Summer may be fun, but winter has something special that sets it apart—the cozy, joyful ambience which we call “Christmas spirit.” But what makes people feel that excitement in the first place? The answer is the thrill of limited-edition holiday items. The best part of the season is honestly found right in the snack aisle. Everyone loves seeing festive twists on their favorite classics. So I figured…why not create a list of the very best ones?

1. Hershey’s Kisses

One thing you should know before reading this: I am a chocolate enthusiast. I cannot put into words how much I love chocolate. Believe it or not, I actually used to only ask for chocolate on my holiday list. The one thing that was always at the top was Hershey’s Kisses (specifically their festive flavors). Seriously, saying I’m obsessed is truly an understatement. Honestly, they’re what make me excited for the season. 

Some of their iconic flavors include: hot chocolate, candy cane, sugar cookie, cherry cordial, Grinch milk chocolate, milk chocolate hugged by white creme, snickerdoodle cookie, almond, and mint truffle. I would even say they’re way better than the regular ones. Besides the fun packaging, the Kisses are perfectly bite-sized. You just pop them in your mouth, making it easy to eat the whole bag in one sitting… or even maybe two. Here is a ranking of my top flavors: 

• Hot Chocolate: Hands down my favorite. It has a creamy marshmallow filling, and if there’s one thing I like more than chocolate, it’s marshmallow. Together, they’re basically heaven in a little kiss. 
• Sugar Cookie: Somehow, this tiny Kiss perfectly encompasses the sugar cookie taste that we all know and love. There are little white chocolate bits inside which bring the flavor to a whole new level. 
• Candy Cane: A white chocolate base with peppermint pieces mixed in. It tastes exactly like the festive season. 

Next time you are at the supermarket, gas station, or even just scrolling on Amazon, I would definitely consider buying a bag for around $6. 

2. Pillsbury’s Winter Shape Sugar Cookies (…and more!)

I know sugar cookies aren’t everyone’s favorite, but I personally LOVE them. Pillsbury truly never misses; these cookies are the definition of holiday spirit. They’re soft, sweet, perfectly bite-sized, and honestly delicious in every way. Since they’re premade, pre-cut, and pre-decorated, all you have to do is pop them in the oven for 10-12 minutes. Each pack makes 20-24 cookies…and I could easily eat all of them (and obviously a few more). 

They’re an easy, fun addition to any holiday baking lineup—and seriously, they’re just so cute.

The only reason they aren’t higher on my list is simply because I’d reach for some of the other items first, not because these are lacking. They’re still amazing. I highly recommend grabbing a box for around $4!

Also, if sugar cookies aren’t your thing or you just want to try something new, Pillsbury has equally delicious holiday frostings and baking mixes. This includes swirl cake mixes, brownie mixes with marshmallow (seriously, the best combo), and tons of other cookie mixes and frostings.

 3. OREO Festive Treats

I wasn’t kidding when I said I love chocolate. I honestly don’t know anyone who hasn’t tried OREOs. In fact, I don’t know anyone who hasn’t liked them! And really, what is there not to love about that perfect mix of chocolate cookies and sweet vanilla cream? 

First up, the festive OREOs. They have the classic creme-filled cookies but with adorable holiday designs like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Oreo Joys are another favorite. They feature winter characters engraved on the chocolate and even have red filling. My personal top pick is the white fudge-covered Oreos. They take the flavor to a whole new level. 

But it doesn’t stop there…they also make themed treats that are perfect for activities, stocking stuffers, or anything in between. They took the classic candy canes and turned them into cookies-and-cream swirls. Also, if you love Kinder Joys, you should try OREO Snowballs. These chocolate eggs with cookies-and-cream filling are the perfect festive snack. There are even edible holiday kits like ice-skating rinks and cookie trains. I think they are way better than traditional gingerbread houses. You just assemble them and enjoy. 

You can find these seasonal treats at Walmart, Target, Amazon, Five Below, supermarkets, and more. There is a holiday OREO for everyone!

4. Other Hershey’s Chocolate Items

Yep…another chocolate item on this list. Whether it be Kit Kats, Peppermint Patties, Reese’s, or a classic chocolate bar, Hershey’s never disappoints. 

Hershey’s, more so than any other brand, definitely has the most seasonal variation. They really know how to make the holiday season extra sweet! I love all the classic versions of these items, but somehow the seasonal versions are just better. 

Reese’s holiday shapes are one of my favorite candies ever. I don’t understand the science behind it, but somehow the holiday shapes just make them taste extra good. Maybe it’s because when you eat it, you are filled with holiday spirit? Or maybe the chocolate-to-peanut butter ratio is better? We’ll never know…but what I do know is that these belong in your cart! They have released sugar cookie Reese’s as well, which combines small sugar cookie pieces with the classic chocolate and peanut butter flavors. All of the flavors work well together (how could they not) and deserve all the hype! 

The Peppermint Stick Kit Kat is another must-try and is definitely better than the normal chocolate bar. It has a white creme base with crunchy peppermint pieces inside. The mintiness is not overwhelming and perfectly balances out the sweetness. I really wish they were available all year round. Similarly, York Peppermint Patties are the perfect mix between dark chocolate and crisp peppermint. The holiday version is just a different shape, but somehow brings the combination of dark chocolate and crisp, refreshing peppermint to a whole new level. If you love peppermint and chocolate, the Hershey Bells are also a great pick.

Prices start around $2, depending on the size. I seriously can’t pick a favorite…so my advice is to just get them all.

By the way, the list does not end here. Even though I am a chocolate and sweets lover, there are plenty of options for people who prefer savory snacks, seasonal sodas, limited edition cereals, festive coffee drinks, and even special treats for pets. Happy holiday snacking!