Rarely has grocery shopping ever felt like a chore. From meal planning to letting me push the cart, helping to place groceries in bags at checkout to loading our car before we left, my parents always did a great job of including me on a weekly task that always felt like fun. To this day, I still view grocery shopping in a positive light!
I can completely understand why grocery shopping with kids might not be at the top of everyone’s list of enjoyable things to do, but I think it can be a great experience if you keep a few things in mind. Below are five tips for making grocery shopping fun for kids (and you!).
Meal Plan Together:
This may not always work, especially if you have kids with more picky palettes, but my mom always asked us what we wanted to eat for dinner that week while she was preparing her list. We would rattle off recipes we enjoyed (some were frequent repeats!), and we would see how many of us were on board. The ingredients for the winners were placed onto the list, and we could get excited about that week’s meals. We would always chat through breakfast and lunch options too.
I’ve always thought meal planning together works well because I was able to be involved in making meal choices. I also knew decisions had already been made prior to the grocery store, so I was less likely to ask to add items to the cart that had not already been talked about before shopping.
Go on a Scavenger Hunt:
Another way to make grocery shopping fun for kids is to make your shopping trip into a game. Playing I Spy is always an option, but I’ve found creating a scavenger hunt with help from Shopkick is even more engaging. Simply open your app, view the items available to be scanned at your grocery store, and try to find as many as possible while you’re walking down the aisles. It’s engaging for kids because they feel encouraged to shop through the store with you, and it offers them something fun to do while you fill your cart. Plus, you earn kicks (reward points) you can redeem for a free gift card!
Opt for Kid-Sized:
The inventor of kid-sized carts deserves an award! I remember being thrilled the first time I spotted a kid-sized cart at my grocery store. I insisted on not only pushing the cart myself but also filling it with as many items as possible. Having “my own” cart kept me endlessly entertained, and I know I’m not the only one! Today, I love seeing kids pushing carts at the grocery store because I can tell they’re excited to add new items to their cart as quickly as possible. While a smaller cart might not be large enough for a weekly trip to the grocery store, it is perfect for when you need to run inside for a few additional items throughout the week!
Watch Videos:
Another great way to use your Shopkick app while grocery shopping is to watch videos. There are often videos available after scanning items, which allows you to earn additional kicks. Plus, your kids can also explore the Discover Tab to earn even more kicks while they watch videos from the comfort of the cart. Again, you will be well on your way to a free gift card!
Time Alone with You:
Grocery shopping was always something my mom and I did together, and this “chore” always felt special as a result. Now, I have many friends who opt to turn grocery shopping into a date with their kids. Often, they will ask their older child to grocery shop with them alone while their younger child stays home with their partner. They have found it’s a great way to encourage one-on-one time and check off an errand at the same time. The great thing about kids is they are typically completely entertained by simple tasks, especially if they get to spend time with you!
What are your best tips for making grocery shopping with kids fun and engaging? Let us know on Facebook, and don’t forget to download Shopkick for free!
