[Childcare] Simple DIY ideas you can use for pretend shops
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!
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[Childcare] Simple DIY ideas you can use for a pretend shop (21–30)
Macaron
Let’s make cute, plump macarons out of felt! You might be wondering how to create that soft, round shape.
If you have a magnet or a plastic toy that’s just the right size for a macaron, use it as a mold.
Dilute some glue with water, brush it onto the felt, then drape the felt over the magnet (or other object).
Press it down from above with a cup, smoothing the wrinkles around the edges so they’re even, and let it dry as is.
Once the glue dries, it will slip off the magnet easily and hold its shape firmly.
Trim the edge, stuff the inside with finely cut felt pieces, and add a lid to complete one half.
Make another identical piece and sandwich “cream” between them.
Making houses out of thick paper (cardstock)
Here’s a guide to making an adorable cardboard house.
Use a ruler to sketch the house’s dimensions on the cardboard.
Carefully cut along the guidelines with scissors or a craft knife.
Add color to the cardboard using construction paper.
Cutting the construction paper with scissors is recommended, but tearing and pasting pieces might add a charming, handmade feel to the work as well.
Use glue to attach the parts and assemble them so they don’t fall apart.
Once you add the final decorations, your cute dollhouse is complete.
If you like, adding sparkly stickers or beads can make it even more charming!
[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!
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.