25 Things You Should Always Buy At Kohl’s, & 10 Things You Never Should
If you’re anything like us, Kohl’s is a back to school landmark. The department store has so much more than underwear packs and jeans. In fact, the store has everything from air conditioners, small kitchen appliances, to dining tables and chairs. Just because a place offers something doesn’t mean you should buy it from there, though. Kohl’s has a ton of stuff, most of it good, and we’re here to tell you what to buy from the house-goods and clothing giant.
Despite closing some mall locations, it looks like Kohl’s will be there far into our futures. They reported positive first quarter earnings earlier this year and will probably see a bump with holiday shopping later in the year. Therefore, feel free to take advantage of Kohl’s shipping and return policies. The box store will be there to meet your consumer needs. We said we’d tell you what to buy from Kohl’s, which first broke into the department store race in the 1960’s, but we’ll tell you what to avoid spending your money on at the store, too. Read below to see our recommendations and rather-nots. Then, tell us in the comments what you swear by from the store and what you’d never pick up from there.
Your Disney Gear
Kohl’s has some great grabs for fans of the mega-studio. Also, they’re priced right. Currently, the normally $20 tees are on sale for $7.00. That means if you have a kiddo who’s into Minnie, Lilo and Stitch, or The Descendants, it’s a sale you don’t want to miss. If you’re planning a Disney vacation and are looking to stockpile those family matching sets (we won’t judge you), Kohl’s has those, too. Again, they’re mostly on sale for under $10 a piece right now, so get shopping! You know that the deals in Orlando or Anaheim won’t come close to those prices.
The J.Lo brand
Kohl’s is a retailer of Jennifer Lopez’s J.Lo brand of clothes. They’re considered luxury pieces, and they’re made of quality fabrics. The line consists of just about everything you could want. The work wear pieces are staples, there’re intimates, and both swimwear and sunglasses. I totally think sunglasses when I think of Jenny from the block. the brand describes itself this way, “The Jennifer Lopez collection combines effortless sophistication with unforgettable style. Channel Old Hollywood with show-stopping silhouettes and fashion-forward detailing. With striking embellishments, the Jennifer Lopez collection offers an elegant line of quality apparel and accessories for women.”
Fitbit
Kohl’s carries this line of fitness trackers, including one made specially for children. They retail Fitbit’s most recent release, the Versa 2 with built in Alexa. For less than $70, Kohl’s offers the slimmer Fitbit Inspire. Other retailers include Target and Best Buy, but the prices are the same. They also have all the smartwatch accessories for sale, so if you need a new watchband, a convertible clip, or one of the charms they call “enhancers” Kohl’s is the go-to place. Fitbit tracks not only steps taken and activity, but with the app it allows you to track your sleep cycle, caloric intake, and weight fluctuation.
Air Sanitizer
Basements sometimes smell like…you know, dampness. Worse, if that’s where you keep pets, it can get a wet dog funk. Thankfully, Kohl’s has an affordable solution to that. It retails the GermGuardian Elite plug-in air sanitizer and deodorizer. The machine is under $50, and, “reduces 98% of airborne bacteria. It also destroys odors and allergens like dust mites and mold spores, all by using UV-C light. ” There’s a table top design as well, but it’ll set you back close to $100. Hospitals have been using this tech to better sterilize their rooms and tools for some time. Now, the machines are available for use at home.
Small Space Air Cooler
Like the GermGuardian, Kohl’s sells another small space machine that means big comfort. It’s the Arctic Air Air Cooler. This little box allows you to keep a space up to 45 sq. feet cool no matter what the thermometer’s set at. The company says the design is “eco-friendly” which is huge. After all, Greener Ideal says that, “due to demand in warmer regions, it is possible that world consumption of energy for cooling could explode tenfold by 2050, giving climate change an unwelcome dose of extra momentum.” A reviewer left these thoughts on the product, “This cooler is extremely light and compact. Can be used anywhere. It definitely gets the job done for as little as it is, it does give out decent air. Best used for small spaces, it won’t cool the whole house. You can just fill with water and lightly soak filter and plug in, or can also lightly soak filter and put in freezer for a couple of hours for even cooler air.”
