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Target Deals: These Are The Best (and Worst) Buys At Target

Updated: Jul 18, 2023By Kate PrinceFood
This article originally appeared on Investing.com. It has been republished here with permission.
Target ©Jonathan Weiss/Shutterstock Target ©Jonathan Weiss/Shutterstock

Target is less of a store and more of an American cultural staple. The incredible brand is the 8th-largest retailer in the US, having first started out as Goodfellow Dry Goods Company at the turn of the 20th century. After going through several incarnations over the last 120 years, it’s now one of Uncle Sam’s greatest successes as a company worth over $80 billion. 

Consumers flock to the stores to pick up everything from cleaning products to art supplies, but is every offer a great buy? It might seem that way on the surface, but in reality, there are good and bad deals to be had in every retail store – so, what should you put in your cart on your next trip, and what should you avoid?  

1. TVs

Brand: Various
Average Price: $100+*
Verdict: Skip it

Every big store sells a good share of electronics. Target is no different. After all, it’s practically the one-stop-shop for anything you could ever want in life. With that being said, just because Target sells TVs, it doesn’t mean that you should buy them. 

TVs ©Tada Images / Shutterstock.com TVs ©Tada Images / Shutterstock.com

When it comes to competitive pricing, Target falls a little short of the bar and consumers could find the same products on sites like Amazon for a lower price. However, their sales do tend to be pretty impressive, so it’s worth keeping an eye out to see what offers pop up throughout the year. 

2. California Roots Wine

Brand: California Roots
Average Price: $5*
Verdict: Buy it

Let’s face it, the thought of cheap wine isn’t always that appealing. Hazy memories of college frat parties and bad decisions might spring to mind, but as it turns out, consumers shouldn’t be put off by California Roots’ $5 price tag. 

California Roots Wine ©David Tonelson / Shutterstock.com California Roots Wine ©David Tonelson / Shutterstock.com

Wine connoisseurs may not be moved by the taste of the exclusive-to-Target 5-variety range, but it’s not the worst wine ever to hit the market. Considering how cheap it is, it’s still palatable enough to serve at a party when you don’t want to crack open a case of InBev’s Bud for the tenth time. 

3. Gift Cards

Brand: Various
Average Price: $5-$50*
Verdict: Skip it

Buying actual physical gifts can be a complete minefield. You never really know if the recipient is going to like it, which is why there’s such a big market for gift cards. Almost every retailer offers them, including Target – but as they come in values of your choosing, how could it possibly be a bad deal? 

Gift Cards ©E Murphy / Shutterstock.com Gift Cards ©E Murphy / Shutterstock.com

Well, according to experts, the best place to buy gift cards is actually warehouse clubs. A $50 Starbucks card will cost you $50 at stores like Target and Walmart, but at warehouse clubs you could get a certain amount at a discounted price, saving you some precious dollars. 

4. The Donut Shop Coffee K-Cup

Brand: Coffee People
Average Price: $13.99*
Verdict: Buy it

The average American drinks at least 3 cups of coffee a day, so it’s hardly surprising that consumers are always looking for a great deal when it comes to java. There are so many brands to be found across that market that Target has several great deals to offer – including The Donut Shop K-Cup Coffee Pods. 

The Donut Shop Coffee ©K-Cup melissamn / Shutterstock.com The Donut Shop Coffee ©K-Cup melissamn / Shutterstock.com

Not only do they come in boxes of 24, but they’re well-loved by coffee drinkers with five-star reviews across the board. Even the decaf blend is considered good, so Target has hit the nail on the head with this one. 

5. Archer Farms Cheesecake Bite Collection

Brand: Archer Farms/Target
Average Price: $6.19*
Verdict: Buy it

Cheesecake is the perfect dessert for any occasion, but it’s not always the easiest to cut and serve. Luckily for us, Target decided to change the game and offer up their very own cheesecake bite selection through their Archer Farms brand. 

Archer Farms Cheesecake Bite Collection @targetgems / Facebook.com Archer Farms Cheesecake Bite Collection @targetgems / Facebook.com

The reviews are golden with consumers saying the delicious morsels are also cost-effective at $6.19 for 12. There are multiple varieties to cater to all tastes, making this an all-around winner. When it comes to dessert, Target knows how to sweeten the deal, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or a corporate event. 

6. Books

Brand: Various
Average Price: $4+*
Verdict: Skip it

Books are still important, even in the ever-changing modern world that we live in. Despite the rise in popularity of e-readers and audiobooks, people still love a good old-fashioned hardback. That being said, it’s a competitive market out there for booksellers. 

Books ©ZikG / Shutterstock.com Books ©ZikG / Shutterstock.com

It might be tempting to pick up a title while you’re shopping in Target, but the harsh reality is that the selection is limited. Target doesn’t specialize in books, so will likely always fall behind online titans like Amazon in this area, no matter how much they try to slash the prices. 

7. Video Games

Brand: Various
Average Price: $26.99*
Verdict: Buy it

Video games are just as popular as ever, especially with more and more people choosing to stay at home. Companies are always looking to develop the latest games, but they can be incredibly pricey. However, unlike some other retailers, Target often runs some impressive offers. 

