Are toy shopping carts good for toddlers?

Yes, particularly if the child has shown interest in pretend play , says Rubenstein. A realistic toy like a shopping cart, which toddlers have likely seen their caregivers use, can provide an opportunity for the child to develop. “The familiarity [of playing with a shopping cart] creates a sense of safety for play that can be an excellent foundation for learning through play,” Rubenstein tells Verywell Family. “The toy cart allows the child to role-play and use their imagination. Interactions with the cart (e.g., pushing the cart around, filling it with objects, sharing the objects in the cart with others) provide great potential for child development.” Toy shopping carts aid in developing a number of skills, including communication, gross motor function, and spatial awareness, she adds.

How much do the best toy shopping carts cost?

Prices for toy shopping carts vary depending on materials, features, and accessories. Many on our list sit in the $30 to $50 range, such as the simple Little Tikes Shopping Cart , which is made from plastic. Models that are made out of metal or wood or have more tricked-out features tend to cost a bit more, such as our Best Overall pick, the Melissa & Doug Toy Shopping Cart , which costs $85, and the Pottery Barn Kids Wooden Shopping Cart , which retails for $99 due to its aesthetic appeal and sturdy wood construction.

How do you wrap a toy shopping cart?

This depends on the size of the cart and your motivation to have it completely covered. If it’s a larger cart or didn’t come in a box, you may prefer to wheel it out with a big bow instead of wrestling with wrapping paper. You can also choose to use traditional wrapping paper, tape, and ribbons, particularly if the cart comes in a box that’s easy to wrap. Depending on the item’s size, you could also opt for a large gift bag or even a fun drape over the toy.

The 14 Best Toy Shopping Carts of 2023

The Best Toy Shopping Carts — Verywell Family / Alli Waataja

Playing pretend and mimicking grown-up tasks is a big part of young childhood, and a great way to develop many of the skills growing children need. Plus, putting a bunch of toys in a brightly colored cart and pushing them around is plain old fun!

“Children are naturally drawn to toy shopping carts because they see regular shopping carts used in everyday life,” says Carolyn Rubenstein, PhD, a licensed psychologist based in Florida. This sense of familiarity invites them to learn through play and use their imagination, she adds.

With safe play and their imaginations in mind, we reviewed dozens of toy shopping carts to find the best options for every child, assessing them on safety, components and accessories, age recommendations, and ease of assembly. We also spoke with several experts about toy safety and the importance of pretend play for child development. On our list, you’ll find great toy shopping carts at almost every price point, with some that include pretend food and cookware and others that have games and puzzles.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Melissa & Doug Toy Shopping Cart at Amazon

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Best Budget:

Little Tikes Shopping Cart at Amazon

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Best Mini:

Kindi Kids S1 Kindi Fun Shopping Cart at Amazon

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Best Spacious:

Lissi Shopping Cart with 16-Inch Baby Doll at Amazon

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Best Wooden:

Hape Kid’s Wooden Shopping Cart at Amazon

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Best Metal:

The New York Doll Collection Toy Shopping Cart at Amazon

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Best for Toddlers:

Bright Starts Shop 'n Cook Walker at Amazon

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Best Realistic:

Milliard Toy Shopping Cart for Kids at Amazon

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Best with Play Food Included:

Battat Toy Shopping Cart with Basket at Amazon

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Best Modern:

Step2 Little Helper's Shopping Cart at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
How We Selected
What to Look for
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Family

Amazon

Pros

Support rods keep the cart stable
Easy grip handle
Comes with instruction manual

Cons

Metal could be noisy
Sharper edges than plastic

Melissa & Doug’s well-made products often turn up on our lists, and this shopping cart is our top pick for your little helper. With realistic looks, child-friendly features, and sturdy construction, this shiny metal cart looks just like the ones kiddos have seen at the store.

One function we love about this cart is the front spring-loaded safety wheels, which pivot 360 degrees so it rolls easily on multiple surfaces. The bright red easy-grip handle lets your kiddo push the cart around your house, yard, or even the grocery store, and a fold-in seat is perfect for a doll or stuffed animal passenger to go on pretend shopping trips.

This adorable cart tops our list for its realistic look and sturdy build—since it’s made from steel, it’s “built to withstand play,” Rubenstein says.

Price at time of publication: $85

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 23.25 x 11.75 x 15 inches | Weight: 11 pounds | Recommended Age: 3 and up | Components: Basket, base, fold-in seat}

Amazon

Pros

Lightweight and sturdy
Good height to help new walkers balance
Easy to assemble

Cons

Fixed wheels don’t turn easily

An iconic classic for a reason, this brightly colored plastic Little Tikes shopping cart has a deep basket with sturdy plastic walls that your kiddo will love using to play shop (or whatever pretend play their imagination comes up with). There’s a fold-in seat, just like the carts at the grocery store, so a doll or stuffed animal can come along for the ride. The bright red, yellow, and blue make this cute cart stand out and appeal to children’s eyes, and there’s extra storage underneath the basket to hold pretend food or other toys.

Price at time of publication: $37

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 22 x 15.9 x 9.5 inches | Weight: 1.1 pounds | Recommended Age: 24 months old to 5 years old | Components: Basket, base, fold-in seat}

Amazon

Pros

Easy to carry and travel with
Comes with toy food

Cons

Not as compatible with other doll brands

Packed with whimsy, this small shopping cart has a rabbit face on the front with ears that bounce as the cart rolls along, and the wheels on either side of the red cart are topped with bunny feet. Meant to be used with Kindi Kids and Shopkins toys, this little shopping cart is adorable for pretend play with dolls and action figures.

