Updated: Feb. 4, 2021
Toy shopping carts may appear to be an unconventional (and perhaps dull) option for playtime. When we think of shopping carts, our minds often drift to grocery store trips, which might not sound thrilling. However, witnessing a child’s imagination is one of the most captivating experiences for parents. They can transform the most mundane adult activities into thrilling adventures—whether it’s playing with garbage trucks, pretending to make phone calls, sharing “funny” jokes, or yes, even grocery shopping. Young kids love to imitate the adults in their lives, and something as routine as navigating busy grocery aisles becomes an ideal playtime scenario.
So, why should you consider having a toy shopping cart in your child’s playroom? Allowing children to replicate our daily routines, like grocery shopping, fosters independence and a sense of responsibility. When they create their own pretend grocery lists and thoughtfully select which items to place in their carts, they enhance their decision-making and planning skills. They feel as if they are contributing in a “real” way, as the items in our actual shopping carts often reflect their choices. Additionally, pushing a shopping cart and picking up food items helps develop their motor skills. It also complements their play kitchen perfectly.
If your local grocery store doesn’t provide carts for kids, investing in a toy shopping cart for your playroom is a smart move (and it could save money on your grocery bill too). There is a vast array of options available, from classic designs to more realistic models that resemble those found in actual stores. To save you the trouble of searching, we’ve compiled a list of 9 popular children’s shopping carts.
Top Kids’ Shopping Carts:
- Melissa & Doug Shopping Cart – See price on Amazon
- Precious Toys Kids & Toddler Pretend Play Shopping Cart with Groceries – See price on Amazon
- Hape Kid’s Wooden Shopping Cart – See price on Amazon
- deAO Children Shopping Cart Play Set – See price on Amazon
- Little Tikes Yellow & Red Shopping Cart – See price on Amazon
- Melissa & Doug Fill & Roll Grocery Basket Play Set – For kids who just need to make a quick stop for a few items, this rolling grocery basket from Melissa & Doug fits the bill. It comes with 5 grocery boxes, 3 food cans, a double-sided grocery list, and a pencil that can be stored in the side of the basket. Price: $29.99 at BuyBuy Baby.
- Little Tikes Cozy Coupe Shopping Cart – Why push your cart through the grocery store when you can drive down the aisles? This Cozy Coupe shopping cart from Little Tikes lets kids experience grocery shopping in a whole new way. It features a blue grocery basket, perfect for hauling teddy bears and groceries alike. Accessories shown in the image are not included, so remember to grab some pretend food too! Price: $67.98 at Walmart.
- CASDON Toy Grocery Shopping Cart – See price on Amazon
- Costway Grocery Store Playset with Shopping Cart – No plastic here! This wooden grocery set is perfect for little ones who want the full grocery shopping experience. It includes a cash register, shopping cart, scanner, card swipe machine, credit card, and 5 wooden coins. Note that accessories are sold separately. Price: $159.99 at Walmart.
For a delightful shopping cart experience, check out these options that cater to varying ages and preferences. If you want to see more about parenting tips, you can read this other blog post here.
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In summary, toy shopping carts are not just fun playthings; they encourage kids to engage in imaginative play while developing essential skills. By mimicking grocery shopping, children learn responsibility and decision-making in an enjoyable way. With a variety of options available, you can find the perfect cart that suits your child’s needs.