on my shopping trip

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How to Have a Successful Day of Shopping

Last Updated: April 18, 2023 References

This article was co-authored by Candace Hanna . Candace Hanna is a stylist and style expert based in Southern California. With 16 years of experience in the corporate fashion and personal styling realms, she runs Style by Candace, a personal styling agency that focuses on helping individuals find their personal expression through clothing. Her work has been featured in magazines such as Shoutout LA and VoyageLA. There are 13 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 138,807 times.

Shopping is a lot of fun, which is why you probably love spending a day at the shops! Sometimes, though, you just need to get in and out with what's on your list. No matter what your attitude towards shopping may be, streamline your experience so you don't wear yourself down or break your budget. Make a plan before you head out, and then work on finding the perfect items. Also, use sales to your advantage to snag deals.

Making a Plan

• Take the amount you plan on spending in cash with you to the store instead of a credit card. That way, you can only spend what you have on you.

• If you need more clothes, spend time digging through your closet. You may decide you need more everyday pants, a couple of button-up shirts, and a nice pair of shoes. That gives you a target for when you go shopping.
• If you're buying for other people, think about what type of gift you'd like to get them, so you can decide where you want to go.
• Group like items together, as you'll likely be visiting the same stores for those items. [3] X Research source
• When deciding what to buy, pick the items you need most first, so you're not stuck doing without something you really need because you spent your money on something frivolous.

• For instance, maybe you just have your lunch break, or maybe you can spend a couple of hours one afternoon.

• Decide on the stores you want to visit and make a route. Once you have everything grouped, pick the stores you need to visit for each set. For instance, you may have 2-3 stores you want to visit for clothing and a couple of stores you want to visit for gifts. [5] X Research source
• Plan out a route that's efficient, so you're not doubling back.

Making the Most of Your Day

• However, if you have completely different shops in mind, it may be best to just go separately.
• Go by yourself if you need to get a lot done. Shopping with a friend is fun, but you can also get distracted and waste time. If you have a large amount of shopping to get done, consider going by yourself. You can stay focused just on the shopping and work on hunting down deals.

• On the other hand, if you know you want to buy a candle or specific genre of book, head to that section! Figure out what you need, grab it, and go.
• If you can, try to plan an efficient route around the store.

• You can also use this same technique if you're trying to decide on a gift for someone. Pick up a few things, then just buy the one you decide on. However, make sure you give any items you don't want to a sales person, instead of just leaving them on a random shelf.

• If you're trying on clothes, buy only what you absolutely love. If you don't love it, you won't wear it, and you'll be wasting your money. [9] X Research source
• When deciding what to buy, consider the price of the item, your budget, and how important it is right now. For instance, maybe you need those 3 shirts for work, but the shoes can wait for another time.

Saving Money

• If you want to stay with one brand, check other models to see if the company is discounting those instead.

• For instance, you can start getting deals on winter clothing and bedding towards the end of January and February.

• However, always check the prices in the weeks leading up to the holiday, as sometimes "sale" prices aren't that great. You can use a price tracker for online websites or just check back every few days. [13] X Research source

• Once again, it's always a good idea to check prices in the weeks leading up to this holidays, as some items won't be that discounted.
• Also, don't forget Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday, the Saturday and Monday right after Thanksgiving.

Expert Q&A

• Wear comfortable shoes so your feet don't hurt! Thanks Helpful 13 Not Helpful 1
• Save all of your receipts, just in case you need to make a return later on. Thanks Helpful 12 Not Helpful 1
• If you are storing bags in your car, make sure they're not visible from the outside so thieves can't see them. Thanks Helpful 10 Not Helpful 2

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://money.usnews.com/money/personal-finance/saving-and-budgeting/articles/how-to-make-a-budget-and-stick-to-it
• ↑ https://advicefromatwentysomething.com/shopping-tips-ford-fiesta-movement/
• ↑ https://stepupmoney.com/going-shopping-heres-how-to-make-the-most-of-your-shopping-trip/
• ↑ https://www.cnbc.com/2017/11/15/the-best-day-to-score-great-deals-is-thanksgiving-not-black-friday.html
• ↑ https://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/my-money/articles/2018-01-16/shopping-holidays-the-best-days-to-shop-in-2018

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Mellissa Ogrady

Nov 18, 2018

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Raising Arrows

Large Family Homeschool Life

Large Family Weekly Grocery Shopping Strategies (+ Basic Grocery List!)

Homemaking , Large Family

Knock out your weekly large family grocery shopping trip with these time and energy saving tips! Plus, get a free printable of our basic shopping list to feed a family of 11!

I used to  grocery shop once a month , but now that I have more kids with bigger appetites (and we live less than a mile from our local Aldi!), I no longer shop this way.  I now prefer to shop weekly.  It gives me plenty of flexibility to plan meals and stay on budget, plus it satisfies my need to feed my family more fresh produce, something I did not do much of when we were shopping once a month.

Read: Aldi Large Family Grocery Budget & Shopping List

See how much my kids love the weekly shopping trip…

Weekly Large Family Menu Plan

The backbone of any grocery shopping trip is your menu plan.  While a weekly menu plan allows you greater flexibility, there is one big con you need to take into account.

CON: Weekly meal planning takes time.

If you are meal planning every single week, you may find yourself taking entirely too much time doing so.  In fact, you may feel like you are always menu planning – especially if you are too caught up in the act of planning itself.

Here are my tips for minimizing the time it takes to do your weekly meal planning:

1 – Create a Family Favorites Meal List . When you are short on time it is simple and convenient to have a meal list your family already loves at your fingertips! Learn how to put together a list of 30 meals your family loves !

2 – Stick to 1 resource for recipes. This is something I started doing years ago to ease the stress of keeping track of a bunch of recipes for the week. If you only cook out of 1 cookbook for the week or one Pinterest board or one blog, it makes things a lot easier!

3 – Create a rotating meal list. While this isn’t something my family enjoys, many families operate this way for ease of meal planning. Simply choose a rotating menu for each day of the week and keep the supplies you need for those rotating meals on hand, replenishing as needed during your weekly shopping trip.

4 – Use Evernote or something similar if a lot of your recipes are online. I have been meal planning using Evernote for years and years! It makes it very easy to link to recipes that are online, and then open the app and start cooking from any device anywhere! I can even send the meal plans to my daughters when it is their turn to cook!

See how I use Evernote to Menu Plan:

For our family the pros for weekly meal planning far outweigh the cons! For instance…

PRO: Weekly Meal Planning offers flexibility.

The upside of meal planning every week is knowing what your week has in store and then planning accordingly around things like outings, guests, and appointments. I will often add in these types of things right into my menu plan so I can see them at a quick glance.

PRO: New recipes!

Another pro to weekly meal planning is that you can try new recipes – something my family loves to do! It’s easier for me to add a new recipe in on a weekly basis rather than trying to add it in to a monthly rotation of recipes.

PRO: Meal plan from your pantry

Something I have found much easier to do with weekly meal planning is to use what I have in my pantry to plan the next week. As with any meal plan, you have days that go awry and meals that do not get used or items that do not get used in the quantity you expected. When you are planning weekly, you can use up those leftover goods in your next meal plan, something that is much harder to do when you are planning less often.

Ultimately, you need to weigh the pros and cons and decide if and how weekly meal planning fits in with your family’s lifestyle. You also have to figure out how to fit in a weekly grocery shop!

Weekly Grocery Shopping

Once you have a weekly meal planning system in place, you need to find a good rhythm for your weekly shopping trip. Here are a few things to ask yourself:

• How many stores am I willing to go to?
• How much time do I have to shop?
• What day is best for me to be out of the house?
• Do I have children who can help?
• Can my husband help?

And before you totally commit to once-a-week shopping, you need to consider the fact that for some families…

Weekly shopping might be more expensive.

The unfortunate side of weekly meal plans is the fact that you are in the store every single week . For some people, that can add up to a lot of extra money being spent if you aren’t good at sticking to your list and a budget.

If you are afraid you might be one of these people, try shopping every other week instead or shopping online and then picking up at the store or having the groceries delivered. This will keep you from impulse buying and spending more than you intended because you were wandering around the store.

However, if you are certain weekly shopping is for you, here are some tips to make it go smoothly…

1 – Order your grocery list. We use Google Keep for our grocery list (shared with my husband so we can both add to and shop from the list). It is very easy to move items around so you can order the list according to the store. (However, don’t ask my husband how good I am at doing this consistently. *sigh* He’s the genius behind our ordered list – not me.)

2 – Keep all of your shopping supplies in one place. This is particularly necessary if you shop Aldi. I have a quarter in each vehicle we own and the shopping bags go in the closet next to the garage door. Everything is grab-n-go so I can shop on autopilot.

3 – Have a shopping buddy (preferably a helpful one). While I sometimes take a toddler or preschooler with me for the weekly shopping trip, this isn’t my preferred method because it takes MUCH longer if I only take a little and no bigs. In my home, truly helpful doesn’t tend to happen until about age 8, so I avoid taking anyone younger than that without another “big” along to help. I also stopped taking EVERYONE to the store when I hit #5. It was just too difficult to maneuver aisles with that many kids hanging onto the cart. Try to correspond your weekly shopping trips with your husband’s day off so you don’t have to take everyone and can shop lickety-split!

4 – Shop your main store first. Aldi is my “main store.” If I can only manage to get the Aldi shop in, then I have knocked out the bulk majority of my shopping trip and can “make do” if I can’t make it to any other stores.

5 – Time and energy are worth something. When I was pregnant and only had small children, I shopped ONE store where I knew I could get everything I needed. Yes, it cost a bit more to do that, but it was necessary to my sanity. Your time and energy are worth something and if you are short on those two things, consider only shopping one store at a little extra cost to the budget until you are better able to handle more than one store.

In another post I’ll share our large family pantry and refrigerator organization. You can also watch this Large Family Refrigerator and Freezer Tour !

And as promised, here is our family’s weekly staples list to help you get started! These are the things we typically do not leave the store without, and always like to have on hand to make quick meals on the fly if needed.

> DOWNLOAD THE LARGE FAMILY GROCERY BASICS LIST >> DOWNLOAD THE LARGE FAMILY GROCERY BASICS LIST <<

Also, check out the Large Family Meal Planning page here on Raising Arrows for more help streamlining meals and shopping for a big family!

Reader Interactions

July 14, 2019 at 4:37 pm

I have found shopping online saves so much money. I do pay a small fee for delivery, but I easily save this by only buying items on my list, & by revisiting the list the day before delivery & trimming unneeded purchases. If you don’t see it or smell it temptation is greatly reduced!

July 15, 2019 at 8:45 am

Yes! I could definitely see how this would cut down expenses even with the delivery fee!

Jessica says

July 19, 2019 at 3:40 pm

I love your tutorials! Throughout the years I’ve followed you, I’ve seen/heard you reference Evernote for meal planning more than once. But I can’t picture it. Have you done a tutorial on this and put video or photos to it? If not, I’d love to see this in the future!

July 19, 2019 at 4:09 pm

I should do that!

Alice Gray says

July 27, 2019 at 2:10 pm

I’m in my 30’s, dating and no kids, but always like to read about money saving tips (I’m close to having my house paid off!) I’ve never heard of Google Keep until today and am going to see what it’s all about when it comes to groceries. I’m down to $20 a week for myself, alone, but it’s a fun challenge to see if I can’t go lower. Some of your tips have been very helpful. My partner spends pretty lavishly so I’m hoping that my ways will show her you can be frugal but still enjoy life.

Hope all continues to be well for you and your family!

July 27, 2019 at 8:02 pm

Great job on $20/week! I think you will really like Google Keep!

December 11, 2023 at 3:48 pm

I like to take a colour coded list. I tend to use it whilst doing a weekly family shop in the local farm shop in a town garden centre or at a town open air market. I buy fresh fruit and veg from a weekly open air farming market in addition here. I only eat organic meat in question as well. Good luck. I never buy too much at any one time however. I take with me two bags for it. Look for deals on items. Especially wine.

If I can do so, I borrow with their permission however. You can find a lot of things all on the cheap. My savings tin helps to fund it all. Do your own online research. My whiteboard comes in handy. I spend thirty quid each week on my food shopping.

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Homeschooling and managing a large family is hard work. Get resources, tips, and schedules to make everything run as smoothly as possible here on Raising Arrows!

The Ultimate Guide to Shopping for Travel

FASHION , Travel Clothing

Support TFG by using the links in our articles to shop. We receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) so we can continue to create helpful free content. We earn from qualifying purchases made to the featured retailers. Thank you, we appreciate your support!

Shopping for your everyday outfits and shopping for travel are two very different things. Shopping for travel requires a different mindset and process. Follow our guide to shopping for travel to help you build the perfect travel wardrobe!

Shopping for Travel

Creating the perfect travel wardrobe doesn’t have to cost a fortune. In fact, there are many times where you can shop your own closet and have everything you need.

Once you review the clothes you already own, decide if you need to purchase any new items. Follow these shopping tips to make the most of your budget!

Where to Start

• Learn the art of the capsule wardrobe – this is key to packing light. Read our Signature Capsules Wardrobes to learn how!
• Clean out your closet . Find as many pieces as possible you think would work on your trip. Follow these guidelines on how to choose the right travel clothing .
• Plan a budget! Do you have money allotted to buy clothing or gear for your trip or will you shop in your own closet ?
• Mark down what you have and what you need to buy. Stick to your budget! Have fun!
• Before you go shopping, make a list of any items you weren’t able to find in your closet. Refer to the list of favorite retailers you created earlier in the course and hit the shops! You can find a listing of recommended retailers on Travel Fashion Girl’s Best Online Shopping Sites directory.
• Always keep receipts and don’t remove tags until you finalize your travel wardrobe.

Because of my nomadic lifestyle, I didn’t always have access to the best retail stores in every location, so I shopped online – a lot. In fact, I still do. I have certain go-to stores that make my life easier.

