Reader Recommendations: Affordable Places to Shop for Christmas

I have wonderful readers!  When I posted "Six Places to Find Affordable Christmas Gifts", several of them weighed in with additional places to shop for Holiday gifts that won't break the bank.

Here are reader recommendations, along with the reasons that they like to shop there.

  Jodi Recommends: HomeGoods,  TJ Maxx, and Tuesday Morning

Jodi says, "One of my favorite places (I call it my 'happy place') is HomeGoods. They have so much fun and unique and also practical items that are usually at a good discount. I don't like to buy stuff just for the sake of it, but if you know somebody who likes glass decorations or things like that, they have beautiful art plates and vases and things like that. They have artwork, organizational items, sometimes I find lovely polished geodes and other rocks (I'm a rock collector), other decor, bath items...it's fun to just wander around and see what you find. They have many name brand items and some 'new' discoveries. 

Which leads me to another place I like to snoop around in, TJ Maxx. These stores (and I believe Marshall's and Sierra Trading Post) are owned by the same company. HomeGoods seems to be full of stuff that they pulled from TJ Maxx to make it more of a decor/household items store. They don't have the clothes, shoes, toys, etc. that TJ Maxx has. So TJ Maxx is another place I look for unique items at a bargain price. They also have things like perfumes, beauty items, exercise and travel items, etc. I haven't really checked out Marshall's...maybe they do more just clothing? I'm really not sure. I guess I should go find out! :-) 

Another discount store similar to these that is a bit more limited in selection but is still full of little bargain 'finds' is Tuesday Morning. They're kind of like TJ Maxx without the clothing and on a smaller scale. All of these places get new items in pretty frequently so I always find things I didn't see before. 

Anne Recommends Plato's Closet and Clothes Mentor

 

Anne says, "two more shops in Peoria worth checking: Clothes Mentor and Plato’s Closet, both in Westlake Shopping Center. Mostly clothing at both of these resale shops, but I’ve found some lovely handbags at them, at great prices! Vera Bradley bags seem to show up regularly."  

Here's the low-down:  

 Plato's closet sells moderate to high quality name brand clothing, shoes, and accessories.  They cater to all members of the family.  When you bring in your used items, they will make you an offer, which you can take in cash or store credit.  Here's a link to their website so you can find a location near you. 

Here are my thoughts: 

We were just at Plato's Closet today! I have boys who love to dress in ties and good clothes.  I was looking for dress shirts for Daniel.  They had a lot more casual clothes than"dressy" ones.   But, they did have a HUGE selection of name brand items. The prices are higher than Goodwill or Salvation Army.  But, if you are looking for something special, then this is the place to look. I didn't even think about looking at their handbags. That is a fantastic tip and gives me another reason to head back in there sometime.  

Clothes Mentor is a franchise which specializes in high end Ladies' clothing in sizes 0 - 26 and maternity.  You won't find any children's or men's clothing at Clothes Mentor.  

 Here is the description from their website.  "At Clothes Mentor, we buy and sell high-quality, gently used name-brand and designer clothing, shoes and accessories that are like new—for less!  

 Like Plato's Closet, you can bring in items you are no longer wearing or using and get cash or store credit.  If you don't have time to shop, you can have a Clothes Mentor personal shopper do it for you!  

Check out all the details on their website and find a location near you. 

 

Kira Joined Her Local Buy Nothing Group

 

Kira recommends joining a local Buy Nothing Group.  Here's what she says about her great neighborhood group.  "I have SO much luck with my local Buy Nothing group, it's ridiculous. They offer up anything they're not using and it helps us get to know the neighbors! Last night someone brought us 2 pies they ended up not using at a holiday party! I look to them for holiday decor, baking supplies when I unexpectedly run out, and anything I don't mind bringing in a little used. Books and toys are always up for grabs there."

Here is a link for their website.  They describe their mission in these words.  "When people ask us what a Buy Nothing group really looks like, we tell them it’s a Facebook group that’ll give you a hands-on chance to take part in a social movement spreading across the globe, enabling people and communities to commit episodic acts of daily good together. We provide the freeware for you to set up local gift economies, using social media to bring to the fore myriad random acts of kindness for neighbors to partake in day-in and day-out. The gift economies are sharing-groups, where members of a community get to know each other by giving, asking, and expressing their gratitude."  

 You can plug in your address to find or start a group near you.   I was AMAZED at all the groups, not only in the United States, but also in other countries.  Fantastic idea!!


 Thanks, readers, for sharing all the great tips!   When you find great deals or ways to cut expenses and score great bargains, we love to know about it!  Feel free to leave comments below. 

I have to give a shout out for our Facebook group.  We have fantastic discussions and when I find a great deal or sale I post it there right away.  Give our Facebook page a "like" if you haven't already done so!

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Do all to the glory of God, 

Hope