Holiday Shopping at T.J. Maxx, Marshalls and HomeGoods: The Blogger Challenge

Among my family & friends we really don’t do much as far as holiday gift exchange, except for children. We all agreed not to years ago. Sometimes it is fun to buy gifts though isn’t it, so I was happy to participate in this year’s HomeGoods/Marshalls/TJMaxx gift buying blogger challenge. For me, the extra challenge was to purchase gifts that wouldn’t make anyone feel like I’d broken the “no gifts” code. A gift card was provided to help me with the shopping.

I thought a bit “out of the box” and picked up this adorable cupcake decoration kit at HomeGoods. The 3D trees made me nearly giddy. The kit is not a gift itself, but rather the holiday cupcakes I am going to make with it will be. I will be gifting them to a couple friends. Cupcakes are a gift no one can refuse.

The options for dressing up edible gifts are plentiful at all three stores. My daughter enjoyed checking out the festive paper boxes, which are perfect for all sorts of holiday treats. There are plenty of decorative paper baking “pans”, everything from a loaf to a mini-cupcake is covered, sprinkles & regular baking pans, all of which could be incorporated into a gift. The large assortment of holiday dishware is a great way to present your edible gifts too, just wrap festive cellophane around the whole thing and tie off with pretty ribbon. We spent a lot of time poking around at everything.

Since I was shopping with my daughter, we of course investigated the toy department. My little girl who usually ignores dolls, fell in love with this Baby Alive Doll at Marshalls. We left without it that day, but I went back a couple days later and picked up two. One for her and one for Toys for Tots. I’ve always wanted to donate to the toy drive, and this seemed a great pick.

These blue gloves I found at T.J. Maxx are for a friend who has been tight on funds lately. She has a nice wool coat in this color, but could really use some good gloves. I know she won’t spend on herself right now. I will have my daughter decorate a paper bag & she will give them to her. My daughter can get away with gifting

I also got myself a little gift while at T.J. Maxx. I thought these earrings would be nice especially during the holiday season. Nothing wrong with spoiling yourself a bit on occasion right?