Toddler Who Loves Greeting Target Shoppers Joins Team for a Day— and Gets His Own Special Surprise (Exclusive)

After going viral for his sweet Target shopping adventures, Azai's local store treated him to a special day

Honorary Target Team Member Azai helps with inventory control at Target on April 26, 2024 in Huntersville, North Carolina.
Azai with a walkie talkie (left)m Azai chatting with Target team members. Photo:

Grant Halverson/Getty Images for Target

Little Azai had the time of his life getting to join the Target team.

After mom Mia Arianna, known as @mia.ariannaa on TikTok, shared videos of her toddler's love of greeting people at Target, the brand reached out to give Azai a truly unforgettable in-store experience.

On Friday, April 26, the mother and son duo were invited to Target's Huntersville store, where Azai spent the morning as an honorary team member, with photos from the special day shared with PEOPLE exclusively.

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Azai 1 becomes honorary Target Team Member at Target on April 26, 2024 in Huntersville, North Carolina.
Azai adorably prepares to greet Target guests.

Grant Halverson/Getty Images for Target

Azai, who went viral for greeting shoppers on his visits, was sure to get plenty of time to help the team say hi to guests throughout the store.

The 1-year-old toddler also joined the team for their morning team huddle, listening and adorably chiming into the team's plans for the day.

With the help of one Target team member, Azai tackled a very important task — checking the inventory in the toy department.

Honorary Target Team Member Azai helps with inventory control at Target on April 26, 2024 in Huntersville, North Carolina.
Azai examining inventory in the toy department.

Grant Halverson/Getty Images for Target

The fun day wasn't the only surprise in store for Azai. The Huntersville Target store team surprised Azai with a $500 Target gift card shopping spree.

Additionally, the store made a $10,000 donation to Charlotte-based Classroom Central — an organization that distributes free school supplies to thousands of teachers annually — in Azai's name.

Azai 1 becomes honorary Target Team Member at Target on April 26, 2024 in Huntersville, North Carolina.
Target team members surprise Azai.

Grant Halverson/Getty Images for Target

Speaking with PEOPLE earlier this month about Azai, mom Mia said her little boy has always been a social butterfly.

"Azai started showing signs of being super social when he was about 6 months old. He would just crawl around saying hi to everyone," she told PEOPLE at the time. "He also would let anybody pick him up. He’s never been afraid of strangers."

Mia also explained that with a Target up the block from the family's home, they've had plenty of opportunities for Azai to spread his cheer.

Azai 1 becomes honorary Target Team Member at Target on April 26, 2024 in Huntersville, North Carolina.
Azai enjoying his day at Target.

Grant Halverson/Getty Images for Target

Mia never imagined that the funny videos she was taking with her little boy, initially intended for just family and friends, would go viral once she shared them online.

"I was actually never big on posting my son. I posted it just for fun and once it went viral, I decided to just keep it going from there," she shared.

"Seeing his videos go viral is priceless because this is Azai every day and I’m glad the world can see how special he is. He is a ball of love."

For Mia, seeing how many people appreciate her little boy "really makes my day."

"I can tell the videos really make theirs as well," she said. "The smile, the glow, the surprise on people’s faces is heartwarming because I know that my baby is spreading love and you never know who needs it."

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