Play Shop (for 8 and 6yo) that doesn't take up too much space?

[fuzzpig]

Have come to the conclusion that this is what my two would really really love - they are playing shops All The Time and moving all their bloody furniture to do so

But I haven't been able to find any that aren't huge, unmovable wooden structures, which we really don't have room for, or the money for - budget is low - much as I would love it (erm... the DCs would love it, I mean)

I've seen foldable post office/school things, I think this kind of thing would be ideal if there was a shop version (or even one I could somehow alter to make it a shop, although I am not a crafty person so don't know how?)

Does anyone have any ideas please? :)

I like the look of this but my children are younger so I'm not sure if it would suit you.
m.direct.asda.com/George-Home-2-in-1-Wooden-Play-Shop-Cafe/000799382,default,pd.html?cgid=D25M8G2C1S1

This? It is table top size

www.spottygreenfrog.co.uk/The-Little-Wooden-Grocery-Store/p-161-388-2996/

I would like to buy the same for my two but like you space is a massive problem! The best I can see so far is to get them a 'little shopper pick and mix' each - they look small and will save on arguments about who's room the shop lives in.

I would rather a big proper shop they can set up and then put away but can't see anything. I did find a cardboard one for sale somewhere but it was big and not made to fold away.

Artandco - that's fab!

If you are near an ikea they have a nice wooden cash register and felt shopping basket with food. Also a cardboard market stall if you could find room for it. www.ikea.com/ca/en/images/products/latsas-piece-shopping-basket-set__0215994_PE371300_S4.JPG
www.ikea.com/ca/en/images/products/duktig-toy-cash-register__0261006_PE404949_S4.JPG

Just a thought do they like shopkins? That is a very very small way of playing shop! We have the shopkins supermarket set and they love it.

Thanks everyone :)

Yes they both like shopkins!

They have the accessory type stuff - loads of play food, and a till (although a trolley or basket wouldn't go amiss) so it's just the 'building' type thing, like a desk/counter.

Art that is beautiful! A bit over budget I think sadly. I also like the asda one, even that is too big though - if there was something like that which could fold somehow it would be ideal. I especially like the blackboard front, they'd love that!

I'm wondering if a pop up tent type thing might be better - I do remember ELC having something like that (not that we have any branches near us anymore, they've all closed!) but it was very very pink and frilly which neither DD or DS would be keen on.

How about these sets?

www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B005ERBYEU/ref=pd_aw_sim_21_7?ie=UTF8&refRID=1WSGQK9X0Y0YBRHS1539

They are brilliant, we had both sets.

The asda one is compact - we bought it last year. It's in wheels and very movable. very good quality and is played with constantly.

I've got the asda one for DD for Christmas so ^^ that's good to hear :)

There are a few tent-type things on amazon e.g.
www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B001DXGVCY/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?qid=1443372225&sr=8-6&pi=AC_SX110_SY165&keywords=Shop+tent&dpPl=1&dpID=51k8LNTGzoL&ref=plSrch

I like the look of those folding Learning Resource things. Wonder if I could somehow repaint or something?

I do really like the look of the asda one and the wheels make it a good option, and it could be used for lots of different things... How much actual room does it take up though would you say?

It says 56cm x 34cm on the description, or does that mean the box if it comes unassembled... I do really like it I must say. It would definitely not fit in their tiny bedroom, so I'd need to see if we could make room for it in the living room which is also very small.

The wooden one above is only 40x30x16. If £40 is too much, could it be a joint main present for them?

Or do you know anyone who has the stuff to cut and drill wood? If so you could make one similar with off cuts of wood and paint whatever colour you like

I've just saw one on Amazon that looks nice. Sorry I can't link to it but if you search for "wooden play shop with food" then you'll find it. It's normally £45.99 and it's been reduced to £31.42.

I've bought this for my niece

www.bmstores.co.uk/products/ice-cream-shop-303394

On the 2 for £20 offer so brilliant if you can find something else you want

What about this? Quite large but seems to fold back up and is quite cheap - www.dotcomgiftshop.com/farm-store-playhouse There is also free postage if you sign up to their newsletter.

The post office is brilliant. There are postcards, stamps & licences etc to buy, it has money, ink stamps and pens too.

That's a lovely little shop SayHello

Also, how about this reversible puppet theatre and shop If you scroll through the pictures it can also be used as a tabletop puppet theatre/shop and looks like it would pack away really small.

Or, if you are crafty, make a doorway shop like this one

We have this cardboard shop from ikea, it's only £10 and is still standing after over a year. DS got a till from ELC complete with coins and debit card as a present from his gran and a big thing of plastic foods from B&M that was about £5. He also collects little things like empty cereal boxes and washed out yogurt pots to add to it. It gets played with constantly.

This takes me back to my own childhood. We had one of these folding wooden airers - we used it for all sorts of imagination play, just drape in sheet to become a house, jungle, shop, hospital - skies the limit!