This pretty garden stool
The metal seat with decorative cutouts is priced nicely at $39.99. It’s on sale, if you’re second guessing that number. This would be great on a large deck but perfect for a small outdoor space as well. It’s marketed as an indoor/outdoor piece of furniture, so if you live in a place where it gets snowy you can bring the stool inside. It comes in two colors, and reviewer GingerLeeK says “Good style. Good size. Good value. Looks nice next to outdoor chairs.” We like that it can double as a side table. Another reviewer posted a picture of using the stool just that way, and included her adorable dog next to it. Puppy pictures? Thumbs up all around.
Fire Pits
We know, this sounds like something you get from a home improvement store. However, the Kohl’s website has a pretty impressive list of fire pits for sale. This one, which we adore, is just under $700. There are more affordable options including a convertible one that serves as both a fire pit and a table. The department store sells covers for the fire pits, too. Purchasing that accessory will help keep fire pits from rusting in the elements. There are gas as well as open burning options. The good news is, with the purchase of these more expensive items, warranties are sometimes offered.
Food Storage
Pyrex is pretty much indestructible. We love that, especially in houses with children. These 12 pieces are freezer, oven, microwave, and dishwasher safe. Like the fire pits, it comes with a limited warranty. Pyrex, as well, is an American tradition. Think of this from the Corning Museum of Glass, “just as the Great Depression was drawing to a close, World War II was beginning. The economy had little time to rebound, and the Pyrex philosophy of ”Bake, serve, and store all in the same dish” became even more a necessity. American consumers had to keep their purse strings tight, only buying the most efficient products. In addition to its popular dishes, Corning Glass Works produced many products to support the war effort, like Pyrex glass irons and wooden instead of metal handles.”
Monogrammed glassware
Kohl’s carries the brand Cathy’s Concepts. It’s made up of upscale glassware including tumblers, carafes, and wine glasses. These make great wedding gifts as well as updates to entertaining sets. Do people still “entertain” anymore? Who can find the time? Anyway, if you do play host to friends and family often, these pieces make for beautiful table settings. We imagine placing this on a beside table could make you feel as though you were spending the night in an upscale hotel (unless there’s laundry, clean or otherwise, all over the floor. Guilty party speaking). The piece above is currently on sale for $34.99.
An electric knife sharpener
If you’re constantly looking for knives sharp enough to slice meat or veggies, here’s a solution. It can help save your cutlery from the garbage and your pocket book from having to buy more. A reviewer called SHOP4FUN says, “I purchased this as a gift for my parents. They had a smaller, older version of this product and it finally gave out. They love this new one and it’s many options. It works great! My only comment is to make sure buyers know how large it is. For us, it’s perfect. It’s big because it accommodates many different types of blades.” All of the machines will cost you about $50.
Baby Blankets
While it may seem like Walmart or Target are more thrifty options, that’s not always the case. Kohl’s carries brands Trend Lab and Just Born, both of which are of pretty good quality. The blankets in the pictures above come in a four pack for $13.20. That price is similar for the plush blankets of the same brand. Like all of the other products for sale at Kohl’s, the blankets ship for free in any order over $75. Kohl’s carries an adorable coordinating set with a Doctor Seuss “Oh the places you will go” theme. Another Doctor Seuss option is the “A,B,C” crib linens set.
Baby Snack Accessories
Babies are messy. Cute, yes, but they’re little mess machines. After all, you can’t really expect more. They’re still learning to use their hands, to stand, to vocalize their specific wants and needs. Kohl’s has some of the things that make feeding time easier. Here’s one- the Boon Snack Ball. Also, they have bib packs, flip-top and sippy cups, as well as folding booster seats. Those booster seats are awful handy, and from Kohl’s they’re awful affordable, too. They’re priced right around $20 currently. If you haven’t yet and have littles in the house, check out the Boon line at Kohl’s. Whether it’s covered cups or the handheld, on the go spheres, it makes snack time easier.
Nursing Supplies
Before you experience nursing first hand, you think it’s a kind of no-nonsense, straightforward method of feeding. Whip out boob. Let baby latch. Feed. Put boob away. Wrong! So wrong! What if you’re feeding in public and want to cover? Wait, what if you go back to work and need to expel milk at work? What if you need to pump hands-free so that you can do the other thousand things waiting for your attention? Well, here’s where Kohl’s comes in. You can buy everything from pumps, pump replacement parts, nursing covers, and nursing positioners. If you want to pump on the road they have that even covered with 9-volt vehicle adapters.
