New at Target: Spring Faux Plants

Target has been carrying a variety of faux succulents for a while now, which has mystified me a bit as succulents are so easy to grow - why wouldn't you just have real ones? Now I notice that Target has expanded their selection in store, just in time for Spring decorating. And they're also offering faux "air plants" (shown here) which makes me laugh as these are even easier to grow and care for (as they don't even require soil, and only need water once a week.)

Coming Soon to Target: Oh Joy! Home & Nursery

Joy Cho—designer, author, top-ranked pinner on Pinterest and creative force behind the popular blog Oh Joy!—is back with another partnership with Target, this time with nursery and home decor items.

“As a longtime friend and partner to Target, we’re thrilled to team up with Joy Cho on another Target-exclusive collection,” said Julie Guggemos, senior vice president, product design and development at Target. “Joy has a distinct cheerful, modern aesthetic, and the new line really captures that, offering guests affordable inspiration and effortless style they can’t find anywhere else.”

The Oh Joy! for Target nursery collection will be available in select Target stores and on Target.com in early January, and the home collection will be available in all Target stores and online on in early February. Prices will range from $12.99 to $99.99.

New at Target: Rebecca Atwood-designed Method Bottles

Big news, Method fans! Method has partnered with designer Rebecca Atwood on new custom bottles for their Foaming Hand Wash and Gel Hand Wash. The collection includes four new scents, shown here from left to right: Sweet Citrus, Herb Garden, Sea Spray and Sandlewood.  I had never heard of Ms. Atwood, so I looked her up online and her website states that "Rebecca Atwood is a Brooklyn based designer and artist. Rebecca's original collection of home textiles blends traditional textile techniques and hand painting."

So far this limited-edition collection seems to be available in-stores only, and not online. To be honest, I like these new prints, but I'm not in love with them like I was with the previous Orla Kiely-designed ones (first introduced back in 2012).  I also haven't tried any of the fragrances yet, so I can't comment on the scents. How about you, readers? Are you excited for a new Method collection, and will you be trying it out?

Target to Buy Unwanted Gift Cards

If you're a coffee-hater who received a Starbucks card over the holidays, you may be in luck. CNN reports that Target is buying unwanted gift cards, albeit at a reduced price. Note that fees are taken out during the exchange, and the trade-in values vary. One example: a $100 Walmart gift card would exchange for an $85 Target gift card.

Target is partnering with gift card exchange website Cardpool and electronic trade-in company Nextworth for the program. Cardpool provides the trade-in rate of consumers' gift cards and then re-sells them.

Gift cards are the most asked-for present during the holidays, according to the National Retail Federation, which estimated total gift card spending to hit nearly $26 billion this season. Target will exchange gift cards from more than 600 brands, including Old Navy, Cheesecake Factory, Tiffany & Co, Staples and Pottery Barn.

The program is available in over 1,500 Target stores nationwide, but not all Targets offer this service. On CNN this morning, they gave the tip to head to the Electronics Department and ask for the Cardpool representative.

Out with the old... in with the new!

I snapped this pic at Target 2 days ago, and it looks like The Bullseye is already moving on to Spring. The women's department is being stocked with lighter colors and fabrics, with touches of lace, nautical stripes, and pops of sunny yellow.

I also noticed that the leftover Dollar Spot merchandise - marked down 50% - has already disappeared, and has been replaced with Valentine's Day items. They also have really cute calendars and day planners that rival the offerings by Sugar Paper LA at a fraction of the cost.

Target makes good on PS4 scam...

This story courtesy of Consumerist: Christmas morning is a time for family togetherness, enjoying the delighted faces of children, and surprising loved ones with thoughtful gifts. Unfortunately, wrapping gifts and putting them under the tree until the recipient opens the box means risking a retail hazard: boxes of expensive electronics that contain notepads, bricks, picture frames, or mirrors. This is disturbingly common, and just happened to a family in Massachusetts this Christmas.

Imagine the scene: all their 9-year-old son had asked for Christmas was a PS4, and his parents bought him one that included an Uncharted bundle at Target. After they took some pictures of the delighted boy, he opened the box and found… a wooden block cut precisely to fit the PS4 box, and what TV station WFXT (warning: auto-play video at that link) describes as a “profane message” written on the block with a black marker.

If you aren’t familiar with the box of crap scam, here’s how it works: a not-very-nice person buys an electronics item, like a PS4 or an iPad, then removes the actual gadget and replaces it with something that weighs about the same. This could be bathroom tiles, rocks, or a piece of wood, as happened here. The scammer then returns the item to the store for a refund, counting on the clerk to not check inside the box. If no one checks the package before putting the item back on the shelf, it will be sold to another unsuspecting customer. When that person returns to the store, they’ll be accused of trying to scam the retailer, and often the stores don’t believe the customer, refusing to exchange the box of crap for a real item.

