One of our most common trips (and needs) is that of most families: grocery shopping. We go through bananas, milk and yogurt like you wouldn’t believe (especially bananas, which never seem to stay as ripe as you’d like as long as you think they will). Hence, our almost-daily ride to Trader Joe’s.
Our MUNDO chilling out in the breezeway at Trader Joe’s. We run into many cyclists and other shoppers who are always amazed to see 3 kids on a bike (not unattended, of course). We’re here practically every day (seriously).
I’ve found Trader Joe’s to be a great antidote to the slog of hauling kids to a big supermarket for a number of reasons:
- With a much smaller, brighter and creatively decorated store, it’s considerably easier to keep children engaged and harder to lose track of them.
- There are no soda, candy or toy vending machines at the entrance and exit, no questionable magazines or over-the-top sweets flanking you at the checkout stands, and no toy aisle.
- There are usually, however, children’s shopping carts, coloring pages, children’s raffles, a store mascot to find for a prize, and some sort of children’s dress-up or riding or exploring station.
- The general atmosphere and genial tone of the employees and customers (especially as compared to those at a typical supermarket) lend themselves to creating a much calmer and enjoyable shopping experience. My kids are just as prone to boredom as anyone else’s, and they actually look forward to going here day after day (which, granted, may also say something about how exciting Daddy is…)
- Every Trader Joe’s has a demonstration counter with little plates of treats (oatmeal with blueberries, mini tacos, yogurt, chili, macaroni & cheese, veggie wraps, you name it) and free coffee (that’s actually pretty good). That’s hard to beat, especially when you’re in full-blown errands-mode.
There are times when you need a healthy snack for the kids, (maybe one for yourself, too), and some real coffee. Getting those AND getting your groceries in a relatively hassle-free environment? Two birds, one stone, Friends.
Basil Pesto Linguini with Arugula Salad? Don’t mind if I do! (Courtesy of Amanda, helming the kitchen)
I know that this may not be everyone’s favorite store or first choice (or even a nearby option–I’m sorry if you’re reading this and it’s a moot point I’m making, but hopefully there are some ideas here that can apply to other shopping and errand needs you have!), but–I can tell you as someone who has gone to Trader Joe’s about 4+ times a week for five years or so–there are many benefits to coming to this most kid-friendly of grocery stores (especially if you need an outing that can actually be productive). I know many people for whom making the big weekly grocery store trip is the bane of their parenting existence…in this case, breaking it up and going to a more manageable store can make a world of difference.
There are definitely some things you can’t get there that you would at a bigger store, but they also provide some creative ways around what may be more traditional shopping lists. (And, as a stay-at-home parent of three in a family where our lone income is provided by a public school teacher, I can attest that it’s very possible to shop there primarily and not break the bank).
Plus–for bikers–it tends to be quite bicycle friendly, considerably more laid-back, easier to get in and out of, and…
The Yepp Mini seat can slide right into the basket area through the front bar. It rests naturally there and the angle is good for baby.
Not having to unstrap and unbuckle baby boy from his bike seat (let alone a car seat) is awfully convenient, especially with two other fast little ones at my side. I love the Yepp!
betcha didn’t know that their smaller carts can securely fit a bike seat, huh?
8legs2wheels 