It’s the most wonderful time of the year—almost. We’re still living through November, which means a whole lot of midterms and big assignments will be meeting us soon, along with other tasks in our daily schedules. With so much going on and inflation on the rise, stocking up on essentials, holiday gifts, and treating yourself proves a difficult task as time flies by. To ensure you and your wallet have a little more peace this time of year, we’re sharing our opinions on the stores here in Ithaca, and if they are the right place to make your purchases this year.
Of course, the stores that are the best fit will depend on the purchase, but we have picked out stores with a wide variety of products (food, clothes, technology, etc). The following are just a rough reference for your consideration.
TJ Maxx
Mia: One of my go-to stores. This place has pretty much everything from clothes and furniture to gourmet snacks, and the prices are pretty reasonable compared to other stores. It’s definitely one of those stores where if you stay for too long you’ll buy more than you need.
Samantha: While I only have distinct memories of standing in this store while my mom tries on copious winter coats, I agree that they have reasonable pricing for their products. Also, there’s a lot of variety, making it easy to pick out a present for both friends and family!
Target
Mia: If you want a single place to surely find all your necessities, this is the place to go. You will find whatever you are looking for here, and can even get your flu shot while you’re at it! Just keep track of your spending as items here tend to be on the pricier side.
Samantha: Shopping here will always be a great experience to share with friends, and I could without a doubt walk around this store all day. Do learn from my mistakes and be careful not to spend your life savings here for holiday presents…
Dollar Tree
Mia: If you’re looking for gifts for your younger siblings or little stocking stuffers, you should have some luck here. Otherwise, this store may not have as many gift options, but I guess you’ll have to go to find out for yourself.
Samantha: From oddly specific cards to funky little gadgets that break in a week, Dollar Tree has an interesting assortment of products. It’s definitely worth checking out if you need presents for siblings or parents—they probably won’t judge.
Walmart
Mia: Similar to Target, just located on the other side of town.
Samantha: Pretty similar to Target, only with a lot more knock-off products. This store should be a good option for holiday shopping, though, since they definitely have variety. I once found a hundred dollar bill here.
Ollie’s Bargain Outlet
Mia: Given its slogan “GOOD STUFF CHEAP,” this is a fun store to wander around. They have a pretty good variety of items and a lot of dense isles. If you enjoy reading, take a look at their large selection of stories they have to offer.
Samantha: They do live up to their slogan, and I would say it’s a great place to buy presents for younger siblings.
Thrifty Shopper
Mia: A great option if you’re looking to thrift. They have lots of sweaters and comfy clothes to help you combat Ithaca’s weather at pretty reasonable prices. They also have other items like kitchen tools if you’re looking for low prices. May not be the place for presents, but taking a look in this store might be helpful sometime.
Samantha: Lots of clothing options for a good price. Still, it isn’t your best bet if you’re looking for a very specific holiday present.
No matter where you choose to shop, there are always ways to do it efficiently, and find reasonable prices, even when it feels like time is flying away. In this last leg of the year, we send you strength to keep powering through your school work, energy for other activities you pursue, and a little time you can squeeze in to shop (just a little).