The Strategist Guide to Shopping at Target

As seen in ourguide to the best pajamas for women, this set fromStars Abovewas named our best less expensive option for its supersoft modal fabric that TikTok creator and curve modelRemi Badersays feels like you’re wearing nothing at all.

In herguide to gym-rat essentials, Strategist writer Tembe Denton-Hurst recommends this heavyweight cotton shirt by Goodfellow & Co., which she says is well constructed, soft, and pairs nicely with herEverlaneleggings. She wears an XXL for a “very ‘casual but I’ve been here before’ look.”

In our roundup ofgym shorts for men, these were named our best less expensive unlined pick. Recommended to us by personal trainerAndrew Flores, these shorts, which look similar toLululeom’s Pace Breaker short, have “great stretch to them, meaning you can perform exercises in all planes of motion without obstruction,” he says. He says they also “go well with a long-sleeved tee for that post-workout run to the store.” Target offers alined versiontoo.

When we asked our editors and writers about theloungewear they wear at home, Denton-Hurst described these joggers as the softest pants she’s ever worn. “The best part is that they’re super-stretchy, which is nice for moving from bed to couch and back to bed again,” she says.

If you prefer the effortlessness of linen to other fabrics,New Yorkdeputy editor Alexis Swerdloff owns not one but two of thesetank dresses. She specifically likes the black-and-white floral pattern, which reminds her ofMarimekko’s Unikko print. “It’s got a flattering, somewhat high neckline, hits nicely just below the knee, and, most important, has pockets,” she says.

Strategist writer Erin Schwartzcalls these joggersfrom Target’s in-house kid’s line — which they’ve owned since 2016 — an “indispensable basic” that can withstand the wear and tear that comes with messy DIY projects. Although these are technically made for children, sizing goes up to XXL, which the brand recommends for people up to five-foot-seven. And while these have been updated to include a drawstring and a different fabric composition, Schwarz finds the new version to look just as good as the original.

You don’t need to wait for Halloween to dress as your favorite Pokémon. This Pikachu hoodie was featured in ourback-to-school roundup, in which 11-year-old Delilah says she plans to wear this bright zip-up as a jacket on cooler days.

Upon the request of her 4- and 5-year-old daughters to find them allmatching boots, Strategist contributorDiksha Basulanded on these lug-soles. The’re waterproof with nonslip soles, and the material is durable enough to require just a basic wipe down, Basu says, adding that she’s taken to wearing them with midi dresses, as inspired by her daughters.

Thekid’s versionof the above boots features side zippers for easy on and off and afaux-leather finish that makes them perfect for matching an array of outfits, Basu says. And at under $20, these are a “reasonable amount to spend on the fleeting desires of a 4- and 5-year-old,” she says.

Swerdloff mentioned these waterproof shoes for kids in oursummer shopping guide. They feature two top straps and one at the heel to help keep them secure on little feet. Plus they “have some traction to them, they are waterproof and come in a rainbow of colors,” Swerdloff says. “And if we lose one (which happens more frequently than we’d like), since they are only $10, it’s not the full end of the world.”

TheseFrozen-inspired shoes were a hit with preschoolers in ourback-to-school roundup. “These sneaks light up!” says 5-year-old Cassidy, who notes their “cool shiny glossy style with ice winds and snowflakes.”

These semi-opaque dance tights have served her daughters “well for ballet, but also dress-up,” Strategist senior editor Jen Trolio says. She also reports that they seem stronger than theregular Cat & Jack tights.

Trolio also says these “very much get the job done and look cute for the price,” at just 62 cents per headband. She hasn’t had any trouble with them breaking, and there are enough colors to match any outfit.

Thisshaving creamfrom Target’s personal-care brand Smartly is a longtime favorite of Strategist junior writer Brenley Goertzen, who says it lathers better than EOS and Gillette Satin.

