If you have kids, leave them at home. If you've ever been out shopping with a child, you know why. Not only will your kids want anything and everything for themselves, but they'll also try to convince you your home really needs a new laptop or the family room's TV needs an update.

"What we've learned from exploring kids is that they have certain techniques that they use to persuade you to buy more," Lindstrom explains.

I don't know about you, but I know several of these techniques all too well. You're better off saving your shopping for when your kids are at school or playing with friends.