Boston: Where to Shop for Christmas and Hannukah Gifts

There are plenty of shopping options in Boston and this time of year with the current economy, there are plenty of sales to be found. Bargain shopping has been the trend for many in Boston this fall. With Hannukah and Christmas upon us, everyone is thinking about gifts and scoping out the best bargains.

For Boston shopping, TJ Maxx is my favorite lunch time destination. I work in downtown Boston and the store's downtown location is within five minutes of my office. Typically, I browse the jewelry selection, the shoes and the designer clothes for unique finds and good deals. I have rarely been disappointed and rarely have I walked out without a fabulous find - many times having spent less than $30.

Today, I was on a mission: I needed Christmas gifts for 10 people. I had a one-hour lunch break and a $200 limit. I went in with no gift ideas, just a mental list of names. I started, methodically, at the ornament stand by the escalator when you first walk in, quickly realizing that I could not gift anyone on my list a sparkly decoration. The elegant Lenox ornaments did catch my eye though - they are selling for about $15... in case someone on your list would like one. If you have yet to decorate the tree, I highly recommend peaking at this selection of goods.

Bath, body and handbags

After a couple of minutes spent inspecting ornaments, I made my way to the lotions and soaps tables. I am usually weary of gifting these items as the packaging is sometimes worn, torn or already "sampled" - especially the lotions. I was surprised today to see not only a varied selection of bath and body products but also some very nice packaging and carefully taken-care-of items. I couldn't decide on anything here so I moved on to handbags.

The handbags' section is where I scored. I immediately honed in on a Nine West clutch - the bag has a stylish, deep and muted green color with a faux-snake skin pattern on the front. Normally retailing for $25, I got this deal for $12.99. 20 year old cousin with a fetish for handbags - check. I also scored a Michael Kors wallet for another cousin - retailing at over $100, I found it for about half the price. Christmas gift for fancy, label-loving cousin - check.

While rummaging through the wallets, I serendipitously touched a TUMI toiletries travel bag for men. Although in the wrong section, it was definitely sent from the bargain-shopping gods. My boyfriend and I decided to stick to modest gifts this year: we were debating scratching the gift idea completely - he just finished law school and is unemployed and I... well, I am always broke because of all my bargain shopping.

Regardless, when I saw this TUMI bag, I didn't even think twice before putting it in my cart. My boyfriend and I are in a long distance relationship: whenever he visits he brings along his toiletries in an old, crackly, dirty, toothpaste-stained receptacle that cannot even be called a bag. The zipper ceased working years ago and it would take a serious lab to identify all the substances spilled on its inside. The TUMI travel kit is sold at $95.00 at the TUMI store but TJ Maxx has it for $45. Thank you TJ Maxx for saving me $40! And the boyfriend won't even have to know that it isn't from that TUMI store in the mall. Holiday gift number 3 - check.

It took a little more snooping around the wallets to find two beautiful Vera Bradley wallets and a Vera Bradley eyeglass case. The wallets will run you $25.00 each from other retailers. TJ Maxx will charge you a happy $14.99. Christmas gifts 4, 5, and 6 for good friends - check.

Boy toys

Gift 7 was easy - the toy section was up next and a tool set called my name. Perfect for a five year old, this tool set will make a great gift for my nephew and help him help his dad on their new house. This was an easy one (and a cheap one at $9.99), and I wished I had more small children to buy gifts for as the selection was large and the boxes were mostly in nice, gift-able condition.

Environment-conscious = wallet-conscious

Making my way through house-wares I spotted a shelf full of Oggi aluminum sports water bottles. You've heard all the bad news about chemicals in plastic water bottles being harmful to your health and you've heard how bad plastic is to the environment. So this gift is perfect for just about anyone on your list! The water bottles are extremely light weight, durable and come in a variety of nice colors to accommodate everyone on your list. Another god-sent, I thought. I bought 4 water bottles ($5.99 each) for some close co-workers. It beats the hefty $20+ you'll pay at sports stores for these bottles that are becoming increasingly trendy. Not only will you be saving a few dollars to give a nice Christmas gift, you will also be helping to eliminate the waste and environmental damage caused by the ubiquitous plastic water bottles. Aluminum water bottles also make great gifts for holiday gift swaps. Christmas gift 8 for environmentally-conscious, health-nut co-workers - check.

Deals sweet like honey

My Boston shopping fun continued as I moved on to house-wares. I quickly spotted a small honey pot with a little bee-stirrer. The honey pot was strategically placed next to an elegant tea infuser which was conveniently placed next to a box of tea. I will admit, the shelves in house-wares were a bit of a mess but it took about 2 minutes to put this gift together for my tea-loving aunt. I could have easily added a mug as well but this gift, adding up to $9.50 was cute enough. Christmas gift 9 - check.

Don't forget about yourself

Next on my list was... well, me. Gift number 10. I found a nice travel jewelry box in perfect condition retailing at over $30 for $12.99. Check. On my way out of the store I also grabbed a few chocolates as stocking stuffers and a sleek, silver, 8x10 frame for $7.99. There was quite the line, but it was worth the wait for all the bargains I was about to receive. The total came to $198. I reached my goal and kept to my budget. Now, I am planning to dig through the basement for last year's wrapping papers and any gift boxes that can be recycled. The budget for this year has been spent.

Conclusively, TJ Maxx is a great place to explore this holiday season for Christmas and Hannukah gifts at bargain prices. I am always happy with the quality of the products I buy at this Boston shopping destination. I am confident you will find a gift for everyone on your list. It seems that it's best to visit the store on a Monday - they had a great selection! TJ Maxx will also give you 10% off your entire purchase if you apply for a TJX credit card at check out.

As always, the number one best practice of bargain shopping is to do it diligently and to do it often. Happy Boston shopping and happy holidays!