My favorite place is Amazon because you can sometimes find lower prices than other retailers, and you can read tons of feedback and other buyers’ reviews.

Plus, as a Prime member, I get free 1-2 day shipping and sometimes free returns, making the online shopping process much faster.

My other favorite site is Nordstrom because I get a wide breadth of selection from decent brands and quality, and it doesn’t always have to cost an arm and a leg. I like that they offer the latest styles with the quality that I desire.

Nordstrom Rack is my other favorite place to shop because it’s Nordstrom clothing with budget prices. In addition, I also frequent H&M , Zappos , and Zara .

I like shopping online because I can research all the possibilities, read reviews, and start planning my initial capsule wardrobe!

Here are some money saving tips to purchase clothing and travel gear:

• Shop off season! I love shopping after summer and winter because you can get great deals on clothing that would be perfect for your next vacation. I’ve just purchased the majority of my clothing for my upcoming trip to India from $5 to $15 per piece!
• Sign up for newsletters from your favorite retailers to get updates on their latest sales. I wanted a pair of shorts from Athleta for the longest time, but refused to pay $55. The second Athleta had a sale, I got an email and bought my shorts for 30% off. Score!
• Find out if the retailer has an outlet. Many popular stores have online outlets including REI , Mango , J. Crew , and Nordstrom (my favorite). Sometimes they carry merchandise at a fraction of the cost as the current price in the regular store. I bought a designer handbag for $150 at Nordstrom Rack when it was selling for $300 at Nordstrom . Love it!
• Head over to your nearest discount retailer and scour the racks for highly discounted gear. TJ Maxx , Ross , and Marshalls are great options in the US, and in the UK they have TK Maxx . I especially like these stores for deals on shoes, fitness wear, and under garments. I’ve also seen highly discounted luggage brands such as Tumi , Fossil , and Eagle Creek.
• Buy big ticket items like luggage, backpacks, and electronics during holiday sales such as Christmas, New Year’s, Memorial Day, and Labor Day. My absolute favorite time to shop for these items is the day after Thanksgiving and Cyber Monday. Take advantage of the early bird deals all weekend. This is how I bought my first backpack. I couldn’t believe that the majority of outdoor bags were well over $200, and not only did my backpack go on sale during Thanksgiving, but they were offering 25% off on top of that! My $200 backpack cost $125. A price tag that was way more manageable.
• Search for the diamond in the rough at second hand stores . You might find an excellent winter coat with a bargain basement price tag or a cute handbag that would add a hint of vintage appeal to your outfits. Buyer beware – make sure it’s in good condition, because the last thing you want is your suitcase falling apart in the middle of your trip (or in the beginning, which sort of indirectly happened to me).
• If you want to sport designer digs, but don’t have the budget to back it up, look for consignment shops in your area or search for some online. This is basically like a designer eBay where people sell their high-end clothing and accessories at a fraction of the cost. Merchandise is usually inspected and approved by the shop owner, so authenticity and condition are guaranteed. I haven’t purchased anything at a consignment shop, but I did sell my Marc Jacobs and Givenchy shoes at the famous Decades in LA. I didn’t make as much money as I would have like, but it was better than keeping them in storage.
• Beg, borrow , but don’t steal. Ask your family or friends if they have items such as luggage, sleeping bags, and other outdoor gear to loan you for your trip. On my first two-week overland trip in Africa, I was using a friend’s backpack, sleeping bag, and rolling mat. I saved tons of cash and reaped the benefits from the quality of their very expensive gear.
• Have a clothing swap with your friends or family! When I was working in the fashion industry, some girls and I would get together and bring a pile of clothing we no longer wanted. We traded one-for-one and had a brand new selection of clothing while clearing out old items we no longer wanted. You can apply this same principle to anything. I held a Freecycle event in Koh Phangan, Thailand, the first recycling event on the island, and people brought stuff they no longer wanted and people could take anything for free. It’s a fun way to shop sustainably.
• Sign up for “free” online sites where people give away things they no longer need. It may be a long shot for you to find that perfect suitcase, but you never know. Give it a shot. Sites with free merchandise include Craigslist, local Couchsurfing forums, and freecycle.org.
• Check out online sites such as eBay, Craigslist (US), Gumtree (UK), and Local Swap/Sales Groups on Facebook. People sell a variety of stuff. I’ve seen Eagle Creek backpacks, The North Face trousers, and other outdoor goods for sale. Likewise, if you buy items for a trip that you only plan to use once, sell them on these sites and make some money back. I want to do this with my collection of Osprey Bags, but I can’t bring myself to part with them even though I could probably get a few hundred for them.

• Amazon is an excellent place to score deals on everything from shoes to luggage, underwear, and travel gear. As you’ll read below I do most of my shopping online and at least half my stuff is from Amazon. They have a wide selection and many times items are cheaper here than anywhere else. I’m an Amazon Addict!

For our favorite retailers, check out our best online shopping sites list!

What would you add to this guide to shopping for travel? Comment with your tips below!

For more shopping tips, please read:

• Online Shopping Guide
• How to Shop for Travel Shoes
• 6 Places to Get Cheap Plus Size Clothing for Travel
• 7 Essential Travel Clothing Brands

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The Exceptionally Ordinary Life

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How to plan your grocery shopping trip

Does your grocery shopping seem to take you hours on end every time? Does it leave you exhausted, and with no time, energy OR money to do much else? Do you often over spend, simply because you were not organized enough?

If you are anything like me, then you have definitely struggled with this. Time and time again. You make the “perfect” grocery shopping list, only to forget it on the counter. Or worse, the list wasn’t so perfect in the first place because it was done on a whim.

Yep, I was that girl who spent too much, forgot half the crap she had to buy in the first place, and got home with a crap-ton of groceries after shopping ALL day.

Needless to say, my budget was shot, we had a ton of some things, and zilch of other must-haves. And if you think I cooked after such a tiring day, then you know absolutely nothing about me, the self-proclaimed Cooking Hatress 😉

I was always soooo frustrated with myself. Even when I started using coupons to shop I had trouble keeping my spending of time AND money under control. Unfortunately, bad habits are the hardest to break, and thus it took me ages to get my marbles together.

The good news is that grocery shopping does not have to be such a chore. It’s taken me a while, but I feel like I finally got it. Thru countless, and painful hours of suffering, I think I have now devised what steps are of extreme importance before going grocery shopping. And the best proof I have that this works is that my husband now doesn’t dread going grocery shopping with me on the weekends!

I know I have said this before, but I’ll say it again. You need a budget. It’s not a matter of being broke or not. A person who doesn’t have a budget, or doesn’t budget right, could easily burn their money.

Having a budget gives you the best guideline and insight of how you use your resources. A budget is the one tool that allows you to have a measure of control. It completely eliminates the guess work when it comes to your spending.

When setting up your grocery budget, always be honest and realistic. Keep in mind your family size, their special dietary needs (if any), and of course, your income. You simply cannot eat fancy steaks all the time on  minimum wage. It’s just not doable, unless you go into debt to live above your means, which I would never recommend.

Check ads and sales

Never, ever shop or meal plan using your “moods” as your guide. Mood shopping is a recipe for financial disaster. Instead, check your local store ads and see what’s on sale at the time. You can then either make a list of what is a really good deal, or circle it in the ad. If you’re checking the ad online, the apps or websites often allow you to create a shopping list there as well.

All stores have sales cycles. Once you have been doing this for a while, you can pretty much prepare so when a screaming deal on meat comes around, you have a little extra cash to stock up. Keep those ads handy. You will need them later.

If your budget is your guide to control your spending, then your meal plan is your cooking guide. If you do not have a meal plan then your shopping is more random. This will undoubtedly lead to overspending, over-stocking, or even frequent take out runs.

Create a meal plan for the week/fortnite/month and use it to help you figure out where your resources (money) need to go. Use the ads to help you decide what you will cook by using (mostly) what’s on currently on sale.

• Pantry inventory

Remember me mentioning over-stocking? Yeah, I did a LOT of that years ago, when I first started using coupons. I had no budget in place, and no meal plan, so I just ran around like a headless chicken chasing deals. The deals where insanely good. The problem was I often ended up with too much of one item, and none of another much needed one.

Using the meal plan you have dutifully created go thru your pantry, cupboards, fridge, and freezer. Make a list of what is needed to prep those meals that you already have on hand. No need to buy more tomato paste if your cupboards are drowning on them, right?

Pick store or stores to shop

This is where the ads come in handy again. Use them and your meal plan to decide where you are going to shop. That could mean one store, or several. Honestly, it will all depend on how much you are shopping. Also, the having the ad will help you decide if it is truly worth the $.50 “savings” to go to one store just for milk. Most of the time, it’s not. Remember that driving around town means wasting more gas AND time.

To maximize the use of your time, make sure you assign importance points to those stores. What this means is that unless a store stop will give you significant savings, you might want to consider skipping it. Instead, get that one item or 2 at the #1 store where you will get the most items from your list.

Create a list per store

Once you have decided how many stores you are stopping at, it is finally time to make your grocery list. Or lists, if you are shopping around. Yep, that’s right. You should keep your lists separate to make it more streamlined. What’s more, you should at least try to make your lists as organized as possible.

To do this, consider making use of the layout of the stores. I know it sounds a bit crazy, but I have spent more time going from one end of the store to another, just because I didn’t list elbow noodles, and spaghetti noodles together. Ugh.

Not entirely related to grocery shopping, but oh, so important! If you are hungry when you go shopping, your chances of buying stuff that’s not on your list increases. Everything just looks soooo good!

You don’t need to stuff your face with a full meal. Just make sure you eat enough to sustain you for as long as the shopping trip takes. And if you are shopping with little people, a.k.a. kids, make sure they eat too. Nothing can derail your carefully prepared shopping trip more than a child screaming bloody murder because they are starving.

Plan your stops strategically

If there is one thing I am almost fanatical about, is of how much time I do not want to waste driving around. Fanatical enough to have written a post about it, which you can read right here . To me, it feels like an unnecessary waste of time, and gas. Plus I really despise driving.

Regardless of how much you love or hate driving around though, I advise you plan your trip so that you start with the store that’s further away from your house. This is because, grocery shopping can be super tiring. By going to the nearest store last, you will then be that much closer to home. And to be done with it.

*Here are other tips that, while not absolutely necessary, I believe could make one heck of a difference:

Leave kids at home, if possible.

I know that it is important that our kids have some real life experiences. You know, the ones that do not happen in an app, or a YouTube video. However, little kids can be incredibly distracting. If at all possible, leave them at home with a responsible adult. Or better yet, if your children are school-aged, do your shopping while they are in school. You will do it all much faster, and with less interruptions.

Use cash or pre-loaded store gift cards

I know for some people, carrying cash in their purse seems like a scary thing. I get it. Thieves are a pest, and they are everywhere. However, having cash on hand is very important to keep your spending under control. It eliminates the ease of just swiping your card, and budget be damned.

Another option that I know some people prefer is getting store gift cards. Most places even allow you to do this online, so all you have to do it load it on their website, and print it out. Just make sure that you load the budget amount. And use your calculator while you shop, to make sure you stay within your limit.

Go during slow hours

I think I don’t have to tell you this, but here it goes anyway: Never go grocery shopping on Friday around 4 PM or later, unless you have absolutely no other choice.

While the slow hours could mean less cash registers open, it also means that the lines will be far shorter. The aisles will also be mostly empty, and you will have the chance to shop in peace, and quickly.

If this was too long, and you scrolled down to the bottom, here is a quick summary of the points made above:

• Sales ad check
• Store selection
• Make lists per store
• Plan your trip strategically

Now that you have seen what this post is about, you can go back up and read it all. I promise it will be helpful. Learning how to plan your grocery shopping trips the right way will be a game changer.

And if it seems like a ton of work, don’t let that discourage you! All this prep might add up to an hour or so, maybe even less. Remember, the more you practice it, the faster and better you’ll get at it.

Did I miss something? What else do you do to be prepared to shop? Go ahead and share with us in the comment section! Inquiring minds want to know 😉

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How to Plan Out Your Grocery Shopping Trip So You ll Stay Under Budget – One Hundred Dollars a Month I am your typical housewife living in high maintenance suburbia. I have a handsome husband, 2 kids and a flock of pet chickens. I try and feed my family with $100 a month. With the help of coupons, gardening and bartering I am able to squeeze the most out of our grocery budget and still manage to have a little fun along the way.

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If I'm Not Wearing These Items on a Vacation This Year, I Don't Want It

After a few years without any vacations on my calendar, you could say that I'm more than ready to book a plane ticket and head off somewhere new. While the idea of a trip sounds exciting, I have to admit that I've been thinking just as much about what I would pack. Personally, half the fun of getting away is ordering new vacationwear to throw into my suitcase.

I've had my eye on  what's new this season and have already started compiling a list of what I plan to wear on vacation, and I'm spilling all of the details of what made the cut. Since I'm envisioning a trip somewhere by the water, you'll find plenty of swimsuits and sandals, trendy sunglasses, statement accessories , and cool cover-up pieces—plus some fun things that I would wear at night. Ahead, see all of the items that landed on my vacation shopping list for 2022.

Add a little shimmer to your swimwear.

So chic yet so easy to dress up or down.

Sporty sunglasses are the moment.

Christopher Esber never misses. Shop the matching  Bikini Briefs ($180).

Take the bikini up a notch with the matching skirt.

The perfect vacation sandals.

This is giving me cool '90s vibes.

To style over a one-piece.

So versatile and only $50.

I'm loving this two-tone bag from Petit Kouraj.

For a sheer cover-up moment.

In my opinion, you can never own too many button-downs.

Now these are vacation jeans.

I can't stop thinking about these perfect Chanel slides.

Just the right number of cutouts.

So gorgeous.

This color, though.

This skirt feels primed for a night of dancing.

Same goes for these shoes.

Major Y2K vibes.

