Target is one of the most popular and affordable retail chains in the US, and for tourists, it's an absolutely fantastic place to shop for souvenirs, daily essentials, clothing, toys, and home decor. This post is our ultimate Target must-buy list, put together from the perspective of frequent travelers to the US. We're so excited to share it with you all!Cherry doesn't usually make or read must-buy lists because she typically only buys three things when traveling: magnets, Christmas ornaments, and Starbucks 'You Are Here' mugs 🤣. However, we've been visiting the US so often over the past two years, and since we live in Canada, we've driven down several times (it's just over an hour away!). The best part about driving is not having to worry about baggage weight limits, so we can go crazy and bring a ton of stuff back to Canada! Because of this, we've developed some strong opinions on what makes the best American souvenirs. Feel free to use this as your shopping reference!

🇺🇸 US Travel Guide

★ SIM Cards: US/CA/MX SIM Card Delivery｜US eSIM
★ Guides: Las Vegas｜San Francisco｜New York
★ Transport: Car Rental｜Sightseeing Bus

🇺🇸 Target Must-Buy List

★ Chick-fil-A Sauce

Chick-fil-A is a wildly popular American fast-food chain famous for its fried chicken sandwiches. It's one of the largest chicken sandwich chains in the country! If you like a little heat, we highly recommend the Spicy Chicken Sandwich. If you prefer mild, the Original Chicken Sandwich is absolutely solid. Pair it with a cup of their sweet and tart Lemonade—highly recommended!

Their classic, signature Chick-fil-A Sauce is incredibly unique. It's a dreamy blend of honey mustard, barbecue sauce, and mayonnaise, offering a sweet flavor with a hint of smokiness. You can dip practically anything in it—chicken nuggets, fries, spread it on toast, or slather it in sandwiches. It is so versatile! At Target, a large 473ml bottle is originally priced at just $3.69 USD, which is unbelievably cheap! When on sale, you can snag two bottles for $7. It makes for a perfect gift or a tasty addition to your own pantry!

★ Blue Bottle Coffee

Blue Bottle Coffee has been incredibly popular in recent years, but did you know it actually started as a specialty coffee brand in Oakland, California? On the Target website, you can find five different Blue Bottle whole bean coffee options: Espresso, Bright (light roast), Balanced (medium roast), Bold (dark roast), and Decaf.

However, at the physical store we visited, we only saw two flavors available. But guess what? A 340g bag was on sale for just $13.99 USD! Even though Target's flavor selection might not be as vast as an actual Blue Bottle cafe, this price is an absolute steal!

★ Ghirardelli Chocolate

Ghirardelli Chocolate originates from San Francisco and is one of the oldest chocolate brands in the United States. Their original location in SF (Ghirardelli Square) is a famously iconic tourist attraction. To locals, it holds the image of "premium American chocolate," carrying a status similar to "what Lindt is to Switzerland."

Buying Ghirardelli chocolate in the US is significantly cheaper than in other countries, making it one of the most representative and high-value American souvenirs you can buy! Just a heads up—if you are traveling during the summer, be mindful of the heat so your chocolates don't melt away!

📌 Recommended Reading: 【Sweet Corner of San Francisco】Nostalgic Factory, Ocean Views, and Instagrammable Desserts All at Once ★ Ghirardelli Square

★ GODIVA Chocolate Gift Boxes

Godiva is a premium Belgian chocolate brand with a luxurious boutique image. It's very well-known in Taiwan and usually comes with a hefty price tag. But at Target, you can find beautifully packaged GODIVA gift boxes for just $14.99! A similar gift box in Taiwan would easily cost over $880-1000 NTD.

If you want to buy name-brand chocolates as souvenirs, these GODIVA gift boxes are an absolute must-buy! Just one thing to note: most GODIVA sold in the US is actually made in the USA, not Belgium. Make sure your recipient won't mind the origin!

★ Brookside Chocolate Spheres

We once gifted these Canadian-made chocolate balls as souvenirs, and a relative actually messaged us privately to say they were so delicious they couldn't stop eating them! The smaller bags of these chocolates cost around $5+ CAD at Canadian supermarkets, so it's a bit cheaper than in the US. However, Cherry has personally never seen these massive 595g bags in Canada (though maybe we just stick to our few regular local supermarkets…).

If you enjoy the texture of chocolate with a soft, fruity gummy center, it's a fantastic idea to pick these up as souvenirs while you're in North America!

★ Burt's Bees

We definitely have to mention this: the beauty and cosmetic section at Target is so extensive it feels like stepping into a mini drugstore! Many brands are priced significantly lower than in Asia, and Burt's Bees is one of them. You can get a 4-pack of special flavor lip balms for just $10 USD. They have fun, magical flavors like Birthday Cake and Strawberry Cake, which make for really interesting conversation-starter gifts!

