While Target is undoubtedly a destination for a host of pragmatic everyday goods, superfans know that there are a slew of unique, special objects hiding in plain sight among the stacks of bedsheets and Up & Up paper towels.
We take great joy in hunting down these finds, especially when the holiday season rolls around. Nothing is more satisfying than being able to hit checkout on a cart that includes a gift for the hard-to-please design snob on your list along with a fresh three-pack of undershirts.
Even better, many of Target’s best and coolest goods and gewgaws don’t break the $35-dollar threshold, when comparable options from elite, aesthetically-minded retailers can boast triple-digit price tags.
Ahead, we rounded up 12 special gifts that offer more than your average department store find. If you didn’t know any better, you’d think some of these items came from a boutique — but little does anyone know, they actually came from the red dot boutique.
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How gorgeous is this ceramic vase? We bet you can’t believe how little it costs either. Available in two sizes, the vase has a slim neck and wide base for visual contrast, and the distressed finish gives the whole thing an artisan-like touch. Whether your giftee is the type to display fake plants only or look after real ones, the vase is watertight, so they won’t have to worry. The neutral cream color can also lend itself well to many different decor styles.
Promising review: “Bought these online and picked them up in the store same day! If you haven’t already bought these, and you’re thinking about it, just go ahead and purchase because they do not disappoint! Who would’ve thought Target had such nice decor that could compete with Pottery Barn and CB2. Great job Target because these are heavy, beautiful and elevate any room!” — DTarp
A great gift for someone who’s always hosting or likes to make their own cocktails, this five-piece set has a stunning gold-tone finish that makes the tools as much decorative as it is functional. The set includes a bar spoon, jigger, strainer and bottle opener, plus a stand with a non-slip base to show them all off.
Promising review: “The gold-tone finish is stunning and adds a touch of luxury to my home bar. The stand keeps everything organized and within easy reach. It’s both beautiful and functional — a must-have for any cocktail enthusiast!” — Lana
You have to click through the reviewer photos to properly fall in love with this 9-inch marble catchall tray from Target’s Threshold home goods brand. With a scalloped exterior and a smooth finish, it has the ultra-minimal presence of something you’d see in Kim Kardashian’s comically minimal Hidden Hills mansion — without the unfathomable price tag.
Promising review: “Love this!! Had this on the wish list forever and decided to purchase. Super cute and pretty. Warm, creamy, neutral color. Heavy and well made. Glad I got this!” — Summer65
With the three elegant, neutral shades, gold hardware and sling-front, this Universal Thread crossbody bag looks like others that cost well over $100. The three pockets can collectively hold up to 3 liters and the strap is adjustable. There are even credit card pockets to help your giftee keep their things organized.
Promising review: “I LOVE this bag. It’s small, but big enough to store everything I need on the go. I have gotten so many compliments as well from people and they’re always shocked to hear I got it from Target.” — lexi
This rectangular clock is reminiscent of design snob-approved timepieces like Newgate’s classic Wideboy alarm clock (a version of which we also spotted at Rejuvenation). It is six inches wide and uses one AA battery.
For the crunchiest person on your list, try this highly-rated meditation pillow that definitely could have some from the local health food store or hippie emporium. It’s 16 inches in diameter and the removable recycled polyester cover is machine-washable.
Promising review: “I typically need 2 cushions, but this one is high enough to support my back really well. The buckwheat is really nice for those who prefer a bit of a more solid surface. I also like the handle on the side for portability. As a bonus, the green looks great with my decor!” — Shannan
Just smile and nod when everyone asks you about the out-of-the-way antique shop where you scored this “vintage” reindeer ornament. The pink ceramic confection is decorated with (what else) fluttering doe eyes, a tiny red nose and plenty of gold accents. It measures about 3 inches in height.
Promising review: “This ornament is detailed, cute, and high quality. It really looks like a vintage Christmas decoration! I hope we get more ornaments like this in the future.” — Sydney
The hefty tube hoop earring has become a staple at intimidating fashion boutiques. Prices vary depending on the brand and construction, but it’s more than possible to gift this look on a budget, thanks to earrings like these, which are plated with 14k gold. They’re just over half an inch tall, making for a perfect accessory that will complement a variety of ensembles.
Did it come from a high-end Japanese outdoor boutique or is it just regular Thermos? This 24-ounce stainless steel food container from the original emotional support cup brand is vacuum insulated to keep hot contents at temperature for 12 hours, and cold items chilly for up to 24. The lid even doubles as a serving bowl.
A mainstay at the type of trendy culinary boutique that’s been dubbed a “shoppy shop,” this umami-rich soy-based sauce by Bachan has a “teriyaki-ish” flavor, according to the brand, and is traditionally used to “glaze” meat and seafood dishes. Let your flavor-chasing giftee assume you made a pilgrimage to Brooklyn to painstakingly select this condiment, even if all you did was stop at your local Target.
Promising review: “What can I say, This sauce is so versatile and flavorful! I use this with almost everything. Cooking eggs, throw some sauce inside, Grilled some steaks drizzle some sauce on top to finish it off. Need a marinate, just let your chicken soak for even less then an hour and it comes out as if it was marinating all night! I can go on and on! I love you Bachan! thank you for coming onto my life!!” — Dee Cambra
I can’t believe I just used “nostalgic” as a descriptor for a disposable camera, and yet… Regardless, folks at any age will get a kick out of this pre-smartphone-era mainstay. Its artistic wrapping is a step up from the standard drugstore packaging, and your recipient can get their film developed at a number of participating CVS locations.
Sure, it’s a pretty specific gift, but if you know a music nerd who has a turntable in their home, this is a surefire crowd-pleaser. If you’re anything like me, you may have the same Pavlovian response to the sounds of Vince Guaraldi’s piano and will be instantaneously transported back to wherever you spent your childhood. This edition — which comes with a gold and green record and a limited edition poster showing the whole Peanuts gang — is exclusive to Target.