15 Under $20 Walmart Deals You Need to Grab This December

Christmas shopping always starts with gifts, but without essentials like kitchen staples that feed a crowd, the holidays don't work. That's where Walmart quietly wins every December, and this year is no different. The retail giant lets you stock up for Christmas without watching your bill spiral out of control.

Here are the best Walmart hacks under $20 you can rely on this season.

Editor's note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location.

Price: $3.94

While the holidays are all about good cheer, getting sick in December is a drag. These 75 fresh-scented disinfecting wipes can kill bacteria and sanitize counters, door handles, and guest bathrooms.

At 5 cents per count, they're 1 cent cheaper per count than Lysol wipes at Target.

Price: $2.47

There's no more iconic holiday staple than potatoes — tasty and versatile, whether roasted, in a casserole, or mashed. This five-pound bag is also long-lasting.

Shoppers praise the freshness and size consistency: "These types of potatoes seem to keep longer without sprouting, and stay fresh," writes an anonymous reviewer.

Price: $14.88

With three ceramic bowls for dips or candy and a durable acacia-wood Christmas tree-shaped tray, this festive under-$15 charcuterie set is decorative and versatile.

Its size is perfect for a small gathering, and it's more functional than the Teak Wood Tree Cheese Board, selling for $69.50 at Pottery Barn.

Price: $2.22

Is apple pie your favorite Christmas dessert? Or perhaps you love apple-filled pastries? Either way, this 21-ounce can delivers the best taste and apple-chunk texture.

Shoppers find it tastes just as good as the real deal: "I normally make my apple pies homemade, but when I want hand pies, this Great Value brand is a great substitute," explains reviewer Irish.

Price: $6.27

Buying the right cleaning supplies makes the difference between manageable chores and those that ruin the holidays. This 90-ounce bottle of Ajax offers a super-degreasing formula that tackles turkey pans, pots, cookie sheets, and greasy bakeware with ease.

It's also more than a dollar cheaper than Safeway's offering for the same quantity.

Price: $2.97

Many love shortbread cookies and a cup of hot cocoa on cold December nights. This 10-ounce bag is filled with festive, buttery cookies ideal for stocking stuffers and hosting, too.

Many shoppers think these are the best Christmas cookies: "I find these every year. I remember having them when I was young. Can't go without them during the holidays," writes reviewer memor53.

Price: $13.59

If you haven't wrapped the Christmas presents yet, it's time to get on it. This heavy-duty wrapping paper features classic Christmas prints and resists tearing.

With 33 feet per roll, you'll have plenty on hand for gifts of all sizes without paying the extra $2.91 that the same length costs at Target.

Price: $5.22

After the festivities, it's cleanup time, but with this six-pack of heavy-duty sponges, it won't feel so bad. They tackle stuck-on food and holiday-baking messes and last longer than generic sponges.

"They do a great job cleaning my pots and pans and restoring them to like-new," boasts reviewer Robyn.

Price: $7.32

Apple pie might not be your choice of Christmas dessert. In that case, this holiday-ready, no-bake creamy chocolate satin pie with whipped topping takes the work of making your own off the table.

It delivers 25.6 ounces of chocolatey goodness for $1.47 less than Kroger.

Price: $13.98

If you're working on washing all your holiday linens, guest bedding, and winter clothes, you need this 128-load soap bottle more than ever. Its OxiClean blend also helps remove odors from heavier fabrics.

"A small amount of this detergent goes a long way. The ingredients are clean and I feel safe using them," is reviewer Erica's take on this soap.

Price: $16.46

By now, you should be happy with your Christmas decor. If that's not the case and the tree feels a little bare, these 18 acrylic snowflakes can add extra sparkle, fill in gaps, or add to your theme.

Shoppers love how they mimic real glass and catch the tree lights, describing them as "expensive-looking and tasteful."

Price: $14.97

Especially with guests coming over this December, this under-$20 holiday essential should last much longer. The 12 Charmin Ultra Soft rolls have four times more sheets per roll, reducing restocking needs during the holidays.

They're a far better choice than paying $23.98 for two six packs of Charmin Ultra Soft rolls at Walgreens.

Price: $4.96

To avoid spending the day after your Christmas gathering cleaning and washing up, consider this PEVA tablecloth with a festive holiday design instead of a fabric one.

Its generous size, 60-by-102 inches, makes it suitable for dining tables and buffet setups at a better price than Target's 84-inch-by-60-inch offering for $5.

Price: $1.88

Stuffing is delicious, but if you're short on time, making it from scratch may not be in the cards. This easy, flavorful stuffing mix with its quick stovetop prep saves the day for under $2 per six ounces.

For $20, you can buy more boxes at Walmart than you would at Target for $2.29 per box.

Price: $11.97

December's the perfect time to snuggle in a plush blanket, perhaps by the fire or under the tree. This festive 50-inch-by-70-inch throw is soft, decorative, and machine-washable.

Reviewers like Libbie love how, for the price, it's a "super cute way to add some simple holiday color into your home."

The biggest mistake you can make in December isn't overspending on gifts; it's overpaying for the boring essentials you need anyway. These are exactly the things that Walmart helps you manage, especially during the final week before Christmas.

To save money on groceries, gifts, and much more, skip this upcoming weekend's rush and shop early weekday mornings or after 8 p.m. for the best selection of holiday essentials.