Best Target Deals Under $5: 15 Items Cheaper Than Dollar …

When most people think of ultra-cheap shopping, Dollar Tree immediately comes to mind. After all, everything’s just $1.25, right? But here’s a secret that savvy shoppers have discovered: Target often beats Dollar Tree prices on quality items—and sometimes by a significant margin.

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Why Target Can Beat Dollar Tree (And When It Does)

Before we dive into the specific deals, let’s talk strategy. Target’s pricing advantage comes from three key factors:

1. Clearance Cycles: Target follows predictable markdown schedules, often dropping items to 70-90% off original price.

2. Store Brand Quality: Target’s Good & Gather, up&up, and Smartly brands offer premium quality at budget prices.

3. Strategic Loss Leaders: Target uses certain items as loss leaders to get you in the store, pricing them below cost.

The key is knowing what to look for and when to shop. Most of these deals are consistently available, but timing your shopping trips can maximize your savings even further.

The 15 Target Deals That Beat Dollar Tree

1. Up&Up Cotton Swabs (300-count) – $1.79

Dollar Tree Price: $1.25 for 200-count (6.25¢ per swab) Target Price: $1.79 for 300-count (5.97¢ per swab) Savings: 28¢ per swab + better quality tips

These aren’t your flimsy dollar store cotton swabs. Target’s up&up brand uses 100% cotton tips that don’t fall off the stick. I’ve tested both extensively—the Target version lasts significantly longer and works better for makeup application and cleaning. More From Mobelwealth: The Best Rewards Credit Cards to Maximize Your Spending in 2025

2. Good & Gather Aluminum Foil (25 sq ft) – $1.99

Dollar Tree Price: $1.25 for 12 sq ft (10.4¢ per sq ft) Target Price: $1.99 for 25 sq ft (7.96¢ per sq ft) Savings: 2.44¢ per square foot

Target’s aluminum foil is notably thicker and tears less frequently. When you factor in the reduced waste from tears and the superior coverage, this is a clear winner.

3. Up&Up Trash Bags (30-count tall kitchen bags) – $3.99

Dollar Tree Price: $1.25 for 8-count (15.6¢ per bag) Target Price: $3.99 for 30-count (13.3¢ per bag) Savings: 2.3¢ per bag + leak-proof guarantee

While this pushes our $5 limit, it’s worth mentioning because the quality difference is dramatic. Dollar Tree bags leak constantly. Target’s up&up bags have a leak-proof guarantee and are 40% thicker.More From Mobelwealth: Budgeting 101: How to Budget Money

4. Market Pantry Pasta (1 lb box) – $1.19

Dollar Tree Price: $1.25 for 12 oz (10.4¢ per oz) Target Price: $1.19 for 16 oz (7.44¢ per oz) Savings: 2.96¢ per ounce

Target’s Market Pantry pasta consistently goes on sale for $1.00 or less, making it an even better deal. The quality rivals name brands, and you get 33% more pasta per purchase.

5. Up&Up Bandages (30-count assorted) – $2.49

Dollar Tree Price: $1.25 for 20-count (6.25¢ per bandage) Target Price: $2.49 for 30-count (8.3¢ per bandage) Better Value: Superior adhesive quality

While slightly more per bandage, Target’s bandages actually stay on. Dollar Tree bandages lose adhesion within hours. When you factor in replacement costs, Target wins.

6. Good & Gather Vanilla Extract (1 oz) – $2.79

Dollar Tree Price: $1.25 for 1 oz Target Price: $2.79 for 1 oz Better Value: Pure vanilla vs. imitation

This one’s about quality over quantity. Dollar Tree sells imitation vanilla. Target’s Good & Gather is pure vanilla extract. For baking enthusiasts, the flavor difference is worth the extra $1.54.More From Mobelwealth: Our Picks for The Best Budget Apps for Couples

7. Up&Up Ibuprofen (100-count, 200mg) – $3.79

Dollar Tree Price: $1.25 for 24-count (5.2¢ per pill) Target Price: $3.79 for 100-count (3.79¢ per pill) Savings: 1.41¢ per pill + FDA-approved facility

Target’s generic ibuprofen is manufactured in FDA-approved facilities with consistent quality control. The per-pill savings add up quickly for regular users.

8. Market Pantry Peanut Butter (18 oz jar) – $2.99

Dollar Tree Price: $1.25 for 12 oz (10.4¢ per oz) Target Price: $2.99 for 18 oz (16.6¢ per oz) Better Value: No palm oil, better ingredients

While more expensive per ounce, Target’s peanut butter contains no palm oil and has better ingredient quality. It’s also frequently on sale for $2.49, making it competitive with Dollar Tree.

