If your child is ready for a new car seat or you’ve been thinking about updating your baby gear, Target’s Car Seat Trade-In Event is the perfect opportunity. Running for a limited time, this annual event gives families a practical way to recycle used or expired car seats—and receive a valuable 20% off coupon toward a safer, newer model, or other essential baby items.
It’s more than just a good deal. Whether your little one is moving from a car seat to a booster, or you’re shopping for a more versatile travel system, Target’s trade-in event makes the transition easier and more affordable. Even better, the program helps reduce landfill waste by recycling materials from old car seats into new products.
Here, we’ll break down everything you need to know—from how to participate and what you can buy with the bonus, to signing up for Target Circle and how this program supports growing families.
Bonus: Click here for your chance to claim a Target gift card.
🎯 Quick Facts:
- Event Dates: April 27 – May 10, 2025
- Bonus Valid Through: May 24, 2025
- Bonus Offer: 20% off a new car seat, stroller, travel system, or select baby gear
- Participation Method: In-store only at most Target locations
- Accepted Items: Any type of car seat, including infant, convertible, booster, expired, or damaged
- Limit: One 20% bonus per Target Circle account (can be redeemed twice)
- Target Circle Account: Required to receive and redeem the bonus
🛒 How the Program Works
Target’s Car Seat Trade-In Event is an easy, eco-conscious way for parents and caregivers to responsibly dispose of old car seats while saving money on essential new gear. Here’s how to take part:
- Drop Off Your Seat: Bring any used car seat to a participating Target store. Most standard locations are involved, while a few small-format stores may not be.
- Find the Drop-Off Box: Look for a large, clearly labeled box near Guest Services. This is where you’ll leave your old car seat.
- Scan the QR Code: Once you’ve placed your seat in the box, use your phone to scan the QR code displayed nearby. This step links your participation to your Target Circle account.
- Get Your Bonus: After scanning the code, a 20% off coupon will be added directly to your Target Circle Wallet in the Target app. You can use it twice between April 27 and May 24, 2025.
🤑 What You Can Buy with the 20% Off
Target’s trade-in coupon applies to a wide selection of baby gear both in-store and online. Here’s what qualifies:
- Car seats and booster seats
- Car seat bases
- Travel systems
- Strollers
- Playards
- High chairs
- Swings, rockers, and bouncers
- Walkers, entertainers, and jumpers
Note that the coupon cannot be used on clearance items or items sold and shipped by Target Plus (a third-party marketplace on Target.com).
👩💻 How to Sign Up for Target Circle
To take advantage of the Car Seat Trade-In bonus, you’ll need to be a Target Circle member—but don’t worry, it’s completely free and easy to join.
Here’s how to sign up:
- Sign in with your existing Target.com account or create a new one
- Follow the steps to enroll in Target Circle—no membership fees, credit cards, or commitments required
Once you’re signed up, you’ll start receiving exclusive offers and perks, including the 20% car seat trade-in bonus. As a member, you’ll also earn rewards every time you shop, get personalized deals, and have a say in how Target gives back to local communities.
When you trade in your old car seat at a participating store, simply scan the QR code at the drop-off station to activate your bonus in your Target Circle Wallet within the Target app. Then, use the offer on your next qualifying purchase before it expires.
🧑🧑🧒 Why This Program is So Helpful for Families
Children grow fast—and their safety needs change just as quickly. Car seats, while vital for protecting young passengers, are also expensive and often short-lived as kids grow. Target’s trade-in event is an excellent opportunity to upgrade to the right size or style of car seat, especially if:
- Your child has outgrown their current seat
- The seat is expired or damaged
- You’re preparing for a new baby and need updated gear
- You’re looking to switch to a more advanced or versatile travel system
This event takes the stress out of what can be a costly transition by offering financial relief on items you genuinely need.
🌎 A Win for the Environment, Too
This program isn’t just about convenience or savings—it’s also about sustainability. Since the program started in April 2016, Target has recycled over 3 million car seats, keeping more than 49 million pounds of plastic and metal out of landfills.
The materials are repurposed by Target’s recycling partner, Waste Management, into items like:
- Pallets
- Plastic buckets
- Construction materials such as steel beams
- Carpet padding
- Select storage and home items under Target’s Brightroom brand
By recycling old car seats, families can help reduce environmental waste and support a circular economy—all while saving money.
Target’s Car Seat Trade-In Event is a family-friendly initiative that supports safety, savings, and sustainability. Whether you’re a new parent, a grandparent with growing grandkids, or someone helping a loved one gear up for the next stage of life, this event makes it easier to transition responsibly.