[Childcare] Simple DIY ideas you can use for pretend shops

9 years of experience as a nursery school teacherShibata Risa
I am an active nursery school teacher with 9 years of experience. After graduating from university, I worked at a daycare center. The time I spent happily with children—playing piano, singing songs, and doing finger-play—are priceless memories to me. Currently, while raising three children of my own, I work at an after-school day service, engaging with children and providing individualized developmental support. Drawing on my diverse experiences as a childcare worker and as a mother, I hope to express and convey my thoughts through writing.

Shopping is exciting for both kids and adults, isn’t it?

Many preschools and kindergartens incorporate make-believe “shop” play so children can enjoy the fun of shopping.

One of the charms of shop play is that children can experience the joy of selling items they made themselves as shopkeepers.

This time, we’re introducing a variety of ideas you can use for shop play.

From classic foods to wearable items, plus ideas for cash registers and wallets—there are plenty of ideas to get kids excited!

Use these as inspiration and have fun with shop play!

[Childcare] Simple DIY ideas for playing “store” (31–40)

Sandwich shop

How about making a sandwich toy inspired by Anpanman characters? Try creating baguettes shaped like Anpanman or Shokupanman’s faces, as well as fillings like ham, cheese, and vegetables.

The basic material is felt.

Since the baguette needs thickness, you’ll have to stuff it with cotton and sew it, but I think the other parts can be assembled by gluing them together.

Be sure to make it with your child’s favorite characters and enjoy some pretend play!

Raise the rankinglower

sasashina

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In conclusion

There were lots of handmade ideas you can use for playing shop. While listening to the children’s ideas about what kind of shop to make and what products to prepare, try getting ready together. Let’s make a wonderful, unique shop that makes the most of the children’s free imagination! If you prepare things like shopkeeper costumes and play money, it will feel even more realistic and be more fun. It would be great if all the children can enjoy both shopping and being the shopkeeper.