Robes
Kohl’s actually has a pretty good selection of bridal lingerie and sleepwear. Also, their collection of robes is great. Whether you like silky short things or long, plushy robes they’ve got you covered. They’re price points vary widely, too, meaning there’s something for every budget. On the higher end, you can buy a Turkish Cotton Personalized Waffle Terry Bathrobe for $74.99. On the lower end, there’s Apt. 9’s beautiful Floral Print Wrapper for just over $20. One reviewer said about a Sonoma brand Kohl’s carried robe, “I needed a dependable robe to replace the one I that I had since moving away to college over 25 years ago. So far this robe has done it’s job. It is absorbent for after showers, which is what I needed. It’s one size fist most, I’m 5’2″ and it’s pretty big as you can tell from my picture, but I rolled the sleeves up and it is working out just fine.”
Earth Therapeutics
The bath brand is super affordable at Kohl’s. They sell a $4 back brush, a foot balm that’s just 50 cents more, and aloe socks for $6. The Kohl’s website says about the brand, “Elevate your day-to-day life with Earth Therapeutics from Kohl’s! Our wide variety of Earth Therapeutics Products provides everything you need to enhance your well-being. Find all the Earth Therapeutics options you’re looking for at Kohl’s!” If you’re looking for a little pampering try the brand’s Eye Care Gift Set or the Collagen Mask. Their entire pedicure kit, a seven piece set, will only set you back $12.50.
Pedicure Accessories
We’ve already talked about Earth Therapeutics’ set, but there is more. Kohl’s offers smoothing stones, fluffy pedicure sandals, and polish of every color of the rainbow. We specifically like Spa Sciences’ VIVA Micro-Pedicure Tool. It’s an electric buffer that promises softer, smoother feeling feet. The Kohl’s site says that the tool is podiatrist recommended. Reviewers seem to love the VIVA. One says, “I purchased the Viva. My heels get cracked because I love sandals and going barefoot. I have tried other products but they only worked so so…have pedicures that I pay extra to exfoliate the dry skin on my heels that only lasted a short amount of time. I find that the Viva is able to get off all the dry skin and leaves my heels soft and smooth after I apply cream to my feet. My heels have never looked so great.”
Flats, Now!
Kohl’s is having an amazing flats sale to kick off the fall season. Pricier options are now on sale for $14.99. We love what the SO brand calls “Seadragon” flats. They also have classic ballet flats and pointed toe varieties. This is one type of shoe that our ancestors would instantly recognize. These kind of flats have been worn by both men and women as early as the 16th century. They went out of style for a while, after court fashions became more elaborate. Cobblers added height, particularly for formal occasions. However, Audrey Hepburn is credited with the revitalizing of the ballet shoe. She wore a pair in the film Funny Face.
Playtex Bras
There’s also a sale right now on Playtex full support bras. They’re priced at $17.99. They regularly retail at $36.00. There really is something for just about everyone. Colors range from saturated pinks and blues to expected white and nudes. Sizes range from 32B to 46H (holy moly, boobs come in size H? How do you move those around without a back brace?). Playtex says their bras, “provide outstanding support and a flattering, comfortable fit. Choose Playtex 18 Hour Bras for all-day support and bestselling wirefree styles. Playtex Love My Curves and Playtex Secrets bras are designed to fit your curves, with contemporary styles that celebrate your confidence and individuality. Playtex nursing bras are designed to change with your shape and keep you cool and comfortable.”
Google Nest
The smart thermostat is available at Kohl’s. It’s a huge energy and headache saver, since the Nest app means you can change the temperature at home from anywhere with just a swipe. Did you forget to turn up the air conditioner before leaving for vacation? Go ahead and do it from wherever you are. It’s easier than sending a text. The unit is $169.99 and comes with a one year warranty. A happy reviewer said, “The thermostat and app work well together. The device, like other Nest devices was easy to install. and it was supplied with a face plate that can be used optionally to cover any marks or holes left by a previous thermostat, a very nice touch. The packaged instructions were clear and concise and tech support was responsive and very helpful and the wait for phone assistance was very short.”
Your Pillows
Kohl’s carries brands like Serta and The Big One. The prices range from $3.99 to the high $60s. What does a nearly $70 pillow get you. Well, we’ll tell you. The Sealy Perfect Chill Cool Memory Foam Pillow offers-
- 16” x 24”
- Perfect Chill Cooling Technology covers both sides of the pillow boosting airflow, lifting away body heat
- Memory foam contours to body shape
- Great support for head, neck & shoulders
- Cover zips for easy care
While the price sounds excessive, keep in mind the pillow usually costs twice as much. The seller warns that, if you have the pillow shipped, it can take up to two days to regain it’s normal shape.
