Let's say you hit the mom jackpot; that is, you somehow scored yourself a solo trip to the addictive shopping mecca that is Target. You drive there with a smile on your face, dreaming of the treasures you are sure to find within, knowing you're about to discover a plethora of delightful surprises that you'd never have thought to add to your shopping list — golden animal figurines? New accent pillows? A coffee cup sporting a saying that sums up your life in less than six words? Yes, yes, and yes, please.
As every mom who shops at Target knows, there's a reason the store's logo is a bulls-eye; it hits it every single time. Where else can you score your favorite wine, beauty products, diapers, cleaning supplies, kid-friendly food, and a cute new outfit for yourself and one for your kid?! Target, you never disappoint (and please, send a next-generation store to our towns), but the megastore's wonders are so vast that they can also be a bit overwhelming. That's why it's important to go in with a plan, and we've got you covered. Keep reading for our guide to shopping Target like it's your job; get ready to fill up that red cart pro-style.
Walk through those automatic doors, grab a red cart, and take a deep breath. If this is your usual Target store, you probably know where everything is, but if you're in a new store, now's the time to take a quick scan and figure out where you want to start shopping. We recommend going with the fun stuff first, and for us, that means beauty, clothing, and home goods.
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2Beauty
Target has a lot more than Cetaphil, Aveeno, and Nivea products (though we buy all of those there, too). Check out cool boutique beauty brands like Meow Meow Tweet; we're loving the packaging, scent, and results of the brand's Pink Rose Clay Facial Soap ($8). Also don't miss Target's K-beauty collaboration with Glow Recipe.
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3Women's Clothing
It's hard not to go crazy in the women's clothing section. Headed to the beach? Target has a swimsuit you need to pack. Gym junkie (or just a woman who lives in athleticwear)? Target has the best yoga pants around. Need some new Spring duds? We're flipping out for new brand Universal Thread, which offers modern, easy styles in a huge range of sizes.
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4Loungewear and Intimates
If you didn't go completely overboard in the clothing department, you probably will in the loungewear and intimates section. We recommend you bypass the inexpensive bralettes and cutesy cartoon PJs and head straight for Gilligan & O'Malley, which offers the coziest, softest pajamas around. We're loving the brand's short-sleeved pajama set ($20), available in five different color combos.
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5Shoes
Target's shoe section offers cool styles for the whole family. We love the stylish Cat & Jack options in the kids' section and the DV (by Dolce Vita) line in the women's aisles. But we're most amped for the limited-edition Hunter collection, coming to stores April 14. Mark your calendar to up your rain boot game!
With the addition of the Cat & Jack and Art Class brands, Target has really taken its kids' clothing to the next level. Available in sizes for babes 0 to 18-plus, the clothing collections are as inclusive as they are vast. Cool statement tees, frilly dresses, on-trend jeans and outerwear, and quirky and cute accessories mean it's hard not to find something you and your kids will both love.
This is what you told your family you were coming to Target to buy, so you should probably stop and pick up some paper towels, dish soap, and plastic wrap. Remember to check your Cartwheel (now in the Target app) to find great deals and additional ways to save. Now it's time to get back to the fun stuff.
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8Designer Home Products
We were already sold on Target's designer home goods when it introduced Threshold, but it's only gotten better from there. Last year's launch of Hearth & Hand With Magnolia from our Fixer Upper faves Chip and Joanna Gaines is a must shop, with modern-meets-farmhouse pieces at a range of prices. Who could resist these Acacia Salad Servers ($10), which also come in blue?
And this Spring, those of us who swoon over Anthropologie's pricey home designs (is there anyone who doesn't?!) will go nuts for new Target line Opalhouse, a colorful home brand launching this Spring with over 1,300 pieces, most priced between $2 and $30.
Maybe you talked yourself out of that $100 accent chair or $75 brass and wood side table, but man, didn't they look so much more expensive? Feed your need to add something cute to your home with a more affordable option like a new coffee mug, water bottle, or decorative accent piece. Target offers a ton of them for under $10. No guilt, all good.
