Earlier today I went on a little recon mission to TJ Maxx to check out their holiday gift offerings, and ladies, there is literally something for everyone on your list. It was obvious to me within a few moments of browsing the store that inventory is way up. We always hear how TJ Maxx and Marshalls stores receive 10,000 new items each week but sometimes it doesn't seem that way to shoppers. Not so on today's trip. I was just there a week ago and today it felt like a new store. There were festive decorations, curated little endcap displays and special gift displays set up throughout the store - and I do not live in an upscale area, so if my store looks this good, I know your local store has to have something going on, too. Maybe it's because it was a Monday morning, but all the shelves were full, from the gourmet food section to the toy section to the beauty department. With a $50 giftcard in hand courtesy of TJ Maxx, I set out to find the best gifts under $50 for everyone on my list. Hopefully you'll get a few good ideas, too, so keep reading to see what I discovered.
Above: For the decorista, consider a timeless silver tray for displaying jewelry or other trinkets ($24.99, compare at $50); a stylish jewelry stand ($12.99, compare at $25) or mirrored photo frame by Tahari Home ($9.99, compare at $16)
Gift ideas for your roommate, sister, or BBF include colorful frames (make sure to put your favorite photo inside), nail polish sets, brand name bath and body products (I saw The Body Shop, Philosophy, and H2O+ to name a few) or Betsey Johnson shades ($14.99, compare at $30). I also saw Marc by Marc Jacobs sunglasses for $35 (compare at $80).
You might run into the fashionista on your list in the clothing department, but aside from designer apparel, handbags and shoes, TJ Maxx carries great gifts ideas like a Michael Kors leather wallet ($49.99, compare at $75), designer perfumes by Prada and Marc Jacobs (to name a few) or HUE socks and tights - not the most glamorous gift but it's something everyone needs and HUE is such a good brand, she'll thank you.
For the design snob in your life, consider an assortment of posh desk accessories and stationary by Jonathan Adler (the photo frame above was on clearance for $1.00!); a Built laptop sleeve ($9.99, compare at $36.99); or cool e-reader case ($6.99, compare at $15).
For the gourmet, pick up O Olive Oil vinegar sets ($24.99, compare at $36) or eco-friendly bamboo cutting boards (friends who love to cook will appreciate these, trust me.)
Whether you need a last-minute hostess gift or treats of entertaining, TJ Maxx has dozens of options. Grandma would love a Lenox ornament ($12.99, compare at $24), while relatives might like gourmet gift baskets (buy one pre-made or make your own). I picked up some traditional English crackers for my mom - she was born in London and her face lights up whenever she sees these favors that were a part of her childhood.
For the coffee drinker on your list, introduce them to the joys of espresso with a stovetop espresso maker from Italy ($12.99, compare at $26.99). If they already boast an espresso machine, get them Bodum cups ($5.99, compare at $16 - I've seen these on Gilt), or some stylish new travel mugs. Complete the gift with a bag of coffee beans from the next aisle over.
For the globally conscious friend, be they into yoga, healthy eating or globetrotting, may I suggest luxe gift sets from Origins (almost everything they sell is vegan/animal-friendly) ($24.99, compare at $35), a pretty travel pillow with natural filling, of course, or a yoga mat.
For your dad, brother, or boyfriend, head to the men's department at TJ Maxx for random gadgets...
...and stylish duds.
TJ Maxx has tons of gifts for babies and kids. Books and Legos just happen to be my nephews' favorite gifts (and parent-approved). Legos are expensive, rarely if ever go on sale and even if you're a VIP Lego customer, the best you can hope for is a 10% off discount every once in a while or discounts off huge purchases like $250 or more. I'll take all the savings I can get on these sets. Some of the medium-sized boxes above were priced at $24.99 (compare at $32) and $15.99 (compare at $19.99).
P.S. Tomorrow I'll be launching a giveaway for two $50 TJ Maxx/Marshalls giftcards so check back! And no, this isn't sponsored, besides the $50 giftcard I received. I just really wanted to show the breadth of high-quality gifts in TJ Maxx and Marshalls stores because they don't have online shopping yet offer so many goodies for those of us on a budget (and isn't that everyone these days?) Happy shopping! xoBB
Photo credit: TheBudgetBabe.com
xoxo, jess
http://happygochic.com
Great pieces, better than mine I think!