Ways To Make Shopping With Kids a Breeze
Let's face it, a stroll through the shops often turns into a military operation when kids are involved. The siren song of literally any toy, sweet treat or jumper with a sequin on it, the inevitable "I'm boreds", and the constant need for snacks can quickly derail even the shortest shopping trip. As a mother who loves to shop till she drops, I couldn’t handle it anymore, and child care is just out of the question every time I want to go somewhere. I love spending time with my kids, but they only love it with me when I’m doing something they want to do; it’s never reciprocated back, unfortunately, or at least just yet in my case.
But fear not, weary parents! With a little planning and a dash of creativity, you can transform shopping errands into an engaging experience for everyone. Here are five ways I've found to keep the little ones happy and (relatively) healthy while you tackle your to-do list:
Embrace the "Shopping Centre Scavenger Hunt"
Forget handing over the iPad the moment you step through the doors because I promised myself I wouldn’t be that mother. Instead, turn your shopping centre visit into an interactive adventure, such as ‘mummy needs xyz’! Before you leave home, make a simple list of items or places for your kids to spot,, and if they spot all or help you find what you need, they win a prize, whether it’s a sweet treat or food wherever they want. This could be anything from "find a red shoe" to "spot a person wearing a hat" or "find a store with a green sign". For older kids, you can even incorporate numbers or letters to find which my kids, for some reason, loved. I recently did this with my two, and it was a game-changer. My eldest had to find three different animal logos, and my youngest was on a mission to spot everything purple. They were so engrossed, they barely noticed we were actually buying groceries!
Shopping Centre Perk: Many modern shopping centres in Essex, and wherever you are located, are clued into this. Look for ones that offer downloadable scavenger hunt sheets or even have designated "kids' trails" with fun facts or interactive elements. Some even have a "find the mascot" game. It's a fantastic way to engage their observation skills and make them active participants rather than passive observers.
Fuel Their Fun with Healthy Snacks & Hydration Stations
The hangries are real, especially for little ones, which is nothing new to mums. A grumbling stomach can quickly escalate into a full-blown meltdown that I have no time for. My secret weapon? A well-stocked snack bag, this is a pretty much obvious one for all mothers but trust me, make sure you pack literally everything if you want to do a big shopping trip. I always pack a mix of crunchy veggies (carrot sticks, cucumber slices), fruit (apple slices, berries), and a small bag of whole-grain crackers or pretzels. This not only keeps them satiated but also avoids the temptation of unhealthy impulse buys at every checkout.
Shopping Centre Perk: Some centres even have dedicated "kid-friendly" zones to eat or help them chill out for a bit. Another great tip: locate the water fountains or hydration stations as soon as you arrive. Staying Staying hydrated is key to keeping energy levels up and moods stable. I make a point of refilling our water bottles whenever we pass one – it’s a quick pit stop that pays dividends.
Seek Out Play Areas and Interactive Displays
The best shopping centres understand that parents need a break, and kids need to burn off energy. My go-to move when I feel the restlessness setting in is to scout out any designated play areas. Even a small soft-play zone or an interactive digital display can provide a much-needed mental and physical reset. It gives them a chance to run, climb, or engage with something new, allowing you a moment to regroup or even quickly check your shopping list.
Shopping Centre Perk: Many larger shopping centres like The Liberty boast impressive indoor playgrounds, often strategically located near cafes so parents can grab a coffee while supervising. Some stores, particularly larger department shops like John Lewis or toy shops, also have small play sections or interactive displays that allow kids to touch and explore. I remember one time my kids spent 20 minutes playing with a demonstration toy train set, which bought me enough time to choose a Christmas gift without any complaints!