Some Seriously Adorable Halloween Stuff
From pumpkin table cloths to ghostly photo holders, Kohl’s has a ton of great decor for the spooky season. This unicorn clothing set is available for $12.99, and we don’t even care that kids can really only wear it for two months. They have a men’s shirt with skeleton stormtroopers we dig, too. Know what’s better than Halloween stuff? Halloween stuff that incorporates nerd stuff. They do shelve some costumes. There’s a plushy baby unicorn getup as well as one that lets you dress your baby as a pineapple. What’s great about these department store costumes? They’re machine washable. Because nobody dry cleans their kids’ Halloween costumes. Who’s got time for that?
Some Skullcandy
Skullcandy is a brand of earphones that offers both the in-your-ear-hole variety as well as the huge, cover-the-whole-ear type. The first sell for around $10 at Kohl’s, and the latter ranges from $50-$100. The brand offers products in tons of colors, if you’re particular about that type of thing. The brand describes their Riff piece this way- “Experience 12 hours of battery life and rapid charge technology from light-weight headphones with a virtually indestructible headband. Riff Wireless even folds up when you’re packing it on the go. It’s everything you need, and nothing you don’t.”
Simulated Pearls
Kohl’s sells some great simulated pearls, both as individual pieces as well as sets. The website describes its pearl jewelry as “classic.” After all, don’t pearls make you think of your grandparents heydays? This type of accessory goes back into antiquity. Bellatory says, “Early Chinese civilization considered black pearls a symbol of wisdom and believed they were formed within a dragon’s head. Once full-grown, the pearls were carried between the dragon’s teeth. According to this myth, one had to slay the dragon to gather the pearls. The ancient Japanese believed that pearls were created from the tears of mythical creatures, such as mermaids, nymphs, and angels.”
Jump Toys
Need something active for your little ones to do in the house? Look no further than Kohl’s for some indoor jump toys. They have a trampoline with a rail, as well as this adorable octopus jumper. Both toys retail for just under $50, which is a pretty solid deal. Bestway makes the bouncer and sells similar products at Kohl’s. One is an inflatable play center for your tot. Another option is the Bestway ball pit. At affordable prices, these unique toys give kids a non-electronic option for rainy or snowy days. The inflatable pieces include a repair patch with the packaging, because…kids.
TV Stands
In their furniture section, Kohl’s carries several options for media cabinets and television stands. Their brands include Atlantic Oskar, HomeVance, Linon, and Tvilum. Mostly, their pieces reflect classic and Swedish styles. Chambers Interiors defines this as, “Among interior designers, Swedish style is known for its soothing colors, painted wood furniture, and lack of clutter. This style became more popular in the US during the 1950s, because it shared traits with midcentury modern design. Today, Swedish design style still has plenty of fans. Younger homeowners are often attracted to the style’s marriage of “shabby chic” and traditional elegance.”
Not…Makeup Palettes
Kohl’s just isn’t the place to get your eye shadows and contour plates. Why? They’re too expensive and don’t have the range of shades other places offer. Their LORAC palettes can cost as much as $59.00. Ulta and other specialty stores offer similar makeup brands for less and with more variety. If you’re looking for anything that doesn’t fall in the ‘neutral’ family, you’re better off going elsewhere or shopping online. We found the same palettes on sale for considerably less at Nordstrom Rack. Unless there’s a sale, we say get your eye shadow from another retailer or the LORAC site itself.
Not…gloves
Kohl’s gloves are way, way too expensive. Their men’s InteliTouch gloves are currently on sale. The reduced price is $48.75, lowered from the normal $65.00. Their women’s Muk Luks 3 in 1 gloves go for $40.00. While they do have other offerings for around $20.00, there’s nothing so special about them that you couldn’t get a similar set at a discount store or online. Maybe their specialty gloves, those for activities like golf or cycling, are a better deal. Shop somewhere else for your winter wear needs, though. Think of Burlington or Ross where you can get recognizable brands at decent quality for much less.
