Little household shop
Choose, carry and exchange familiar safe objects in a pretend shop.
10 minutesWhat you'll need
Wide rigid open basket with no lid or handle held by the adult · Four large one-piece toys labelled suitable for children under 3
Before you start
Can explore materials with close caregiver supervision
Best fit: either · medium energy · medium caregiver effort · medium mess
How to play
- Arrange a tiny shop display.
- Take turns choosing an item.
- Use a wave or thank-you to finish each exchange.
Offer two items with no pretend payment.
Choose, carry and exchange familiar safe objects in a pretend shop.
Add a simple shopping list with pictures.
Roles, routines and language your child brings into play.
Use only intact under-3 toys and an adult-held open floor basket; no coins, keys, batteries, magnets, caps, food, medicine, cosmetics, cleaning items or pet toys. Stop mouthing or throwing, then count and store all items.
Why it may be useful
There is no single right result here—the value is in exploring, pretending and sharing the moment.
moderateOutcomes depend on context and the child's interest; sensory preferences vary widely.
Weisberg, Hirsh-Pasek and Golinkoff (2016) — Guided Play: Principles and Practices
Raising Children Network (2025) — Toddler play: ideas, games and activities
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