Pretend Grocery Store Helper Game
Set up a pretend grocery store and take turns being the shopper and cashier — practicing social scripts, manners, and cooperation.
What You'll Need
- 1Play food or real pantry items
- 2Shopping bag or basket
- 3Box for cash register
- 4Play money or buttons as coins
- 5Paper for price list and receipts
What You'll Need
Play food or real pantry items to stock the store
A shopping bag or small basket
A box to serve as a cash register
Play money, buttons, or cut-paper coins
Paper for a price list and receipts
How to Play
Arrange items on a table or shelf like store shelves. Group similar items together.
Create a simple picture-based price list and tape it where shoppers can see.
Set up checkout with a box register, money, and bags.
Assign roles: one person shops, the other runs the register.
The shopper browses, picks items, and brings them to checkout: "I'd like these apples, please."
The cashier scans (beep, beep!), announces the total, and takes payment.
Exchange money, bag the groceries, say "Thank you!" and switch roles.
Why It Works
Pretend stores are social script factories. Your child practices greetings ("Hello, welcome!"), requests ("I'd like..."), transactions ("Here's your change"), and farewells ("Thank you, have a nice day!"). These scripts transfer directly to real-world interactions. Taking turns as shopper and cashier builds perspective-taking — understanding both sides of a social exchange. It's also early math, patience practice, and organizational skills wrapped in play.
Tips
Use real food items from the pantry for a more realistic feel. Just put them back afterward.
Add a "returns" section where shoppers can bring things back. This practices a harder social script.
Write receipts for each transaction. Kids love the official feeling of paperwork.
Invite siblings or friends to be fellow shoppers. A busy store requires more patience and manners.
Age Adaptation Tips
Preschoolers can follow multi-step instructions. Ask open-ended questions and encourage them to predict what will happen next.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this activity take?
This activity takes about 25 min, with 10 min of preparation time beforehand.
What materials do I need?
You'll need: play food or real pantry items, shopping bag or basket, box for cash register, play money or buttons as coins, paper for price list and receipts.
What age is this activity for?
This activity is designed for 3-5 years. You can adapt it for younger or older children by adjusting the complexity.
Can this be done indoors?
This activity is designed for indoor play, making it perfect for rainy days or when you're staying inside.
How difficult is this activity?
This activity has a moderate difficulty level. It may require some preparation or guidance, but is manageable for most families.
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