Not…Manicure Sets
One, who still carries around leather manicure sets? It seems like something out of a movie…a movie about the 1940’s before nail salons dotted every American corner. Two, if you do participate in this vintage tradition, a Kohl’s set will cost you as much as The Bey Berk set that retails at $158.00. Another brand they carry, the Royce Leather Travel Kit, will set you back $80.00. That’s far too much for a personal nail trimmer and cuticle pusher. Go to a discount store or even a Five Below if you need some personal care items to pack for your next trip.
Not…Tire Gauges and other Auto accessories
Do you need to have a tire pressure gauge that’s monogrammed with your initials? No? Of course you don’t! However, if you are in the market for one Kohl’s has your back, all for the price of $50. They also have a portable air compressor kit, which isn’t hitting it big with reviewers. A commenter who calls herself ‘Auntie’ said about the compressor, “The one I bought for Christmas present was broke, returned and ordered another. Again was broken. Very cheap made.” Their floor mats, pieces that would cost you under $20 for a full set at discount stores, retail at the department store for around $70.
>Not…rugs
Kohl’s has a lot of awesome home stuff. We’ve already talked about their seasonal decor, which is a hit during Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Their small kitchen appliances are also pretty high on the bang for you buck checklist. However, their selection of rugs tends to be limited and high priced. Take, for example, the Nourison rug pictured above. It’s a wool blend item meant to be walked on that will set you back around $1,500. Their StyleHaven brand can run as high as $2,444.99. When there’s places like Wayfair, with nearly unlimited options and sizes, buying a rug from Kohl’s just doesn’t make sense.
Not…dance shoes
DanceFacts says that, “The dance has always been with us, even before the arrival of written language and modern history, when our earliest cultures evolved utilizing oral and performance methods to pass the stories from one generation to the next. Many historians believe that social, celebratory and ritual dances are one of the essential factors of the development of early human civilizations.” If you’re shopping for dance shoes though, it’s a better bet to get them from a dance store or online. Kohl’s carries only the Leo and Jacques Moret brands.
Not…whatever this is
They call this a wine barrel gift card holder. Apparently, it must be very useful or decidedly fancy since it’s priced at $419.99. The website says about this product, “Add the final touch to your wedding or special event decor with this Cathy’s Concepts wine barrel gift card holder.” We found the same thing (whatever it is), made by the same brand, on sale at Target for one fourth the cost. Why the Kohl’s product is so much more eludes us. In addition, plenty of Etsy sellers make these things with the added advantage that buying from that source puts money directly into an artisan’s pocket.
Not…recliners
We didn’t know Kohl’s sold recliners. They do, but we think that going to an actual furniture store might be a better decision if you’re in the market for one of these family room staples. Fatherly says about this distinctly dad-ish seat, “You have Captain Kirk’s Enterprise seat, and its authoritarian swivel. Then there’s Pee Wee Herman’s Chairy, which, well, talks. And who can forget the Iron Throne, constructed from the swords of surrendered enemies. There’s no shortage of iconic recliner chairs. But the greatest throne isn’t found in a spaceship or beneath the butt of an aging Starfleet officer (or a Cerci Lannister). Rather, it’s parked humbly in front of a paycheck’s worth of flat-screen pixels or sequestered in a cozy den: the always-comfy recliner chair.”
Not…air mattresses
Kohl’s sells air mattresses, but their prices are pretty high for, well, air. They sell the Coleman brand, a household name for anyone who does a lot of camping. Paying $150 for a thick, zero lumbar support balloon seems silly, even if it is Coleman. Target sells air mattresses, as does Walmart and Farm and Fleet. Sleepadvisor warns that, “An inflatable mattress is not known for the support it provides. While it might be okay to sleep on once in a while, long-term use could lead to back pain and stiffness. Without adequate support, your spine will be out of alignment, and so you won’t have a restorative sleep.”
Not…ironing boards
Ironing boards typically aren’t very expensive. After all, they’re typically hidden away in closets or basements. Simply, they’re not meant to be decorative or conversation pieces. However, Kohl’s offers some pretty high end ironing boards. Their Leifheit airboards (airboards…like, could you use it as a hover board? c’mon…) retail for nearly $160 to just under $200. They also have a wall mounted ironing board stocked. It’ll only put you back $454.99. If you couldn’t read it between the lines, there was a serious eye roll there. Keep this in mind, Kohl’s ironing board covers cost more than the whole shebang at discount stores.