★ American-Themed Trinkets

Target also sells some fantastic American-themed trinkets that are perfect for souvenirs or gifts—you just have to dig a little! We found adorable keychains shaped like hot dogs, sweet relish, ketchup, and mustard bottles. They are incredibly American in style and absolutely adorable!

These keychains are originally $10 USD each. Considering a tiny magnet at a US souvenir shop often costs $10 USD anyway, the price for these Target keychains is actually quite reasonable. The quality of the keychains is genuinely nice and very unique, so your souvenirs definitely won't look like everyone else's! (By the way, Universal Thread is Target's exclusive lifestyle fashion brand.)

★ Wet Brush Detangling Hairbrushes

Wet Brush is famous for its "no-pull, no-snag" detangling hairbrushes. They are especially perfect for girls with long hair or hair that easily tangles, and they are incredibly popular in the hair care community! While you can now buy Wet Brush in Taiwan, it might still be a little cheaper in the US.

If you plan to buy a Wet Brush in the US, we highly recommend looking for limited editions or collaboration designs—the kind you absolutely cannot buy in Asia! (Check designs on the official website) Brushes are great to pack in your suitcase because they don't break easily, don't take up much space, and are super practical, travel-friendly gifts!

★ Home Goods & Decor

Target's in-house home goods and decor brands (like Threshold, Hearth & Hand™ with Magnolia, Opalhouse, etc.) are all about offering "affordable designer style." The dazzling array of products are highly design-forward, yet the prices are very accessible. Even with a small budget, you can easily create an Instagram-worthy vibe in your home! We highly recommend treasure hunting here if you love buying home decorations!

★ Cloud Island Baby Essentials & Clothing

If you have a toddler under two, you absolutely cannot miss Target's Cloud Island section! Cloud Island is Target's proprietary brand designed for families with babies, positioned as "design-forward × budget-friendly × safe materials" parenting gear.

The range covers everything you need: crib bedding, bath towels, clothing, toys, stroller liners, pacifier clips, and more. Just looking at the clothing designs gives you a sense of high quality, and yet the prices are only around $8 to $10 USD. If you have a soft, squishy baby at home, you will absolutely go crazy shopping here!

★ Cat & Jack Kids' Clothing

Cloud Island focuses only on baby products for those under two, but if your kids are older, Target has another amazing in-house brand: Cat & Jack! Cat & Jack is centered around clothing, but it also extends to accessories, shoes, and school supplies. They often feature various cartoon licenses (like Spider-Man, Bluey, etc.). So, if your little ones have a favorite cartoon character, definitely go check out if they have licensed apparel!

★ Toys

The first time we wandered through a US Target, we were completely blown away by the toy selection! We have never seen a store (other than a dedicated toy store) with sooo many toys! Target's LEGO pricing is sometimes notably cheaper than in other countries, so if there's a set you love, definitely check the price and grab it!

Additionally, F.A.O SCHWARZ, founded in 1862, is one of the oldest and most iconic toy stores in the US—a must-visit pilgrimage site for tourists in New York City! Target actually sells some F.A.O SCHWARZ brand toys, and the packaging is gorgeous! Cherry thinks that compared to toys you can buy in other countries, F.A.O SCHWARZ toys carry a stronger American identity. They symbolize American culture and nostalgia, making them a souvenir with true sentimental value!

📌 Recommended Reading: Step Into New York's Dreamiest Toy Kingdom! | The FAO Schwarz Flagship Store Loved by Adults and Kids｜Top 25 Family-Friendly Activities in New York

★ Clearance & Sale Items

Target's clearance section can hide pretty much anything, so absolutely do not skip it while browsing! When we visited Target this time (in late June), we just so happened to stumble upon summer toys and swimming pool accessories on a 30% off sale. As a result, we hauled home a bunch of stuff we originally hadn't planned on buying 😅! Target's regular prices are already affordable, but once you add a 30% discount, your brainwaves just get so weak to resist!

These are the top Target must-buy items Cherry has put together! Everyone has different tastes, so just use this as a reference point. We truly hope this helps you plan out your shopping itinerary!

