Are you tired of seeing your little ones push around empty boxes, pretending they’re shopping carts? You’re not alone. Many parents and guardians observe their children mimicking their grocery shopping habits. Fortunately, there are toy shopping carts designed to give your child a realistic and fun shopping experience. As an expert in children’s toys and playsets, I have prepared a comprehensive guide that showcases the top toy shopping carts currently delighting kids everywhere.
Toy Shopping Carts
Melissa & Doug Toy Shopping Cart-Editor’s Choice
Realistic shopping fun! Let your child explore the aisles with this durable metal cart, perfect for imaginative play.
Pros
- The smooth-rolling wheels make it easy to push on different surfaces.
- The sturdy metal frame and heavy-gauge steel construction make it look and feel like a real shopping cart.
- The fold-open seat is perfect for a doll or stuffed animal passeng
Cons
- Assembly is required.
- The cart is on the heavier side, which may make it difficult for younger children to push.
- The plastic seat doesn’t close all the way and sticks out when the basket is closed.
We recently purchased this toy shopping cart for our 4-year-old and have been impressed with its quality. The smooth-rolling wheels make it easy for her to push around the house, and the sturdy metal frame and heavy-gauge steel construction make it look and feel like a real shopping cart. She loves the fold-open seat, which is perfect for her favorite doll to ride along on pretend shopping trips.
Assembly was required, but it wasn’t difficult to put together. The only downside we’ve found is that the cart is on the heavier side, which may make it difficult for younger children to push. Additionally, the plastic seat doesn’t close all the way and sticks out when the basket is closed, but it’s a minor issue that doesn’t affect the overall functionality of the cart.
- Durability 5/5
- Constructed from heavy-gauge steel, ensuring longevity.
- Safety Features 5/5
- Features safety wheels that rotate 360 degrees and are designed for indoor use.
- Interactivity 4/5
- Realistic design with a foldable seat for dolls, but lacks additional play items.
Little Tikes Shopping Cart – Yellow/Red-Runner Up
Bright and playful! Let your child’s imagination run wild with this vibrant shopping cart, perfect for hours of fun.
Pros
- Sturdy walls keep small items in
- Deep basket
- A favorite toy can ride in the fold-down seat
Cons
- Accessories not included
- May tip over if overloaded
- Wheels may not turn smoothly on carpet
We recently purchased the Little Tikes Shopping Cart – Yellow/Red for our toddler, and it has been a hit. The sturdy walls keep small items in, and the deep basket can hold plenty of toys. Our child loves to put a favorite toy in the fold-down seat and push it around the house.
One downside is that accessories are not included, so you’ll need to purchase any additional items separately. Also, if the cart is overloaded, it may tip over. Finally, the wheels may not turn smoothly on carpet, which can make it difficult for younger children to maneuver.
- Durability 4/5
- Made of durable plastic, designed for long-lasting play.
- Safety Features 4/5
- Sturdy design with smooth edges for safe play.
- Interactivity 4/5
- Features a deep basket and fold-down seat but lacks additional play items.
Play Circle Shopping Day Grocery Cart-Best Budget
Shop with style! Dive into a world of pretend grocery shopping with this vibrant pink cart, complete with a variety of food items.
Pros
- Sized perfectly for small hands and bigger imaginations
- Adjustable handle is easy to grab and great for various heights
- Realistic details like “nutrition information,” lids that open, and detailed fruits and vegetables (in funny sizes for more giggles)
Cons
- Some of the play food items are made of paper and can be easily smashed or pulled apart
- Assembly can take up to 15 minutes
- Some customers have reported that the cart is smaller than they expected
We were impressed with the attention to detail in this toy shopping cart. The adjustable handle is a great feature that makes it easy for kids of different heights to play with. The cart is also lightweight and easy to push on carpets or hard floors.
The 30-piece play food set is a nice touch, and we appreciated the realistic details like “nutrition information” and lids that open. However, some of the food items are made of paper and can be easily smashed or pulled apart, so keep that in mind if you have a particularly rough-and-tumble child.
Assembly can take up to 15 minutes, but once it’s put together, the cart is sturdy and well-made. Some customers have reported that the cart is smaller than they expected, so be sure to check the dimensions before you buy.
Overall, we think the Play Circle Shopping Day Grocery Cart is a great toy for kids who love to play pretend. It’s realistic, well-made, and provides hours of fun.
- Durability 4/5
- Made of sturdy plastic with an adjustable handle and durable wheels.
- Safety Features 4/5
- Smooth edges and a design that’s safe for kids aged 3 and up.
- Interactivity 4/5
- Comes with 30 pieces of pretend-play food items, enhancing the play experience.
Step2 Little Helper’s Shopping Cart
Shop and explore! This toddler-friendly cart promises endless adventures in every pretend aisle.
Pros
- The classic shopping cart styling is reminiscent of real grocery carts, making it more engaging for kids.
- The spacious basket can hold a lot of toys and pretend groceries, making it perfect for put-and-take play.
