The $1.50 Dollar Tree Find I Use Nonstop During the Holidays

I gave myself permission this summer to relax when it came to entertaining. I didn't even blink if my desserts got a little messy or when a pie plate didn't make it home after a barbecue. That's because these reusable pie containers from Dollar Tree helped to keep things much simpler. It made sharing feel generous, rather than an errand for the host.

Now that I'm starting to think about the holidays, where pie season really shines, I'm planning to buy a few more. This basic plastic carrier, which now retails for around $1.50, features a scalloped base and a clear domed lid.

The lid, which twists shut, is taller than most pie carrier lids (it's about three and a half inches). Something like a meringue would not get squished in it. It's durable, reusable, and most importantly, it's the most freeing $1.50 I'll spend on food transport all season.

Why Dollar Tree's Reusable Pie Containers Are Perfect for the Holidays

For the high(er)-stakes nature of holiday baking, where desserts often feel like a centerpiece, I need a reliable carrier. I like that this Dollar Tree gem eliminates two points of holiday stress: transport and retrieval. The lid twists on, so whether I'm hauling a pumpkin pie or a delicate chocolate torte, it will stay safe from spills and tilts during long drives.

Whether you're traveling across the city or the state, the low price also means you can let it go, allowing you to participate in the entire ethos of the holiday—share, gift, and eat—without expecting anything in return.

When I'm bringing them with the intention of leaving the whole thing, one of my favorite tips is to line the bottom with parchment paper before assembling desserts or placing them inside. The parchment paper makes serving effortless and cleanup nonexistent. The container becomes part of the gift, which also helps your host. 

How I'll Be Using My Reusable Pie Containers This Holiday Season

As we head into November and December, I plan to use these for some advanced freezer prep whenever I can. Because they're freezer-safe, I can bake a few pumpkin pies ahead of time, freeze them inside the containers, and they'll be ready to thaw and transport when the time comes.

For Christmas, I'll continue to use them for pies, but they'd also be great for holding an assortment of holiday cookies to give to neighbors and teachers. A festive ribbon and a minimalist, modern gift tag would quickly turn the plain plastic into something more gift-worthy.

If you plan to use them for any no-bake desserts this season, note that the container's 10-inch diameter is slightly larger than a standard pie tin. Make about one and quarter or one and a half times the crust recipe to ensure you don't get a skimpy crust.

Outside of the dessert spectrum, they're great for carrying things like vegetables and dip, fruit platters, a cheese ball with crackers, charcuterie, and even small handheld appetizers, such as prosciutto and cheese pinwheels or vegetable samosas. In fact, I just brought some of Samin Nosrat's kind of pickled cucumbers (from her new book, Good Things) to a friend's house this past weekend and didn't come home with a thing!

For anyone juggling school parties, office potlucks, and family gatherings, this one is for you. They turn homemade treats into gifts, complete with containers!

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