As seen in ourroundup of the best bedsheets, these from Threshold were named the best (less expensive) sateen sheet option. Recommended to us for being “great quality for a great price” by interior designers Tavia Forbes and Monet Masters of the Atlanta-based studioForbes+Masters, these 400-thread-count sheets are wrinkle, pill, and shrink resistant for easy upkeep. (For a comprehensive Target sleep experience, pair them with thisRemi Bader–approvedtop-and-shorts setfrom ourguide to the best pajamas for women.)

If you’re buying sheets for a college student, this set wasrecommended byformer Strategist writer Chloe Anello. “For the price, they didn’t pill quite as quickly as one would expect, and they’re easy to maintain — basically, any bargain detergent and outdated washing machines and dryers in your dorm won’t destroy them,” Anello says. Malik Logan, principal designer forthe Tailored Interiors, also describes them as “supersoft.”

Deemed the best velvet option in ourroundup of the best quilts, this Threshold blanket features channel stitching, which decoratorCarrie Carrollosays is stylish but easy to incorporate into any décor. Besides the cream color shown, a few more shades are available, including mint, charcoal, and green.

Inour exhaustive guide of the best flatware, Heather Goerzen of the online interior-design serviceHavenlyrecommends this gold set for its “simple form, sophisticated finish,” and, of course, the price. The 20-piece, rust-resistant set includes dinner and salad forks, knives, spoons, and teaspoons.

[Editor’s note: This silverware set is currently sold out, but we’ll update this story when it’s back in stock.]

Strategist associate editor Jenna Milliner-Waddell went with this Brightroom bin, our pick for thebest slim trash can, to go in her studio apartment’skitchen. After two years of stomping on the pedal, it hasn’t failed her yet, Milliner-Waddell says. And with a glossy, fingerprint-resistant finish akin to Simplehuman’s, the can comes in at just under $60. “If you want a large, relatively inexpensive stainless-steel trash can, this one won’t give you anything you complain about,” Milliner-Waddell says.

When we asked drag queen Shea Couleé about thethings she can’t live without, she said this all-purpose cleaner in the “Citrus & Basil scent is intoxicating,” andcleansfloorboards, moldings, countertops until they are “Mom-level spotless.”

Anne Sanger, an artist and the owner ofPinkwater Gallery, recommends this structured beanbag chair from Pillowfort. Named ourtop pick for little kids, it has two convenient side pockets big enough for picture books, toys, or even awater bottle. Sanger says that for can’t-sit-still toddlers in particular, this chair will keep its shape better and provide more support than other beanbags.

This barstool looks similar to the Shaker-style one on our list of thebest dining chairsbut taller and a quarter of the price. Swerdloff owns five of these in the (now-discontinued) light-wood finish, but the black shown is just as much of a showstopper and will fit nicely at any counter orkitchenisland. Plus, Swerdloff says, “they were extremely easy to put together.”

[Editor’s note: These barstools are currently sold out, but you enter your email on theproduct pageto get notified when they’re back in stock.]

This woven accent table, which is on Trolio’s favorites list, would make a handsomeplant stand.

In ourroundup of the best floor lamps, we named this the best task light thanks to a recommendation fromAlessandra Wood, vice-president of style at online interior-design serviceModsy. Because of its classic look, Wood says, it won’t go out of fashion. “This has the perfect blend of vintage and industrial charm, and the aged brass introduces an upscale feeling of warmth to any rustic space,” she says.

If you’re looking for a more affordable floorlampthat’s ideal for pre-bedtime reading, Goertzen owns this one, which has an adjustable arm and a clear glass shade.

Queer Eye’sBobby Berklikes thisdesktop organizerby Threshold, which is covered in light-gray fabric that he says looks elegant. “I like how this has a dedicated space for everything; you can fit yournotepads, Post-its,pencils,” he says. “I don’t think anyone needs a biggerorganizer, because do you really have that much stuff? That’ll just end up being annoying.”

