Whether you're on a mission to pick up paper products staples, school supplies, groceries, or a fall wardrobe for your kiddo, chances are that you've walked into Target with delusions of having a focused, efficient, not to mention budget-friendly shopping trip. The reality likely ends up being the complete opposite. And we all know this! In fact, late last week, blogger Amy Weatherly shared a tongue-in-cheek post about "staying inside your budget at Target," and it's so very real.
Weatherly's four steps to staying inside your budget? "1. Make a list of exactly what you need. 2. Go to Target. 3. Rip up the list. 4. Go home because it’s just not gonna happen. You know it. I know it. The people of Target are laughing at us all behind
She went on to explain the highlights of the issue, which include "a cute pair of baby shoes," a toy that your son sneaks into the cart, "a cute sweatshirt that just happens to be your favorite team’s colors," and the matching sweatpants, "obviously."
"One child will start whining and you will open a box of cookies right there in the store and watch them shove them in their face just to keep them happy, and most importantly, quiet," she writes. "Then the other child will complain that they want a box of cookies. Then you will realize you want a box of cookies, and kids like the most disgusting things, so you’ll pick out your own and hide them in the very back of your closet when you get home so you aren’t forced to share."
Obviously, the next thing that will happen is finding decorations in the dollar section "that don’t actually cost a dollar and add up to $973,683 before you even know it." Of course "certain people will get thirsty and need a ridiculous cup of Starbucks, mostly because it’s right there in your face and I don’t even know if they give you another option."
Cruising by the jewelry section, "you will find a little necklace for your friend going through a hard time, so obviously, you will need a card that costs $7.99 to go with it, which I’m so sorry, makes no sense whatsoever and makes me furiously mad, but whatevs." And that's why Weatherly says "frickin' Hallmark … can afford to make 979 Christmas movies starring the entire cast of Full House."
She goes onto observe that, "You will buy Biore strips and bath bombs and face masks because you can’t afford an actual spa day, because you know … you just spent all your money at Target." And then, concludes, "So seriously, rip up the list. Go home. It’s safe there. Plus, you won’t run into anyone you know looking like a wet rat after walking around in the rain all afternoon. But look at those baby shoes. I mean, y’all .. .that’s just plain cute. I don’t care who you are."
Yep! We've all been there!
Commenters on Weatherly's post share their own similar experiences.
Others chimed in by shaking their head and laughing in agreement and noting that sometimes the best strategy for saving is avoidance!
Of course that isn't an option for everyone -- especially those whose spouses work at Target!
Oof! Seems like we're all on the same page about the Target experience. It's one we all can't help but love and hate!
