The One Thing from T.J. Maxx You Need to Buy for Summer Right Now

Danielle BlundellExecutive Director of Home
Danielle BlundellExecutive Director of Home
As Apartment Therapy's Executive Home Director, I head up our decorating, trends, and designer coverage. I studied Media Studies at UVa and Journalism at Columbia and have worked in media for more than a decade. I love homes, heels, the history of art, and hockey — but not necessarily in that order.
published about 5 hours ago
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T J Maxx  Department Store Sign, Manassas, Virginia, USA, April 22, 2022
Credit: refrina/Shutterstock

My yard currently looks like Antarctica, which is probably why I’m dreaming about summer pretty much every chance I get — picnics, outdoor entertaining, a sunny day at the beach. I can’t be alone, because I’ve noticed that all of my favorite online retailers have started trotting out warmer-weather home decor and outdoor gear. Typically I’d say that they’re rushing the season, but right now all I want to buy is a cute new beach umbrella.

This brings me to a recent discovery. Business & Pleasure Co. — one of my favorite designer outdoor brands stocked by retailers like Lulu and Georgia and Anthropologie, and the brand favored by all the cutest boutique hotel patios and pools — is in stock right now at T.J. Maxx and Marshalls. I noticed when B&P popped up there last year, but I didn’t buy quickly enough. Everything was gone seemingly overnight … and didn’t really return, in my estimation, until now. 

Why You Should Buy Cute Beach and Summer Gear Now

I’m not making that same mistake this year — and I’m bringing you with me, if you’re in the market for something cute for your outdoor space or a beach essentials upgrade. Believe it or not, now’s the time to shop for summer essentials at discounted prices (although keep in mind that B&P is pretty high-quality stuff, so it can still be a splurge — even when heavily reduced). The good news? Prices start at just $20. Here’s what caught my eye.

Here’s What I’m Eyeing for Summer at T.J. Maxx and Marshalls

Summer Holiday Cooler Tote
$20

The fact that this cooler tote combines aqua and green — two of my favorite colors — is pretty much all the reason I need to add one to my cart. But I do also appreciate that it has a handy shoulder strap for easy carrying, especially because it’s fairly sizable with a seven-gallon capacity.

$20 at Marshalls
The Club Monaco Stripe Umbrella
$200

Business & Pleasure umbrellas are as sturdy as they are cute — trust me, I’ve tried them at several hotels (and I own two of the beach chairs, which I also purchased after having good experiences with them at hotels). This just might be the season I splurge on one of these umbrellas. They come with handy carry bags, and they’re big enough to be placed into bases and used in a yard with your outdoor sofa or patio table.

$200 at TJ Maxx
Le Siren Striped Crew Beach Bag
$30

Who doesn’t love a bold cabana stripe for summer? This cutie beach bag is perfect for the pool, picnic, or beach, and if you surf around the sites a bit you can find a nice variety of patterns and colors, for over 50% off original retail.

$30 at Marshalls
Folding Picnic Table
$70

I didn’t even know these tiny folding picnic tables existed, but they’re ingenious. Not only do they have built-in wine glass holders for cocktails and mocktails, but they also feature a hole for you to set your umbrella in. If you want to elevate your beach setup, look no further than this little one-and-done.

$70 at TJ Maxx
Easy Set Up Premium Cabana
$100

Maybe you’re more of a cabana versus beach umbrella person. Well, I have you covered there, too. This easy-set-up cabana comes with a carry bag for beach days. But I could also see it being used for shade at a backyard party.

$100 at Marshalls
Oversized Premium Beach Blanket
$40

I’m still a sucker for a scalloped accessory here and there, so this oversized towel caught my eye. It’s generous in size and easy to tote, thanks to the carry strap.

$40 at TJ Maxx
The Club Boathouse Umbrella
$250

It’s totally possible to find a few of the coveted fringe beach umbrellas in the mix at T.J. Maxx and Marshalls, too. You can’t go wrong with this solid navy version for summer.

$250 at Marshalls
Crew Striped Folding Beach Cart Wagon
$180

A quality folding cart can be a game-changer if you have a big family vacation coming up – or just a lot of stuff to lug from point A to B. This one’s super cute, and I’d probably use it year-round for groceries and such.

$180 at TJ Maxx
Rivie Pool Float And Deck Lounger
$230

This float-lounger hybrid is probably only worth splurging on if you have a pool at home. Just think how a trio would add a dose of sunshine to your deck — even on cloudy days!

$230 at Marshalls

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