What is a Play Shop?

A play shop is an area set up for children to pretend to be shop keepers or shop customers. Children love to role play and playing shop is usually a firm favourite. Playing shop allows children to observe and emulate the experiences they have in everyday life. Playing shop is a game that can be played from a young age, but can also be expanded upon as children get older and their language, numeracy and writing skills improve. Playing shop can be enjoyed for many years, which means you get great value from the toys you invest in.

How to Create a Play Shop for Children

Creating a play shop for children can be achieved in a couple of ways. You have the space and funds, you can invest in an all-in-one play shop. Our Green Market Grocery Stall ticks this box and includes absolutely everything your child will need to start their role-play. If funds are tight, don’t worry, children often get just as much value and enjoyment out of setting up their shop as they do playing the game itself. Let them decide what their pretend shop will sell and invest in a few basic toys, such as a cash register, play money and a shopping basket. You can even buy them their very own toy card machine. If space is an issue, perhaps a toy ice-cream van? Don’t be afraid to let children take the lead. Sometimes their imagination is much better than ours!

Why is Playing Shop Good for Children?

Playing shop is a good way for children to develop language skills and communication. Playing shop also allows children to explore new events and experiences in a safe environment. Children love to visit a café, so why not allow them to role-play this activity at home and practice their conversation with a toy café. Playing shop will also introduce children to the concept of money, helping them understand the exchange that takes place between shop keeper and customer. What better way to teach basic maths than letting them work out change? As children get older and their reading and writing skills improve, you can encourage them to create their own menu for their café or highlight sale items in their shop. Essentially, playing shop and pretend role-play allows children to have fun whilst learning, building connections and pathways in the brain without realizing it.