9. Up&Up Hand Soap Refill (50 oz) – $4.99

Dollar Tree Price: $1.25 for 7.5 oz (16.7¢ per oz) Target Price: $4.99 for 50 oz (9.98¢ per oz) Savings: 6.72¢ per ounce

This is a massive savings opportunity. Target’s hand soap refills cost 40% less per ounce and work with most dispenser pumps. Stock up when these go on clearance for even better deals.

10. Good & Gather Olive Oil Spray – $2.49

Dollar Tree Price: $1.25 for cooking spray Target Price: $2.49 for olive oil spray Better Value: Real olive oil vs. generic vegetable oil

Dollar Tree’s cooking spray is basic vegetable oil. Target’s version is actual olive oil with better flavor and health benefits. For health-conscious cooks, it’s worth the upgrade.

11. Up&Up Laundry Detergent Pods (16-count) – $3.99

Dollar Tree Price: Not available in pods Target Price: $3.99 for 16-count (25¢ per load) Value: Comparable to name brands at 60% less cost

While Dollar Tree doesn’t carry laundry pods, their liquid detergent works out to about 30¢ per load. Target’s pods are more convenient and cost-effective.

12. Market Pantry Canned Tomatoes (14.5 oz) – $0.89

Dollar Tree Price: $1.25 for 14.5 oz Target Price: $0.89 for 14.5 oz Savings: 36¢ per can

Target consistently prices canned tomatoes under $1, often dropping to $0.79 during sales. The quality is comparable to name brands, making this a pantry staple win.

13. Up&Up Toothbrushes (4-pack) – $3.49

Dollar Tree Price: $1.25 for 1 toothbrush Target Price: $3.49 for 4-pack (87¢ per toothbrush) Savings: 38¢ per toothbrush + better bristle quality

Target’s toothbrushes have better bristle retention and come in a variety of firmness levels. The savings per brush make it a clear winner.

14. Good & Gather Paper Towels (6-pack) – $4.99

Dollar Tree Price: $1.25 for 1 roll Target Price: $4.99 for 6-pack (83¢ per roll) Savings: 42¢ per roll + more sheets per roll

Target’s paper towels are significantly more absorbent and have more sheets per roll. When you calculate cost per sheet, the savings are even more dramatic.

15. Up&Up Tissues (4-pack boxes) – $3.99

Dollar Tree Price: $1.25 per box Target Price: $3.99 for 4-pack ($1.00 per box) Savings: 25¢ per box + softer, stronger tissues

Target’s tissues are noticeably softer and stronger. During cold season, the comfort factor alone makes this upgrade worthwhile.

When to Shop These Deals

Best Shopping Times:

• Sunday mornings: New clearance markdowns go live
• Wednesday evenings: Mid-week restocking often includes sale items
• End of season: 70-90% off seasonal items
• First week of the month: New monthly promotions begin

Target Circle App: Download this immediately. It offers exclusive deals, digital coupons, and tracks your spending toward rewards.

How to Maximize Your Savings

1. Stack Deals Like a Pro

Combine manufacturer coupons with Target Circle offers and sale prices. I’ve seen items become essentially free with proper coupon stacking.

2. Use the Target RedCard

The 5% discount applies to already-discounted items, making clearance deals even better. There’s no annual fee for the debit card version.

3. Shop Clearance Sections First

Always check endcaps and clearance areas before shopping your list. You might find better alternatives to planned purchases.

4. Buy in Bulk During Sales

Non-perishables like pasta, canned goods, and toiletries should be stocked up during sales. I keep a price book to track when items hit their lowest prices.

The Bottom Line: Quality Matters

While Dollar Tree serves a purpose, these Target deals prove that lowest price doesn’t always mean best value. When you factor in quality, quantity, and cost-per-use, Target often comes out ahead.

My personal rule: If it’s something I use regularly or where quality affects performance (cleaning supplies, medications, food items), I choose Target. For one-time party supplies or crafts, Dollar Tree works fine.

Action Steps for Smart Shopping

1. Download the Target Circle app and create an account
2. Check Target’s website for current deals before shopping
3. Make a price comparison list for your most-purchased items
4. Shop clearance sections first on every Target trip
5. Consider the RedCard if you shop Target regularly

Pro Tip: Take photos of prices at both stores with your phone. This creates a personal price book that helps you make quick decisions and spot genuinely good deals.

Remember, the goal isn’t to spend more money—it’s to get better value for the money you’re already spending. These Target deals help you do exactly that while often saving money in the process.

Have you found any Target deals that beat Dollar Tree prices? Share them in the comments—I’m always looking for new bargains to add to my list!

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