- The lightweight design, large handles, and smooth wheels make it easy for toddlers to push the cart around.
Cons
- The assembly can be a bit tricky, and you may need some tools to put it together.
- The doll seat is a bit small, so larger dolls or stuffed animals may not fit.
- The cart may tip over if your child puts too much weight in the basket.
- Durability 4/5
- Made of durable plastic, designed for toddlers.
- Safety Features 5/5
- Safe design with smooth edges and large handles for easy grip.
- Interactivity 4/5
- Classic design with a large basket and doll seat but lacks additional play items.
The New York Doll Collection Toy Shopping Cart
Shop like a pro! This cart brings the supermarket to your home, complete with a variety of play food items.
Pros
- The cart comes with 24 pieces of pretend play food.
- It is a sturdy shopping cart that can accommodate your toddler and kids.
- The highest quality metal cart with pivoting front wheels looks like those in real stores.
Cons
- The folding doll seat can only fit up to 18-inch dolls.
- The basket needs a connector to hold it in place.
- The wheels are a little squirly.
We recently purchased this toy shopping cart for our kids, and they love it. The cart is sturdy enough to hold their toys and other items, and it looks like the real thing. It also comes with 24 pieces of pretend play food, which makes it more realistic.
The cart is easy to move around, and the front wheels pivot, just like those in real stores. However, the folding doll seat can only fit up to 18-inch dolls, which can be a downside if your child has a bigger doll. Additionally, the basket needs a connector to hold it in place, as it can come off when the cart is tipped over.
- Durability 4/5
- Features a sturdy metal frame for durability.
- Safety Features 4/5
- Safe design with smooth edges and pivoting wheels.
- Interactivity 5/5
- Comes with 24 pieces of pretend play food, enhancing the play experience.
Buying Guide for Toy Shopping Carts
When purchasing a toy shopping cart, there are a few things to consider to ensure you get the best product for your child. Here are some features to look for:
Size and Weight
The size and weight of the cart are important factors to consider. You want a cart that is the right size for your child and easy for them to maneuver. A cart that is too heavy or too big may be difficult for your child to push and could result in frustration or accidents.
Durability
Durability is another important factor to consider. You want a cart that is made from high-quality materials and can withstand the wear and tear of regular use. Look for carts made from sturdy materials such as metal or heavy-duty plastic and ones with spring loaded safety wheels will be easier for kids to manouvre on multiple surfaces.
Storage
The amount of storage space the cart offers is also an important consideration. Look for a cart with enough space to hold your child’s toys and groceries. Some carts come with additional storage compartments, which can be useful for storing smaller items when they play shop. These can be quite a large piece of furniture so ensure the average rating on the page of ones sold is good!
Safety
Safety is always a concern when it comes to children’s toys. Look for carts with rounded edges and no sharp corners to prevent injuries. Additionally, make sure the cart has a stable base and won’t tip over easily.
Price
Price is always a consideration when purchasing any product. Look for a cart that is within your budget but still offers the features you need. Keep in mind that a more expensive cart may offer more features and be of higher quality, but it’s not always necessary to spend more to get a good product.
By considering these factors, you can find the best toy shopping cart for your child that is safe, durable, and fun to play with.
Our No. 1 Recommended Product
Melissa & Doug Toy Shopping Cart
- The Melissa & Doug Shopping Cart is a realistic mini shopping cart designed for children. It features front safety wheels that rotate 360 degrees, allowing for easy maneuverability on various surfaces indoors.
- It’s described as a great gift that complements the Melissa & Doug Let’s Play House grocery shelf boxes for a complete shopping experience.
- The product emphasizes quality and is designed to nurture minds and hearts.
Frequently Asked Questions on Shopping Trolley Toys
Where can we find the best toy shopping carts online or in-store?
The best places to find toy shopping carts are online retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target. You can also find them in physical stores like Toys R Us and Walmart. Make sure to read reviews and compare prices before making a purchase.
What are the most popular brands for toy shopping carts?
Some of the most popular brands for toy shopping carts are Little Tikes, Melissa & Doug, and Fisher-Price. These brands are known for their high-quality and durable products.
Are there any toy shopping carts that come with a doll seat?
Yes, many toy shopping carts come with a doll seat. Little Tikes and Step2 are two brands that offer toy shopping carts with doll seats.
Is it better to choose a metal or plastic toy shopping cart?
Both metal and plastic toy shopping carts have their advantages. Metal carts are more durable and can handle heavier loads, while plastic carts are lighter and easier to maneuver. It ultimately depends on personal preference and intended use.
What happened to the kids shopping carts that used to be in stores?
Many stores have phased out kids shopping carts due to safety concerns and increased liability. However, some stores like Trader Joe’s still offer them for children to use while shopping with their parents.
What is a granny cart and how is it different from a toy shopping cart?
A granny cart is a type of shopping cart designed for elderly individuals or those with disabilities. It typically has a large capacity and is lightweight for easy maneuvering. It is different from a toy shopping cart in that it is intended for practical use rather than play.
