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Getting in the checkout line at Target with one too many not-on-your-list items is a rite of passage. Straying from your checkboxes while meandering the retailer’s aisles (or clicking through all of its online options) is easy because, well, you can buy pretty much anything—including exclusive home decor collaborations with the likes of Studio McGee, one of our favorite kids’ nightlights, and even KitchenAid mixers. We keep an eye out for freshly stocked products and stuff we thought we’d never find in a big-box store—all to help you wade through it without click after click. Below, shop our short list, organized by type, of the best things to buy at Target.

Our Top Target Shopping Tips

Shopping Target online versus in person is a totally different ball game. Not only is it more difficult to discern the quality of a piece through your computer screen, but the retailer also stocks its virtual shelves with an overwhelming amount of third-party vendors. To cut through the clutter of outsourced duds that are not sold or shipped directly by Target, there are a few easy steps you can take. 

Know Your Keywords

Navigating the Target categories’ drop-down can be a dizzying task, as there are a number of subcategory holes you can find yourself sucked into. To stay on task, we recommend entering your keyword (e.g., “rattan chair”) in the search bar at the top of the home page to kick-start your shopping journey. This will help maximize your results while also allowing you to focus on what it is you came for (and steering clear of what you didn’t).

Don’t Forget to Filter and Sort

Once you’ve popped your keyword into the search bar, you’re going to find yourself in a sea of product results (we’re talking pages upon pages, and they’re not the easiest to jump between). Here is where filtering comes into play: Our shopping director recommends selecting “Target brand” from the brands filter at the top of the page to narrow it down to sold-by-Target stock only. Next, you can sort the page results by pricing, newness, average rating, and bestseller status.  

Read the Reviews

Since you won’t be able to touch the goods before bagging them, reviews are your best bet for sussing out the actual quality of a product. Target customers are known for their loyalty to the retailer and, therefore, you can count on honesty when it comes to their feedback. If a product has a plethora of reviews with rankings of 4 stars and above, then it’s safe to consider that it’s a bona fide best thing to buy.  

Explore the Exclusive Collections

If you do choose to go the “Explore All Home” category route—maybe you just want to window-shop—then a hot tip from our editors is to explore the exclusive collections. About halfway down the page, past the subcategories and new arrivals, you’ll find a section that reads “Style your space with our exclusive collections.” This section is your friend. Some of our favorite retailer-exclusive brands (such as Opalhouse with Jungalow and Threshold with Studio McGee) are plugged here. It’s also a space where new and noteworthy collection launches are spotlighted (like newest arrivals from Hearth & Hand with Magnolia).  

Our Target Short List

Furniture

Outdoor Furniture

Decor

Bedding

Tabletop

Lighting

Organization

Cleaning and Wellness

Kids