Shopping at Marshalls and TJ Maxx and a Gift Card Giveaway for YOU

TJ Maxx in Boston

I spent all day yesterday shopping with the children. M- (17) needed some clothes and a new winter coat. We went to TJ Maxx in New Hampshire. It was a long drive to get there. Obviously, we don't take many shopping trips, but when we do, we are delighted with our finds.

Early last month, I talked about my Trip to Boston and how I visited the corporate office of Marshalls and TJ Maxx. They provided me with so much information, I felt like an insider while shopping yesterday. As soon as I entered TJ Maxx, I felt knowledgeable. I knew all about their products, their layout and the great treasures I would find.

M- was in the men's department while the rest of the children and I browsed around. I thought about all the things I'd love to buy as gifts. Wouldn't Nana like this? I thought to myself. Or Wouldn't Grandpa enjoy that? There were so many different kinds of merchandise, I would have been thrilled to fill up a carriage with presents. Of course, in this frugal economy, I must be careful. So this trip was for M-. Any other shopping ideas would have to wait for another time!

When I was in Boston, we were asked to participate in a Secret Santa event. I was given the name of another blogger and asked to spend $50 buying her gifts. (I was provided with a gift card to carry out this mission). I was given "Deanna" from Mommy Gaga. I had been able to talk to her for a little while before shopping, so I had a good sense of what she might like as a gift. She is the mother of one young child and is expecting another. I thought she would like some pampering treats.  Here is what I selected for her:

Shopping at TJ Maxx in Boston

1. A burgundy cosmetic luggage bag.
2. Fancy scented soaps
3. Bath sets
4. Hot chocolate tin.
5. Assorted Truffles

These gifts were later shipped to Deanna. She received them at home a couple of weeks ago.

Guess what? Someone was also my Secret Santa! I received a package in the mail and it was full of a delightful array of pure white elegance!  My Santa was Beth from Home Stories of A to Z.





 Beth was so thoughtful, she even included a gift receipt. When I sent her a twitter notice to thank her for the package, she immediately told me to go ahead and exchange the gift if I wanted to. She was so sweet! She is certainly a super gift shopper!

Here is what Beth chose for me (using a gift card provided by TJ Maxx and Marshalls):

White Sweater and Scarf

Soft, warm winter gloves

The sweater and scarf are lovely, but not practical for me. I decided to take them to my local TJ Maxx and exchange them for something else. I kept the gloves - they are warm and cozy!

I had to wait until I was heading into the city to make the exchange. Finally, I needed to pick up N- (21) from college, so I drove for 2 hours and stopped at a TJ Maxx on my way to her school. I had A- (15) and J- (13) along to help me.  We had so much fun looking through all the merchandise. J- found something he wanted. A- begged for many items. I finally agreed to one. I also chose a couple of gifts for other family members. Here is what I ended up with (using the exchange credit and a small amount leftover from my own gift card):

Presents from TJ Maxx

1. Purple Leg Warmers with a cute side zipper (A-)
2. Cozy Isotoner Slippers (for me!)
3. Shirley Temple DVD (adorable!)
4. The Bee Movie DVD (J-)
5. Journal with Marilyn Monroe on the cover (A- chose this for her sister N-21)
6. Journal with Audrey Hepburn on the cover (A- chose this for her sister R-22)
7. The last item is my favorite and it was for me. A small box of delicious, delightful, elegant Godiva chocolate!

I have to say, shopping for others is so much fun! I only get to spend money a few times a year, but it is a great adventure to find treasures!

How about you? Would you like a chance to go shopping at TJ Maxx or Marshalls? I have a $25 gift card available for a giveaway. To enter, all you have to do is leave me a comment telling me about a special present you received.



One random winner we be selected on Monday, December 13, 2010. (U.S.  Entries only.) If I am unable to reach the winner within 48 hours, an alternate winner will be selected. Your entry is only valid if you include a way for me to contact you. 

To find out more about my commercial breaks, please see my disclosure page.  



This contest is now closed. The winner is - "Our Village is a Little Different."



*Disclosure - I received the gift cards and presents in order to write this review.*