Courtesy of TJ Maxx
Holiday gifting doesn’t have to be expensive. You just need to know where to look. If your shopping list feels long and your budget feels short, TJ Maxx is packed with holiday-ready finds under $50 that look elevated and feel thoughtful.
This season, the brand is also taking the thrill of discovery on the road with its new “Maxxinista Express,” a double-decker bus filled with gift ideas popping up in select cities to spark inspiration IRL.
When the bus stopped in Dallas this month, we caught up with former Dallas Cowboys cheerleader Kelcey Wetterberg to talk about the under-$50 gifts she’s actually buying for her husband, her friends, her home, and herself during her first holiday season as a newlywed.
For easy, crowd-pleasing gifts, Kelcey said beauty sets are always at the top of her list.
“There are so many options at TJ Maxx. That’s why I love shopping there. You can get anything from beauty to home items to clothing,” she shared. “One of my favorite go-tos is beauty sets, because you can give a variety of products. They have skincare bundles with things like a face mask or face wash so people can try different items and see what they like. They’re super affordable and give a lot of options.”
ST TROPEZ 2pc Glow And Go Kit
This self-tanning duo will have you or your giftee looking like they spent Christmas somewhere tropical.
MARIO BADESCU 3pc The Essentials Rose Facial Spray Drying Lotion And Lip Balm Set
Give the gift of hydrated, clear skin with this coveted Mario Badescu skincare trio.
LATTAFA 4pk My Yara Perfume Collection Set
That luxury perfume brand your sister has been dying to try isn’t just available on the TikTok shop. It’s at TJ Maxx now too!
When shopping for her husband, Kelcey leans into gifts that feel unexpected. And you’re totally going to want to copy her ideas.
“I actually found these little mini golf sets where you put down a small turf and play mini golf. I think my husband would love that for our backyard. That’s one thing I’m looking at,” she said.
She’s also eyeing grooming upgrades that feel luxe without the luxury price tag.
“The second thing is the high-quality shaving sets they have. I think he’d really like those too. They’re affordable and great quality.”
For anyone stuck on what to buy the men in their lives, Kelcey’s advice is simple.
“Go Maxx-hopping. Even when I don’t have ideas, if I go to a couple of TJ Maxx stores and walk through the men’s section, I always find something,” she said. “Like the hat, I never would have thought that product even existed, but seeing it gave me the idea. Men can be hard to shop for, but it becomes easier when you have the options right in front of you.”
She’s also using the season as an excuse to treat herself and finally checked off a long-time wish-list item.
“One of my favorite finds this season was a pair of beautiful brown leather boots I’ve been searching for forever,” she said. “I never expected TJ Maxx to have them. They were gorgeous, and I had to have them.”
She already knows exactly how she’ll wear them. “I think I’ll wear them with tights, a skirt, and probably a leather jacket. That’s the outfit I have in mind.”
FRANCO SARTO Novara High Shaft Boots
Bet you didn’t know that you can find leather boots under $50 at TJ Maxx right now. This pair would look great styled the way Kelcey suggested.
LOGAN Suede Oil Cow Wide Calf Tall Shaft Boots
We also found this stunning suede pair that will give you a good bit of height.
When it comes to gifting friends, especially fellow cheerleaders, Kelcey looks for pieces that combine comfort and recovery.
“For comfort, I’d get a blanket or a nice throw pillow and a candle,” she said. “Then for the sparkle or the practical side, I’ve seen massage guns, which are so needed when you’re working your body as much as we did as cheerleaders. And I’d add a nice sweater. That would make a great gift basket.
REEBOK Cordless Percussion Massage Gun
This relaxing percussion massage gun features 6 adjustable intensity levels, includes 4 interchangeable heads, delivers between 2800-3800 percussions per minute for deep muscle relief.
For hostess gifts, she favors items that feel personal and memorable.
“I would find a beautiful holiday plate, a Christmas-themed one if I’m going for the holiday season,” she said. “And I also love giving mugs. That might be a personal thing, but when I pull out a random mug from my cabinet, it brings back memories of who gave it to me. I think that’s really special.”
ROSANNA TABLEWARE 14oz Porcelain Enchanted Woods Merry Mug
Your hostess will appreciate these sweet holiday mugs that are chic enough to be used year-round.
Candles, in particular, are a must for her, especially this time of year.
“I’m very much a holiday-scent person. I could do holiday scents all year round. So I’d definitely pick holiday scents,” she said, adding that she gravitates toward warm notes. “Vanilla, gingerbread, cinnamon. Anything that makes the house smell like a fresh Christmas cookie.”
JINGLES & JOY 7oz Teddy Bear With Bow In Green Pedestal Scented Candle
You don’t actually have to burn this adorable bear candle. It can be decor!
RED LEAF HOME 11oz Puffy Gingerbread Man Candle
Fill your space with the aroma of this spicy, cinnamon scented candle. It even has cute gingerbread men decorations on it.
And when it comes to instantly refreshing a space for the holidays, she keeps it simple.
“Throw pillows, 100%,” she said. “I love coming to TJ Maxx for them because they have so many options. I like switching them out with the seasons. I changed mine from fall to Christmas recently and it instantly made the space feel cozy and bright.”
INDIGO 20×20 Espresso Martini Pillow
This holiday throw pillow is just the right amount of cheeky and still so festive.
How We Choose
The E! Insider Shop editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources, comb through customer reviews, and use our own personal experiences to make shopping easier for our readers.
As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think our readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not E!. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time.
Leave a comment