Container café
Open, fill and close easy containers during pretend café play.
8 minutesWhat you'll need
Two one-piece nesting containers labelled suitable for children under 3 · Two large solid under-3 blocks
Before you start
Can grasp and release a large object
Best fit: indoors · calm energy · low caregiver effort · low mess
How to play
- Pretend to order one item.
- Open and fill a container.
- Swap roles and let your child serve you.
Leave lids resting loosely on top.
Open, fill and close easy containers during pretend café play.
Match each lid before packing the café away.
Grip, rotation and planning both hands together.
Use purpose-made under-3 containers with no detachable lids, handles, seals or pinch points and solid blocks with no foam or magnets. Stay within arm's reach, stop mouthing, and count and store all pieces.
Why it may be useful
This everyday task offers practice with hand control, two-handed coordination and growing independence.
practice guidanceProvides practice opportunities; it is not a therapy or assessment of motor development.
Raising Children Network (2025) — Toddler play: ideas, games and activities
More moments like this
Find an idea that fits right now.
Little Now matches practical play ideas to your time, setup and your child’s current interests—without an account, advertising or tracking.
The iPhone and iPad app is awaiting App Store approval.
How it worksMore ideas like this
- Post the big rings
Lift and post large rigid rings using both hands.
- Lift-and-find board
Lift permanently attached tabs on a purpose-made toddler activity board.
- Squeeze and transfer
Move and squeeze one dry one-piece silicone toddler toy between two floor spots.