I’ll be honest right from the start.
I’m the type of person who walks into the store for one item—maybe a simple carton of milk—and comes out with a cart full of snacks, a new notebook, and a random candle I swore I absolutely “needed.”
By the time I get to my car, I’m both amazed at how many extra things I managed to grab and slightly puzzled as to why it keeps happening.
Here at DM News, we love exploring everyday behaviors that reveal deeper truths about who we are.
This particular habit—leaving the store with way more items than planned—may sound familiar to a lot of us.
At first glance, it might just seem like a lack of self-control, but the truth is that it often ties into deeper personality traits.
After reflecting on my own experiences (and checking in with a few psychology studies along the way), I’ve identified eight traits that most people who do this tend to share. See if any of these resonate with you—or someone you know.
Let’s dive in.
1. They love novelty and adventure
Do you ever walk into a store, spot something you’ve never tried before, and think, “Why not?”
That’s novelty-seeking at its finest.
People who enjoy new experiences are often the ones who wander into the snack aisle and come out with items they’ve never even heard of, just for the thrill of tasting something new.
It’s not just about the product itself—it’s about the excitement of discovering something fresh and different.
A routine grocery trip transforms into a mini adventure. This sense of curiosity can lead to a shopping cart filled with unexpected finds, from matcha-flavored chocolates to handcrafted soap that smells like an exotic rainforest.
If you see yourself in this description, don’t worry—you’re not alone.
Research published in the Journal of Behavioral Neuroscience notes that novelty can release feel-good dopamine in the brain, giving us a quick rush of excitement.
So if you gravitate toward new flavors, textures, and designs, chances are you have a playful streak that loves turning mundane tasks into micro-adventures.
2. They have impulsive tendencies
Let’s be real: plenty of us have that voice in our head that whispers, “Go ahead, treat yourself!” the second we see something shiny or appealing.
Impulsiveness isn’t necessarily a bad thing, though—it can make life fun, spontaneous, and filled with unforgettable moments.
But it might also explain why you leave the store with a cartful of items you didn’t plan to buy.
Impulsivity often shows up in other areas of life too, like deciding on last-minute road trips or changing up your dinner plans at the drop of a hat.
When you’re impulsive, you don’t always think through the consequences (like the extra money spent or the clutter piling up in your home). You’re simply riding the wave of a momentary desire.
That said, if you’re trying to tame your impulse buying, one tip that helps me is to pause before grabbing an unplanned item.
Ask yourself, “Am I really going to use this—or is it just a fleeting desire?”
The key is channeling that impulsivity into areas that genuinely enrich your life, rather than clutter your kitchen cabinets with random gadgets.
3. They get easily bored with routines
Looking around my house, I’ve noticed an odd pattern: whenever I’m feeling restless with my routine, my shopping sprees tend to spike.
Ever felt that way? It’s like you’re craving some excitement or spontaneity, and you find a quick fix by wandering into a store, hoping to stumble upon something fun, functional, or just plain interesting.
Buying more than intended can sometimes be a sign that you’re thirsting for variety in your day-to-day life.
When life gets monotonous, shopping becomes a mini escape—a chance to break free from the mundane.
But, of course, that can lead to empty wallets and a closet full of items you barely remember purchasing.
If this sounds like you, try exploring new hobbies or switching up your routine instead. Boredom can be a powerful motivator, but it doesn’t have to push you toward yet another pair of shoes you don’t need.
Channel that energy into something that satisfies your longing for change without the buyer’s remorse.
4. They’re highly curious
“Curiosity is the engine of achievement,” said Sir Ken Robinson.
While this quote is more about education and creativity, it applies to shopping too.
People with a curious mind tend to explore every aisle, scanning shelves for products they’ve never seen.
Curiosity also sparks thoughts like, “I wonder if this new kitchen gadget will save me time,” or “What if this fancy shampoo really does make my hair like those commercials?”
That inclination to explore “what if?” scenarios can quickly escalate a shopping list from one item to a dozen.