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10Grocery
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Anna Monette Roberts
Back to some utility shopping. Target's grocery section, whether you're lucky enough to have a Super Target or not, offers some seriously kid-friendly finds. House brands Archer Farms and Market Pantry have awesome snack mixes, the most affordable fruit snacks (I buy them in the 50-count size for around $6), and lunch-bag-perfect granola bars. Of course, you can also get all the name-brand condiments, juices, cereals, breads, and more you need and some surprisingly affordable and delicious fruit.
Target's freezer section has never been better. Market Pantry's mini ice cream bars have always been a hit in my house, but the latest offering — Unicorn Magic ice cream — is sure to be a bigger one. Need we say more? Each tub consists of fruity pink ice cream with a sour blue raspberry swirl, a frosting swirl, and glitter candy bits. Let's say that again: glitter. candy. bits.
Also check out Ben & Jerry's Target-exclusive flavor Glamping Trail Mix, chocolate ice cream filled with pretzels, marshmallows, and fudge-covered almonds. And to pretend you're being good, add some Halo Top to your cart, too.
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12Wine
Not only does Target offer 10 percent off when you buy six or more bottles of wine, but it also stocks some of our favorite big-name and lesser-known labels. One to pick up on your next trip: Yes Way Rosé, which hit Target shelves earlier this month and was launched by best friends Erica and Nikki, who started an Instagram account in 2013 because of a shared love of Rosé. At $13 per bottle, Yes Way Rosé's packaging looks like it's straight out of an Instagram page . . . because it is!
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13Kids' Home Collections
Forget spending huge amounts of money to deck out your kids' rooms at pricey design stores. Target has you covered. Pillowfort, the store's kids' home line, just launched more than 200 new products, starting at $6, ranging from fun furniture pieces, like table-and-chair play sets and toy storage units, to adorable decor (light-up rainbow wall art and sloth pillows). The line offers products in a range of categories — bedding, furniture, lighting, decor, and storage, for starters — making it easy to find something your kid's room "needs."
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14Diapers
Target has some great diaper deals if brand names like The Honest Company or Pampers are your thing. But we also recommend you check out the store's Up & Up brand diapers, which have a huge following and seriously perform.
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15Baby Products
Need formula, breast pumps, baby food, potty seats, a crib, a sippy cup, or any of the other 10,000 products a baby or small child seems to require? Target has you covered in the baby gear department. One of our top picks: Boon's Grass, Stem and Twig Drying Set Bundle ($25).
You're on a solo mission, so don't spend too much time in the toy department (unless you're stocking up for another kid's birthday party; then, by all means, now's the time to toy shop). If you must venture into the toy zone, it's worth checking out that Cartwheel app again for some sweet savings.
Make a quick run through the paper/party supplies department for gift bags, birthday cards, and school supplies. Target brand Spritz offers the cheapest options for wrapping all those birthday presents for kids you don't really know, but the shop also carries some pricier, high-quality cards from Papyrus that your mother-in-law will totally appreciate on her next birthday.
Valentine's Day, Halloween, Christmas, or Easter coming up and your house doesn't even have a hint of the holiday? You're in luck. Target always has you covered with seasonal collections at the most affordable prices. You'll find holiday items dispersed through the home decor and party sections and the Dollar Spot, so keep your eyes open.
Made for moms who need stuff for party gift bags, Easter baskets, and to fill tiny hands when shopping with kids, the Dollar Spot should basically be called "just buy this stuff and pretend it's free . . . because it almost is." Act accordingly, because there are treasures to be found here.
By now your cart is probably so full, you're wondering if you could maneuver two at the same time, but the shopping fun isn't done yet. The checkout line offers one last opportunity to pick up mints, cheap kids' movies, gossip magazines, or an individual LaCroix or small bag of Bark Thins to rehydrate and refuel on the way home. Target, thanks for the fun . . . and the paper towels.