These shorts are already Kendall Jenner approved .

The bag everyone is talking about.

Just wait until you see the back.

It doesn't get prettier.

Isa Boulder is the swimsuit brand I won't stop talking about. Shop the matching  Bikini Briefs ($152).

Orange definitely belongs in a suitcase for 2022.

Just look at the wrap detail.

Such a fun two-tone piece.

To wear with the above tee.

Next up:  5 Shoe Trends Everyone Will Wear in 2022

Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear with over a decade of experience in fashion, editorial, and publishing. She oversees luxury content and wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. She also contributes to podcast recordings, social media, and branded content initiatives. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, MyTheresa, and Luisa Via Roma, and rising designers such as Refine and Tove, and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Before Who What Wear, Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on assistant styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.

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Plan the Perfect All-Day Shopping Trip

Grab your friends and hit some stores for a bonding (and buying) adventure.

Step away from that laptop. Close that virtual shopping cart. 

Sure, online shopping is convenient, but in-person shopping — especially with friends or family — deserves its due. You’ll make progress toward that 10,000 steps-a-day goal, bond with others and even get a happiness boost, all while checking items off your to-do list. 

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So, gather up those unused gift cards and pull out some comfortable shoes. Here’s how to plan an ideal shopping day.   

1. Think ahead

 “Don’t just get in the car and go to the mall,” says Candace Corlett, president of the consultancy WSL Strategic Retail. “Plan your day, not unlike how you would plan a holiday.”

A smart first step: Scroll through shopping center websites. They are often packed with helpful information, such as a map of stores and details on parking, says consumer shopping and finance columnist Trae Bodge.

2. Explore new terrain

Be adventurous — explore beyond your go-to shopping haunts, says Corlett. Ask friends and family for advice and check out local newspapers for destination ideas. “It could be more interesting to drive to a great Main Street that has shops and restaurants than to go to the mall,” Corlett says. 

3. Break out those unused gift cards 

Take inventory of your gift cards and slide them in front of credit cards in your wallet as a reminder to use them, advises Andrea Woroch, a writer and commentator who specializes in saving money. Not a fan of the store the card is for? Swap cards with your companions or sell and/or exchange gift cards on online sites like Cardpool or CardCash. Also, some Target stores will take gift cards from select other retailers and in exchange give you a Target GiftCard.

4. Incorporate nonshopping activities 

Plan to get what you need, but also round out the day with activities like a nice lunch, advises Jean Chatzky, an AARP financial ambassador and host of the financial-focused HerMoney podcast.

“Happiness research shows us that doing things is more satisfying than buying things,” she says.

Choose your day wisely. Some shopping centers host concerts, art exhibitions and fashion shows, while some individual retailers have in-store events such as yoga sessions and cooking classes.

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5. Make a restaurant reservation

Food courts can be crowded, chaotic and come with the possibility that you won’t be able to find open seats together, says Bodge. Yelp can help you locate restaurants that satisfy your group’s budget and taste buds, adds Woroch.

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6. Be cognizant of your companions’ needs 

Talk through any physical, monetary or dietary restrictions to find solutions that work for all. “You wouldn’t choose stores on Fifth Avenue in New York City if you knew your friend’s budget was more suburban malls,” says Corlett.

7. Take care getting dressed

Wear clothes that are easy to put on and pull off, says Woroch. Yet, resist the urge to don ill-fitting sweats. If you feel insecure about the way you look, you are more likely to buy new things, says Sarah Newcomb, a behavioral scientist at investment research firm Morningstar who specializes in consumer psychology. 

8. Enlist support

Let your shopping mates know your budget and encourage them to help you stay on track, says Chatzky. Also ask them for honest feedback on your potential purchases. “There’s a big difference in the opinions that you’ll get from friends and what you’ll get from a salesperson,” Chatzky says. 

9. Think about big-picture goals

It can be disappointing to bypass out-of-budget items. To counteract feelings of deprivation, focus on what you are gaining by that decision. Not buying pricey shoes may mean that you have more money for an upcoming vacation. “Don’t focus on what you are saying ‘no’ to,” says Newcomb. “Focus on what you are saying ‘yes’ to.” 

10. Celebrate your success

Rejoice in your shopping accomplishments, especially if you snagged items on sale. But remember, the ultimate reward isn’t necessarily those material goods. “The real goal you are meeting isn’t for stuff, it’s time with people that you care about,” Newcomb says.

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How To Simplify Your Meal Planning & Shopping Trips

Meal prep & grocery shopping tips that will actually make your life easier.

Does this sound like you? Exhausted, rushing to the grocery store after work with no shopping list or a real plan for dinner? How many times have you wandered around the store, grabbing anything that looks good, and ended up spending more money than you’d planned?

Thankfully, there’s an easy way to make the entire meal planning and grocery shopping experience so much simpler.

When you start meal prepping (getting a full week of meals ready in a few simple steps), you can say “buh-bye” to those overwhelming evenings and “hellllooo” to a lot more free time. If you’re not sure you can carve out enough time to make all those meals ahead of time, it might feel impossible even to begin. If you’re used to stopping by the grocery store every time you head home from work, won’t it be overwhelming to fill an entire cart?

With these easy steps, it won’t be.

Read on for simple tips so you can make your next trip to the grocery store manageable, productive… and even enjoyable. By knowing what essential ingredients you need, you’ll have the entire shopping process streamlined in no time.

This post contains affiliate links, and I’ll receive a commission at no cost to you if you decide to use them.

Ease Your Way Into Meal Prepping

Meal prepping is all about saving you time, so it’s best to start slow. You’ll immediately see the benefits by easing into meal prep, and you can slowly add more recipes and meals into your plans as you get more familiar with the system. Before you know it, you’ll be skipping those extra trips to the supermarket and saying goodbye to the days when your only dinner options were the fast food restaurants on your way home.

Start with the Basics

There are a few staples you’ll always need to keep on hand for easy meals. With rice, eggs, flour, oatmeal, and a few essential spices, you’ll be able to walk into your kitchen and have all you need for almost every meal on your menu.

If you pick up some frozen chicken and an assortment of veggies, you’ll be even more prepared to create simple, easy, healthy meals for the whole family. This favorite local shopping planner will help you  keep track of where you find the best things. You can also subscribe for free to the vault and get instant access to the entire printables library right here. 

Keep a Balanced Diet in Mind

When you’re planning out your meals, make sure they’re balanced and include a mix of meat, vegetables, fruit, and dairy products.

And here’s a bonus: if you have any leftovers after you’ve shopped for the week and prepared all the ingredients for your meals, you can include them in your meal plans for next week! It’s that much easier to figure out what recipes you should plan for in the future and saves you time and money while avoiding waste.

Make Your Lists Ahead of Time

Step 1: Decide what meals you’re going to make this week.

Step 2: Create a list of ingredients you need for each of those meals.

If a whole week’s worth of groceries is overwhelming, you might want to start out by listing the ingredients for a few meals you’ll have during the week, or only the ingredients you’d need for lunch, for example.

Plan for Everyone Who is Eating

While you’re planning out your meals, make sure you include any special events, dietary needs, or special guests who might be joining you for your meals. (If you know you’ll be dining out with friends, for example, don’t prepare anything for that dinner!)

If any of your family members or guests have dietary restrictions or preferences, take those into account while putting your grocery list together. This will save you from rummaging around in the fridge, hoping the soy milk you bought a few weeks ago is still good. By including them in your plans, you’re instantly a more gracious, considerate host. And it won’t take up any extra time!

When you have more mouths to feed at the table, you’d better have more food to feed them. If you’re planning for house guests, you’re going to need more food purchased, prepared, and served. By meal prepping, this extra work is streamlined right with your weekly prep work and only adds a couple of minutes, tops.

Use Online Resources

To further ease your grocery shopping experience, print out one of the many “grocery list” templates online and use it to organize your shopping list before you ever step foot in the store. Like my blank template that you can use to organize your meals: https://apersonalorganizer.com/meal-planning-organizing-tips/

Online Calendars – Budget

If you’re planning meals on a budget , or with specific fitness goals in mind, check online for different planning calendars and forms. There are tons of handy resources out there that include calorie counters, nutrition calculators, and other tips for dividing your meals into healthy portions, so everything you need to prep for your weekly meals is all in one place.

Organize Your Trip By Aisles

If you can, organize your grocery list in the order, you walk around the store, aisle by aisle. You’ll save time and get everything without having to backtrack. If you search online, you can find a variety of online templates that divide grocery lists by produce, deli, frozen items, and others.

Organize Your Fridge and Pantry Ahead of Time

By taking the time to organize your pantry , freezer, and fridge, unloading will become a quick and efficient step in your meal prep process.

You’re already purchasing groceries by category, so why get them all mixed up in a chaotic kitchen? By unpacking your groceries by category as well, you’ll save time.

Before you leave for the store (or, while you’re waiting for your groceries to be delivered), take a minute to prep your fridge and pantry so you can unload everything without taking any extra time. Trust me, this will be much easier before you fill your kitchen counters with groceries!

I put together a quick 15-minute cleaning routine if you need a place to start.

Buy in Bulk

Especially if you’re on a budget, you’ll save money and time in the long run if you buy a lot more of one ingredient in bulk, or while it’s on sale.

Be careful to purchase only items that will last longer, like dry or frozen ingredients.

Divide the ingredients so you can store them quickly, then use as needed. As you go forward, you can even include more recipes that use this item since you’ll already have it on hand.

Try New Things

Don’t be afraid to mix things up! Just because you’re keeping your meals simple doesn’t mean they have to be boring. Have a little fun with your next shopping trip by planning for a fun new recipe, or maybe a few fresh spices or other ingredients you’ve never cooked with before.

Sure, you’re not going to like everything you try, but who knows–you might just discover a new favorite.

Hi! It's Helena. I love cooking, gardening, decorating, hosting, organizing, and keeping things simple. I favor quality over quantity, need silence to replenish, am a homebody, and see purpose in everything we do. I share tips and tools on the blog so you can enjoy your life just as you want it.

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50 Tips for Grocery Shopping

Every Tuesday is Finance & Family Day at Zen Habits.

As you might already know, I’ve got a big family — the wife and I plus six rugrats. Plus a cat and a dog. We can go through an awful lot of food. Groceries (along with the rent and car and gas) are one of our biggest expenses. I allocate as much in our budget as I can to groceries, simply because I want to make sure we’re never short on food. Also, cooking our own food is just so much less expensive than eating out.

And as I figure that most of my readers, whether they have big families or not, go grocery shopping now and then, I thought I’d pass along some of my favorite tips. These are not all my original tips — I’ve picked up dozens over the years from magazines, books and websites. But these are the best of them, plus some I’ve figured out on my own.

So pick and choose from among these tips, which I hope will be of use to you and your family:

