If you ever needed an excuse to leave your kids at home when you do the shopping – this is it. A new study has revealed that shopping with the kids adds almost $50 to the bill.

Two in three parents surveyed by Slickdeals said their shopping trips cost more when the kids tag along. On average, the 2000 US parents surveyed said they usually spend $133 when shopping alone, compared to $179 when shopping with the kids.

But – there is a silver lining, which may just be more valuable than saving some coin.

The price of shopping with kids

More than half of the parents who took part in the survey said that when shopping on their own, they tended to stick to things like groceries, beauty products, electronics and clothing.

But taking the kids along often meant unintended purchases – with some of the stranger things parents and kids have come home with after a shopping trip including a ferret and taxidermie alligator.

And it’s not just random purchases that cost parents, almost half of those surveyed said they’ve resorted to bribery to ensure the shopping trip went smoothly.

But the upside to taking the kids shopping is the invaluable lessons they learn. Three out of five parents surveyed said they use shopping trips as a learning experience to help their kids learn the value of money.

Other said they teach their children how to find the best deals.

“Shopping with kids appears to cost parents more, but there are valuable money lessons that can be learned through the experience,” Slickdeals personal finance manager Louie Patterson said.

“Including your children in everyday shopping decisions and discussions about larger purchases is a great way to teach them the value of a dollar.”

Do you let your kids come shopping with you or do you leave them at home? Let us know in the comments below.