15 New Target Picks That Offer Better Deals Than Dollar Tree

Dollar Tree isn’t always the cheapest place to shop. Prices have gone up, and Target now stocks plenty of budget buys that cost less, look better and actually last. Turns out, the bullseye might be where the real bargains hide.

Summer Pool Noodles, $1

A $1 pool noodle at Target? Believe it. While Dollar Tree now charges $1.25 for similar styles, Sun Squad’s colorful lineup delivers the same splash without the extra cents. For families stocking up, that quarter difference per noodle adds up, especially when the whole neighborhood joins the fun.
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Hearth & Hand Stoneware Salad Plates, $5

Delicate flared rims meet durable stoneware in Joanna Gaines’ latest tableware drop. At $5 per plate, you’re paying less than Dollar Tree’s multi-pack plastics when quality is considered. These aren’t just plates—they’re an affordable way to upgrade dinner without announcing you shopped the budget aisle.
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Dealworthy Toothbrushes, Under $1

You wouldn’t expect Target to underprice Dollar Tree on dental care, but Dealworthy’s toothbrushes prove otherwise. These daily-use essentials still check the boxes for bristle strength and comfort, as they cost under a dollar. Spending less here means you won’t hesitate to replace them more often, which your gums will appreciate.
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Sun Squad Bubble Wands, $1

Pure childhood joy is now more affordable at Target. At just $1, these Sun Squad bubble wands beat Dollar Tree’s $1.25 tag with equally bubbly results. For summer parties, boredom busters or spontaneous backyard fun, they’re one of the few toys that deliver more giggles than dollars spent.
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Hearth & Hand Scalloped-Edge Spoon Rest, $5

An elegant spoon rest that actually feels expensive? Hearth & Hand’s $5 ceramic scallop design blends farmhouse charm with real utility. You’ll find lookalikes at Dollar Tree, but they can’t match the finish or durability. A decorative detail that doesn’t tip the budget—that’s rare these days.
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Dealworthy Cotton Swabs, Under $1

Not all swabs are created equal. Target’s Dealworthy line offers them for less than $1, with sturdy sticks and soft cotton tips that don’t untie. That price undercuts Dollar Tree’s $1.25 option and means your bathroom drawer stays stocked without settling for scratchy knockoffs or flimsy packs.
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Hearth & Hand Scented Candle, $7

Rich fragrance, slow burn time and gorgeous packaging—Gaines’ Hearth & Hand candles deliver it all at just $7. While Dollar Tree offers small candles at $1.25, they often burn unevenly or fade fast. In terms of aroma per dollar, this Target option burns bright.
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Dealworthy Laundry Detergent, Under $1

When a single wash load costs less than a buck, that’s a win. Dealworthy’s laundry detergent, available for under $1, offers solid performance on everyday stains. With Dollar Tree now at $1.25, even a few loads make Target the smarter stop for keeping clothes fresh.
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Sun Squad Wading Pool, $10

A full-sized inflatable pool under $10? That’s rare, but Target’s Sun Squad delivers. Although Dollar Tree only carries tiny inflatables or splash toys, this version fits toddlers comfortably and holds up across hot afternoons. Kids stay cool, and you stay way under budget for backyard water play.
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Hearth & Hand Marble Salt And Pepper Cellar, $15

How about marble containers priced like plastic shakers? That’s Hearth & Hand magic. At $15, these salt and pepper cellars offer an upscale look without a premium price tag. Dollar Tree’s plastic mills may do the trick, but design lovers will gravitate toward this Target piece without hesitation.
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Dealworthy Phone Charging Cable, Under $5

Most cables in the under-$5 range are a gamble. Dealworthy’s option bucks the trend, with dependable connection and build quality. Those bargain-bin cables from the Tree may cost less, but flimsy tips and slow charging make them frustrating. For a few bucks more, your phone stays powered—and your cords stay intact.
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Sun Squad Water Balloons, $3

Kids go through water balloons fast, so price matters. At $3, Target’s Sun Squad packs give more balloons per dollar and better quality than Dollar Tree’s $1.25 packs. Fewer duds, easier filling and bigger bursts make this pick the MVP of summer water fights.
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Hearth & Hand Decorative Throw Pillow, $25

For $25, these throw pillows combine stylish textures and long-lasting materials that make Dollar Tree’s $1.25 cushions feel more like props than pillows. No need to settle for sagging cushions when a practical, cost-effective solution is within reach. Cozy never looked so curated.
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Dealworthy Shampoo, Under $1

Scalp health on a shoestring? That’s the promise with Dealworthy’s shampoo. At under $1, it covers the basics—cleansing and conditioning—without harsh additives. Dollar Tree’s formulas, though similarly priced, often lack consistency. For those watching every dollar, this one’s worth tossing into the cart.
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Room Essentials Glass Spray Bottle, $3

For just $3, Room Essentials delivers a glass spray bottle that lasts through refills and repeated use. Ideal for home cleaners or misting plants, the durable trigger and leak-free design make it a smart buy over Dollar Tree’s disposable versions.
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