• Always go with a list . If you go without a list, you may as well just throw your money away. Better yet, donate it to me — I probably need it more than you. :) Seriously, though, you need to prepare a list of everything you need, pulling from your weekly menu (next tip) and checking to make sure you don’t have it in your pantry, fridge or freezer. Make sure you’re not forgetting anything. Now stick to that list.
• Plan out a weekly menu . This is the best way to ensure that your list is complete, and that you have enough to serve your family dinner for the week. I often plan a weekly menu and then duplicate it for the next week — this way I can shop for two weeks at once. Be sure to plan a leftovers night.
• Don’t go when you’re hungry . This is a common tip, but it’s true: when you’re hungry, you want to buy all kinds of junk. You’ll end up spending a lot more. Eat a good meal first, and you’ll be more likely to stick to your list.
• Have a budget . When I go to the store, I know exactly how much I can spend. Then I try my best to stick within that limit. If you don’t know how much you can spend, you’ll certainly spend too much.
• Do a rough running tally . Related to the above tip, if you want to stay within your budget, it’s best to know where you’re at. Then, when you can see you’re going to go above it, you can decide whether you really need that 10-lb. box of bon bons. I keep a running tally on my grocery list, just rounding off so I can do some quick math. An item costs $1.85? I say $2. Then I don’t need a calculator or all those complicated math skills.
• Keep a list on your fridge, and write things down immediately . When you run out of something, don’t leave it to your memory. Jot it down immediately, and you’ll never have to run back to the store because you don’t have eggs.
• Make a pantry checklist . Make a checklist of everything you normally stock in your pantry. Keep it posted on the pantry. Put a slash next to each item for the number of items you have (if you have two cans of stewed tomatoes, put two slashes). Then, when you use something, turn the slash into an x. This makes it much easier when it comes time to make your list.
• Keep things stocked for quick-n-easy meals . Easy meals for us might be spaghetti or mac-n-cheese or a quick stir-fry. We’ve always got the ingredients on hand, so we can whip something up fast when we’re feeling lazy.
• Buy in bulk when it makes sense . If you can save money, over the course of a month or two, by buying in bulk, plan to do so. But be sure that you’re going to use all of it before it gets bad — it isn’t cheaper to buy in bulk if you don’t use it.
• Keep your receipts, then enter into a spreadsheet . This will be your price list. Use it so you know when bulk or sale items are a good deal. It’s also a great way to comparison shop between stores — buy your baking goods in Store A but your fresh fruits in Store B. The spreadsheet can also serve as a checklist to use when you’re compiling your shopping list.
• Buy frozen veggies . While fresh veggies are a little better, frozen veggies are almost as good, and much better than nothing. And since you can keep them in the freezer, they rarely go bad.
• When you’re running low, write it down. Don’t wait until you run out. when you see there’s only three toilet paper rolls left, put it on your list. Because when you run out, it will be too late. :)
• Cut back on meat . Meat is expensive. We have vegetarian meals several times a week (think pasta or chili) and for other meals, you could just use a little meat as a kind of seasoning instead of the main ingredient — think Asian, Indian and other such cultural food. Actually, I eat vegetarian all the time, but the wife and kids do a little of each.
• Pack your own lunch snacks . Buying pre-made snacks is convenient, but a big waste of money. Buy little baggies and buy the snacks in bulk, then it will take just a few minutes to pack some snacks for lunch each day.
• Make leftovers for lunch . Plan to cook a bit extra for each dinner, so that you’ll have leftovers for your lunch and for the kids’ lunches. Pack it right away, after dinner, so you don’t have to worry about it in the morning.
• Cook a lot, then freeze . Alternatively, you can cook a whole mess of spaghetti (for example) and freeze it for multiple dinners. A great idea is to use one Sunday and cook a week’s (or even a month’s) worth of dinners. Plan 5-6 freezable dinners and cook them all at once.
• Always have batteries, toilet tissue and light bulbs . And other necessities that you always seem to run out of — buy a whole bunch when they’re on sale, or buy in bulk. Be sure to check to see if you have these items before you go to the store.
• Try crock pot dinners . We discovered these in the last year, and they are easy and cheap and tasty. Cut up a bunch of ingredients, throw them in the pot in the morning, and have dinner ready for you when you get home. Can anything be more perfect than that? I submit that it cannot.
• Clip coupons . I know, sometimes they seem like too much trouble. But it’s not really that hard to clip a few coupons and toss them in a coupon envelop to take on your grocery shopping trip. And you can save 10-20% of your bottom line with coupons. Check store entrances, newspaper and flyers for coupons.
• Only use coupons for items you were already planning to buy . Don’t let them trick you into buying something that’s not on your list, just to “save” money.
• Look for specials . Every store has specials. Be sure to look for them in the newspaper, or when you get to the store (they often have unadvertised specials — look on the higher and lower shelves for deals). Don’t buy them unless they’re things you always use.
• Try the store brands . Brand names are often no better than generic, and you’re paying for all the advertising they do to have a brand name. Give the store brand a try, and often you won’t notice a difference. Especially if it’s an ingredient in a dish where you can’t taste the quality of that individual ingredient.
• Cut back on your “one-item” trips . They waste gas, and almost inevitably, you buy more than that one item. If you plan ahead, make a weekly menu, and shop with a list, this should drastically reduce the number of trips you make for a small number of items. But if you still find yourself running out for a few items, analyze the reason — are you not making a good list, are you forgetting some items from your list? Stock up on the things you frequently go out for.
• Sugar cereals are a bad buy . Lots of money for no nutrition. Look for whole grain cereals with low sugar. Add fruit for better flavor.
• Be watchful at the register . Keep an eye on the scanner — you’ll keep the cashier on his toes, and catch any mis-priced items.
• When there’s a sale, stock up . Sale items can be a great deal. If it’s an item you normally use, buy a bunch of them.
• Comparison shop . Look at the different brands for a certain type of product, including store brands. Sometimes there will be a significant difference. Be sure you’re comparing apples to apples — you need to divide the price by the amount (ounces, pounds, etc.) in order to get the comparable unit price.
• Go during slow times . One of my favorite times to shop is late at night. But during working hours or other non-peak times is good too. Avoid right after 5 p.m., on paydays and near major holidays.
• Know when the store stocks its fresh fruits and veggies . In my area, that makes a big difference. Fruits and veggies can go bad quickly, because they have to be shipped. So I know that the store re-stocks on Thursdays, and so I usually go on Thursdays or Fridays, otherwise I’ll be getting old items.
• Plan one big trip a month for bulk staples . You can get fresh items at another store on other weeks, but doing a big bulk trip will cut back on the expense and amount you have to carry for the other three weeks. Avoid buying on impulse at the bulk store too — just because they sell a lot of it doesn’t mean you’re saving, if you weren’t planning on buying it in the first place.
• Avoid trips to the corner store . Or the gas station! These are some of the most expensive stores. (Ranking right up there with airport stores.)
• Try co-ops . You can often save a lot of money at these types of places for staples.
• Consider shopping at two stores . There’s no store with a monopoly on savings. Each has savings on different items on different weeks. You might switch between two stores on alternate weeks.
• Think deep freeze. If you really want to save, you’ll need a big freezer. Ask around — someone you know might have a relatively new model they don’t need anymore. You can use freezers to stock up on meat, frozen veggies, and similar staples, and to freeze big batches of pasta, casseroles, and other dinners you prepare ahead of time.
• Use everything possible . Got a bunch of leftover ingredients (half an onion, a bit of tomato, some pasta, a few other veggies?) … combine them for a quick meal, so that these don’t go to waste before your next grocery trip. The more you can stretch the food, and the less you waste, the less you’ll spend in the long run.
• Don’t waste leftovers . Have a list on your fridge of what leftovers are in there, so you don’t forget about them. Plan a leftover night or two, so you’re sure to eat them all. Pack them immediately for lunch, so they’re ready to take the next morning.
• Don’t buy junk food (or buy as little as possible). Junk food not only costs a lot of money for about zero nutrition, but it makes you and your family fat and kills you. Talk about a bad deal! Opt for fruits and veggies instead.
• Rain check . If an item is on sale but the store has run out of stock, ask for a rain check.
• Go when the kids are in school . When you bring kids, they will pester you and pester you until you buy some kind of junk food. Even if you’re able to stick to your guns, it’s not pleasant saying no 10 million times. In most cases, you’ll save money shopping without the kids.
• Go for whole foods . The processed kind is lacking in nutrition and will make you fat. Look for things in their least processed form — whole grain instead of white or wheat bread, fresh fruit instead of canned or juice, whole grain cereal or oatmeal instead of all other kinds of cereal. You get the idea.
• Read labels . Look for trans fat, hydrogenated oils, high amounts of sugar, saturated fat, lots of sodium, cholesterol. Then avoid them like the plague. Look instead for fiber, good fats, protein, vitamins, calcium.
• Clean out your fridge . You’ve got stuff growing in there and turning from solids to liquids. The leftovers have begun to organize their own political party. Toss em out and make room for the new.
• Stick to your list . Avoid impulse buys. They are almost always bad, and even if it’s just a couple dollars, they will add up to $50-100 for a trip. Over the course of a year, that can mean thousands. Tell yourself you will not buy anything that’s not on your list unless it’s an absolute necessity (why isn’t toilet paper on my darn list?).
• Use store savings cards . These can add up to big savings over the long run.
• Cut back on your restaurant eating . It’s never cheaper or more nutritious than eating at home. Plan your dinners (see above tip) and bring your lunches to work and save a ton of money.
• Avoid frozen dinners or prepared entrees . Again, these cost way more and are usually much less nutritious.
• Drink water . If you regularly drink iced tea, Tang, sodas or other types of drinks, cut those out completely and just drink water. It’s much better for you, and much cheaper.
• Prepare your grocery list by aisle . If you regularly shop at the same stores, organize your list so that you can easily find and check off items as you walk down the aisle. We always shop from right to left, so we’re not constantly running back and forth in the store.
• Get cloth grocery bags . You’ll save tons of plastic over time, and help the environment tremendously.
• Pack healthy snacks for the kids . Whole wheat crackers, popcorn, cut-up fruit, raisins, and other kid-friendly snacks are much better than the junk you often see in kids’ lunches. And cheaper.

What are your tips? Add to this list in the comments.

Other family day articles:

• Best All-time Children’s Books
• How to Teach Your Kids Good Habits
• Get Your Kids Outdoors
• 100 Ways to Have Fund with Your Kids for Free or Cheap
• Family Day and Family Meetings
• Baby Makes Eight: Raising Six Kids, Part 1 (Finances)
• Baby Makes Eight: Raising Six Kids, Part 2 (organizing)
• Positive Parenting

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Don't Waste the Crumbs

Healthy Eating on a Budget

How to Make a Grocery List for a Month

By Tiffany Published August 30, 2023 • Last Updated: August 30, 2023 3 Comments

On a tight budget? Learn how to make a grocery list for a month with this helpful guide! I share tips and tricks that will save you money while shopping and meal planning .

Buying healthy food for a whole family makes me feel like I’m constantly in the grocery store. More bananas, more apples, more spinach, more butter… (darn those Healthy Chocolate Chip Cookies !).

But I also know that fewer trips to the grocery store are the best way to save money on food. Back when we were first learning how to eat real food on a budget , I made monthly meal plans and we only went to the grocery store for our monthly grocery shopping trip.

Our shopping has changed a little bit, but I know that learning how to grocery shop once a month is incredibly beneficial – whether to save time, money, or both!

Here’s my easy 8-step method for creating a monthly grocery list that fits YOUR family!

How to Create a Basic Grocery List for a Month

1 – start with a monthly meal plan..

I will always be an advocate for planning first AND THEN shopping, so I recommend starting with a one-month meal plan before you leave the house.

You can follow my quick tutorial on how to meal plan once a month here , or if you need the hand-holding, you can get my course, Meal Planning Bootcamp . You can master my easy 5-step meal planning process in less than a week and start racking up the grocery savings immediately!

2 – REVIEW YOUR MENU PLAN.

Specifically, make sure the meals in that first-week use produce that are most perishable and meals later in the month use less perishable or frozen produce.

3 – REVIEW EACH RECIPE AND WRITE DOWN EVERYTHING YOU NEED, INCLUDING THE QUANTITY.

Do this for ALL breakfasts, lunches, dinners, snacks, and desserts. Also, double-check your list so you know you aren’t missing anything when you go shopping.

(If you don’t know how to plan for breakfasts or lunches, I teach that too in my course Meal Planning Bootcamp !)

4 – SHOP YOUR KITCHEN.

I recommend shopping in your kitchen before you even make your monthly plan, but it’s important to repeat this step here too. You certainly don’t want to buy a month’s worth of peanut butter only to find several jars already in the pantry!

And you definitely don’t want to find a bag of wilted spinach shoved in the back of the fridge at the end of the month when you could have used that instead of the new head of romaine on your list!

5 – AS YOU FIND WHAT YOU NEED IN YOUR KITCHEN, CROSS IT OFF YOUR LIST.

With what’s left on your essential grocery list, see if you can substitute what you have in your kitchen.

Be willing to freely swap things around. Some things won’t even be noticeable, like using different onions, a different potato, or a different squash!

6 – DECIDE WHEN YOU’RE GOING SHOPPING.

I don’t mean the day of the week, but rather decide if you’re shopping ONLY once for the whole month or if you’ll make a mid-month trip for perishables.

Both methods work well, but if you’re making a mid-month trip for things like milk and lettuce, you won’t need to buy them at the beginning of the month.

7 – GO SHOPPING!

Cross things off as you buy them, and check your list before you leave the store just to make sure you didn’t miss anything. This is a great job for your little helpers, if you have them, along with these other tips and tricks for keeping the kids busy while you SAVE.

Also, give yourself plenty of time so you’re not rushed and accidentally forget important things on your list.

8 – UNLOAD THE CAR AND PUT EVERYTHING AWAY.

Make sure perishable items don’t get hidden in the back of the fridge! Keeping your kitchen organized is an important way to save time in the kitchen .

The Benefits of Creating a Monthly Grocery List

• Save Time and Money: Plan your grocery needs for a month to save trips to the store and avoid overspending.
• Enjoy Freshness and Variety: With careful planning, you can still enjoy fresh vegetables and fruit throughout the month.
• Take Advantage of Bulk Purchases: Buy pantry items in bulk to stretch your budget.
• Cater to Dietary Needs: Plan for specific dietary requirements or health goals to ensure you have the right ingredients on hand.
• Reduce Stress and Decision Fatigue: With a well-organized grocery shopping list, meal planning becomes easier and less stressful.
• Embrace Creativity and New Recipes: Explore new delicious meals with the freedom of planning ahead.

What should be on my monthly grocery list?

In my experience, there is no one size fits all master shopping list that works for everyone. Families have a wide variety of dietary needs and preferences. Plus our schedules are different, or lifestyles vary, and there’s a wide variety of factors that make it hard to pin down a specific list for all.

However, I know that you’re busy and a master list could be helpful! Here’s a suggestion for pantry staple foods that fit a real food budget. I buy these items on a nearly monthly basis unless I can find cheaper ones in bulk.

Shelf Stable

• Rice ( white rice or brown rice)
• Flour (or whole grains)
• Beans (canned or dry)
• Broths (chicken or vegetable)
• Pasta sauce
• Canned tomatoes
• Condiments ( unless you make your own )
• Salad dressings
• Spices and seasonings
• Mixed veggies
• Cauliflower
• Green beans
• Peas and carrots
• Blueberries

Fresh foods that can be frozen if needed to last longer

• Fruit (strawberries, bananas, peaches, pineapple, etc)
• Bell peppers
• Meats (including lunch meat)

Is it possible to create a cheap grocery list while still buying fresh produce?

Absolutely! Look for seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables, shop at your local grocery store for deals, and consider frozen options with a long shelf life, like frozen fruit and vegetables.

What are some budget-friendly protein options to include in my grocery list?

Fresh meat like ground beef, chicken thighs, and chicken breasts are affordable choices.  Buying in bulk  or opting for store brands can also save you money.

Are frozen fruits and vegetables as nutritious as fresh ones?

Yes, frozen produce is often harvested at its peak and retains its nutritional value. It’s a great way to enjoy affordable and nutritious options, especially when fresh fruits or vegetables are out of season or expensive.

How can I reduce food waste and save money?

Plan your meals in advance , buy only what you need, and use up ingredients before they spoil. Properly store perishables,  repurpose leftovers  and consider freezing food items for later use.

How can I make the most of my grocery budget with limited funds?

Shop strategically and consider generic brands or store brands for affordable alternatives. Also, take advantage of discounts, coupons, and  cashback apps  to maximize your savings.

Create Monthly Grocery List: Final Thoughts

Creating a budget grocery list for one month is a savvy strategy that can work wonders for your wallet, meal planning, and shopping routine. By taking the time to craft a well-planned grocery list, you’ll unlock a world of benefits. We talk about this in-depth in my course Grocery Budget Bootcamp (enrollment is currently closed, but you can join my FREE 5-day Crush Inflation Challenge and start saving money on groceries tomorrow!) Try out some of these tips, and let me know how it goes in the comments below!

