I used to be “eh” about Target until I signed up for their baby registry and got hooked up with a bunch of freebies and coupons in gear for my little one.
One of the easiest ways to my heart is free stuff for my kiddo. Another way? Saving me money.
Read on for top insider ways to save money when you shop at Target.
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Recommended resources
- The Target thing that won my heart over*, getting me freebies and huge discounts for baby gear (they've got one for couples who tie the knot* and college students* too)
- How I get discounted gift cards* so I'm not paying full price at Target (claim your $5 bonus too!)
Target celebrates in your milestones with savings
From going off to college* to getting married* to having a baby, Target has you covered with a 10-15% discount on any of the essentials left on these registries.
Another perk with the baby registry* is $50 worth of free samples and discount coupons. And all of this is completely free to sign up for!
Know what day of the week to shop at Target
Want to know when to get the best deals? Target marks down items in specific departments on different days of the week.
According to All Things Target, here is the schedule that most stores follow:
- Monday – Electronics, Accessories, Kids Clothing, Books, Baby and Stationery
- Tuesday — Domestics, Women’s Clothing, Pets and Market (food items)
- Wednesday — Men’s Clothing, Health and Beauty, Diapers, Lawn & Garden items and Furniture
- Thursday — Housewares, Lingerie, Shoes, Toys, Sporting Goods, Decor & Luggage
- Friday — Auto, Cosmetics, Hardware, & Jewelry
Or, just go in earlier in the week
For the weekly ads, heading into Target earlier in the week increases your chances of catching deals while items are still in stock.
You can check out the weekly ad from the top right menu of their website*.
Not all clearances are created equal
Want to know if clearance items will be marked down even more? Look at the upper right hand corner for a number, which will indicate how much percent off you’re getting from the original price.
It starts at 15% off, then 30%, then 50%, and then 70%. Depending on the item, usually holiday ones, you can see prices marked up to 90% off.
You can play the waiting game, but you’re taking a gamble of someone else snatching up the deal.
4 is your lucky number
Prices that end 4 will usually not be marked down any lower, so if you see it, snag it.Shop elsewhere
Comparing prices at other stores (like this other favorite place of mine*) can get your item for cheaper from Target through their price match guarantee.
Unfortunately, this is not valid for Target stores in Hawaii.
Catch savings after your purchase
If you saw your item go on sale after you purchased it, you can get refunded the difference when you bring in receipt and show the new price to Target.
Or if you’d rather not spend your time doing that, install the free Paribus app*, which will run through your store receipts from merchants like Target in your email and alert you if you are able to get some savings back.
Wait until the season is over for huge discounts
Target wants to get rid of their seasonal stock to make way for other great things so take advantage of low, low prices:
- January: Christmas, toys
- End of February: Valentine’s Day
- Mid-July: Toys
- July/August: Summer wear
- August/September: Back to school, outdoor gear (grills, patio, outdoor games)
- November: Halloween
Be loyal to Target
When you shop the Target brand, you’re bound to save. My favorite example: Up and Up diapers! I’ve done comparison shopping and this is the best deal on diapers.Be rewarded for choosing convenience
Target offers enticing discounts when you use services such as Same Day Services*. Getting rewarded for saving time and energy? Yes, please!Get 5% and free shipping every time
If by now you’re loving Target as much as I do, then get their Target RedCard debit or credit card* to get an additional 5% off and free shipping of your purchase.
If you use this to buy Target-brand items through their subscribe and save, you’re essentially getting three times the savings.
Get discounts outside of Target
There are sites, like Raise.com, that sell gift cards at a discounted rate. Sign up for Raise.com through this link* and get $5 off your first purchase.Use shopping apps to increase your savings
Use apps that reward your shopping by giving you cash back when you shop online at retailers like Target. I have two favorites:- This one gets you cash back on groceries* (Get a $10 welcome bonus for first-time users)
- This one I always use for any online shopping* (And you can get a $10 bonus for using this for the first time as well)
Download the Target app
Use the Target app to see weekly ad among other sales and deals that are offered through their stores.
Find additional coupons as well that you can stack to save even more on top of their regular sales through the Target Circle Rewards program (formerly called Cartwheel).
Get coupons right to your phone
Get deals right to your mobile via text. There are even select categories you can hone in on, such as baby or travel.You can stack coupons
In addition to Target’s coupons, you can stack manufacturer coupons for additional savings.
These coupons can be applied after price match (though you can’t use Target or Circle Rewards coupons if you choose the price match).
Follow Target on social media
Follow Target on channels such as Twitter and/or Snapchat for exclusive deals.Get free gift cards on special offers
Target has generous gift card promotions running constantly throughout the year. Stock up on these deals when you see them and get money to spend on your next Target run.
My favorite is "spend $xx in baby items to get a $xx gift card." I wait for these sales to stock up on diapers (because a mother can never have too many diapers) so I've never had to pay full price for them ever yet if you take into account these free gift cards we get.
Get free gift cards for being active online
Take surveys, watch videos, and do other mindless online tasks to earn points through rewards programs. The points can be redeemed for gift cards to merchants like Target.Help the earth, help your wallet
When you bring your own reusable bags, Target will credit you for helping the environment.Item out of stock? No problem!
Get a rain check and Target will honor the price when the item is restocked again.Do strategic browses for ninja savings
Target doesn’t always advertise its sales, so be on the lookout for the ends of the aisles that are facing walls or on lower shelves for other good deals.Make friends with Target employees
Team members get a discount on already great prices!
Or, if you're in need of some extra cash during the holidays, why not pick up a part-time shift at Target as your side hustle?
Mega stack those savings
Target is one of the best places to stack your coupons, but you don’t have to be a coupon master to maximize your savings.
Just for fun, here are some scenarios to help you get the most bang for your buck:
Shopping online at Target:
- Buy discounted gift card first through Raise.com*
- Use the Ibotta app* or shop through the Rakuten website* to purchase items from Target and get cash back
- Use Target subscribe and save*
- Apply a Target coupon code or your registry discount
Shopping in-store:
- Buy the Target brand with gift card promotion
- Use the Target and Circle Rewards incentives found on their app
- Apply a manufacturer’s coupon or registry discount
- Carry your purchases in a reusable bag
Conclusion
With this many ways to save money when you shop at Target, you’ll definitely want to make this part of your regular shopping. See what you can find at Target now*.
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stevesimpson94 says
My budget tip is to hit the sales and use discounts!