Video Games @krazytargetdeals / Facebook.com Video Games @krazytargetdeals / Facebook.com

From buy 2 get 1 free to discounts, Target often beats the likes of Walmart and other companies when it comes to getting the best bang for your buck. It’s hardly surprising that they want a slice of the pie, considering the video game industry made $43.4 billion in 2018. 

8. Paper Towels

Brand: Various
Average Price: $1.29+*
Verdict: Buy it

Some people manage to live their lives without a need for paper towels, but for homes that use them, it’s a must-have product that mops up spillages, serves as a napkin, and even cleans down sides. That being said, consumers are always looking for the best product at the lowest price. 

Paper Towels ©Eric Glenn / Shutterstock.com Paper Towels ©Eric Glenn / Shutterstock.com

Thankfully for us, Target has a really stellar range, from high-end names like Bounty to lower ends of the market too, like Make-A-Size. No matter what you’re looking for, Target likely has it. With prices as low as $1.29, there’s something to suit every kitchen. 

9. Phone Chargers

Brand: Various
Average Price: $7.99+*
Verdict: Skip it

Phone chargers are irritating necessities that no one likes to replace, but as they’re used so often they can be prone to breaking. Target sells all manner of different chargers for all sorts of phones, but are they the most competitively priced? 

©2p2play/Shutterstock ©2p2play/Shutterstock

Sadly, no. When it comes to small things like this, it’s often better to browse Amazon or eBay as you could save a few precious dollars. Target is great if you’re in a pinch and need something straight away, but it’s not always cost-effective when it comes to electrical accessories. 

10. Craft Supplies

Brand: Various
Average Price: $1+*
Verdict: Skip it

Avid crafters know this better than anyone: Target is great for general art supplies to keep the kids entertained, but if you need something specific, you might be out of luck. The prices for felt tips and glue are okay, but if you’re looking for a wide range of acrylic paints or sewing supplies, it’s best to go to a specialist store. 

Craft Supplies ©melissamn / Shutterstock.com Craft Supplies ©melissamn / Shutterstock.com

If you don’t have a Michaels near you, then virtually everything can be found online these days. Failing that, there might be a local business that sells just what you need if you think outside the box. Amazon might have what you need, but it’s not always convenient.

11. Archer Farms Asparagus & Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Brand: Archer Farms/Target
Average Price: $10.99*
Verdict: Buy it

Impressing friends at a dinner party isn’t for the faint of heart. If cooking isn’t your strong suit but you still want to serve a great dinner, then Target has the answer. The Archer Farms range includes Asparagus & Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breasts. The 4-pack is already prepared so all you have to do is turn the oven on and set a timer. 

Archer Farms Asparagus & Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breasts @Diane Watson / Facebook.com Archer Farms Asparagus & Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breasts @Diane Watson / Facebook.com

It’s never going to taste like you were briefly possessed by an award-winning chef, but beggars can’t be choosers. At $10.99 for the pack, it’s a cost-effective way to win friends by sending them home without food poisoning. 

12. Instant Pot

Brand: Various
Average Price: $69.99+*
Verdict: Buy it

Instant Pots are great for all sorts of different dishes, especially for families on the go. Prices for the kitchen gadgets can vary from retailer to retailer depending on what brand you choose, but Target has a great selection at even better prices. 

Instant Pot ©Stephanie Frey/Shutterstock Instant Pot ©Stephanie Frey/Shutterstock

If you’ve never had an Instant Pot before but are looking to buy your very first one, it might be worth visiting Target first or taking a look at their website to see what’s on offer. Not only are the prices good to begin with, but there are sometimes offers to be had in this area, too. 

13. Native Deodorant

Brand: Native Deodorant (P&G)
Average Price: $11.99*
Verdict: Buy it

Let’s face it, there are deodorants out there that won’t cost you $11.99, but the price isn’t all it takes to make a good deal. In this case, Native Deodorant offers up a product that is much better for you than standard antiperspirants as it’s entirely free of aluminum. 

Native Deodorant @Couponin/Pinterest Native Deodorant @Couponin/Pinterest

It’s a great move by Target to stock the product, even though other companies also sell it for a similar price. Either way, next time you’re smelling a little fresh and want to switch up your routine, it’s well worth your time and money to pick one of these up. 

14. Cleaning Products

Brand: Various
Average Price: $1+*
Verdict: Buy it

Keeping your home clean and fresh has never been more important, but cleaning products can take a healthy bite out of your weekly budget. However, Target has always offered up competitive prices when it comes to things like toilet cleaners and bleach. 

Cleaning Products ©ZikG / Shutterstock.com Cleaning Products ©ZikG / Shutterstock.com

You can easily stock up on all the essentials for around $10 – perhaps even less depending on what you buy. Plus, Target always has a large selection of scents and brands, from leading to budget, so there’s plenty to choose from. It’s a no-brainer when it comes to filling your cart with these.