I usually just get a basket to carry if I just need a few things. But there have been times I've had it so full I could barely carry it so it doesn't always work for me.

I don't go to target unless I am shopping so I always get a cart "just in case" lol

When my children are with me (DD 3 and DS 3mo) I usually end up using neither a basket or cart b/c I have back problems and have trouble getting DS car seat in a cart. I end up putting him in his Graco frame-thingy (stroller) that has a basket. And that limits my shopping b/c: 1. can only fit so many items in the basket and 2. if an item is too big. can't buy it unless I really want to carry it.