More Grocery Shopping Tips

• Fail-Proof Grocery Saving Tips That Work Every Time
• How to Stick to Your Grocery Budget
• 5 Ways to Reduce Grocery Spending
• How to Save Money with Grocery Delivery
• Walmart Grocery Pickup: My Personal Experience and Honest Review

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Food prices are going up, but your grocery budget doesn't have to! Join our free Fight Inflation Workshop to learn simple yet proven strategies to save money on food week after week, even when prices keep going up!

Reader Interactions

May 21, 2024 at 8:23 AM

Can you help start a movement asking stores to sell groceries in smaller packages WITHOUT raising the price? I live alone and it is impractical and at the end, impossible to use everything I buy without wasting either food, or energy saving it, and at the end, tossing it anyway, with great sadness since too much time was put in trying to find ways to save it in different ways. Only in the US sliced bread is sold in “standard” package size. I am sure it can be changed if enough people persuade companies to rethink this.

May 21, 2024 at 5:50 PM

Hello Elena, Tiffany says, Unfortunately package sizes are determined by the food manufacturers. Your best option is to change the approach to how you shop. It is VERY possible to use everything you buy without throwing anything away! I encourage you to review my membership Grocery Budget Mastermind (https://dontwastethecrumbs.com/go/gbm/), or join my free Crush Inflation Challenge (https://dontwastethecrumbs.com/go/cic/).

November 15, 2023 at 5:54 PM

Shopping once a month will save you on gas for the car. So that in itself is a reason to shop only once a month. Fruits and veggies do not always have to be eaten in their raw, natural form. For example, when bananas are past their prime, mash them and even freeze them to make banana bread later on. And you can freeze the baked goods you have made at home as well. Many veggies can be cooked and then frozen and eaten at a later date. Milk, buttermilk, etc. can be frozen and used at a later date. And you can dehydrate many foods to be used in recipes later. A good example is sliced mushrooms but there are many other choices.

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Save Time and Money with a Monthly Grocery Trip

Updated: March 3, 2024 Guest 20 Comments This post may contain affiliate links . Using links to these sites means I may earn a percentage of the purchase at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon associate, I receive a percentage of qualifying purchases

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Inside: My friend Hilary saves time and money on groceries by making just one monthly grocery trip , rather than shopping every week. Here’s her system!

By Hilary Bernstein, Contributing Writer

I have a confession to make: I am absolutely terrible when it comes to meal planning . I know I should do it. Often, I want to. I’ve tried it plenty of times. Yet, somehow, it’s a practice that hasn’t become one of my habits.

Just because I don’t plan out exact meals on exact days doesn’t mean that I don’t have a system for meals in my home . Nourishing my family with real food is my first priority, and sticking to our grocery budget is essential.

Related: Save Money With Zero-Waste Cooking

Table of Contents

Different Ways to Keep Your House Stocked with Food Besides a Monthly Grocery Trip

1. i gave up couponing the same time i gave up processed foods ..

In my newlywed days, I regularly filled my grocery cart with boxes and boxes of cheap, double-couponed, processed meals. It might have been good for our meager budget , but it was terrible for our health.

2. I tried menu planning  and shopping each week for ingredients.

This approach ended up being the priciest grocery experience for me. I made stops at a couple stores and was spending the most money and time grocery shopping–especially when I always seemed to accidentally forget one or two key ingredients and needed to make another trip to the store. Two or three trips to the grocery store in one week was just too much.

3. Buying in bulk never has been a viable option for my family because of a lack of space.

After living in a couple apartments  and houses with little storage space, I simply don’t have room to store massive quantities of food – even if I could buy it at a fraction of the typical cost. Plus, I’ve never lived close to wholesale stores and making a special trip never crosses my radar.

4. A few years ago I noticed I was shopping a particular way–and I liked it. It saved me both time and money.

Related: How to Meal Plan When You Hate Meal Planning

Related: 8 Places to Shop for Natural Grocery Products Online

Finding Your Stores of Choice Helps With Monthly Grocery Shopping

I realized that I had a few favorite discount grocery stores.

One is a scratch-and-dent store that sells a wide variety of food at amazingly low prices.

For example, my family’s pasta dinner last night was made with 30 ounces of fresh ricotta cheese that I bought for $1.69. Some of the containers may not look so great, and some of the food is close to expiration, so I do have to be careful in my shopping. But most of the food is excellent. I just never know what will be at the store.

The other discount store is a grocery store with a large variety of products and more affordable prices than a typical grocery store. It’s not quite as affordable as Aldi , but it’s close.

I buy all of our fresh fruits and vegetables for a fraction of the typical cost at a local, year-round produce market . Usually, I can buy two bulging-full bags of fresh fruit and veggies for $10. It may not be organic , but it’s fresh.

Every few months, my family buys meat from a local butcher. (Yay for reasonable prices on local, grass-fed beef!)

Related: Practical Ways to Eat Well When You Can’t Afford Organic Food

Related: Are Home Meal Delivery Services Worth It?

Erin’s Top Picks for Stores to Take Monthly Grocery Trips

I personally shop for the bulk of my food at ALDI and Costco . As well, I recommend the following online stores for once a month orders: 

Azure Standard

Azure provides farm-fresh meats, dairy, eggs, and produce as well as bulk dry goods as far as some other popular brands of natural and organic packaged foods. With Azure, you order online, but you pick up at a “drop” location near you. I’ve been an Azure customer for many years, and I love the wide variety they offer. It’s like Whole Foods online–but more affordable!

They provide organic, high-quality meats–shipped right to your doorstep! We order from ButcherBox every two to three months. It’s very easy to skip shipments. A membership does not  lock you into monthly shipments.

Grove sells all kinds of household and personal care products, but they also sell supplements, vitamins, and wellness products! If you’re a VIP member (I am!), you can get prices matched with other venues, and you get free shipping! Read my honest review of Grove Co. here .

Receive a Grove Sustainable Starter Set for FREE with your 1st purchase. Click HERE to get it.

Misfits Market

After hearing friends rave about this organic produce delivery service forever, I finally gave it a try. I LOVE it! You can get boxes weekly, or you can choose how often you get them. This is a great way to only go grocery shopping once per month but still get fresh produce delivered to your door each week or however often you choose.

The premise is that they will send you misshapen or “misfit” produce at a reduced rate because it’s not “pretty.” If you care more about how your food tastes and how healthy it is versus how it looks, then this may be a good service for you. They deliver produce boxes weekly or every other week–right to your doorstep! You can also pause orders at any time. Click HERE to get $10 off your first order!

Related: 7 Steps to Teaching Kids About Finance

Related: 20 Kitchen Gadgets and Utensils You’ll Actually Use

My Once-a-Month Grocery Shopping Method

Once I decided to stick to my four favorite stores, I plan my shopping trips strategically. I always start with a trip to the scratch-and-dent store. The butcher shop is a block away, so I bundle those trips together when needed.

The other discount store and produce market are in a different town, but very close to each other, so I group those trips together, too.

About once a month, I make my trip to the scratch-and-dent store and buy all the staples we need, but keep my eyes peeled for good deals. I never know what I may find, and I’ve learned to grab the bargains when I spy them. I may score some amazingly cheap meat or dairy products or who knows what.

Once I’ve filled my cart, I know I’m ready to head to the other discount store –either in the same day, if I’m feeling energetic, or I go there the next day. I buy whatever I couldn’t find at the scratch-and-dent store. Finally, I buy fresh produce at the market.

Related: How to Re-Season a Cast Iron Skillet

Related: The 80/20 Way to Organize Your Entire Life As Mom

How to Fill in When Needed with the Once-a-Month Grocery Trip Method

Typically, what I buy on this kind of a shopping trip lasts my family of four for a month–maybe even a little longer. When mealtime rolls around, I have a good selection of frozen meats; pantry staples like rice, pasta, and beans; spices; plenty of frozen veggies; and fresh cheeses and eggs for a wide variety of choices.

Even though I don’t have a set menu, a monthly shopping trip would work for meal planners –as long as your menu was planned a month in advance.

Every couple weeks my husband or I run into the discount store to buy more milk, cheese, and fresh produce. But these trips for fresh food are super fast…and pretty cheap. As for regular grocery stores? I might step foot in one every several months.

I’m much happier when I don’t have to set aside time for grocery shopping each and every week. I spend less money than when I made my weekly trips, and my cupboards seem to stay fuller longer.

BONUS: Get Your Free Holiday Menu Planner Printable

Get a free menu planning printable. Join my weekly-ish homemaking newsletter, and, as a bonus, you’ll get the printable PDF! Just  click here to get it and subscribe .

Get more encouragement and tips for saving money on real food in these posts !

Have you ever tried a monthly grocery trip? How do you save time and money when shopping for groceries?

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Reader Interactions

20 comments.

Rebecca@TheFamilyFinder

I would love a scratch and dent grocery!!! I had no idea that such a place existed. I am sad, I just googled it and the nearest on is an hour away. Shopping less often is always better for us. The less time in a store the less temptation to buy mores stuff.

That stinks it’s so far away! Those types of stores are so great!

Janet fuhrmaneck

If you only have to go once a month, an hour may be worth it! My scratch and dent stores are 45 minutes, but I combine with some amish markets and get stocked up for a while.

Kate @ Little Blue Chalet

I am one who absolutely hates grocery shopping. Probably because both my hubs and I worked at the grocery in high school and college. I have 3 techniques for my shopping. I use Amazon Prime Pantry for all of our non-perishable goods. I use ePantry for all of my natural cleaning, body care, and oral care needs. And I use the delivery service through Safeway to deliver our perishables. I literally do not even need to leave the house 😉

I am able to meal plan and start at Amazon, then work my way to Safeway. It has saved me a lot of time, money, and gas!

Oh I love your system, Kate! I JUST discovered ePantry, and they are working up a deal for my readers right now–it will go live tomorrow!

Hilary Bernstein

I would love to start trying some online shopping options, Kate! Thanks for the suggestions!

Meal planning kind of works different for me. I get the weekly deals at the grocery store then I freeze them. I plan my meals from what have stocked up in my freezer. So I might only buy chicken this week on sale and I will be fine. This saves me money by making sure I use everything and I free up time knowing what I’m going to cook the next day.

That’s a great idea!

This is actually very close to the method I’ve been using for about 6 months or so. Some months I’m better at it than others, but I like the system. For me it was borne out of being a grad student, and only receiving a stipend once a month. I needed to find a way to make sure my food budget would stretch. I plan out enough meals for the month up front, which for me works out to be 11-12 meals, plus breakfasts. I currently live alone (until I get married in May), so I usually eat leftovers for lunch and often stretch out a big batch of something several days, and I always have things to put together an extra “bowl meal” here and there. I make a master shopping list of all the ingredients I don’t currently have, plus any staples I need to replenish. I make one big shopping trip at the first of the month, where I go to the health food store across town. I’m vegan, so this is the one time a month I can buy any “specialty” items that are bad for my budget and not particularly healthy, but oh so tasty. Putting it into this one big trip makes it feel like a chore, so I’m less tempted to run across town later in the month for indulgences I don’t need. I also stock up on bulk items, and then head to a nearby discount store (which is also normally out of my way). I buy anything and everything on my list that isn’t perishable (at least within a month span), or can be frozen. I usually end up with just a small list of produce left. Each week I pick out a handful of meals to cook, and I go around the corner to the regular grocery store for the produce I need and sometimes almond milk. Our campus has also started a service delivering produce from local farmers to campus, so I’ve been using it for the produce I can. I’m looking forward to the summer, when it’s more than just greens and sweet potatoes!

I forgot to mention: Next month in planning my first pantry cleaning month. I normally keep my pantry stocked with basics, but also buy things as I need them, and as a result I have at least 10 types of grains/starches (including brown, purple and jasmine rice!), lots of beans and lentils, etc. I didn’t realize how bad it was until I rearranged the kitchen cabinets. So next month, I’m planning my meals around what I already have, in an attempt to whittle down my “collection.” It should help me put a little extra money back, too. Also, another trick I’ve found to making this work for me is to give myself some leeway, so I usually also get a few “convenience” foods during my big trip. Not the healthiest or the cheapest, but on days when I realize I have nothing for lunch, or I’m too exhausted to cook dinner, I figure a $3 frozen meal is better than going out to spend $8-9. These help me get through the month without throwing my budget and plan out the window. Worth it, I think! I try to strike a nice balance between my ideal world and reality 🙂

Thank you so much for sharing all of your wonderful tips!

I shop in the big city 3 hours away 2or3 times a year. I shop fresh produce and such 1 time a month in a town 1 hour away. We raise chickens for eggs and wea raise our own meat and I milk and make my cheese and butter. In the summer I grow my fresh veggies and fruit. I don’t like shopping so if I don’t like to go any more then I have to.

Wow! It sounds like you have a great set-up. I’m with you…I hate to shop!

Lisa @ This Pilgrim Life

I actually really enjoy grocery shopping! But going to the store less does obviously help to save money!

For me, learning to cook with a lot more flexibility has helped to stretch our food and stretch time in between shopping trips. When I can make what is on hand work, I don’t have to go to the store just for one or two items for a certain recipe. Also, when I do go shopping, the basics are just about always the same so that helps to make shopping easier and less stressful. If that makes sense. I don’t know. It’s late 😉

Thanks for sharing your tips! I like to stick to the same basics as well, and I agree that is makes it WAY less stressful! I also prefer Aldi, which doesn’t have many choices, so that takes away some decision stress as well!

Oh, and I would love to buy meat from a local butcher! Maybe one day I can find a good source.

Thanks for sharing all of your tips 🙂

I would love that too! We did finally buy half a cow this year!

I shop by the weekly grocery ads. I am wondering if I shop monthly if I would miss out on some great sales. Comments, please!

