I’m sure many of you can relate to this – as moms (especially budget conscious moms) we’re hesitant to spend money on ourselves. Feeding and clothing five kids isn’t always easy, and I’ll often put my personal needs last to ensure that they have everything they need. In fact, I’m far more likely to indulge my husband’s wants than my own.
So when I was given the opportunity to see how far I could stretch a $50 budget on myself at T.J. Maxx and Marshalls ($25 at each), I actually found myself struggling a bit at the stores when I saw how many great bargains they had for my husband and kids. Not to mention it was a very odd feeling indeed to be out shopping by myself as that almost NEVER happens.
I haven’t been to T.J. Maxx or Marshalls in years because they’re not in my immediate location, but a 20-minute drive to check them out wasn’t too bad. I wondered if I’d still find the same kind of great deals as I used to, and I’m happy to say the didn’t let me down one bit. In fact, their goal for 2009 is to be “the solution to your resolutions,” and I could definitely see how they’re executing on that promise.
I restrained myself from looking at the adorable bargain-priced kids’ clothing and found some fabulous items for ME! I wish I could take a picture of my goodies, but you’ll have to settle for the photo of the hair dryer that I purchased (for half off the retail price!), as my digital camera finally bit the dust.
In addition to the Conair Infinity Tourmaline Hair Dryer, I got a v-neck shirt from Express, a pair of bamboo-fiber yoga pants, a bottle of Rusk Str8 Anti-Frizz/Anti-Curl Lotion, and a pair of cashmere gloves. I was especially stoked about the gloves as I have long fingers and gloves don’t typically fit me well, and these are gorgeous and soft.
And best of all?
I went just a smidge over my $50 budget when all was said and done.
Not bad if I do say so myself!
I’ll definitely be frequenting these stores more often if for nothing else other than their housewares department. I could have spent all day there alone drooling over all the little knick-knacks and gourmet foods, as well as the Le Creuset items and kitchen gadgets.
Are you an off-price retailer shopper at stores like Marshalls and T.J. Maxx? What’s the best deal that you’ve scored there?
Sheena @ Mommy Daddy Blog
We just made a layaway at Marshall’s a few days ago! The best score we’ve gotten were $2 boys Ralph Lauren polo shirts at Marshalls and boys swim trunks at 50 cents a piece at T.J. Maxx!
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Believer 1964
Cool!
Mothers certainly need to do this kind of thing more often when and if their budget allows.
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Stephanie
I’m a TJ Max shopper myself, and I LOVE to find great deals on stylish clothing. I just can’t bring myself to go shopping at the mall, so TJ Maxx is the next best thing!
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Margaret Boring
Add Ross to your super list of bargain stores. I stopped in there this week just to look and they had marked all of their clearance items down to make room for new Spring items. I found lots of things for .49, $1.49, $2.49 and $3.49. Many of these were clothing items that are for the upcoming Spring and Summer. I scored some shorts, summer weight pants and even a simple black skirt for .49. Loving it! Can’t wait to tell my Dave Ramsey classmates!!!!!!!!!!!!
Heather
I was just at Marshall’s on 23/Polaris yesterday and couldn’t find ANY good deals on what I was looking for (kids’ boots and coats). Everything was still pretty expensive. I had seen better deals earlier in the day at Polaris Mall.
I’m glad other people are finding great deals though. Bargain shopping is awesome!
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Kim F.
Do you mind me asking how much their hair dryers are? Mine just went dead last week, and I am in the market for a good but inexpensive one. Thanks! Kim
Deal Seeking Mom
Not at all! They had several different models. This particular one was $19.99, half off the online price I found of $39.99. I believe there was another model that was only $14.99.
Nancy
I believe that marshalls, tjmaxx and ross all pull from the same place, I am lucky enough to have all 3 with in driving distance from me. so if I find a good deal at one, but they don’t have my size or enough of what i want I can take a quick drive to one of the others and find what I need. after christmas I picked up some great christmas organizer notebooks for $2 each. they are full of folders and pockets for reciepts and stuff, and i plan to give them to some of my best friends next year for christmas, I think they were normally like $10 dollars and the retail was like $15 dollars!
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Elaina
The best deal I ever got was from TJ Maxx and it was a pair of sixe 7 girls shorts from The Limited Too for .70 cents! Totally out of season purchase but who cares, kids grow. Two weeks ago my TJ Maxx was having a sale on toys and I picked up small goodies for my kid’s Easter baskets; I’m always thinking ahead to the next holiday or birthday. I saved a ton of money and picked up clearance toys too, including multiplication and division computer software for my daughter for $3.00!
Marie
I love to buy sheets and bedding materials there. Got some great Ralph Lauren bathroom rugs recently for WAY cheaper than even sale stuff at the going-out-of-business Linens n’ Things across the street. I don’t get into TJ Maxx enough it seems. My mom found out when they get new inventory at her store and she hits it the day after.
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Erica
Whenever shopping I buy things off season, from the clearance rack, or, like for back-to-school, after the “event” has happened. New school clothes are generally fall themed, but t-shirts and shorts are still seasonable. Once you have a chance to see what is really needed and the summer outfits have had their wear, then I go shopping for the rest. Also, the Thanksgiving sales are amazing!