These Pillowfort organizers wererecommended to usby professional organizerBritnee Tannerspecifically for storing children’stoys. Available in small and large sizes, these can be stacked to avoid taking up floor space, Tanner says. Or you could place several side by side on a shelf, which will help little ones grab their LEGOs, dolls, or books more easily.

Strategist editor Maxine Builder owns several of thesebasketstoorganizeher closet, though she says they’re “nice enough to leave out.” You can choose between three colors, all accented with contrasting handles.

Trolio uses theseplace matsfor “Play-Doh, painting, or whatever messyart stuff” her kids have going on. They can also be used during mealtimes — Trolio says that if you’re “going to leave them on the table most of the time and wipe them up there, they clean up great.”

Swerdloff says that even though this bucket holds 273 pieces, it’s “not an overwhelming amount of tiny little bits and bobs to add to an already cluttered apartment.” Containing wooden craft sticks, googly eyes, pom-poms, fuzzy sticks, and felt shapes, the kit “comes with a bunch of very easy-to-makecraftprojects for particularly uninspiredparents,” Swerdloff says.

Mondo Llama’s smaller individual craft kits range from $5 to $15, making them “greatbirthday giftswhen your kids get invited toparties,” Trolio says. She likes this one in particular because you can use it in a play kitchen after it’s been painted and dried.

Like the kit above, the quantity and variety of this set offer great value for the price, Trolio says. Her7-year-oldwas excited to make a name bracelet with the letter beads, while her4-year-oldcould manage threading together the bigger beads.

When weasked cool peopleabout the best doormats, former Strategist writer Leah Muncy recommended this one as a traditional coir option. Even after four months of threeroommatesusing it constantly, the rug has “yet to show any significant wear,” Muncy says. And it’s “just enough whimsy to my entryway without lookingtoobohemian.”

Taking the top spot inour roundup of the best curtain rods, this adjustable steel style by Project 62 is “simple and timeless,” saysDani Mulhearn, a senior designer atHavenly. With a sleek and clean silhouette, thisrodlooks more expensive than it is, which is useful if you’re buying it in multiples. It comes in four finishes, including matte black and brass, with cylindrical finials and matching hanging hardware.

Trolio owns this stand, which she says is useful forbathroomsthat don’t have an intuitive spot for a wall-mountedtowel-holder.

And these hooks from the same collection can be “hung near the back door, in the kitchen, specifically at a kid-friendly height forbackpacksand jackets,” Trolio says.

If your style is more modernist, Milliner-Waddell has three of these hooks in the entryway of her apartment and says they can hold “tons ofpurses,tote bags, and a couplejacketsand hats.”

Rattan is having a moment, and this vase from Target’s recentcollaborationwithStudio McGee(you might recognize founders Shea and Syd McGee from Netflix’sDream Home Makeover) offers an affordable take on the trend. In fact, Strategist senior editor Chelsea Peng says she first noticed thisvasewhen it was brought up as a dupe for anurn-and-pedestal combothat’s much-coveted among fashion and design people. Pair this vase with the coordinating Jungalow table above for a similar effect.

“I’ve restricted myself to just one,” says Miles of this smiley six-inch planter that she views as more of a “piece of décor than a functionalplant-holder.” Add a asmallfauxplantand nestle it on a bookshelf.

Target sells some of the best-looking (and affordable)artificial plantswe’ve seen, like this striking banana-leafplant.

If you’re looking for a tabletop greenery option, thisplanthas silvery-green eucalyptus leaves, comes in a modern white melaminepot, and is somehow just $5.

Strategist writer Dominique Parisoboughttheselightswith pine-sprig tassels to string up around her apartment for theholidays. While they’re “definitely more decorative than useful,” Pariso says the soft glow is nice to have onwinter nights. These are also powered by a battery pack, so you don’t have to worry aboutoutletswhen you hang them above your bed or at an entryway.