Play shops and accessories: imaginative role play
A play shop is a wonderful stage for imaginative role play and is perfect from around the age of three, when symbolic play begins. Children love to recreate everyday experiences: they sell fruit and vegetables, bake cookies and run their own market stall. This kind of role play stimulates language development, as kids name products, explain what they are doing and negotiate prices. They also practise counting and learn about quantities. Sharing the shop with siblings or friends builds social skills. To stock your shop, browse our kitchen & food collection for toy groceries and utensils.
Materials and safety for play shops
When choosing a play shop, sustainability matters. A solid wood stand is durable and has a stable base. Wood can be repainted to suit your child’s taste and has a warm, natural look. Make sure that edges are rounded, the structure is tip‑resistant and surfaces are free of harmful coatings. Pair the shop with a little play kitchen or a kitchen play shop so that your child can stir dough and chop vegetables. This combination creates a miniature household where children can imitate the grown‑ups.
The right accessories for the play shop
Accessories bring the play shop to life. With baking utensils like cutting boards, pots and pans, children learn how to handle food. Kitchen textiles such as aprons and oven mitts add authenticity and protect their clothes during pretend baking. Colourful play cakes made of felt or wood can be sliced and shared, encouraging fine motor skills and creative storytelling. These add‑ons keep the play shop engaging for years and let kids invent new scenarios, from a bakery to a café.
Tips and trends for the play shop
A play shop is a versatile toy throughout the year: in winter, it keeps children busy indoors; in summer, the stall can be set up on the terrace for outdoor play. Seasonal produce like strawberries in spring or handcrafted advent wreaths in winter stimulate imagination. Encourage your child to tidy up after playing – sorting products and placing them back on the shelves fosters organisational skills. Avoid small parts when there are younger siblings around, and let your child choose their stock. This way, the play shop remains a creative space where learning and fun go hand in hand.
