10 Items from Target Worth Avoiding

If you’re one of those people who doesn’t mind getting their essentials from various grocery stores, then you’d probably want to avoid shopping for certain items at Target.

Don’t get me wrong, Target has some pretty nice stuff in there, but this still doesn’t mean that we should buy everything from there. Trust me, when it comes to groceries, I’m focused on getting great things at their best price, so there’s nothing I’d say to you that I wouldn’t do.

Considering this, I thought it might be useful to discuss why you shouldn’t buy certain items from Target because they might not be that great or you might get a better deal elsewhere. Ready? Let’s see!

Gift cards

As you might know already, Target has quite a gift card selection. It’s true. However, personally, I am still quite unsatisfied with it, as I find their variety a bit…limited.

I don’t know; they might not come with too many general merchandise store cards because they fear competition, but as far as I’m concerned, their strategy doesn’t work because I still don’t want to buy their gift cards.

I mean, if I ever want a slightly reduced pool of gift cards, I will head to Costco, because they sure have a much more “curated” variety of discounted gift cards.

Party supplies

Target has some interesting party supplies, so if you’re in a rush, you can easily find something there. From paper plates to pinatas, you might even find what you’re looking for, as long as you’re not looking for something too specific.

However, I have to be honest with you: I wouldn’t go there for my loved ones’ birthdays. Why not? Well, if you like hosting birthday parties like I do, you really know how to spot a good costume and a great birthday candle, and these things are usually found at your local costume and party supply store.

They generally have a much more expansive selection of colors and themes. Also, if you wish to stay on a tight budget, I’d advise you to head out to a dollar store. It’s a much better option.

Books

Now, when it comes to books, I have to make a distinction: Target is well-known for its bestsellers, there’s no doubt. If you wake up one morning and want to read the best book out there, you can easily find it at Target.

But here, I’m referring to all the other books that are not bestsellers. Because, let’s be honest, we can’t always read great books. Even geniuses might feel the need to get their hands on the occasional *something-digest*.

So if you want a less-popular, unknown book, something that an author might have written a long time ago, or simply a specific nonfiction volume, you won’t find it at Target. So if you’re looking for precious, unknown gems, you might try heading into the local independent bookstore.

Handbags

When it comes to handbags from Target, I have to make a distinction: yes, they’re one of the items from Target that I won’t recommend, but I still check their purse selection every single time (some gems might hide in there, who knows?).

Besides, we also need to take into consideration the practical aspect: a good purse from Target will probably last you a year. But at some point, it will simply reveal itself as one of the inexpensive items from Target that didn’t deserve your money.

If you still want to buy a purse from there anyway, go ahead. Just don’t expect to buy something reliable.

Athletic shoes

I don’t really consider myself a marathoner, but I have to be honest: casual neighborhood walks were lifesaving during the coronavirus pandemic. However, if there’s one thing I wouldn’t recommend getting from Target, it’s athletic shoes.

Even if you don’t run, you still need a pair of proper shoes, so you shouldn’t settle for cheaper items from Target. When it comes to shoes, spending a bit is better, especially if you also have issues with your feet.

Since we’re at it, if you’re looking for a good pair of athletic shoes, then you need to check these New Balance shoes! They are the #1 Best Seller in America!

Spring clothes for children

Even if Target first appeared in Minnesota, you’d think they knew better when it came to clothing. If you ask me, children’s clothing is one of those items from Target worth avoiding.

Their spring children’s clothing racks are filled with thin, sleeveless dresses and all kinds of light outfits that you’d consider getting in the heart of the summer, not when temperatures drop below 85 degrees.

So if you are looking for spring clothes to keep your child or grandchild warm during the coldest days of spring, you better look somewhere else. Target’s children’s clothing works for Arizonans and Hawaiians, but not for the rest of us.

Ingredients for special recipes

Another one of the items from Target I wouldn’t recommend is anything slightly related or needed in a special recipe. If you have guests over the weekend and you’ve decided to cook a special type of lasagna that you’ve tried in a cornered but cute restaurant in the Italian mountains, then please, just don’t buy your ingredients from Target.

They are amazing when it comes to canned soup, ice cream, cereal, and snacks, but not when you want to make the next best bechamel sauce in town. If you’re looking for a particular type of garam masala or tortillas, we’d highly recommend you head to your local food market instead.

Cat food

Unfortunately, this also goes on the list of items from Target worth avoiding. As you probably know, the grocery chain has a pet food section, out of which I actually bought most products, from Litter Genie refills to other types of feline accessories.

And yet, I put cat food on this list, and here’s why: your cat might be on a limited-ingredient diet. It happens to most cats, so it’s not something that uncommon.

Well, while you might find at Target a couple of grain-free and specialty cat food choices, the chances of actually finding what you’re looking for are slim. They don’t really have too many varieties.

Fragrances

Over time, I probably tried various items from Target in the make-up section, and I have to be honest with you: they always have something fun and new.

I also have a great weakness for fragrances, from perfume to bath oils and candles. But I still don’t buy from there. Yes, it’s true. Target’s scents are inexpensive, diverse, and fun.

But they are really not that subtle. If you ask me, I’d still recommend you get something good for other department stores, like online outlets and makeup stores. Sephora might be a great choice!

Jewelry

Target is known to have fun and colorful jewelry, from casual heart-shaped necklaces to inexpensive hoop earrings and even colorful bracelets. But I’d still put their variety on the list of items from Target worth avoiding. I truly can’t tell who their audience is. The store doesn’t sell the craziest designs you will find, but they’re not that far away.

Moreover, you can clearly see their options don’t have the same quality as a true jewelry store. I think they tried to offer a little bit of everything to everyone, but they definitely lost me.

If you found this article useful, I highly recommend you read this too: 6 Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Costco Membership