How to Have Fun When You Buy Food Online or In Person

If you think grocery shopping is a drag, then you may want to avoid it entirely by visiting your online supermarket. To buy food online is easy; home delivery food is fast and reliable. But if you don't mind leaving your home to get a fresh breath of air, or you have children, and you want them to experience the real world, here are a few ways to make the trip a little bit more interesting.

1. List: Grocery lists often turn up as relics, and laughing at what you needed, or maybe thinking hey I need more of that, you either pocket the list or discard it. Involve the children by asking them what else they want, and letting them write it down, if they can. As you shop you can have them cross it off to improve their reading skills.

2. Children's Grocery Carts: Commonplace these days are carts designed for kids. If your children are smaller, bring a bag of books or toys to keep them entertained. Let them do the shopping too by choosing what they want. Of course, this can easily get out of hand, so teach them some financial skills by limiting them to, say $10 or $15. Then, as a game, estimate the total cost, and for the person who guesses closest, give them exemption from putting away the groceries when you arrive home.

If you're alone:

3. The Cart: Nothing is more fun than scootering around the produce section on a cart with one foot in the air.

4. Vegetable mist: Especially if it's a hot day, a refreshing mist can enliven your shopping experience.

5. Buy Nice Things: Maybe an adult beverage or two, or a food item that you wouldn't normally buy because of its luxury or extraordinariness you want to try. Stocking the cabinets and pantry at home will make you feel more confident about your cooking abilities and inspire you to eat out less. It also looks nicer than an empty refrigerator and cupboards – especially when you have guests.

6. Flowers: Smell them, and learn the names of the prettiest ones.

7. Talk to Yourself: Not only does this help you think, but it will keep people from running into you with their carts, or getting too close in general.

8. Ask Around: If you see a depressed worker, asking them a weird question will keep them alert and more excited about their job.

9. Checkout: Read the tabloid lines and laugh at them, and grab a candy bar to enjoy on the way home.

10. Scooter in the Parking Lot: A more rugged, and hopefully downhill adventure.

It's all about the mindset you bring to the grocery store. It can be like visiting a land of plenty, or it can be a drag. If you really have trouble getting excited, just buy food online. It's easy and it saves you time.