🇺🇸 Other Travel Guides

★ USA: New York｜San Francisco｜Las Vegas｜Dallas
★ Islands: Tahiti｜Maldives｜Fiji
★ Southeast Asia: Bali｜Phu Quoc｜Koh Samui
★ Europe: Finland｜United Kingdom
★ Middle East: Doha｜Dubai｜Abu Dhabi

New York Travel Guides

★ 【New York Travel Guide】35 Must-Visit Attractions, Map, Transport, Safety & Itinerary Planner
★ 【New York】Top 25 Family-Friendly Activities | Attractions ➕ Map ➕ Guide
★ 【New York】LEGOLAND Complete Guide | How to Conquer 7 Theme Zones in One Day?
★ 【New York】Which of the 5 Major Observatories to Choose? | Map ➕ Prices ➕ Quick Comparison
★ 【New York】5 City Passes Compared | Which is the Best Deal? Money-Saving Secrets Revealed!
★ 【New York】Top 10 Must-Visit Spots in Grand Central Terminal
★ 【New York】Step into the Wizarding World 🪄 Harry Potter New York Flagship Store
★ 【New York】The Colorful M&M’s World in Times Square
★ 【New York's Best Kept Secret】The Stunning Pier 57 Rooftop
★ 【New York】Walking in the NY Sky | How to Explore the High Line?
★ 【New York】Step Into NY's Dreamiest Toy Kingdom! | FAO Schwarz Flagship Store for Kids and Adults
★ 【New York Must-See】Statue of Liberty Guide | Complete Island and Non-Island Tour Details

Las Vegas Travel Guides

★ 【Las Vegas Travel Guide】30 Must-See Attractions ★ Includes Sights, Transport, and Itinerary
★ 【Las Vegas Travel Guide】Mastering Vegas Transport ★ The Strip & Downtown ★ Monorail, Trams, & Buses Explained
★ 【Las Vegas Travel Guide】2025 Complete Edition | 20 Family Attractions ➕ Must-See Shows & Pools
★ 【Las Vegas】8 Must-See Shows in Sin City | Las Vegas Shows
★ 【Las Vegas】High-Altitude View of the World's Largest Sphere ★ Please! You Have to Ride the High Roller in Vegas
★ 【Las Vegas】Ferris Wheel + Fountains + Palm Trees ★ The LINQ Promenade ~ A Relaxing Outdoor Mall
★ 【Las Vegas】The STRAT SkyPod ★ Witness the Vast Desert and the Dazzling City Strip
★ 【Las Vegas】So Instagrammable! Immerse Yourself in the Colorful M&M's World
★ 【Las Vegas】The Charm of Red and White! The Must-Visit Coca-Cola Store
★ 【Las Vegas】Must-Snap! The Chocolate Statue of Liberty ~ Inside Hershey's Chocolate World!
★ 【Las Vegas】Family-Friendly Dinner Show ★ Tournament of Kings ★ Enjoy a Medieval Feast & Epic Jousting
★ 【Las Vegas】Flamingo Wildlife Habitat ★ A Tranquil Oasis in the Glitzy Desert City
★ 【Las Vegas】Family Attraction Pick ★ Shark Reef Aquarium
★ 【Downtown Las Vegas】Fire-Breathing Mantis + Hipster Container Park for All Ages
★ 【Downtown Las Vegas】Discovery Children's Museum ★ The Best Spot for Kids in Vegas

San Francisco Travel Guides

★ 【San Francisco Travel Guide】35 Must-See Spots ★ Map, Transport, Stay & Itinerary Planner
★ 【Free San Francisco Attraction】Time-Traveling Tracks ★ Exploring the Cable Car Museum
★ 【San Francisco Family Attraction】The US's Craziest Interactive Museum ~ Even Adults Don't Want to Leave!
★ 【San Francisco Family Attraction】"4-in-1" Supreme Value ~ A Spectacular Fantasy Journey at the California Academy of Sciences!
★ 【San Francisco Travel】Palace of Fine Arts ★ Transported to an Ancient Roman Garden in a Second
★ 【San Francisco Travel】The Colorful Painted Ladies ★ History & Modernity Intertwined in a Classic Skyline
★ 【San Francisco Travel】Over Half a Century of Fortune Cookie Legend ★ Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory
★ 【San Francisco Travel】City Lights Booksellers ★ A Bookstore Like a Literary Museum
★ 【San Francisco's Sky Guardian】Exploring the Unique Aesthetics of the Transamerica Pyramid
★ 【San Francisco Travel】Reliving Classic Arcades ★ Exploring the Nostalgic World of Musée Mécanique
★ 【Sweet Corner of San Francisco】Nostalgic Factory, Ocean Views & Instagrammable Sweets ★ Ghirardelli Square
★ 【San Francisco Travel】Locals' Secret Spot ~ The Hidden Park in the Sky
★ 【San Francisco Secret Spot】Entering the Century-Old Japanese Tea Garden ★ Like Instantly Traveling to Kyoto