It's not really a secret that Target has good home stuff. They're pretty much the first major discount retailer to do the whole high-low design thing, starting with their designer collaborations. What you might not have noticed is a little piece of retail paradise called the Dollar Spot, a place where everything is $5 and under. It's usually defined by a sign featuring the little Target dog mascot, Bullseye (the other name for this section is "Bullseye Playground"). You've probably walked by it dozens of times, because the section is generally located right where you get your cart or basket.
The Dollar Spot used to be a wasteland of kiddie things like bargain stickers, so you might have been right to ignore it for so long. But in the past year, Target has seriously upgraded the offerings to include surprisingly stylish decor and accessories.
For instance, there are adorable ramekin sets for $3 a pair and a fun $5 throw pillow, spotted by the appropriately-named All Things Target blog.
Of course, there is more. So much more. How much do I love this section? Let me count the ways.
You're never alone in the Dollar Spot.
Someone has always been there right before you, slightly messing up the display. That's fine. It creates an air of adventure sorely lacking in department store shopping these days.
Where else can you find affordable dog fashion?
This fall, the hottest new trend is fashion inspired by "Newsies."
Because $3 is the right price for pet bowls.
There's plenty leftover in the budget for treats and toys. This dog gets it.
Fun office supplies makes your 9-to-? 100% better.
Don't you deserve better than a pilfered bank pen?
You can update your kitchen/dining space without breaking the bank.
Everything in this photo came from the $5-and-under section. Even the metal napkin rings and blue-and-white cloth (!) napkins.
Seasonal decor shouldn't be pricey, anyway.
There's always holiday-specific decor (right now, it's Halloween), which can be tough to rationalize paying a lot of money for.
It's a great source for little gifts.
The fun polka-dotted glasses here should be hoarded for the upcoming holidays.
Here, you can convince yourself that you're the type to send handcrafted cards.
So what if the last time you sent a card was for your wedding gifts? These bat stickers are just what you need to become the best version of yourself.
There's just enough craft supplies to inspire creativity without overwhelming you.
No need to look at hundreds of novelty stamps when you only need one for a project. Plus, have you ever been to a craft store on a Saturday? If so, you're probably still waiting in line.
You'll never know what you find, so you might as well visit often.
Sure, you might not *need* woodland creature doll heads mounted on plaques, but it's good to know the option is there.
