Holiday Shopping at T.J. Maxx (with Giveaway)

When I got the challenge to seek out some great holiday gifts for people on my list at TJ Maxx or Marshalls, I was eager to hit the store. After my complete failure in the back to school challenge when I spent my entire allotment (plus more) on stuff for MYSELF and not a single back to school item, I knew I had to redeem myself and actually shop for others. I was in the habit of shopping at a nearby Marshalls in Florida, but since we moved I decided to check out the local T.J. Maxx.

T.J. Maxx vs. Marshalls

T.J. Maxx sells brand-name family apparel, including women’s footwear and activewear, home fashions and other merchandise such as beauty. T.J. Maxx differentiates itself from Marshalls with an expanded assortment of fine jewelry and accessories, all at prices 20-60% below department and specialty store regular prices.

With a product assortment similar to T.J. Maxx, Marshalls sells brand-name family apparel, including shoes, home fashions, and other merchandise such as toys. Marshalls differentiates itself from T.J. Maxx with a full line of family footwear and The Cube, an expanded juniors department, as well as a broader men’s selection. In 2008, Marshalls launched a new concept called Shoe MegaShop by Marshalls, which is a standalone store featuring shoes and accessories.

Holiday Shopping at T.J. Maxx

The nearest T.J. Maxx is HUGE, and is actually also a HomeGoods store – very cool. There were fun, colorful displays of holiday plates and decor so you can make your house all festive for the holidays (for less).

But, I was on a mission to shop for the folks on my holiday list – and I wanted to check out the toys and games to get some little things for my kids. The toy and game section wasn’t particularly large, but it was full of possibilities and I left with several little stocking stuffers and fun gifts. Best of all, nothing was over $6. Nice. I got Melissa & Doug Triangle Crayons, Let’s Go Fishin’ Game, Where the Wild Things Are book, a little Dora Mega Blocks toy and a My Little Pony set for my son’s friend.

While T.J. Maxx gets many of its good deals in season by purchasing items that a designer overproduces or department stores overbuy, they also have some past season items. For example, in the toy section I found a Kota & Pals DinoRoars friend for $7.99 and the price tag indicated “Last Season”. I really appreciate the transparency. Surely kids don’t care what year a toy is released, but us parents want to know what we’re buying.

Now, if I *were* shopping for myself, which I wasn’t even though I bought a very nice Calvin Klein hat, scarf and gloves set for $20, I would have loved to spend more time in The Runway – T.J.’s most exclusive department overflowing with the same to-die-for couture and designer fashions you’d find at fancy boutiques–without the fancy price tags. I spied some awesome big name designers deeply discounted but next time, next time.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… You can’t go wrong checking out T.J. Maxx or Marshalls when shopping off your holiday gift list. If you know what you’re looking for you can hit the departments you need and get out without wandering around a mall.

Or Not to Buy… The local T.J. Maxx made me miss my old Marshalls. I didn’t have as much luck and the overall experience wasn’t as pleasant. The store was okay, and I’ll go back if I’m looking for something, but I didn’t love it.

Shop! Check out T.J. Maxx online to find a store near you.

Win! A $25 T.J. Maxx / Marshalls Gift Card!

How to Enter: Leave a comment with something from your holiday shopping list you’d like to get at T.J. Maxx.

Bonus Entries – valid only after completing the first required entry. Please leave a separate comment for each you do.

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Giveaway ends December 22 – open to US residents.

Disclosure: Thanks to T.J. Maxx for providing a sample product for the purpose of this review and the giveaway prize. Others may have a different experience. Opinions are my own.