After the parents discussed their problem with a manager, Target gave them a different PS4 bundle, a copy of Uncharted, and a $100 gift card for their troubles. It doesn’t make up for not being able to be able to play with his gift on Christmas morning, but at least Target rectified the situation immediately. The parents stacked the deck, too, as they returned the wooden block with a TV news crew standing by. It’s not clear whether the crew was already there to do a another story or whether the family had called the local TV station, but it probably didn’t hurt their case, as stores often suddenly believe victims once a local media outlet becomes involved in the situation.

So how can you avoid getting scammed? Be better safe than sorry, and open the box before you leave the store to make sure that the right item is in there. While the gift recipient might not be happy to receive an already-opened item, it's a lot better than opening a box full of wood. 

Target's Storage Sale...

Need someplace to stash all your holiday decor, ornaments & lights, plus all the other stuff you got for Christmas? Then Target.com has you covered with their storage sale. Save $5 for every $25 you spend on storage baskets, bins, cubes, baskets, totes and shelves with the promo code 'STORAGE' at checkout.

Clearance Alert: Sugar Paper LA Holiday Collection

Hello readers! I hope you all had a very merry holiday. If you ventured to Target today (as I did briefly) you know they've marked down all holiday gift wrap, ornaments + decor to 50% off, including the Sugar Paper LA collection. As shown here, the selection was already pretty picked over by the time I arrived. I also noticed that all the current Dollar Spot merchandise - not just holiday stuff, but stocking stuffers and cute stationery items like wall calendars, note paper, thank you cards, pushpins and printed file folders - was marked 30% off. However, when I got to the register, they rang up at 50% off!

New at Target: Republic of Wine

Target has a new partner on their wine shelves: Republic of Wine. The brand is committed to bringing consumers interesting wines from around the world, sourced on a seasonal basis. And this winter, Republic of Wine delivers a limited-production run of high-quality options, including three palate-appeasing varieties: a Côtes du Rhône and champagne from France and a chardonnay from California—all meticulously crafted and selected specifically for Target. Click here for more information + a fun infographic to help you pick a varietal that best suits your tastes.

Forget Christmas... Let's Move On to Valentine's Day

Regular readers of my blog will remember that I've complained about "holiday creep" many times in the past. And one familiar refrain is the fact that no sooner does Jan. 1 hit, but Target has already moved on to Valentine's Day. But this year, The Bullseye is breaking its own record, with Consumerist reporting that an eagle-eyed reader has already spotted Little Debbie brand Valentine treats on the shelves at her local SuperTarget store (as shown in this picture she snapped as proof).

Nifty Gift: Nate Berkus Barware Set

Still looking for gift ideas for the man in your life? This Nate Berkus for Target Barware Set might fit the bill. It includes a corkscrew wine bottle opener, beer bottle cap opener and a bottle stopper, each with brass accents. Best of all, this set is now on clearance for $13.98 or $9.98 (depending on how far your local Target store has marked it down to).

Nifty Gift: Majesty Travel Kit

As Target stores start to get more chaotic with the countdown to Christmas, I've noticed my local outpost putting out new merchandise to replace stock that has sold out. One such example is this endcap I spied today with Majesty Travel Kits from Savannah Bee. Each kit comes with a travel size Body Wash, Body Lotion and Beeswax Lip Balm in your choice of scents: Tupulo Honey, Lemongrass Spearmint and Blackberry Rose. Best of all, each kit is just $12.99 each, making it the perfect stocking stuffer or last-minute gift. Look for these in the Bed & Bath section at your local Target store.

Clearance Alert: Nate Berkus Bird Candle Holders

Remember these Nate Berkus for Target bird-motif candle holders I featured in a 'Look for Less" post several weeks ago? Well now they're on clearance in stores at 50% off. That means you can get a couple of these beauties to decorate your holiday table for just $7.48 each.

Clearance Alert: Smith & Hawken Holiday Decor

If you've waited until now to decorate for Christmas, now's the time to head over to Target where their Smith & Hawken branded holiday decor is now 30% off. The selection includes door mats, wreaths, baskets, copper tubs, votive holders and table top decor.

Nifty Gift: Nate Berkus Cheese Board + Utensils

For the foodie on your gift list, consider this wooden cheese board ($24.99) and gold-accented cheese utensils (set of 3 for $16.99) from Nate Berkus for Target. Bundling them both together would also make a lavish hostess gift or housewarming present.

Cartwheel Deal: 30% Off Women's Cold Weather Accessories

Haven't finished your Christmas shopping yet? Yeah, I haven't either... so I was thrilled to find this Cartwheel deal for 30% off all women's cold weather accessories, including the limited-edition cashmere collection from Merona.  Which means I was able to nab this cozy cashmere-blend colorblock scarf as a gift for just $42 (regularly $59.99) at Target yesterday. And at a generous 80"x20" size, it's almost more of a wrap than a scarf.

