What Not to Buy at Target: Which Items Are Cheaper Elsewhere?

Simplify
by Simplify

Dawn, The Minimal Mom, says that over time she finally learned that buying things at Target is really not any cheaper than buying them anywhere else.


Besides the occasional good sale or a few things you can only buy at Target, there are plenty of items Dawn no longer purchases while she’s there. Today, she’s sharing what not to buy at Target to help you save time and money too.

What not to buy at Target

Not on her list of things to buy at Target is anything you find in the dollar spot. Dawn says many of the products here are actually $5, are not to scale, and typically don’t stand the test of time.


Additionally, she says she also avoids buying women’s clothes at Target for the same reason. Oftentimes, they’re quite expensive and they don’t stand the test of time either.


Other products on Dawn’s list of what not to buy at Target include decorative storage bins, furniture, kids' clothes, baby items, and gift bags due to the higher prices.


Instead, Dawn recommends getting decorative storage bins and furniture at other discount retailers, finding second-hand kids' clothes, borrowing or receiving hand-me-down baby items, and stocking up on gift bags at the dollar store.

Dawn says that craft supplies, craft kits, hair accessories, body products, and produce are all more expensive here.


On the other hand, some of the best things to buy at Target are plastic storage bins, because even though you can find them cheaper at other retailers, Target consistently stocks the same ones so it’s easier to pick up more when you need to. Dawn also loves their bedding, false eyelashes, and non-dairy creamers.


What not to buy at Target

When it comes to learning what to buy at Target and what not to buy at Target, Dawn certainly has you covered.


For more frugal shopping tips, discover this guide on how to stop impulse buying or this reverse meal planning hack that saves money on groceries.


To see more videos, check out The Minimal Mom YouTube channel.

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  • Patricia Patricia on Sep 20, 2024

    terrible experience with Target, purchased 2 gift cards for college bound family to use when they arrived at college. To buy their bedding & items for their dorms. $350. Both cards are empty, nothing on them.

    not only embarrassing but the kids didn’t have money to buy anything.

    I don’t know if they will credit me. I have both cards, my charge card bill showing the charges & receipt for only one.

    I want a refund not another card. I don’t think it’s going to be easy🤞

    • See 2 previous
    • Sb2105446644 Sb2105446644 on Sep 22, 2024

      this happens everywhere in South Florida. Unless you are going to buy dinner or items immediately after buying the GC, I got screwed at Publix(!) and spent time with person in charge(as card was 0 bal and a gift that I had given a friend, embarrassed me). I told Publix it was an inside job, as I learned all purchases started immediately after I bought GC, & items were purchased at other companies, BK, McD, Winn Dixie etc. got not even apology, my $ stolen, & big shot Publix did not care. So much for customer svc

      Buyer beware. I now hv cut down on gifts due to this economy& prefer to take a friend out for a lunch or coffee & dessert.

  • Sandra Sandra on Sep 22, 2024

    I bought an Apple gift card as a gift and when it was used was told it was empty. I have not been back to Target since and I didn't report the issue. Just racked it up to another lesson learned in this terrible economy we are forced to live in.


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