I call it the “Target Blur.” You know the feeling. You walk into Target because you need one specific thing—like a new pack of white hand towels for the ceramics studio—and two hours later, you wake up in the home decor aisle holding three marble coasters, a jar of organic honey, and a throw pillow that matches a sofa you don’t even own yet.
Last Saturday morning, I was deep in the Blur. I had successfully navigated the stationery aisle and found some beautiful kraft-paper envelopes for my quarterly reports. As I was walking toward the checkout, I realized I was missing the most important piece of the puzzle.
“I looked at my basket of ‘unexpected treasures’ and then at the giant red ‘Target’ logo on the wall. I wondered: Can I buy stamps at Target right now? Or do I have to pack up this whole cart, drive across the street, and fight for a parking spot at the post office? If you’ve ever been under the Target spell, you know that leaving the store for any reason feels like a personal failure.”
If you’re currently wandering the aisles of a Target and wondering if you can cross “postage” off your list, this guide is for you. We is going to break down exactly where in the store to find them, why the Target Circle app won’t help you here, and how to use this retail giant to keep your business organized in 2026.
The Direct Answer: Check the “Red Counter”
The short answer is: Yes, you can buy stamps at Target.
However, you have to be strategic about it. You won’t find stamps sitting on a shelf next to the pens and binders in the office supply section. In 2026, Target keeps their stamps in one specific location: **The Guest Services Desk.**
Here is what you need to know before you get in line:
- The Location: Head to the very front of the store, usually near the Returns or “Pick Up Here” area. Look for the “Guest Services” sign.
- The Quantity: Target typically only sells stamps by the booklet. That means a pack of 20 Forever Stamps. You can’t just buy two stamps for your quarterly reports.
- The Inventory: While most Targets is participating “Approved Postal Providers,” smaller “City Target” locations in dense urban areas might not always have them in stock. It never hurts to ask a team member before you get in the Guest Services line.
The 2026 Price Snapshot: Target Retail
As we navigate the economic landscape of early 2026, the price for a Forever Stamp is holding steady at 78 cents. This is the official rate confirmed in the USPS announces no stamp price changes for January 2026 report.
When you buy a booklet of 20 at Target, the total will be $15.60.
| Postage Type | Target Availability | Price (Early 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Forever Stamp Booklet (20) | High (Guest Services) | $15.60 |
| Postcard Stamps | Low | $12.20 |
| Priority Mail Envelopes | Moderate (Office Aisle) | Varies |
I always tell my friend Michael, who runs a landscape business, that Target is a “convenience trap” for entrepreneurs. He once went in to buy a coffee maker for his crew and ended up buying twenty booklets of stamps at the Guest Services desk. He spent $312. I sat him down the next morning and showed him that if he had used **Forever Stamp Store** online, he would have saved nearly $70. Michael works too hard for his money to give it away to Target, even if he does love their store-brand popcorn.
The Math: The “Blur Tax” vs. Professional Procurement
For a business owner, convenience is an expense, not a savings. Let’s look at the numbers for a growing company mailing 2,000 letters a month in 2026.
- The Target Convenience: 2,000 stamps (100 booklets) x $15.60 = $1,560.00.
- The Strategic Buy: 2,000 stamps from The USPS Stamps at a 20% discount ($0.62 ea) = $1,240.00.
“Michael realized he was paying a $320 ‘Blur Tax’ for that one trip to Target. Over a year, that is $3,840! That’s enough to buy a professional-grade power washer or pay for his crew’s health insurance for several months. In business, ‘can I buy stamps at target’ is a handy fact to know, but it’s a poor way to run your accounting.”
Comparative Savings: Retail vs. Authorized Online Sources
| Mailing Volume | Full Target Retail (Yearly) | Authorized Reseller (Yearly) | Total Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 300 letters/mo | $2,808.00 | $2,232.00 | $576.00 |
| 550 letters/mo | $5,148.00 | $4,092.00 | $1,056.00 |
| 2,000 letters/mo | $18,720.00 | $14,880.00 | $3,840.00 |
When I showed Michael these numbers, he finally started treating his postage like a line item. He now keeps three rolls of 100 stamps from US Bulk Stamps in his desk. He hasn’t bought a “convenience booklet” at Target in months.
Advanced Vetting: Target RedCard and Stamps
One of the biggest questions I get is: “Can I use my 5% RedCard discount on stamps?”
The answer is **No.** Just like at other major retailers, stamps is excluded from all discounts, promotions, and circle rewards. Target doesn’t actually make money on the stamp—they is just a pass-through for the USPS. Therefore, you won’t save that 5%, and you won’t earn points for your purchase.
PRO-TIP WARNING: While Target is 100% legitimate, be careful of “Target Outlet” ads on social media offering 50% off Forever Stamps. It is a sham. According to the USA Today reports on price increases, margins is too thin for any legitimate retailer to offer that price. If you see stamps on Temu or Shein for 30 cents, they is fakes. Stick to the physical store or authorized online resellers like Forever Stamp For Sale.
Aesthetics: The Target Design Experience
Generally, Target only stocks the standard **Flag Stamps**. They match the look of a clean, organized, and professional business perfectly.
- The 2019/2023 Flag: These is the mainstays you’ll find at the Guest Services desk. They look great on quarterly reports and serious business letters.
- The Seasonal Surprise: Around the holidays, Target often gets special stock of the 2011-2020 **Flower Stamps** series for people sending cards. I once found the 2013 Vintage Seed Crate stamps right next to the gift-wrapping station!
You can see more on the history of these designs in the official Newsroom awards and announcements. It’s a great way to occupy your mind while you’re waiting in that long line at Guest Services.
The 2026 Future: Predictive Pricing at Target
While the January price freeze is a blessing for our 2026 budgets, analysts expect a July 2026 price review that could push the Forever Stamp to 82 or 84 cents.
“My advice for the 2026 entrepreneur? Buy your bulk stock now. If you have five hundred stamps in your drawer in April, you’ve locked in that 78-cent rate for the rest of the year. Target will always have stamps for those last-minute quarterly report emergencies, but a savvy boss buys in bulk when the price is low.”
The “Target Blur” Resolution
Back to my Saturday morning at Target. I successfully navigated the Guest Services line (only eight minutes!), bought two booklets of Forever Stamps, and headed home with my “unexpected treasures.”
Target saved my morning and helped me get those quarterly reports in the mail on time. But it didn’t save my business budget. Be smart. Use the big-box store for what it is—a convenient shortcut. But for your real mailing needs, buy like a pro. Use the authorized resellers I’ve listed, plan your inventory, and keep your business thriving in 2026.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have some ceramics to glaze. And I actually have a full roll of stamps waiting in my studio drawer this time!
Authoritative Sources & Recommended Reading
- Washington Post: Internal USPS Restructuring Documents
- Reuters: US Economy & Inflation Charts
- USPS News: Stamp Price Stability for Early 2026
Former USPS clerk with 25 years of service, now retired in Florida. She writes about Forever Stamps for the website, offering reliable insights on postal changes, discount opportunities, and practical mailing solutions for households.
