Top 10 Things Kids Love About Trader Joe's

My kids love "Trader Joe's Kids." A trip to a grocery store is not usually high on a pre-schooler's list of fun things to do, but my kids actually look forward to our weekly excursions to Trader Joe's, both for the experience and for the food. Here's the top 10 things kids love about Trader Joe's:

1.Balloons and Stickers
There's nothing like the promise of Trader Joe's stickers and balloons at the check-out to encourage good behavior from kids. My toddler begins the excited cries for his "bah-woon" the moment we enter the store. An ordinary errand becomes something special at Trader Joe's.

2.Friendly Staff
The staff at our store here in Rochester Hills, Michigan, is exceedingly friendly, often stopping to say hi to the kids as we do our shopping. Instead of being ignored at the check-out, my kids are showered with attention. The warm, kid-friendly atmosphere seems to be a common thread at all of the Trader Joe's I've visited. One day, after shopping at the Trader Joe's in Royal Oak, Michigan, my son's balloon had gotten away from him and began that sad ascent into the sky. The tears flowed. Before I had even finished putting my grocery bags into my car, a cashier came rushing out to the parking lot with a new balloon for my little guy. Need I say more?

3. Tasting Station
Kids know there is always something to eat at Trader Joe's. The food at the tasting station may or may not be kid-friendly, but there is always a refreshing cup of organic juice. The kids can usually nibble on fruit or cheese samples throughout the store, as well.

4. Winky
At our local Trader Joe's, a small stuffed toy sheep named Winky is hidden somewhere on the shelves. I might be on a shopping trip, but my kids are on a scavenger hunt! When kids find Winky, they take him to the customer service desk for a prize before hiding him for the next pint-sized shopper. (I don't know if this is common to all Trader Joe's, but the concept is brilliant!)