30 Years of Shopping: T.J. Maxx vs. Marshalls—What I Always Buy

I don't always love playing favorites when it comes to shopping, but when you put in the time browsing stores online (and in real life), you start to notice some patterns. And as much as I want to have the first pick of all the deals and steals at T.J. Maxx and Marshalls , two of my favorite discount stores, there's more than enough great merch to go around.

That's why I'm sharing what I devote most of my shopping energy to at each store. Yes, some of the inventory is the same, but I've noticed that both spots have their strengths all the same. Here's what I always buy from T.J. Maxx and Marshalls . And now's the time to shop both - because the "J Rule," my best money-saving tip, is in full effect.

What I Always Buy at T.J. Maxx

Typically when I browse T.J. Maxx online, I always start at the "New Arrivals" section just to see what's the latest in store. But these categories are where I spend most of my time - and money.

Veranda Designer Secrets Book

TJ Maxx

$30

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Coffee Table Books

I don't need another coffee table book, but T.J. Maxx has the best discount selection out there. I always order at least one book anytime I shop - mainly because they're a great add-on to get to the free shipping minimum.

Although the store carries cookbooks and fashion titles, the design selection is super-strong (Rizzoli, Abrams, Accart, Simon & Schuster - all the big publishers are here). Not only are the prices better than Amazon, but T.J Maxx tends to get titles right away, too. Case in point: They have Veranda's Designer Secrets book, which came out just over a month ago.

Mitzi Sara Ribbed Ceramic Table Lamp

TJ Maxx

$100

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Lighting

Without naming brand names here, let's just say that the T.J. Maxx lighting selection is on fire! Yes, Marshalls has many of these vendors, too, but T.J. Maxx consistently has more product offerings available in this category. And it's not just table and floor lamps; you can find sconces, pendants, and fancy chandeliers here as well as flush-mounts that'll put the dreaded big-box boob lights to shame.

Lest you think these pieces are the styles no one wants, you'd be sorely mistaken. I have it on good authority (my own!) that this ribbed ceramic table lamp costs over three times as much elsewhere and is from a former Small/Cool NYC designer's popular lighting collaboration. Bookmark this section and check back frequently!

Maison Margiela Sailing Day Candle

TJ Maxx

$35

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Designer Goods

Again, I'm not saying Marshalls doesn't have designer tablewares and home goods - I'm just saying T.J. Maxx has more. In fact, the store has an entire department, The Runway, devoted to high-end pieces. You won't see a "home" subcategory in The Runway, though, so you have to be crafty about finding the fancy stuff. I tend to see most of these items in "New Arrivals" for the home, and yes, many of your favorite luxury Italian and French brands are here. Items tend to be on the smaller side, like this Maison Martin Margiela candle .

What I Always Buy at Marshalls

T.J. Maxx might be my first stop when online shopping, but I'll always give Marshalls some love, too. These are the categories that stand out here.

William Morris Botanical Striped Sheet Set, Queen

Marshalls

$50

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Novelty Linens

I'm not sure why this is the case and if it's just anecdotal to my shopping experiences, but Marshalls seems to stock lots of cute novelty sheeting for adults alongside the more whimsical designs for kids and dorms. T.J. Maxx's bedding offerings skew a bit more neutral on the whole, so if you're looking for pop and pattern, start at Marshalls.

Right now, you can get a set of quality 200-thread-count cotton percale sheets featuring an iconic William Morris botanical motif for less than $50 for a queen. That's a deal in my book, and I own a similar set.

Water Hyacinth Rectangular Lidded Box

Marshalls

$20

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Organizational Items

Marshalls is an organizer's paradise. The store stocks tons of baskets, bins, and boxes in many different sizes, materials, and shapes. I'll never pay fancy home decor store prices for these items because Marshalls is buying from the same vendors and charging way less for pieces. If you look carefully at the selection, you can also find styles that feature closed storage, like this water hyacinth rectangular lidded box . And that's my biggest organizing trick - always opt for a lid!

Joseph Joseph Duo Grater Box

Marshalls

$10

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Kitchen Gadgets

Another category I don't like to spend a ton of money on? Kitchen gadgets. Marshalls has a great selection here, too, and it's a lot of bigger brands that I'm familiar with from my days of working at a food magazine. You'll find tons of viral products and cute, space-saving designs, like this small box grater .

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