When it comes to buying limited-edition Target toys — like the Target Barbie Skipper Doll or the Target Toy Shopping Cart — it’s almost always a race against the clock.
And it’s not just those two; throw in Bullseye-themed board games and Target toy cash registers, and you’ve got an out-of-stock phenomenon that only happens at Target. If you’ve been waiting to grab something like the Bullseye WubbaNub Pacifier, you know the struggle. When these toys first drop, they’re nearly impossible to find, or they vanish before you can even hit “add to cart.”
But don’t lose hope. We’ve seen this happen before with Target deals, and eventually, those super popular items come back in stock — sometimes even at a sale price. It’s all about timing and patience. Demand eventually cools off, and when it does, you’ll find longer windows to make your move. So don’t give up, and whatever you do, avoid overpaying from third-party sellers.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to maximize your chances of buying these must-have Target edition toys, from restock alerts to using DPCI numbers, and even some insider tips to get ahead of the game. Here’s how to beat the rush and make sure you don’t miss out.
For more smart shopping tips and savings hacks, text HACKS to 57299.
Limited-Time Deal: Get $20 off when you spend $100 select clothing, home, tech, and toys through Oct. 19.
This week, Target Circle members can get $20 off select clothing, home, tech, and toys when they spend $100 or more. You must apply the deal in your Target Circle app before checkout. Offer is valid online, in-app, and in store through Oct. 19.
If you're not already a Target Circle member, you can join for free and get exclusive deals like this one.
Save 5% on the Maxx Action Target Truck and Forklift.
Target recently launched their Maxx Action Target Truck and Forklift Set for $19.99. Pay with a Circle Card to save 5%.
1. Target's releasing new toys with top brands like Little People, Polly Pocket, and Funko.
Target's introducing new toys from popular brands like Little People, Polly Pocket, and Funko. Preorders for the Funko POP Target Bullseye Figure are sold out but will be released on Oct. 6.
On your next Target visit, make sure to stroll down the toy aisle and check for these toys. We've noticed that even if the app says your location is out of stock, you might still find them there. Will update here when any out-of-stock items are available again.
2. Use the Target toy coupon when available in December.
Watch for a Target toy coupon that can help you save up to $25 this December. We expect this special coupon to drop on Dec. 8 and be good through Dec. 14, 2024. Here's what we saw last year.
Spend $50, Save $10 on Select Toys
Spend $100, Save $25 on Select Toys
3. Head to Target.com NOW to buy the Target Edition Barbie Skipper while it's in stock.
The Barbie Skippers First Job Target Doll was a hot commodity when it first dropped in 2023, selling out almost instantly with each restock. But the good news is that it’s now more readily available, both online and in stores, and priced at $22.99. While it’s still a popular item, the initial frenzy has cooled down a bit, so you have a better chance of finding one without the stress of constant sellouts.
That said, it’s still wise to act sooner rather than later. Limited-edition items like this can still disappear quickly, especially as holidays or special events approach. If you’re looking to add this exclusive doll to your collection, now’s the time to do it. And don’t forget to use your Target Circle Card to save an extra 5% on your purchase!
4. Buy the Bullseye WubbaNub Pacifier online or in store.
The Bullseye WubbaNub Pacifier ($15.99 at Target) is officially in stock online.
Just like all new Target toy releases, this guy was nearly impossible to find in store or online for weeks. But as always, there's a light at the end of the tunnel. You can officially grab him on Target.com now. Don't forget to pay with your Circle Card for an extra 5% off.
5. Check the Bullseye Deals eBay store for Target toy savings.
Don't want to pay full price for a Target toy? Look for offers on the Bullseye Deals eBay page (aka Target's overstock eBay store).
While the Bullseye Deals prices aren't always lower than Target.com, they can offer savings you won't get directly from Target at the time.
Take the Target Cash Register (regularly $29.99) for example. We recently found this super popular toy for 37% off on the Bullseye Deals eBay store. Plus, there's a buy one get one 50% off deal available.
Remember to be careful with non-Target sellers on eBay, and always compare prices to Target.com. Some third-party eBay sellers can charge you up to four times the regular price for these toys.
6. Check the Target toy aisle first, but hunt around the store if you don’t see what you want.
Not everything at Target is placed exactly where it should be. That’s why you should always check beyond the most obvious places.
Look everywhere around the toy section, including the endcaps of aisles and surrounding departments. I always check the seasonal department, Bullseye’s Playground, and video games and books. Also, check the Target Toy Collectibles section in the back by the electronics. Outside of the toy aisle, that’s where you’ll find limited-edition collectibles in store.
7. Ask a Target employee about restocks and know the DPCI.
When KCL wants the inside scoop, we go straight to the source. And no one has better info than Target employees themselves.
If you’re after a specific Target edition toy, ask an employee if they have it in stock or when more will arrive. Target employees are usually more than happy to help, and a little friendliness goes a long way.
Most Target stores receive shipments every day, but their most popular toys don’t always arrive that often. Target employees can usually tell you when (and if) specific items are expected in a delivery.
To make the most of your visit, bring the toy’s DPCI number. The DPCI (Department — Class — Item) is how Target tracks inventory, and you can find it under “Specifications” on the product’s page at Target.com. Give this number to an employee, and they can look up the exact item and let you know when the next shipment is expected. This combo will give you the best chance of snagging that must-have toy.
How can I check Target store inventory myself?
As long as you have the item’s DPCI number, you can look up Target store inventory yourself using the BrickSeek website or app. You’ll need to first sign up for a free BrickSeek account before you can use the tool. Then you’ll just paste the number into the search field, enter your zip code, and then choose a sort option (I like to choose “distance”).
You’ll see where the toy is in stock at a Target near you as well as the current price.
8. If a toy is out of stock online, sign up for emails to get notified when it’s back.
When an item sells out online and Target has plans to restock it, you can sign up for emails and get alerts when it’s available again. On the product listing, toggle the “Notify me when it’s back” slider to opt in.
Once Target restocks the item, they’ll send you an email immediately—it’s go-time!
To make sure you don’t miss that crucial restock email, add Target to your contact list. This helps keep the alert out of your spam folder, which could make or break your chances of getting the toy you want. Restock emails come from orders@oe.target.com, so make sure to add that address to your contacts. If you use Gmail, you can easily add a new contact in your Google account settings. This simple step can save you from missing out on that must-have item.
KCL TIP: Make sure your Target Circle account is all set up with your payment info. This will help you check out faster and improve your chances of placing an order in time.
9. It’s rare to find sale prices on Target edition toys, but it happens.
The Target Barbie Skipper Doll is proof that your favorite Target-inspired toys go on sale — eventually.
At one point, finding the Target Barbie Skipper doll in stock was hopeless, even at regular prices. It was unavailable at almost every Target store as soon as it launched in mid-April. And it showed “out of stock” online for long stretches of time.
But in a matter of months, demand tapered off. Now the Target Barbie doll is in stock online and in stores, and she was recently on sale for 15% off.
So if you’re looking for a brand new Target edition toy to go on sale, prepare yourself for a waiting game. It may take a while for that price to drop, but it is possible. And of course, we’ll keep you updated on sale prices and availability for these toys right here.
These toys are in stock and available now:
10. If all else fails, buy Target toys from third-party sellers on Ebay or Poshmark (but beware of price gouging).
You’ll find the same items, either used or new, on marketplace sites like eBay, Poshmark, or Mercari. The catch is the price.
These third-party sellers know these items are in high demand, especially when they’re currently out of stock at Target. So they bump up the prices to take advantage of desperate shoppers — and it can cost you two to four times as much.
Take this toy with an inflated price for example:
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