Playdates

Open a pretend shop

Age range: 1–4 years

Duration
20 min
Location
At home
Category
Playdates
Type
Activity

How to try it

Set out a few toys or empty clean food boxes on a shelf as a shop. Take turns as shopper and shopkeeper, saying hello, asking for an item, and handing over a pretend coin or paper. Swap roles with your toddler and a friend.

Materials

  • Empty clean boxes
  • Toys
  • Paper for pretend money

Safety note

Use clean boxes with no sharp edges, and keep any pretend coins larger than a toilet-paper tube.

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Why it matters

Pretend shopping gives children a shared script to follow, which makes it easier to play together.

Benefit

Pretend play

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In decks

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57 cards

Social-emotional and pretend

Play with you and with friends that builds connection, feelings words and the fun of taking turns.

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