I’ve literally been shopping at Target my entire life. I grew up in Shoreview, Minnesota, and the very first Target ever opened in the neighboring Twin Cities suburb of Roseville in 1962, five years before I was born.
Our favorite local store with the red bull’s-eye logo helped launch a discount-store chain that today boasts more than 1,800 stores.
I now live in Seattle, with my own Target just a short drive away. In this ever-changing world, Target, with its carefully curated product lines and comfortably tidy aisles, is a rare constant.
This is a very personal guide to my favorite Target purchases. I grew up in the 1970s and 1980s, so my Target memories have a retro flair: Lisa Frank folders! Trapper Keepers! Jelly shoes! “Charlie’s Angels” dolls!
For more Target tips, check out “7 Ways to Save More Money at Target” and “6 Ways to Rack Up Free Target Gift Cards.”
1. School supplies
One of my favorite childhood Target memories is trekking there each September, school supplies, list in hand, to load up on colorful new folders, notebooks, pencils, pens and endless reams of college-ruled paper.
Now that I’m a mom, I know schools sometimes demand fresh supplies throughout the year. Target maintains a decent stash of everything from glue to glitter — for when that Alexander Hamilton diorama assignment sneaks up on you as stealthily as George Washington crossing the Delaware.
2. Retro toys
Target’s well-stocked toy section has all the trends, of course, plus exclusive items that can’t be bought elsewhere. As a nostalgia freak who’s co-written two books about lost pop culture, I have to praise their vintage-style toys.
From wooden trains to retro-looking versions of games like Monopoly it’s like I’m back in the 1970s when I walk the toy aisles. Does Target sell theclassic Magic 8 Ball? It is decidedly so.
3. Autographed books with extras
Print books aren’t dead yet. Target has an exceptionally well-curated book section, including best-sellers alongside similar books readers might also enjoy and books for kids of all reading levels. Book discounts are sometimes as high as 30%.
There’s also Target Book Club Picks — a subscription program that sends you a new book each month. Book Club Picks include a letter from the author and sometimes are autographed. If you’re not ready to commit, you can buy these books individually.
4. ‘Bullseye’s Playground’ deals
At Bullseye’s Playground, named for Target’s canine mascot, deals start at $1 and I’ve never seen anything costing more than $5. The bargains, from home decor to snacks, change often.