I have discovered that I basically do the same thing. I have my favorite three stores and always keep my eyes open for meat deals to keep our big deep freezer stocked. While it almost causes me physical pain to see that much money go out at once, I can usually relax the rest of the month except for things like yogurt and milk.

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Promising review: "I was on a LONG international flight and this was a lifesaver. There was plenty of room for my feet and having it allowed me to adjust my leg positions often. It was easy to pack and carry, taking up virtually no space in my bag." — Gilles R. Chiasson

Get a set of two from Amazon for $24.99 . 

6. A plush blanket and pillow combo that's not a pain to pack thanks to a compact case with a trolley sleeve that slips over suitcase handles with ease.

Promising review: " Took this on an 11-hour international flight. It's lightweight to carry but warm enough for a plane. So glad I had this with me. It's also very easy to pack up." — Samuel Hoult

Get it from Amazon for $29.95 (available in six colors).

7. Wireless sleep headphones  because there's nothing worse than resting your head on your hand and lodging your earbuds all the way back to the drums. This seamless headband is both painless and plays white noise or your favorite music. 

Promising review : "The sound quality is very good and they fit comfortably on your head — not too loose or too tight. I asked for mine for a long flight and they served me very well on our flight to Australia. A must-have for long flights!" — Mark Haugh

Get it from Amazon for $19.99  (available in 26 colors). 

8. A memory foam seat cushion with an ergonomic design and gel layer that prevents bad posture and provides ultimate support. If your tush tends to hurt after a mere three seconds of sitting, this will take your long flight from "this is taking forever" to "wow, these last 13 hours breezed by."

Promising review: "From the instant I sat on this, I knew this was the correct purchase for relief. Two days after I received my cushion we flew from Ontario, Calif to Dallas, and then to London. I can honestly say that I would not have been able to make those flights due to my discomfort. I used it on each excursion we made in the 14 days of travel." — Bob B.

Get it from Amazon for $36.76+ (available in three colors).

9. A foot rest especially adored by family's traveling with little ones — this inflatable foot rest allows you to make the most of that extra floor space.

Promising review: "We had the bulkhead bassinet seats for our flight to Europe. This footrest was amazing! My husband and I were able to completely sprawl out and sleep. If you’re on the fence I’d say just buy it. The footrest takes pressure not just off your feet but off of your hips, so after the long haul flight we both felt rested and fresh. We won’t be traveling long haul without them!" — Jennifer Pearson

Get it from Amazon for $24.99  (available in four colors). 

10. An  inflatable wedge pillow  you can slip on over your hand for deep sleep that feels genuinely restful (no small feat amidst turbulence). Prop open your tray table, rest your hand, then rest your head. *falls asleep immediately*

Can't sleep while traveling? No worries, because this gem also doubles up as a back rest for optimal comfort.

Promising reviews:  " Used this on four international flights last month, and it made all the difference in the world. It's compact, quick and easy to inflate/deflate, very versatile in how you can position it, and it doesn't rely on the tray table. I can very comfortably lean forward in my seat and sleep almost like I can in a bed. " — Still Chilly in Colorado

Get it from Amazon for $24.99 .

11. A luggage strap  for folks who avoid bringing a slew of necessities (neck pillows, light jackets, the wide-brim hat you specifically bought for a sunny trip but never pack, etcetera) for the sake of easy transport. 

Promising review:  "Love this little gadget. I used it to attach my jacket and computer bag to my luggage on an extended business trip. Made my airport walks so much easier. Now that I'm back home, I've been using it daily to attach my jacket or cardigan to my work bag or purse. Love it!" — Michele

Get it from Amazon for $7.99  (available in six colors and in packs of two).

12. Disposable silicone earplugs because ear pain during air travel is REAL, and babies have every reason to cry because of it. Just saying.

Promising review:  "A friend told me about these when I ruptured my eardrum a few days before I had to fly. I was expecting immense pain from my not-nearly-healed ear during takeoff and landing, but with these, I didn't feel the slightest additional discomfort." — Kathleen M.

Get a pack of three from Amazon for $19.49 .

13. A carry-on friendly  portable espresso maker  if the coffee carts at the hotel chains your corporation approves budget for are a far cry from the caffeine you want to drink in the morning. This ensures a delicious cup of joe, always. 

It lets you use  Nespresso pods  and is hand-operated, with no battery or electricity needed.

Promising review: "I travel on business globally 200+ days of the year and hotels in some parts of the world don’t always have Nespresso machines. I hate to have to go down to a coffee shop to get my morning shots in the morning. I bought this recently for a three-week trip to Korea. The unit worked like a charm and the espresso is excellent with a nice froth. It’s easy to use and clean. You do have to work a bit with the hand pump, but I figure that’s good exercise...an added benefit. I just ordered a second unit as a backup." — Andrews

Get it from Amazon for $54.90  (and here are some Nespresso pods to go with it).

14. A travel drink caddy if wheeling across terminals with your carry-on and (as the airlines dub it) your personal item aka your purse has lead to several an airport Starbucks drink being spilled. This props iced coffee and water bottles upright so you can pull out your boarding pass with ease.

Promising review: "This is an amazing travel accessory! When are you trying to juggle your hot beverage with a water bottle, your phone, and a boarding pass, this is a handy, easily stashable uni-tasker to have. Fits perfectly on my carry-on bag and larger rolling bags as well." — Pirate

Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in 27 colors).

15. Anti-nausea ginger gum perfect for pregnancy morning sickness *or* long plane trips and train rides. Avoiding having to ask your seatmate to move so you can run to the bathroom is as easy as one, two, chew.

"I originally bought this gum for a getaway that I knew included a road trip because I get carsick on long drives and didn't want to become a miserable little gnat as a result. Let me tell you, this gum saved not only me but also almost everyone on my trip. Whenever someone started feeling nauseated, they just popped a piece of gum in their mouth and felt relief within minutes. The ginger taste is light, but it's still effective. It's actually really yummy! I can't imagine how many times we would've had to pull over so someone could get some fresh air or even throw up during our almost five-hour drive had I not brought this gum along." — Jasmin Suknanan

Get a pack of 24 from Amazon for $7.99 .

16. Storage bags for your shoes, ones that keep smelly odors away from your fancy clothes *but* have clear windows — that way you can pull the pair you're looking for without having to play the guessing game of "which pair of heels did I shove into this nondescript plastic bag?"

Promising review:  "I'm mad I didn’t know about these sooner! I hate when my shoes touch anything in my suitcase, so much so that I would put them in trash bags. I am a women’s size 8 and my flip-flops and sneakers fit into the light blue bag, my husband’s sneakers fit into the dark blue bag. (He is a size 11). The material is pretty sturdy. They should last you quite some time." — Cat L. 

Get a pack of 10 from Amazon for  $9.99 + (available in three colors). 

17. A contoured sleep mask because — and gird your loins here — plane naps CAN be good. This helps alleviate pressure and prevents any light from ruining your snooze, plus the seamless elastic means it won't snag your hair in the process.

Promising review: "I've tried many sleep masks but this is the only one I like. The foam around the eye sockets is soft and covered with soft material that forms a seal around my eye sockets. This makes it very comfortable and shields out any light, even if I want to take a nap during the day! I have been able to regulate my sleep better because I put it on when I want to sleep and I am not awakened by light until I want to be. I usually stay up until at least midnight and wake up the minute the sun comes out but I've been able to sleep many hours more that usual. This is THE ONLY mask I give as a gift and the recipients tell me they have gotten the same response — longer sleep in the morning. Excellent buy!" — Fanceyfootwork

Get it from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in six colors).

18. A travel tray perfect for any accompanying kiddos. This collapsible accessory is equipped with a detachable cup holder, iPad viewing stand for Cocomelon marathons, side storage pockets for toys and other knickknacks, plus a dry erase drawing surface base.

Promising review: "The perfect addition to our road trip! We were constantly battling with dropped snacks, toys, etc. My kiddo loved the compartments to hold everything and the dry erase board was such a bonus! I love how well the removable pieces cling on, it’s not your typical Velcro, much stronger and doesn’t seem like it will wear down over time." — ARose

Get it from Amazon for $28.95  (available in 12 colors).

19. A digital luggage scale — all I can say is that it's worth the $10 if you're prone to overpacking and have, on more than occasion, been forced to pay an additional $100 luggage fee.

Promising review:  "This luggage scale is so handy and is great for weighting your luggage. I was a little concerned before I got it because I wasn't sure how accurate it would be. When I used it when I went on vacation, it was dead on to what the airport said, so I highly recommend this. Plus, it’s easy to pack in your bags." — Teresa Daniels

Get it from Amazon for  $10.99+  (available in eight colors).

20. Luggage tags available in a bunch of vibrant, distinguishable colors that make spotting your suitcase at baggage claim into a no-fuss breeze.

Promising review: "Bought these for a trip across the country (I went through five airports) and these made it easy to identify my suitcase at baggage claim. Happy with the quality for money spent!" — AnnMarie Johnston

Get a pack of two from Amazon for $9.99 (available in 27 colors).

21. A large travel wallet because there is NOTHING WORSE than losing a connecting boarding pass while on a plane. Is it underneath your seat? In the carry-on you stored in the overhead compartment? Did you drop it en route to the plane? I don't know, I'm tired, just get this and save yourself the potential headache.

The wallet has a passport pocket, boarding pass compartment, three credit card slots, an ID slot, a slim card pouch, slim pockets, a ticket slot, a cell phone pouch, a coin zippered pocket, key holder, and pen holder.

Promising review: "I absolutely love this wallet. I needed a new travel wallet, and this holds everything I need all in one place, and it still closes nicely and stays flat! I can fit my boarding pass, passport, ID, credit cards, money, checked baggage tickets, receipts, and more in it, yet it doesn’t bulk up or look like an overstuffed mess. It's just amazing. The description says it only holds US money, but I just used the boarding pass flap to hold all my Japanese yen (¥), which are larger. I didn’t use the zippered pocket for coins as I much prefer a separate coin purse for that sort of thing. I definitely recommend to anyone who travels a lot!" — Anthony Luu

Get it from Amazon for $11.19 (available in 30 colors).

22. Silicone travel bottles because — regardless if you're staying in a 10-person hostel or five-star resort — complimentary shampoo is almost exclusively trash. These bottles come with pre-printed labels that allow you to bring your favorite hair and body products along for the trip.

And it comes with a handy, clear zipper pouch!

Promising review:  "Just took a trip to the Dominican Republic and used carry-on luggage only throughout the entire trip, never once was questioned about the size. The bag they are in seems thin but it worked great to put bottles back in as well as some smaller items fit in the bag too, like lip gloss, mascara, and such. The holes are big enough to get your product in to the bottles without any complications.  My fiancé and myself had plenty of shampoo, conditioner, sunblock and lotion for seven days.  Highly recommend these bottles, they are perfect for carry-ons!!" — Stephanie Miller

Get a set of four 3-oz. bottles from Amazon for  $14.99  (available in a variety of sizes).

23. Compression socks to keep your feet from swelling up. TL: DR; These can help prevent leg soreness, cramping, *and* use a moisture-wicking fabric.

Read more about compression socks and long flights at Cleveland Clinic . 

Promising review: "I’ve been wearing compression socks to work for years and loved them, but these are the first pairs of compression socks I’ve tried for running. I had been having some leg cramping on my long runs so I decided to try them and will never go back to short athletic socks again. I love the lack of fatigue I get from the pressure from these socks and the decrease of post-run pain. I will be wearing these when I cross the finish line at my first marathon this October!" — jamerz82

Get them from Amazon for $11.95  (available in sizes S–XXL and in eight colors).

24. Neoprene handle wraps available in fluorescent colors you can hypothetically spot from space. Or at the very least, you can spot them from baggage claim.

Promising review: "These are great! It was very easy to spot my bag at the baggage claim thanks to these handle covers and the coordinating luggage tags . I also appreciated that the comfort handle made it easier to schlep my bag in and out of the car!" — RiverSong

Get a set of five from Amazon for  $9.99 (available in 11 colors). 

25. BPA-free covers if you've gotten into the habit of flinging your toothbrush into your foundation-covered makeup bag and calling it a day. When you think about it: ew. This tiny gadget keeps grime off the bristles that are intended to disinfect your mouth.

Promising review:  "Fits my double brush electronic toothbrush perfectly. Cleans easily. A perfect accessory for health and cleanliness of the toothbrush. Great idea; and I like the way they look." — a l brock 

Get a pack of four from Amazon for  $14.44 . 

26. Packing cubes capable of helping you fit your entire 👏 friggin' 👏 wardrobe 👏 inside your carry-on. Plus, this keeps everything lookin' niiiiice and neat.

Promising review: "I am officially sold on packing cubes!! These things are amazing! I can believe I've been packing without them my whole life. The mesh lining allows you to peek inside, and I was able to pack all my clothes, shoes, and toiletries for a 10-day trip to Europe (full contents listed below). I packed them as I normally would first, and then packed them in the packing cubes. There was SO much more room in my luggage after packing everything in the cubes! Items I fit in the cubes and bag include two jackets, one jean vest, four pants/capris, two pairs of shorts, one romper, four dresses, one maxi skirt, seven tank tops, four shirts, three camisoles, three pajama sets, 15 undies, six pairs of socks, and four pairs of shoes. But why are you still reading?? Go buy these cubes!" — Tiffany

Get a set from Amazon for  $21.99 (available in 24 colors). 

27. A TSA-approved transparent organizer so that you don't have to fish around your suitcase for liquids (and then stuff them in a clear baggy) while going through airport security. Flying is nerve-wracking enough. Let's not be panicking about whether or not our favorite moisturizer will be unjustly confiscated.

Promising review: "I am a flight attendant, and this case is perfect for all my international flights that require going through security. Plus, love the handle. It makes it easy to pull out of my suitcase!" — Krissti

Get it from Amazon for  $13.99  (available in 11 colors). 

