We made our own inexpensive pretend play grocery store in few simple steps.

1. For the bottom part of the grocery store shelves, we bought two shoe organizers, turned them on their sides, and attached them together with small screws.
2. We attached a piece of wood to the top.
3. Clear shoe containers were a great way to organize the food on the shelves.
4. We added price tags (local grocery stores can give you extras).
5. A 3M hook is on the side for hanging a shopping bag and we made a store sign (not pictured).

Different Things We Added to the Pretend Grocery Store

• The Melissa and Doug Grocery Cart is sturdy and a great addition to our free play. We use it everyday.
• We stumbled upon a wooden conveyor belt that you could crank by hand. I can’t find anything like it to link to, but it wasn’t used very much.
• We added our toy cash register that we already had. 

This is a fun grocery store, but sometimes you need something extra and exciting to do with ALL of that toy food you’ve invested in, which is why I made these printable shopping lists. You could also use this set of printables at the grocery store as a scavenger hunt, an i-spy game, or an interactive shopping list.

 

These free Pretend Play Shopping Lists for kids have spiced up the kids’ pretend play in the kitchen and grocery store! and helps create a print-rich environment in our play area.

I laminated them so they can check things off of the list using dry erase markers and then reuse them in their imaginary play. 

 

The Pretend Play Shopping Lists for kids are a fun way to practice these skills:

• matching
• counting
• visual discrimination
• listening skills
• beginning reading
• having fun

Your child will have so much fun collecting the grocery items on the list and put them in their shopping basket or bags. Cross the item off if it is out of stock (you don’t have that play food item). Watch your child’s creativity as they take on different roles of the shopper or grocery store worker.

Download and Print the Pretend Play Shopping List

 

Looking for more pretend play printables? If your children like the grocery lists, they will also love these printable recipes!

 

Not only does pretend play help develop language and creativity, but social and emotional development also benefit from pretend play. Making a plan, taking turns, sharing, and problem solving all take place during play. 

Here are some more pretend play themes that young children enjoy:

• Play Vet’s Office
• Doctor’s Office
• School
• Superhero
• Princess
• Animals/Zoo

It doesn’t have to be a fancy or store bought set up. Use cardboard boxes to set it up and let your kids draw and create any details they want on them. The more they are involved in the creation, the better!