6 Trader Joe’s Mini Tote Bag Dupes to Buy Now Before They Sell Out Faster Than a Supermarket Sweep
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The hottest It-bag designer of the season? His name is Trader Joe. Yes, you read that right. Hundreds of shoppers are flocking to their nearest grocery store to snag the new, limited-edition Trader Joe’s mini canvas totes for $2.99, with corresponding TikTok buzz racking up millions of views. Now that word’s spread, it’s near impossible to find any left in person (and the purse-sized totes aren’t available to shop online). So, if you don’t live by a Trader Joe’s store to scope out the stock, we’ve rounded up the best alternatives and editor-tested favorites in similar sizing and colorways that you can buy online today.
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Shoppers are going as far as to wait in long lines to catch a re-stock, while others are happy to duke it out for just one colorway of the Trader Joe’s mini tote bag. It’s even hit the re-sell market, with stealthy shoppers snagging every colorway to upsell on Depop to the tune of $45 per bag, though the store has had to place a five-bag purchase limit to deter greedy swipers. As sly as all the stockpiling sounds, it’s a little smart considering that — according to a Trader Joe’s crew member and a seemingly official store sign posted to TikTok — the tote bags are so limited that they may not return until 2025.
The last time we saw market mayhem to this extent was over those viral Stanley Cups at Target, which adds up since both wildly popular item have an everyday function with mass appeal and style to boot. A canvas tote bag is supremely durable, with an expandable-yet-structured shape and sturdy straps, and its natural material is easily cleanable if you want to bring it along for a picnic, beach day, or a trip to the farmer’s market (or if your Stanley Cup happens to spill inside). Where you’d reserve a luxe leather tote bag to use a chic work bag or laptop bag, a small canvas tote is a not-too-precious, chameleon carry-all for weekends or errand runs — just pop in a fresh bouquet of flowers while you’re out and you’ll complete all your cottage core fantasies.
The surpringly sensational style, which also beckons back to ’90s “normcore” aesthetics, is especially trending on fashion TikTok for its ability to serve as a blank — for lack of a better word — canvas for all-out accessorizing with ribbons, embroidery, and charming personal touches, à la Jane Birkin. The app is flooding with “what’s in my bag” videos, in-depth reviews deeming it “tiny but mighty,” and hilarious memes that sulk over its low stock — with one user going as far to introduce himself as a “Trader Joe’s mini tote bag survivor.”
While we wouldn’t have predicted that Trader Joe’s would be a major destination to shop accessories, we can certainly get behind the hype. The brand’s mini tote bag is the perfect everyday bag size (13 inches long, by 11 inches tall, by 6 inches wide, to be exact) for slinging small essentials beyond your weekly grocery haul on the daily, and offers an effortless “tomato girl” panache to spring stylings. The frenzy surrounding the tote’s bold, limited-edition colorways, including navy, yellow, red, and green, happens to tie into fashion’s buttery yellow, collegiate green, and red color trends, though the perennial shades are endlessly versatile at any time of year.
Luckily, there’s a plethora of mini canvas tote bags to shop, like this sleek style from Quince or the cult-favorite Marc Jacob tote, but we also found plenty of Trader Joe’s dupes that more affordable price tags in similar primary color options. We’ve even scouted customizable canvas tote options where you can add your monogram, an ironic phrase (look to @ironicboatandtote for laugh-out-loud inspo), or even a faux Trader Joe’s logo — if you remember the viral meme of shoppers adding “Gucci” or “Hermès” to their L.L.Bean totes.
Below, shop our favorite mini canvas tote options that’ll last the long haul, including editor-tested favorites and price points that won’t cut into your grocery budget.
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EDITOR'S CHOICE
L.L.Bean Small Boat and Tote Bag
L.L.Bean Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.9/5 stars
$29.95
In all honestly, the L.L.Bean Boat Tote walked so Trader Joe’s totes could run. It’s likely the first bag you picture when “canvas tote” comes to mind, whether you realize it or not, as it’s been around since 1965, and has been worn in New England-chic stylings of the likes of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy and Gwyneth Paltrow. This staple needs no introduction, though it’s worth noting that it’s available in four different sizes, 12 colorways, and two strap length options to suit your height. Crafted in Maine and defined by double-stitched seams, this heavy weight champion of the tote category belongs in every bag rotation.
Editor testing and review notes: “I’ve been gifted two L.L. Bean bags — one was part of a brand mailer and the other was a holiday gift from a former boss, complete with my initials embroidered on the canvas. The reason it’s such a good gift idea is that it’s easy to personalize and anyone can use it for a beach trip or to carry a heavier load on your way to work. They’ve both lasted me several years thanks to the durable canvas construction and hardy handle. I use them most during the summer when I don’t want to carry around a leather tote bag that can feel sticky or heat up in the hot weather, but they’re useful year-round as sturdy, do-it-all bags.” — Adam Mansuroglu, Director of Commerce
Price upon publish date of this article: $29.95
EDITOR'S CHOICE
Baggu Small Heavyweight Canvas Tote
Baggu Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
$44
Baggu, the reusable bag authority, comes correct with the Small Heavyweight Canvas Tote. Similar in look to the Trader Joe’s blockbuster, this style offers exceptional durability and even more colorway options — including an adorable gingham print and special edition collaborations with Keith Haring and Hello Kitty. It has an exterior slip pocket that’s large enough to hold your phone and keys, long carrying handles so the bag falls perfectly above your hip, and is machine-washable for those inevitable stains and spills.
Editor testing and review notes: “I was one of the lucky few to snag this mini tote during Baggu’s collaboration with Sandy Liang last year. The limited release was the exact same design as this one, with just a few addition style touches, and I was instantly surprised by its sturdy feel and spacious capacity. Its wide top and structured base has served me well; For a weekend getaway, I was able to comfortably carry two laptops, a few novels, and even a cosmetic bag all at once. I routinely use it as ‘Mary Poppins’ purse, too, especially for long days around NYC, and plan to swap out my lumpy laptop bag for this cutie come spring.” — Olivia Cigliano, Commerce Writer & Producer
Price upon publish date of this article: $44
Shop More Trader Joe’s Mini Canvas Tote Bag Dupes
Dalix Mini Cotton Canvas Tote Bag
Amazon’s Choice
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
$12.95 $15.99 19% off
Price upon publish date of this article: $12.95
Land's End Small Natural Open Top Canvas Tote Bag
Target Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.6/5 stars
Land’s End Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.y/5 stars
$22.46 $29.95 25% off
$29.95
Price upon publish date of this article: $29.95
Logo Brands Canvas Tote Bags
Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
$39.99
Price upon publish date of this article: $39.99
Bdg Graphic Mini Canvas Tote Bag
Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
$39
Price upon publish date of this article: $39
Before you go, check out our curated list of the best canvas tote bags:
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Meet the Author
Olivia Cigliano is a Commerce Writer & Producer at Footwear News and WWD where she writes shopping content across fashion, beauty, footwear, TikTok style trends, and more. Cigliano received her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Emerson College, and her byline can be found in publications including Elite Daily and CR Fashion Book. As a loyal canvas tote bag lover, Cigliano regularly reports on handbag trends and reviews new releases from top brands.
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