The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Off the Rack: 32 Last Minute Holiday Gifts at T.J.Maxx


T.J.Maxx has been boasting in their TV ads that their stores are adding new items every day until Christmas Eve for all of us last-minute shoppers, so I headed to my local store two days ago to see what I could find. While I can't disclose exactly what I bought lest friends and family are reading this, I will say that I saw a ton of great gifts and stocking stuffers for the style-conscious persons on your list - ranging from about $3-$50. I saw top brands like D.L. & Co. candles (sold at Barney's NY), Rebecca Minkoff, Philosophy, Caldrea, Marc by Marc Jacobs, and Donna Karan. I swear, there's nothing special about my store - you just have to look carefully and be very thorough as you check the racks and jam-packed shelves! So keep reading for 32 great last-minute gift ideas that I spotted, hopefully you'll get an idea or two!

Shown above: 1. ORLY mini mani lacquer trio, $4.99 (compare at $10)

Timex's 'Mix it. Switch it. Love it!' Collection at Target


Timex has a new collection called "Mix it. Switch it. Love it!" available exclusively at Target that lets you to personalize your wristwear. Just mix and match timepieces and straps for a look that's uniquely you. Chic and colorful strap options include croco, lizard, python and animal prints as well as metallic and patent leather. I was drawn to the colorful display at my local Target and think these would make a great gift. Watches are $39.99 and straps are $9.99, or you can buy a watch that comes with two straps for $49.99. The “Mix it. Switch it. Love it!” collection is available exclusively at Target.

Click through for more pics. Which color combo would you choose?

Off the Rack: Target x Neiman Marcus Collection




On Monday, a full two days after the December 1 launch of the Target x Neiman Marcus holiday gift collection, I ventured to my local Target store to see what was left - and not surprisingly, everything was still on the shelves. In multiples. I say "not surprisingly" because I had been watching the inventory levels on Target.com and noticed just about every item was still available. This was no Missonipocalypse, so I'll give Target props for orchestrating a sane launch and imposing shopping limits (purchase quantity is limited to 5 per same item and items must be returned by January 15). But if the buzz on my Instagram feed is correct, the real reason things aren't selling out is the high prices. It's hard to rationalize spending $59.99 on a white canvas tote in the middle of winter even if it says Oscar de la Renta. And while the $79.99 Altuzarra tray was admittedly luxe, my money could go farther on other Target homegoods from say, the Threshold brand (love that line!) Call me a budget shopping vulture, but I'm hoping some of these items will go on sale, like the Tracy Reese dessert plates (beautiful but they don't say "dishwasher" safe - the box does, the actual plates do not. Hmmm.) This collection definitely has its gorgeous moments - the ivory Marchesa dress for girls looks so chic in person - but I had to walk away empty-handed, spending my money on pumpkin spice oatmeal and Fage yogurt instead.

How about you, what did you buy from the collection? Thoughts on quality, pricing?

Keep reading to see lots of real-life photos of the collection.