Target’s Deal Days sales event is down to its final days — the three-day event advertised as “early Black Friday” ends Saturday, October 8. We went through the thousands of listings and found lots of things that would make great holiday gifts, including toys and games and video games, some of which are up to 50 percent off. We also spotted discounts on things we’ve written about on the Strategist, including cozy comforters for folks who sleep hot and lots of pet-hair-eliminating vacuums.
Unlike the upcoming Amazon Prime Early Access sale, you don’t need to be a member of anything to take advantage of these discounts — and shipping is free when you spend $35 or more. And for those who might be worried about getting swooped by actual Black Friday deals in November, Target is offering a price-matching guarantee this holiday season: Purchases made from now until Christmas Eve will qualify for a price adjustment if the Target price goes lower any time on or before December 24.
As of today — Friday, October 7 — everything below is still in stock and on sale. But a lot of items have already sold out, and the Deal Days event ends tomorrow night, so don’t dillydally. You can use the links below to jump to the category that’s most exciting to you or you can just scroll on through.
Best bedding deals
Lots of picks from Target’s house brand Threshold are 20 percent off — including this paisley-embossed quilt that’s available in five different colors.
If you tend to run hot at night — or just have an overzealous radiator — here’s a sateen-cotton comforter set that’ll be cozy without being oppressive.
Available in sage green, a dusty rose, and this charcoal, this linen-blend comforter and sham set is a lovely (and not-too-expensive) way to create a tonal bedscape.
Here’s a soft waffle-weave set to add some texture to your bed.
The scalloped edges on this quilt add a surprisingly preppy touch.
Best toy and game deals
There’s a whole cache of Melissa and Dog toys that are up to 50 percent off — including this play set of cleaning tools that comes recommended by child development experts for 2-year-olds and Julia Fox, of all people.
Pop-Its have been this year’s must-have fidget toy, but even if your kid has an extensive collection, they’ll find plenty of joy from this extra-large tie-dyed option (which is also one of our best gifts for 5-year-olds).
A toy cash register is the perfect accessory for your child’s play restaurant or make-believe store. “They teach counting and money-management skills in a simulated real-world environment,” says Helen Sadovsky, a pediatric occupational therapist who runs Toy-Ideas.com.
There are also some more complicated Lego sets for the kids at heart — like this Jurassic Park-themed set that includes a whole T. rex.
Last year’s status gift still makes a great stocking stuffer. In this series, there are 12 surprise dolls to collect, and each one changes color when you dip it in water.
A delightful present for the PJ Masks–obsessed preschooler.
And a six-figure set for the Moana-loving child who knows the words to “You’re Welcome” by heart.
Best home deals
This handsome metal task lamp is from Target’s kids line Pillowfort — but it’d look right at home in your office.
Make chore time less of a chore by giving them cute painted hooks to hang coats and bags on.
A Southwest-inspired accent rug with an anti-slip latex backing and cute tassels (and it’s machine washable).
Here’s a woven entryway mat from Studio McGee to wipe off muddy shoes.
If your corner office is just the corner of your living room, this slim mid-century-inspired desk is just 44 inches wide.
The chubby velvet barrel chair looks far more expensive than it actually is.
Professional organizer Britnee Tanner suggests this actually nice-looking storage bin to wrangle kids’ toys.
This industrial bar cart doesn’t have to just be for cocktails; we think it’s a nice setup for coffee, tea, or even art supplies.
Our favorite beanbag for little kids has two side pockets that are big enough to stash picture books, toys, or even a water bottle.
We’re longtime fans of Justina Blakeney’s colorful brand, Jungalow, as well as her collaboration with Target, but if you’ve been waiting around for some reason, here’s an on-sale pillow that’ll instantly brighten your couch or bed.
Best clothing deals
The best clothing deals at Target Deal Days are on pajamas and sweats — but we think this relaxed henley looks polished enough to pair with jeans and wear outside the house.
Made of supersoft modal, these pajamas are as close as you can get to sleeping naked without actually stripping down. Plus they’re available in sizes up to 4X.
If you’re looking for a more mid-aughts silhouette for your loungewear, here are some flared sweatpants made of a cozy French terry.
You can mix and match colorways with the accompanying sweatshirt, but we’re partial to this vibrant purple shade.
When we talked to 39 students about what they actually like to wear to school, space-themed things were a big hit with the elementary-school set. So we’re confident this under-$10 pullover will be a hit.
Here’s a simple fleece hoodie in case the one you bought in March 2020 is really showing its age.
Best kitchen and cookware deals
KitchenAid’s stand mixer is a kitchen staple that quickly become a family heirloom. This five-quart model is available in classic silver and black as well as more modern shades like cherry red and seafoam green.
A compact blender that “makes perfect smoothies and juices, but I also use it to make great dips, sauces, marinades, and soups,” says Alexandra Carfioli, who runs the Instagram account Tiny Apartment Kitchen (an ode to her 90-square-foot kitchen).
Here’s a Zoey Deutch–approved SodaStream if you’re the kind of person who always orders sparkling.
Although it’s not the largest air fryer we’ve seen, this model is great for smaller household and goes up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. The automatic-shutoff feature is great for peace of mind.
Best floor-care and vacuum deals
A portable steam cleaner can save your carpets from everything from spilled wine to pet messes. This one from Bissell is equipped with temperature-regulating tech to help remove set-in stains.
For a more hands-off approach, we recommend opting for a robot vacuum like this souped-up one from Strategist-approved brand Eufy.
If you don’t mind cords, we suggest a Hoover. This one is especially good for carpets.
This mop from Bissell uses heat and a detachable brush to scrub away tough messes.
Another robot vacuum that’s especially helpful if you have pets.
Best video-game and tech deals
While Xbox Series S is on sale only in stores, you can still put up the high-tech controller online.
If they already have the console, you can’t go wrong with gifting them a classic like Just Dance.
Or if they’re into the classics, you can pick up a copy of Yoshi’s Crafted World for Nintendo Switch.
The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments, rolling luggage, pillows for side sleepers, natural anxiety remedies, and bath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
