It is almost that time of year, Target’s toy clearance event! I love shopping for deals during this event and wanted to share my tips and tricks to help you get ready for Target toy clearance event. Get ready to stock your gift closet!
This is the time where I try to score as many toy deals as I can for 50-70% off. I have shared other ways to stock your gift closet on the cheap but this is by far my favorite.
You can use these same tips and tricks at Walmart since their toy clearance normally happens during the same time of year and are very similar. I wanted to talk about Target, specifically in this post.
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What is the Target Toy Clearance Event?
The Target toy clearance event happens twice a year. Usually the first week of July and the first week of January.
In July, they are trying to get rid of toys to make space for new inventory for the upcoming holiday season. In January, they are trying to get rid of the inventory they didn’t sell over the holidays.
You can grab deals for anywhere from 30% to 70% off! At Target, the lowest toy clearance will go is 70% off. At Walmart, I have seen prices go down to 90% off before, but that will vary.
The toy clearance will usually run for about a month, so it is best to go every week if you can to find the newest markdowns.
Note: For 2020, things may be a bit different due to the pandemic. I wasn’t sure if Target would be holding the toy clearance event this year. I went to my Target on the last week of June and already saw that they had quite a bit of toys marked down to 30% off already.
I think it may just depend on where you live. I know some stores still have plenty of items in stock while others may not due to the supply chain problems. We will kind of have to play it by ear this year.
Regardless, the following tips and tricks below will help you get ready for the Target toy clearance event, no matter what year it is.
Get Ready for Target Toy Clearance Event
Make a List and Do Your Research
Sit down and actually make a list of everyone and every occasion you plan on buying for. In July, I will normally look for gifts for the upcoming holidays. My daughter’s birthday is also the first week of January so I will look for toys for that, too!
Depending on the age of your child, they may be invited to a lot of birthday parties in the next 6 months. I like to look for gender neutral things like games, crafts, and Play-Doh type of items that can make great gifts for any child. This saves us a lot of money because I don’t have to run out for each birthday party and buy a gift at full price.
Also think about nieces, nephews, and any other extended family or friends you may need gifts for.
Do a little bit of research on the must have gifts that your child may want for Christmas. Look at the reviews before hand.
Get a sense if this is something they will still want in a few months. I know that kids’ interests can change quickly.
Know the Target Toy Clearance Schedule
During the first week of the event, most items will be marked down to 30% off. I have seen some get marked down straight to 50% off, though!
The next week things will go to 50% off and then the next two weeks, most items that are left will get marked down to 70% off.
If you see something that you really want, I recommend getting it while it is 50% off, especially if there are only a couple left on the shelf.
If you really want the best choice of deals, go shopping every Thursday morning. Target usually does their toy markdowns every Thursday so you can have first dibs on what has just been marked down.
More Target Toy Clearance Tips and Tricks
Always Price Check
I always like to price check anything that is supposed to be on clearance. Look for the red price scanners (if they are working) and check to make sure the price is correct.
You may get a surprise that the price is actually lower and the employees just haven’t gotten around to changing the price sticker yet. You may want to go and grab a couple more for the gift closet!
Use Your Target Red Card
Use your Target Red Card to save an extra 5% on every Target purchase, even clearance prices. It is free to get one and you may even get some money off coupons when you sign up.
Always check the Cartwheel app as well, sometimes they may have discounts on specific toys that you can use in addition to the clearance price.
Know Where to Look
Towards the last two weeks of the clearance event, Target will start moving all of the clearance toys away from the toy aisles and into one specific aisle. This is usually in between the toy and sporting goods sections.
Sometimes they may be moved to the seasonal section or just to the end caps of the toy aisles depending on how much inventory there is . Just be sure to check all of those locations in addition to the toy aisles.
You can also shop online to find some the the toy clearance deals as well. I know this will be useful for anyone that may not feel comfortable going out to the physical stores.
I hope that these tips and tricks will help you prepare and get ready for Target toy clearance event. It really is a great time to stock up and save a lot of money.
I like taking my daughter to the January clearance event and let her spend any Christmas or birthday money she received. It’s a great way to teach her how to shop responsibly and handle her money.
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