Thrifty Thursday: Grocery Shopping with Kids Tips

Today I want to share ideas on how to still get the best deal when shopping with kids.  I say get the best deal and not just how to shop with kids because sometimes when shopping with antsy kids we too can get antsy and do more of a grab and go shopping trip and thus forget something or not get the best deals because we just grab not taking time to see if it is the lowest price per unit.

The first tip, whether shopping with kids or not, is to go with a list.  If possible, be as specific as possible--listing brands, prices, how much to get.  Example:  Kroger brand frozen corn .88/each (5).  The 5 in () indicates to get 5 packages of corn.  Why is this helpful?  Well, it allows you to do a quick shopping trip, but also if someone else in the family ends up being the one to do the shopping they know exactly what you were expecting/wanting.  Another thing that is helpful about being specific is you can know before hand what your total should be, and you have a ready made inventory of the items you are getting.  If you have older kids, have them help make the shopping list and be a part of budgeting the money for groceries.

Now on to specific things that might help when shopping with kids.

Give them a picture shopping list.  This gets them involved.  You can even make it a race to see who sees the items on their list first (give each kid a separate list if needed to keep contention at bay).  Here is an example using pictures of items in the sales flyer for Kroger this week (including the 3 day sale):

This type of shopping list can also be made into a bingo type game by rearranging the items for each kid, and then as items are added to the cart they can mark it off on their bingo card.  For little kids I would suggest connecting the crayon/pencil to the list.  Making a picture list:  If you get printed flyers, you can cut out the pictures of the things you want the kids to be in charge of; if you don't get printed flyers, you can copy and paste from online flyers and then print it out.

Another option for kids who can read is to scramble the items on your list or make other word games (crossword puzzles, wordsearches, etc)  See if they can beat you--you get the items while they figure out the word puzzles.  Or if they solve them in the car, then they can help get the items while in the store.  Or make their list of the snacky/treat items that can only be gotten if they figure out the word puzzles.  Here is an example:

(the answers are the same as the picture shopping list but with one more item added:  bread)

And if you are learning/teaching other languages, here is an example of a puzzle shopping list using ASL hand letters (answer key is first then the ASL shopping list).  This can also simply be used if you are learning/teaching ASL and they can practice the letters while you shop.

And a Spanish match shopping list:

Other games that can be played:  have your kids quiz you by asking you to figure out the cost per unit and which is cheaper, or how much something is when given only a % off, etc.; play the ABC or 123 game where you have to get the next letter or number before the other does (like the license plate game), see who can get to Z first or to 100.  Use terms/phrases in any foreign language that is being learned/taught.

Maps:  give or have the kids draw a map of the store and have them guide you to where you need to go.   Also, they can do this for the town--just be aware they may be telling you at every stop to turn or go straight...  But it is fun.

I hope these ideas are helpful in making shopping a better and funner experience for all.  Besides these hands on tips, it is very helpful to do the shopping when no one is hungry or tired.


NOTE 1:  The food images, as mentioned, are from the Kroger sales flyer for this week.  Here are the actual sale prices for these items:
Kroger bottled water 2.99; Kroger apple juice:  1.58; Kroger milk 3.69; Kroger cheese 1.99, 8 lb oranges 5.99; 8 lb russet potatoes 2.49;  Fuji or Braeburn apples 1.69/lb; Kroger frozen veggies .88; 1 dozen roses 18.99

NOTE 2: The ASL hand images are one of the fonts found on Fonts4Teachers by Educational Insights (ISBN: 1-56767-555-7).