiding a stuffed animal in each store—and you can win a sweet treat if you find it.

Find more secrets that Trader Joe’s employees want you to know.

What Is the Stuffed Animal at Trader Joe’s?

The Trader Joe’s hidden stuffed animal isn’t a rumor! At almost every store, the employees hide a stuffed animal somewhere among the shelves and stacks of the store. It’s the perfect way to distract kids during a long shopping trip. If you (or your kiddo) happen to find the stuffed animal, bring it to one of the employees for a special reward. The stores usually a sweet piece of candy!

Courtesy @traderjoesmascotsandmore/instagram

There are hundreds Trader Joe’s stores around the country, but not all of them participate in this fun game. Next time you go to Trader Joe’s, ask one of the employees if there’s a stuffed animal to find.

Take note, the stuffed animal is different at every store. Some stores hide eagles, whales or bears with the hopes that a young shopper will come across it. See what’s new at Trader Joe’s right now.

What About the Trader Joe’s Lobster?

The stuffed animal isn’t the only animal hiding on the Trader Joe’s shelves. Each store also hides a plastic lobster for kids to find. However, the lobster doesn’t come with a prize—to earn that, you’ll have to find the stuffed animal.

Turns out Trader Joe’s isn’t the only store to do this. Next time you’re at Fresh Thyme Farmers Market, look for the hidden tractor and win (you guessed it) candy!