As expensive as it can get sometimes, curiosity is a powerful trait to have. It encourages learning, innovation, and open-mindedness. The trick is to be mindful of when curiosity crosses the line into over-buying territory.
Try channeling your curiosity into reading reviews beforehand or borrowing an item from a friend first.
That way, you satisfy your inquisitive mind without racking up unnecessary purchases.
5. They rationalize wants as needs
If you’ve ever said, “I really need this limited-edition scented candle,” when you clearly have a stash of candles at home, you’ve engaged in a bit of mental gymnastics.
It’s surprisingly easy to talk ourselves into believing we need something, especially when that item looks useful, comforting, or exciting in the moment.
When you’re skilled at rationalizing, you’re essentially using logic in a slightly twisted way to convince yourself the purchase is justified.
Telling yourself, “This deal is too good to pass up,” or “It’ll save me trips to the store later,” might feel perfectly reasonable.
But if you keep adding items to your cart using the same “reasoning,” you’ll walk away with an overflowing shopping bag.
One trick to curb this is to create a buffer zone. I sometimes give myself a day or two to think about whether I truly need something.
If I still feel that desire after a bit of time has passed, it might be a legitimate need or, at least, a well-considered want. But if I forget about it entirely, that tells me I was just swept up in the excitement.
6. They’re flexible decision-makers
There’s a certain type of personality that loves to keep options open. If you’re that person, you might think, “Why settle for one flavor of ice cream when I can have three?”
It’s not greed—it’s more about enjoying variety and not wanting to lock yourself into a single choice.
Being flexible can be a fantastic trait in daily life, helping you adapt to new circumstances and opportunities.
But in the context of shopping, it can encourage you to grab multiple alternatives instead of just one.
Dan Ariely, author of “Predictably Irrational,” famously said, “We are all far less rational in our decision-making than we think we are.”
Even if we believe we’re being practical by stocking up, there’s a good chance we’re driven by a deeper preference for keeping doors open.
If that resonates with you, take a moment before hitting checkout. Remember that you can often return to the store or order online later if you truly need a different flavor, size, or style.
7. They’re motivated by instant gratification
Finally, we get to instant gratification, perhaps the strongest factor that explains why we walk out of a store with more purchases than we’d intended.
Most of us are no strangers to the little rush we get when we buy something new—whether it’s a new blouse or a gadget promising to make cooking a breeze.
That excitement can be addictive, leading us to chase the short-term high rather than focusing on our long-term budgets or goals.
Instant gratification is a common motivator, especially in a world where we can click “Add to Cart” and have a delivery at our door in days or even hours.
In physical stores, the thrill is even more immediate—we walk out holding a tangible object. That satisfaction can be tough to resist, especially if you’ve had a stressful day and need a pick-me-up.
If you’re someone who craves that immediate excitement, consider switching to healthier quick-reward activities.
Try a mini-workout, indulge in a good book, or treat yourself to a small homemade dessert. Give your brain that pleasurable boost without breaking the bank.
Final thoughts
At the end of the day, people who consistently walk into a store for one item and leave with 12 or more aren’t just disorganized shoppers.
They’re often brimming with curiosity, spontaneity, flexibility, and a genuine love for novelty and excitement.
Yes, some impulsivity or desire for instant gratification might be at play, but these traits don’t have to be liabilities.
If you see yourself in any of these descriptions, there are plenty of ways to channel your energy more intentionally—whether that’s pausing to reflect before hitting “buy,” exploring new hobbies to combat boredom, or simply being honest with yourself about what’s a want versus a need.
Shopping can be fun, but it doesn’t have to lead to cluttered closets or drained bank accounts.
The key is understanding what drives you, then using that insight to strike a healthier balance.
So next time you wander into the store for “just one thing,” take a moment to notice which inner voice is nudging you toward the rest. Is it curiosity, impulsivity, or a spark of spontaneity?
Figuring out the why can help you shop with a little more awareness—and maybe even leave with exactly what you came for.