28. Cable ties because tangled charging cords and headphones are the second most frustrating thing on the planet. (Forgetting said charging cords and headphones at home is #1.)

These cable ties are also great for when you're NOT traveling! See below.

Promising review: "I used the different colors to help sort and organize the cords we were bringing on our trip and I love that you can leave them on and just wrap them back up when you are ready!" — Shelby S.

Get a pack of 20 from Amazon for $6.99  (available in three color combos).

The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.

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I’ve Taken 15 Trips This Year, and My 12 Go-To Travel Essentials Are on Sale RN

They make the entire travel experience a breeze.

• Best Overall Deals
• Fashion Deals
• Organization Deals

Traveling can feel like an Olympic sport , especially if you wait until the last minute to pack. Thankfully, Amazon Prime is a lifesaver, letting you order what you need just days before your flight. And, with 15 flights under my belt this year, including three international trips, all with just a carry-on, I’m here to share some of the items that have been true lifesavers on my journeys 30,000 miles in the air.

Some of the items are obvious: breezy linen sets , flip-flops (for both the beach and the shower), and a comfortable walking shoe. But there are also less obvious essentials that are often forgotten, like compression packing cubes that are a must when you’re dealing with limited packing space, a portable charger, and AirTags if you decide to check your luggage or want to keep track of your valuables. 

So, if you’re planning a Labor Day escape, be sure to take advantage of the Amazon sales on some of my holy-grail travel essentials. And if you’re staying home for the long weekend like I am, you’ve got even more time to shop the sales. Check out all the things I won’t travel without below.

Best Early Labor Day Travel Deals Overall

• Faleave Cotton Linen Summer Palazzo Pants , $26 (Originally $33)
• Anrabess Summer 2-Piece Set, $36 (Originally $46)
• Amy Babe Satin Silky High-Waist Maxi Skirt, $30 (Originally $35)
• Havaianas Top Flip-Flop Sandal, $12 (Originally $18)
• Kiss Sea Large Straw Mesh Beach Bag , $20 (Originally $30)
• Reebok Club C 85 Vintage Shoe , $69 (Originally $85)
• Bagsmart Compression Packing Cubes , $40 (Originally $43)
• Etronik Travel Duffel Bag , $24 (Originally $50)
• Apple AirTag 4-Pack , $80 (Originally $99)
• Iniu Portable Charger , $18 (Originally $30)
• Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones , $249 (Originally $349)
• Feiscon Small Jewelry Box , $10 (Originally $20)

Best Fashion Deals

I’m a fashion editor, so obviously, fashion is always on my mind. And while I want to look cute while traveling, I’ve learned I also have to be smart about what I bring. So, I’ve perfected a suitcase-friendly capsule with staple pieces you can wear again and again. 

Anrabess Summer 2-Piece Set

Two-piece sets are the cornerstone of my travel wardrobe because they’re so easy to throw on and can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits. This linen lounge set, in particular, doesn’t take up much room in your suitcase and can be dressed up or down depending on where the day or night takes you. With 24 different colors to choose from, there’s something for everyone, too.

Kiss Sea Large Straw Mesh Beach Bag

On sale for $20, this beach bag is cute enough to use all day long, especially when you’re at the beach and need easy access to your Kindle, emergency protein bar, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

Reebok Club C 85 Vintage Shoe

Is there anything more important than a comfortable walking shoe when traveling? Whether you’re on a guided walking tour or shopping until you drop, you need a shoe that can be worn for hours on end and is versatile enough to pair with dresses, skirts, pants, and more. If I were stranded on a deserted vacation island, my Reebok Club C sneakers would definitely be one of the five items I’d take with me.

Amy Babe Satin Silky High-Waist Maxi Skirt

Havaianas top flip-flop sandal, best organization deals .

Organization is a must when you travel, because it keeps things in check when something unexpected happens (which is common at the airport!) So, I like to keep things as neat and tidy as possible to ensure one less hiccup while in the air.

Bagsmart Compression Packing Cubes

I will never stop singing the praises of compression packing cubes . I can’t even remember how I traveled before these came into my life. It’s seriously awe-inspiring how many outfits I’m able to pack thanks to them, all fitting easily into my carry-on. I save so much space that I even have room left for souvenir shopping. Yes, I’m serious.

Etronik Travel Duffel Bag

Mary Poppins herself would be amazed at how much you can fit into this duffel bag . With its many hidden compartments, even if your carry-on gets full, you still have this weekender to add more items. There’s even a zippable separate shoe compartment so your muddy sneakers don’t have to touch the rest of your items.

Feiscon Small Jewelry Box 

You don’t have enough PTO to spend your vacation untangling your many necklaces. This jewelry organizer makes it easier than ever to travel with earrings and more, so you can accessorize effortlessly while on the go.

Best Tech Deals

Having a handful of tech essentials on hand while traveling has eliminated a few headaches for me. You never know if there will be a delay—or if you can’t find an outlet —so below, see all the tech winners that I bring with me everywhere. 

Iniu Portable Charger

The OOO curse is that your phone always seems to die in the middle of the day. It’s an unfortunate truth, but the best way to stay ahead of it is by carrying a portable charger with you—and making sure that charger is fully charged, too.

Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones 

Nothing ruins a trip quite like a long plane ride next to a crying baby or an equally irritating adult. These noise-canceling Bose headphones let you mind your own business and fall asleep on a flight, ensuring that when you land, you’re well-rested and worry-free. They fit comfortably over your ears, so you won’t even notice you have them on, no matter how many hours you’ve been wearing them.

Apple AirTag 4-Pack 

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The 10 Comfy Sneakers I’m Eyeing at Amazon Ahead of My Fall Travels — Starting at $35

Shop a travel writer's top picks from Adidas, Reebok, New Balance, and more.

Travel + Leisure

With fall just around the corner and a multitude of trips waiting in the wings, I’ve begun to look forward to giving my wardrobe a seasonal refresh for the season, starting with a new pair of walking shoes . I’ll be heading to Norway in just a few weeks with walking tours galore on the agenda, and since I’m traveling with just a carry-on and a personal item, I need to be incredibly selective with the footwear I add to my packing list.

After scanning through the hundreds of comfortable shoe options available at Amazon, I’ve compiled a list of the 10 pairs I’m considering purchasing ahead of my trip — and bonus: they’re all on sale. From Asics trail running shoes to the perfect, plain white sneakers from Dr. Scholl's , these are the best supportive shoes that are practically made for your fall travels, starting at just $35. I’ve yet to narrow down my list to a top pick, but since these sale prices aren’t guaranteed to last much longer, I encourage you to find yours soon.

Adidas Women’s Grand Court 2.0 Tennis Shoes

Adidas long ago mastered the art of the perfect walking sneaker, so I would be remiss not to consider adding this best-selling pair to my shopping cart while preparing for my fall travels. Designed to be lightweight and supremely comfortable, these shoes are fitted with two layers of the brand's Cloudfoam cushioning within the insoles that make every step feel like walking on, well, a cloud. The simple design features reliable rubber outsoles that will keep me from slipping on slick pavement, plus, they’re neutral enough to be worn with all of my favorite sightseeing outfits.

Asics Women’s Gel Venture 9 Trail Running Shoes

My upcoming trip to Norway is going to involve plenty of time spent on the trails, so if I’m going to try to squeeze in a run while I’m there, these best-selling trail running shoes are a must-have. Sturdy, slip-resistant outsoles are the nexus of any good trail running shoe, and this pair is made with a trail-specific rubber sole with a designated groove pattern for impressive grip. Shock-absorbing insoles limit the feeling of impact so I’ll be able to spend longer on my feet more comfortably, and they’re also made with a breathable mesh upper to mitigate sweaty feet.

Dr. Scholl’s Women’s Time Off Sneakers

I’m always looking for a reliable pair of white sneakers that will elevate every outfit while simultaneously keeping me comfortable, and seeing as these sneakers were literally designed by podiatrists, I have faith that they’re the perfect selection for my next trip. A best-seller at Amazon , these unassuming shoes hide highly supportive insoles that are designed to provide ample support within a basic slip-on shoe. They’ll be easy to slide on and off if I’m in a hurry to get to a walking tour with my family, and they’re even made with recycled materials so I can remain eco-conscious with my footwear selection.

Reebok Women’s Club C 85 Vintage Shoes

These skater-style shoes are high on my list of potential candidates for my pared-down packing list this fall, and it’s not only the vintage flair that caught my eye (nor the enticing sale price). The 100 percent leather exterior of these Reebok sneakers is sure to remain in pristine condition for years to come, so I won’t have to continuously purchase new shoes that I trust to travel in. They’re fitted with cushy EVA midsoles that absorb impact and provide optimal comfort during all-day wear, and they’ll look great with everything from a maxi dress to a simple pair of denim shorts. Padded sock liners at the heels of these shoes won’t cause blisters, and high-traction outsoles offer the reliability I’m looking for in an everyday sneaker.

Puma Women’s Carina Leather Sneakers

After earning nearly 15,000 five-star ratings at Amazon, I feel confident that these classic white sneakers would be a worthwhile addition to my fall packing list — especially considering they’re presently on sale for just $58. This retro-inspired sneaker is the perfect, casual sightseeing shoe that will also be a pristine choice for long travel days, and thanks to the Puma name, I know that they’re made with high-quality construction that won’t soon fall apart. The uppers are made from a leather blend that’s soft and comfy, while a slight platform promises to give me just a little extra height without feeling precarious. I have to consider which shoes will match with the most items in my suitcase, and these are certainly a top contender.

Rocket Dog Women’s Cheery Plush Foam Comfort Sneakers

As soon as I saw that these beachy canvas sneakers were made with plush foam insoles, I knew that they were an excellent selection for a packable travel shoe to walk the streets of a foreign city or hurry through the airport to make my connecting flight. The slightly chunky design gives them a boost over other white sneakers, but they’re not tall enough to cause discomfort or make walking difficult. And while the creamy white shade is now on sale for 22 percent off, these sneakers are also available in 24 other vibrant and muted colors if you’re looking to add a pop to your travel wardrobe.

Skechers Women’s Uno Stand On Air Sneakers

Skechers have a reputation for being practical and excellent for walking, and these sleek and bouncy sneakers seem like they’ll fit the bill for my travels — and they’re on sale for 25 percent off in select colors and sizes right now. These simple and supportive shoes have earned a whopping 26,700-plus five-star ratings from happy shoppers, and it’s their memory foam insoles, well-tractioned outsoles, and smooth, easy-to-clean exteriors that make them particularly well-suited for traveling. I can see myself wearing them while exploring the sites of Oslo and Lillehammer, and I’m certain I would get ample wear out of them in my day-to-day life as well.

New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam Roav V1 Sneakers

A classic pair of sporty sneakers is never a bad addition to my packing list, especially since I know I’ll be spending most days on my feet. However, while I still like to prioritize style along with comfort, these New Balance sneakers are now sitting in my cart thanks to their plush insoles and lightweight, ultra-packable design. The malleable exterior won’t take up valuable space within my suitcase, and when I’m not taking on the trails I know that the thoughtfully designed interiors will cushion my weary feet, keeping me fresh for the day’s activities. They may be designed for running, but they’ll make for an excellent travel shoe as well.

Reebok Women’s Walk Ultra 7 DMX Max Shoes

These chunky Reebok sneakers are cushioned to the maximum, and with their thoughtfully designed insoles and slip-resistant outsoles, they’re positioned as a top-notch walking shoe for all of my fall adventures. Now on sale for a staggering 44 percent off, these sensible sneakers will make long days of walking a breeze as they’re constructed to support every activity from the gym to the city streets. Ample arch support keeps fatigue at bay so I won’t be slowed down while sightseeing, and they even prioritize high traction to protect me on unpredictable and uneven surfaces.

Ryka Women’s Devotion X Walking Shoes

Modeled after classic walking sneakers, these simple Ryka shoes promise to prepare me for both high-performance activities and simple strolls, making them great for traveling. Their insoles feature shock absorption and impact protection technology to minimize the stress on my body from long hours on my feet, and they’re even manufactured with women’s feet in mind, in turn, boasting a narrower heel fit alongside a more spacious toe box. Breathable mesh exteriors will keep sweaty feet at bay even after a day of sightseeing, and they’re available in 15 gorgeous colors to best suit my personal style. Best of all? They’re on sale.

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A Beauty Writer’s Guide to Testing Products

Welcome to  How I Pick My Picks  — a kind-of-regular newsletter series in which we check in with the Strategist staff on the stuff they’re using day-to-day, the products they’re testing for stories, and the things their friends and family won’t stop asking them about. Consider it a peek into the always-whirring brain of a Strategist writer. Today, we talk to beauty and wellness writer Arielle Avila .

I’ve often said to friends that I feel like a walking test tube, because I’m frequently slathering on or testing products, literally from my head (i.e., face toners and CC creams ) to my toes (i.e., callus removers and toenail clippers ). To speed up the process, I’ve even broken up my face into four quadrants and tested two things at once on separate feet. The most helpful thing I’ve done was creating an overly detailed spreadsheet that documents my results, even if it’s as banal as “face felt normal today.” I’m often sending myself Slack messages like that at random hours of the day and entering them in later to keep up the log. If I didn’t have this, I don’t think I could remember every detail while I’m testing multiple things at once.

Another part of my job I especially like is when I get to take a closer, more discerning look at marketing jargon in both the beauty and wellness industries, because a lot of what’s sold is just that. I’ve done this with LED teeth-whitening kits and shower filters by interviewing experts to essentially see if someone really “needs” the product, if there’s something cheaper that’s just as good, or if it’s just a gimmick. One of the latest things I’ve been going deep on is the ingredient bakuchiol , which has reentered the skin-care world and is getting tossed around as “nature’s retinol.”

What’s the product that friends and family always ask for your advice on?

