Looking for a Holiday Deal? Call the TJ Maxx Gift Hotline for Answers

E!’s Giuliana Rancic’s gift picks now on sale at TJ Maxx

It’s no secret that you can find great fashion, home and electronic items at TJ Maxx, Marshalls and their lower-priced sister store AJ Wright.  What can be hard to learn is what deals are in and at what stores.  That’s because the TJ Maxx stores don’t advertise the deals in print ads, TV or Radio.  This is done deliberately to keep prices low.  So how do you find out what is currently in stock for a good price? Social Media is one way, but now you can call TJ Maxx/Marshalls and ask some superstar shoppers.  For the holidays TJ Maxx and Marshalls has now instituted a special number shoppers can call for gift guidance. Here’s the deal. You can call  1-855-404-GIFT (4438) until Friday, Dec. 6th from 9AM-5PM .  The TJ Maxx experts and  operators are on hand to provide gifting guidance.  TJ Maxx has also brought some social media superstars and E!’s Giuliana Rancic onto this hotline to take calls.   If you call in, you might get to chat with Giuliana, Lilliana Vazquez (CheapChicas.com), Michelle Madhok (Founder and CEO of SheFinds) or Jordan Reid (Ramshackle Glam.)

One of my TJ Maxx purchases: A Vince Gold Sequin Top

I called the TJ Maxx gifting line this morning to find out where I could get the leather duffel bag and the cashmere robe on Giuliana Rancic’s list (see picture at the top of the post.)  I wanted to know if these picks were available at my local store.  The TJ Maxx operator wasn’t able to tell me if the exact items were on sale at my locals stores, but she assured me that “similar items” would be at the stores.  The price range for the similar items would be  from $120.00 to $175.00 for the cashmere robe and from $199.00 to $260.00 for the leather duffel.   The operator did not mention any of the name brands I might find for the items, but she was friendly and courteous.  So ,  based on my experience, I would say that Ms. Rancic’s list is a mere suggestion of what you might find at your local stores.  You may or not be able to find the exact luxury items on her gift list, but maybe something close.

The best way to really know what’s going on at TJ Maxx or Marshall’s is to pay a visit to your local store and see what’s new on the racks.   The new stuff is usually right up front.  I always check out the fashion racks close to the store front, the clearance cosmetic racks (I’ve actually scored Molton Brown on the cheap) and the electronic accessories near the cash registers for iPad/iPhone/iPod accessories.  For more information on that, read my previous post on tips for shopping TJ Maxx.

If you  call TJ Maxx this week, let me know what you think of the hotline.  Here’s what’s on Giuliana Rancic’s  gift list from TJ Maxx/Marshalls (pictures at the top of the post.)

• Travel  Related Gifts – Many times the hardest person to shop for is the person closest to you. My husband and I are always traveling, so I opt for gifts that fit into our on-the-go lifestyle, like a gorgeous leather duffel and a matching shave kit.
• Kids – From a collectable wood train set to a vintage-style ride on car, the holiday shopping season isn’t complete without spoiling my son Duke!
• Gifts for Co-Workers – I spend most of my day with my co-hosts and production team, so they’re high up on my list!  I go for crowd-pleasers like designer jewelry for the ladies or classic wood board games for the men.
• Girlfriend Gifts– I have so many girlfriends on my list and they tend to be quite the entertainers! From colorful cocktail shakers to crystal decanters, these items make for the perfect hostess gift.
• The Gourmand – For those food lovers with great taste (and there are a lot in my big Italian family!), opt for a gourmet gift basket ranging from $20 to $200, stocked with aged vinegars, olive oils and pastas straight from Italy.
• Playing Hard to Get? – For those who seem to have everything, a luxury item like a cashmere throw blanket or sweater can be the perfect solution. They’ll be thanking you when they’re staying warm on those cold winter nights!

What’s on The Recessionista’s pick list this holiday at TJ Maxx/Marshalls? I always look for VINCE, Swarovski Crystal jewelry and housewares, Kate Spade jewelry ( I got a cute bow ring last year), Designer iPad cases and my favorite Molton Brown cosmetics and sometimes Estee Lauder and Clinique.

BALSAMORO DIAMOND Vinegar from Leonardi in a SWAROVSKI accented box now at TJ MAXX.

If there is a foodie on your list, and you have money to burn look for the holiday, look for this special item at TJ Maxx: Leonardi  Balsamic Vinegar in a Swarovski Crystal box.  The vinegar is available at TJMaxx for $199 , retail price is $600.00.