Thursday, December 9, 2010

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. Matthew (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.

Matthew was in the mens 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 Matthew. 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 Nicole (21) from college, so I drove for 2 hours and stopped at a TJ Maxx on my way to her school. I had Amy (15) and John (13) along to help me.  We had so much fun looking through all the merchandise. John found something he wanted. Amy 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 (Amy)
2. Cozy Isotoner Slippers (for me!)
3. Shirley Temple DVD (adorable!)
4. The Bee Movie DVD (John)
5. Journal with Marilyn Monroe on the cover (Amy chose this for her sister Nicole-21)
6. Journal with Audrey Hepburn on the cover (Amy chose this for her sister Rachel -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.*