I’ve tested a lot of dental-care products over the years, and I get asked the most about teeth whitening . (It is much sexier than, say, water flossers or toothpaste.) Like skin care and any other thing that requires consistency, the result depends on how much you can commit to. I go back and forth between the whitening pens and strips, because they’re convenient at home and on the go, but the best may depend on your lifestyle. Just don’t buy into the little LED light devices I mentioned above. They don’t have enough power to do what they claim.

Do you have any strongly held opinions that have changed after testing?

Everyone should have a bidet, full stop. Because of my current rental situation, I can’t test the fancy toilet-seat-bidet options with air-dryers, seat warmers, and the whole nine yards. However, I’ve had the best least expensive option for almost a year. It was simple to install, it’s easy to use, and I feel cleaner down there than ever. It’s under $50, often on sale, and comes in an even less expensive option . I don’t use nearly as much toilet paper as before, and I miss it dearly when I’m without it.

What’s the least amount of money you should spend on, for example, a shower filter?

I don’t think a shower filter over $50 is necessarily worth it. All of the good ones are made with a mix of KDF-55 and activated carbon, which help filter out some chlorine and bacteria, and there are plenty on Amazon under $50 that check those boxes Anything that costs more is for aesthetics. Overall, though, they won’t soften your water. Experts I’ve spoken to say you’d need something much bigger than just an in-line or all-in-one filter to do that.

What are you currently testing and researching?

Lip stains have been on my mind for a while. I’ve tried out some that absolutely dried out my lips and others that faded quickly. I finally found one that’s hydrating, long lasting, and the perfect everyday nude shade. My review of it will be up in the Beauty Brief newsletter soon, so make sure to subscribe if you haven’t already.

What’s the last thing you bought?

Turtle chips . They are as addictive as Simu Liu told me. I recently brought a bag to a watch party and had to stop myself from hogging them. I turned at least four friends into fans.

What’s the most expensive product that you own?

Probably the Dyson Airwrap . Hairstyling is my biggest beauty blind spot, and this makes a blowout look extremely simple. I know there are some very good dupes out there, but I think I’ve used this enough in the past year and a half to justify the cost.

If you had to spend $1,000 at Ulta, what would you buy?

First, I’d check out Ulta’s revamped Beauty Collection . I’m a big fan of Sephora’s in-house brand for things like concealer and lip glosses , so I’d be interested in Ulta’s take. Then, I’d stock up on fragrances. I’m working on my perfume collection display, so I’d go for Eilish Eau de Parfum , NOYZ’s Unmute Eau De Parfum , and Tory Burch’s Sublime . Finally, I’d fill my bag with wellness powders. I can’t help it. A “functional beverage” is my guilty pleasure, even if they have debatable claims. I’d stock up on my favorites from Golde and Moon Juice .

What are some open tabs on your computer right now? What’s on your list, but you can’t bring yourself to buy it just yet?

I keep a couple of saved searches on The RealReal, just so I don’t miss anything I might have on my wish list. It ranges from vague (“Maryam Nassir Zadeh” and “Eckhaus Latta”) to somewhat specific (“Norma Kamali coat” and “Staud Tommy Bag”). I’ve also been browsing Retail Pharmacy , this shop my friend told me about recently. This dress feels like something I could wear to a club or a fancy dinner party, but it’s far outside my budget. A different vibe, for sure, but I have this set in my cart as I’m typing this.

The Strategist  is designed to surface useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Every product is independently selected by our team of editors, whom you can read about  here . We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.

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I took my 6-year-old to Los Angeles. I was surprised by how kid-friendly the city is.

• I traveled from Maine to California with my 6-year-old son.
• I hadn't been in almost a decade and worried about what to do with him so he wouldn't get bored.
• I was surprised at how kid-friendly LA is, and now my son wants to go back again.

My family usually takes a big summer trip, but I  tore my ACL  earlier this year, so we decided to take it slow and allow my body to heal. That said, I also can't stay still, so I decided to plan a trip for my oldest kid and me to visit friends in Los Angeles.

At first, I was worried about taking a 6-year-old to such a massive city. We live in Portland, Maine , and it sometimes feels like there's not enough to do with the kids. Our activities are usually centered on food and birthday parties.

I asked on Threads for tips on what to do and quickly realized the options were endless. We did so much fun stuff, and now I know Los Angeles is truly a kid-friendly city.

He loved all of our adventures

Our flight out West was delayed , so when we finally arrived in LA, I threw our bags in the room, and we ran out to explore. Our first stop was the La Brea tar pits, which friends highly recommended. I purchased a Go City pass , which allows you to visit several attractions without having to pay for a ticket, and the tar pits were included.

We explored the pits, which blew my adult mind, and then the museum, which included skeletons and fossils found there. My son loves archeology, so this was a great kick-off to the trip.

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We then headed to Ripley's Believe It or Not museum, which is kind of a tourist trap, but I remember loving it as a kid. His mind was once again blown when he stood next to the tallest man ever; I loved seeing Marilyn Monroe's dress that Kim Kardashian wore in real life.

We then walked the Hollywood Boulevard looking for celebrity stars until we reached a thrift store. We went shopping, and the cashier decided to give us 25% off because she thought my son was funny. A similar thing happened when we bought T-shirts at Amoeba Music.

The next day, we headed to Universal Studios Hollywood so he could visit the Super Nintendo World . Since we had early entrance and walked into the park at 8 a.m. we only stayed half a day.

After that, we went to the Griffith Observatory, where we saw the Hollywood sign and all the planetarium exhibitions, and watched a movie about whether life exists on other planets. He had so many questions after that.

No trip to LA is complete without a stop at In-And-Out , where before I could even place my order, my son was gifted stickers and a chocolate shake.

The next day, I took him to Sidecar for donuts, and the employee decided to give him his doughnut for free. At this point, my son started to think that all kids get free things in LA. We then walked to buy shoes for me, and while I was looking for cool sneakers, the shop owner called my son over to shoot some basketballs in a hoop.

After buying shoes, we went to the LA Zoo , which several people had recommended. I'm not a fan of zoos, but when we walked in, we saw there was a Lego DREAMzzz: a Wild Adventure where kids could help build a giant narwhal. Being a huge Lego bricks fan, my son was thrilled to participate and meet a true Lego master builder. He even got to leave with a goodie bag for participating.

To close out our trip and continue the Lego theme, we drove to Legoland in San Diego . He was walking all over the park screaming, "This is the best place eveeeeeer," which was pretty adorable to see.

We did more in a week than we do in a month at home

If it sounds like we did a lot of things, that's because we did. And while he tends to be a homebody at home, being in a new city had him excited for whatever was coming next.

When we are in Maine, all our activities revolve around where we eat and whether we have a party to attend. There's not much culture and diversity for kids, and we tend to have to drive to New Hampshire or Boston for more kid-friendly activities.

Even at restaurants here, it's often hard to find kid activity books or crayons, which I know is not the responsibility of the owner but rather the parents. Still, having a sticker book handed out with burgers made dinner so much easier .

At the end of our trip, I asked him what his favorite thing had been. He said, "Everything," and even when I tried to press for one top activity, he came back with the same answer.

As for me, I'm already thinking about when we can return to Los Angeles, because now that I know it's this kid-friendly, I have so many more things I want to do.

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I tried this luxury travel stroller and finally felt like the cool mom that I was always meant to be

I’m pregnant and a toddler mom, so the NBC Select team has made me their de facto tester for parenting and maternity products. I guess that makes me an expert. While crafting my baby registry, the Silver Cross Jet 5 stroller was on the short list, so I jumped for joy (as much as I can jump at 8 months pregnant) when the team asked me to review it.

SKIP AHEAD How I tested | What I liked | Some things to note | Other strollers | Why trust NBC Select?

select I’m pregnant and refuse to wear jeans — here are my favorite maternity leggings

Silver cross jet 5 stroller.

The newly launched Silver Cross Jet 5 stroller is marketed as the perfect travel stroller — in fact, the brand says that you can push the stroller up to the gate, effortlessly fold it up and store it in the overhead compartment. While I found that it didn’t replace my everyday stroller, I absolutely adored it for the dreaded “traveling with kids” times. 

How I tested the Silver Cross Jet 5 stroller

I tested this stroller for three weeks and evaluated its size, weight and durability —  grocery shopped, walked my son to camp and strutted around a mall. I also lifted the stroller (again, I’m 8 months pregnant), folded it up and stored it in my home and trunk. My initial impressions on some key features are below:

• Size : Compared to the YOYO Zen (another beloved travel stroller) , both strollers fold really well, but the Silver Cross can fold even smaller and more compact than the Yoyo, in my experience.
• Weight : While weight doesn’t seem like an important factor, at 37 weeks pregnant, I wanted this stroller to be something I could manage on my own. After all, I’m a strong independent woman who just happens to also be pregnant. The stroller folded with ease and could be taken in and out of a car by myself , with ease.

What I like

With a 37-week-pregnant belly and a 2.5-year-old, I don’t leave the house unless I have to. My hands are already full enough, but then you add the diaper bag, snacks and emotional support stuffed animal — it’s just too much. And the amount to carry doubles when we go on a road trip or a vacation. That’s why a lightweight stroller is of the utmost importance. Our car has been feeling even smaller and smaller these days, so the Silver Cross Jet 5 — weighing 15.87 lbs — stroller came at the perfect time. With the new baby on the way, I also loved the double perk of working for my 27-pound toddler and a newborn.

I’d be remiss not to mention how sleek and modern the stroller looks — you’d be like, “C’mon Becca, it’s right in front of you.” While convenience is key (and the stroller delivers that), I was so excited by the leather details, fancy magnetic buckles and padded seat — I’m not a regular mom, I’m a cool mom who wants a cool stroller. The material feels as silky as the top of a newborn’s head. For the first time, I felt like a stylish mom wheeling my Jet 5 down the grocery aisles. 

If I’m buying a travel stroller, it needs to fit in the plane’s overhead bin. My husband and I have too many horror stories of checked strollers being damaged (stories for another time). With the Jet 5, you can roll your child right up to the plane. Plus, it folds in one smooth motion with one hand, allowing for smooth boarding. The stroller also comes with a protective cover to ensure there is no damage when being loaded in your car or overhead bin. 

Parents know the struggle of buckling your bucking child into the stroller when trying to leave the house, and the sleek three-click magnetic buckle did not let me down. I didn’t have to worry about snapping my fingers accidentally or pinching my toddler’s skin. 

Something largely important for safety in a stroller is a good locking feature — where the wheels lock to prevent the stroller from rolling away. Some have locks on the handles and some only have one peddle to click up and down. I love the Jet 5’s bottom two locks, colored in green and red for an obvious, yet effective method to lock your stroller.

Size and weight

When the box arrived, I could not believe it fit a stroller inside something that small. Whether you have a small house or car, this stroller can fit into any corner or trunk space, with plenty of leftover space. At just 15.87 lbs, I love that I can lift and maneuver this stroller all by myself while juggling a running toddler. 

Advertised as ”suitable from birth to 55 lbs and is car seat compatible,” the Jet 5 carries the heaviest weight that I have found in a travel stroller. That means that my little one still has 20 more lbs to go before he’s too big for it. The newborn car seat adapter is also *chef’s kiss*. 

The Jet 5 also comes with a lie-flat feature, which is incredibly handy for napping toddlers. You can even keep the sun out of your sleeping baby’s eyes with the hood, which has UPF 50+ protection. 

Things to note

In my experience, this stroller is meant for travel and is not ideal for work or everyday use. I found that the lack of storage was a little frustrating for everyday use — I could only fit minimal small items, meaning I had to be strategic about fitting things under the seat.  Also, if you’re heavily pregnant, access to the basket is tricky; You need to bend over and maneuver around a bar in the front middle of the basket, so taking out items is a bit laborious.

The Jet 5 starts at a hefty price of $475, which is on the higher end than some other travel strollers. If you want additions like a phone holder, snack tray or cup holder those are an additional $30 per item. The stroller does come with a protective cover and raincover, which is a nice addition. But, the quality and size making the price worth it, in my opinion.

Other baby stroller products to consider

Along with the Silver Cross Jet 5 travel stroller, I’ve tried many other everyday and travel strollers (remember, I’m an expert). If you’re still undecided on the Jet 5, then check out a few of my other recommendations.

Guava Roam Stroller

Other parents will understand: the most exciting thing about this stroller is the storage.  It’s not hyperbole when I say that you barely need a diaper bag when using the Guava — the side pockets hold toddler snacks and water, the behind-seat pockets hold adult snacks and the below-stroller pockets are great for larger items. I also love how elevated and organized the pockets make the stroller feel —  one less chaotic mess for me to tackle.

BabyZen Yoyo2 Stroller

Babyzen Yoyo2 Stroller

With one flick of the wrist, you can fold and unfold the YoYo stroller, which is huge for traveling and commutes. It’s typically a part of my normal stroller rotation, so I would also highly recommend this option.

Strolee Travel Stroller

The pricepoint on this travel stroller is pretty competitive. It can recline almost completely flat and is travel-friendly, meaning that it can fit in the overhead compartment. It can also turn into a tandem double stroller in under 30 seconds, according to the brand.

select This is the best baby stroller I’ve ever used — seriously

Final verdict .

I love the Silver Cross Jet 5. If you are in the market for a travel-friendly stroller, this is a great, stylish option (albeit pricey one). I would not suggest it for everyday use given that the snack and diaper-storage pockets are limited.

Why trust NBC Select?

I am the senior commerce photo editor and producer at NBCUniversal. I’m also the mom to a two-year-old and pregnant with my second baby. I’ve tested nearly a dozen baby strollers to find the best one for my growing family. I’ve also written reviews for Shop Today, including my review of Amazon workout shirts and gifts for Mother’s Day .

Catch up on NBC Select’s in-depth coverage of personal finance , tech and tools , wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter and TikTok to stay up to date.

Senior commerce photo editor