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Jul 25, 2026

Dollar Tree vs. Target: Which Store Wins on Summer Party Supplies?

Written by Kristen Mae
|
Edited by Zuri Anderson
Dollar Tree vs. Target: Which Store Wins on Summer Party Supplies?

Dollar Tree and Target are both beloved retailers tailoring to different kinds of budget shoppers. When it comes to summer party essentials, which beats the other in price?

Dollar Tree takes home the overall win — but not by as wide a margin as you might expect. For budget-conscious hosts stocking up on summer party items, Dollar Tree's flat $1.25-per-item pricing makes it nearly impossible to beat on a straight cost comparison. That said, Target offers some legitimate advantages in quantity and quality that are worth knowing before you head out the door.

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To find out which store truly delivers more value, a shared cart of 10 summer party staples was price-checked at both Dollar Tree and Target on June 29, 2026. Here's how each item stacks up.

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Paper Plates

Winner: Dollar Tree

At $1.25 for 24 plates versus $3 for 20, Dollar Tree gives you more plates for less money — about 5 cents per plate compared to 15 cents at Target. Target's plates come in themed patterns and sturdier stock, which may be worth it for a more polished presentation, but for casual backyard gatherings, Dollar Tree's plates get the job done.

Napkins

Winner: Target — if you need more

Target's 30-count pack at $3 works out to 10 cents per napkin, while Dollar Tree's 20-count pack at $1.25 comes to about 6 cents per napkin. Dollar Tree wins on price per napkin, but if you need enough napkins for a crowd, Target's larger pack means fewer trips back to restock. For a party of 20 or more, Target is the smarter buy.

Cups

Winner: Dollar Tree — decisively

Dollar Tree's cups cost roughly 5 cents each while Target's decorative Spritz paper cups run 50 cents per cup. Target's cups are undeniably prettier — iridescent and themed — but you're paying five times as much for the look. For guests who just need something to hold their lemonade, Dollar Tree wins this one easily.

Balloons

Winner: Dollar Tree

Dollar Tree charges $1.25 for more balloons versus Target's $3. That's more than double the price for less. Target offers more color variety and themed packs, but for a basic colorful balloon display, Dollar Tree is the clear winner here.

Tablecloth

Winner: Target

Target's basic solid-color plastic tablecloths start at just $1, undercutting Dollar Tree on this one item. Both stores sell the same standard 54-inch-by-108-inch rectangular plastic cover. If you want a patterned or checkered design, Target's $2.50 options add flair without breaking the bank — though Dollar Tree's solid covers keep it simple at $1.25.

Streamers

Winner: Dollar Tree

Dollar Tree's single roll gives you 175 feet of streamer for $1.25. Target's eight-pack offers eight 20-foot rolls (160 feet total) for $6 — a dramatically worse deal. If you want multiple colors in one pack, Target is convenient, but for sheer length per dollar, Dollar Tree dominates.

Birthday Candles

Winner: Target — if planning ahead for many birthdays

Target's 20-count candle pack at $3 works out to 15 cents per candle. Dollar Tree's 12-count pack at $1.25 comes to about 10 cents per candle, making it cheaper per unit. But most hosts don't need 12 or more candles for a single cake — and Target's 20-count pack in classic multicolor is a reliable, well-reviewed option that justifies the slightly higher pack price if you have multiple celebrations happening.

Small Decor (Confetti, Table Scatter, Foil Signs)

  • Dollar Tree: $1.25 to $1.50 (individual foil signs, pom-pom garlands, confetti, or table scatter)

  • Target: $3 to $6 (Spritz™ Party Decorations — banners, foil backdrops, themed signs)

Winner: Dollar Tree

For accent decor — confetti, small foil signs, table scatter, pom-pom garlands — Dollar Tree's items, which range from $1.25 to $1.50, hold their own. Target's decor pieces look sharper and come in more cohesive themes, but you'll pay $3 to $6 each. If you're decorating on a tight budget, Dollar Tree's decor goes a long way. If you want a coordinated aesthetic, Target is worth the upgrade.

Dollar Tree Clears Most Categories

Dollar Tree wins this head-to-head on five of eight categories, with a full party cart totaling roughly $10 compared to roughly $26 or more at Target for comparable items. That said, Target earns its higher price on napkin quantity and candle count — and its Spritz line delivers a more polished look for hosts who want cohesive, themed tablescapes.

Budget-conscious party planners should start at Dollar Tree and supplement with a few Target statement pieces where style matters most.

Editor's note: Prices and availability are subject to change.

This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal, or tax advice. It was created with the assistance of artificial intelligence and reviewed by our editorial team for accuracy; however, AI-generated content may be inaccurate, incomplete, or outdated. You should independently verify important information through reliable sources before making any decisions based on this content.

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Written by
Kristen Mae
Edited by
Zuri Anderson