Fab Find: Mini Mod Podge

While Dollar Aisle diving at Target yesterday, I found these mini bottles (2 fl. oz each) of Mod Podge, the popular crafting glue, sealer and finish. It comes in both matte and gloss finish, and at only $1 each would be great to use for a kids' group craft project (as each kid could have their individual own bottle).

Double-Take: Pottery Barn vs. Threshold

It's time for another double-take, where we take one item from Tar-jay and match it up against a lookalike - yet pricier - designer piece. Today we're looking at two open-weave ramie table runners. Both would add a rustic and casual look to your dining room table. But one of them is from Pottery Barn and will set you back $49.50 (although it's on sale right now for $34.50) whereas the other one is from Threshold (at Target) and costs just $17.99. Which one is which? The answer appears in the comments section below.

Fab Find: Merona Structured Top

I first spied this Merona structured top on the clearance rack for $16.08 (regularly $22.99) at my local Target store, but alas, they didn't have my size. I then went back a week later and was able to find it in Navy and Orange Stripe, and if I find it in Kelp Green (shown here) I'll nab that one, too. Not quite a sweatshirt - and not quite a knit top - it's a bit fitted but not too tight. It also has a cute exposed zipper accent in the back. Unfortunately it seems to be sold out on Target.com, but check stores as now I've seen this top marked down further to 50% off (at just $11.48).

Nifty Gift: Pattern Play Adult Coloring Book

Perhaps you've already heard about the "adult coloring craze", and the fact that coloring books aren't just for kids anymore. Well the creative minds over at Brit + Co and Crayola have teamed up to create a new “aged up” coloring book, “Pattern Play,” made specifically for adults. With 78 pages illustrated by over 50 different artists, crowd-sourced from the Brit + Co artistic community and beyond, the coloring book promises to set minds at ease and get the creative juices flowing.

You can pick up a copy of “Pattern Play” at your local Target store or on Target.com for just $9.99. Pair it up with a set of colored pencils, and you have a fun gift for the budding artist in your life.

Fab Find: Mossimo Bow Tie Blouse

This Mossimo Bow Tie Blouse is perfect for both work and evening wear. The soft poly crepe material isn't too sheer, and the bow ties have pretty pewter-colored metal accents on the end. It also comes in a wide array of colors, from basic Black, White and Navy to Jade Green, Pink Pout, Olive Green and Cabernet. Best of all, it's part of Target.com's BOGO this week: buy one/get one 50% off on select Men's, Women's and Kid's Clothing, Shoes and Accessories. Or even better: find it on the clearance rack (as I did today) for 70% off! (at just $6.88, regularly $22.99).

Sale Alert: Sonia Kashuk Brush Sets

Target is have a BOGO this week on Beauty, Fragrance and Personal Care Gift Sets: buy one, get one 50% off. And select Sonia Kashuk Brush Kits - which almost never go on sale - are a part of this promotion. With this sale, you can buy a new brush set for yourself and then get another as a gift! Check here to see which ones are included, like this "Double-Duty" Kit (shown) with handy dual-handle brushes.

Viral Sensation with a Target Twist...

This story has been all over the internet (including Yahoo) so you may have already heard about a man's FB post on "almost cheating" on his wife going viral.

Entertainer Jason Hewlett wrote on his Facebook page that he was out shopping at Target for “manly things” when an attractive lady ahead of him in the queue caught his eye (as he shows in this pic).

Despite being happily married, Jason allowed himself a quick ogle - only to realize that the hot stuff up ahead was his wife. “I was taken aback by how amazingly beautiful she is once again,” he said. “I believe I see it often, but today, not knowing she was at the store, I saw her with new eyes and just couldn’t believe I get to be her fella. It made me blush.”

Jason and wife Tami Spenst Hewlett have been married for 14 years and have four children together. Jason ended his post saying: “She rarely looks at Facebook so she won’t see this post, she won’t realize she was kind of cheated on today. I thought I’d share with you all since I’m just a dweeby guy making my way through life, and at the same time sure there are those who have had the same experiences regarding their loved ones in one way or another, and these moments are perfect."

The Look for Less: Calvin Klein vs. Mossimo

The "althleisure wear" trend continues to be strong, with lines blurring between athletic gear and casual wear. And with so many brands jumping on this bandwagon, it's easy to find this look for less. Take the Asymmetrical Zip Jacket on the left, by Calvin Klein and available at Macy's (in a variety of colors) for $39.99 (on sale, regularly $78). It's cute, but you can get a super similar look with the Leisure Jacket by Mossimo (shown on the right, at Target) for just $21 (on sale from $29.99, in Black, Gray and Olive).

Nifty Gift: Wine + Dollar Aisle Bottle Bags

Target currently has these fun cable knit sweater bags (as shown) that would be perfect to pair with a nice bottle of wine as a holiday hostess gift. Besides this design, I've also seen these in a black knit with matching faux-fur trim. Best of all, they're just $3 each in the Dollar Aisle.