The back of the cart has a little shelf that kids can stand a doll on and Kindi figures will latch onto the handle. Your child will love making up stories while loading the two cute pieces of food into the cart and delivering them to wherever their imagination takes them.

Price at time of publication: $33

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 9.8 x 5 x 5.6 inches | Weight: 9.6 ounces | Recommended Age: 36 months old to 15 years old | Components: Play food}

Amazon

Pros

Front wheels turn for easy pushing
Taller than many carts
Baby doll included

Cons

Assembly is required
Back wheels are fixed

Pretend play is so much fun with this bright pink toy shopping cart that comes with a rosy-cheeked baby doll. The cart comes with a handle covered in soft blue material that’s comfortable and easy for little hands to grip. The cart's front wheels turn for easier pushing around the house, though the back wheels are fixed. Measuring 24 inches tall, the cart is great for growing into.

The cart has a sturdy metal frame, a plastic basket for groceries, and a smaller basket for the included baby doll. The larger basket comes off the frame and can be carried by attached handles, mimicking a small shopping basket. Kiddos will love snuggling the included baby doll, who’s dressed in a long sleeve top, pants, and a pink beanie to keep its head warm.

Price at time of publication: $30

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 2.6 x 4.7 x 20.5 inches | Weight: 5.2 lbs | Recommended Age: 36 months old to 10 years old | Components: Doll, doll seat, basket, under-basket storage, frame}

Amazon

Pros

Soft cloth basket
Rubber wheels protect floors
Lightweight and easy to maneuver

Cons

Pricier than many models
Fixed wheels

This smart wooden cart will delight children with its bright orange cloth basket, under-basket storage, and big bright blue wheels. Perfect for a shop through the house or play kitchen, they can add toys, dolls, and more to the soft basket. They can even use the cart for toy pickup when it’s time to clean.

The Hape Wooden Shopping Cart is made with non-toxic finishes and child-safe materials, and the storage spot underneath the basket has textured strips to hold toys in place. The wheels are made from soft rubber that won’t hurt your child (or the floors), though they don’t turn.

Price at time of publication: $80

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 16.9 x 11.8 x 19.8 inches | Weight: 5 lbs | Recommended Age: 3 years old and up | Components: Basket, under-basket storage}

Amazon

Pros

Comes with pretend food
Folds up for storage

Cons

Not the sturdiest option

Kiddos can be just like their parents with this realistic-looking shopping cart, which features a red metal frame, black accents, and an ergonomic handle. Best of all, this shopping cart comes with 24 pieces of pretend food—including a carton of milk, a croissant, and produce—that are made from non-toxic plastic.

The front wheels pivot, allowing for easy steering around the house, and the seat folds down to fit a doll or a toy. Helpfully, the top of the basket folds down so the cart can be stashed away when not in use. However, since it is lightweight, this shopping cart isn’t the sturdiest option.

Price at time of publication: $45

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 20 x 12 x 23 inches | Weight: 3.6 pounds | Recommended Age: 36 months old to 7 years old | Components: Fold-in seat, basket, pretend food}

Amazon

Pros

Wheels are widely stanced for balance
Activity topper is removable
Batteries included

Cons

Requires batteries
No seat for dolls

Your toddler will love hoisting themselves up and pushing this brightly colored cart around, all while learning balance and walking skills. With four wheels mounted at a wide stance, you don’t need to worry about this cart tipping over. When they push the cart, the top springs into action, popping “popcorn” as your child trundles along.

The Bright Starts toy isn’t just a shopping cart: The activity-packed cooktop can be removed for sitting play to keep active toddlers amused, though the cart's wheels can also be locked for standing activity table play. Kiddos can push buttons, pull levers, and light up the food-themed toy, which does require batteries (two are included). The cart can be used without the topper, and the basket has room for toys, dolls, and whatever else they pick up.

Price at time of publication: $50

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: ‎22 x 6.9 x 16 inches | Weight: 5.3 pounds | Recommended Age: 6 to 36 months old | Components: Activity topper, basket}

Amazon

Pros

Looks like a real shopping cart
Easy-to-grip handle
Rotating wheels

Cons

Heavy frame could be too much for smaller kids
Assembly required

So realistic-looking that they’ll think they’re actually at the store, this metal carriage with a red handle and seat will facilitate hours of pretend play. In addition to a roomy basket, there’s ample storage underneath. The Milliard Cart is loaded with extra features, including an ergonomic handle, a fold-open seat for stuffed animals or dolls, rotating wheels, and corner bumpers to protect your furniture (and little fingers).

While it may be too heavy for smaller kiddos, the metal frame is sturdy and has been safety tested. This cart requires some assembly, but it comes with clear, easy-to-follow instructions.

Price at time of publication: $66

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 14 x 12 x 11.2 inches | Weight: 9.2 pounds | Recommended Age: 3 years old and up | Components: Fold-down seat, basket}

Amazon

Pros

Comes with a lot of pretend food
Comes with play cutting boards and knives
Low price for a lot of toy

Cons

Fixed wheels can make turning difficult
Some of the food in boxes is made from cardboard

This toy cart is a one-stop shop—it comes with an impressive 60 pieces of pretend food and cookware. For an excellent price, your shopper gets a cart, basket, and toy food, including carrots, tomatoes, grapes, pasta, and pizza. Your little foodie also can play with the two toddler-safe knives and cutting boards—many of the foods split along a hook-and-loop closure for pretend slicing and dicing. Some of the pretend pieces, like the box of pie crusts, are made from cardboard, so those items may have a shorter shelf life than the plastic produce.

Price at time of publication: $35

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 15.3 x 11 x 10.2 inches | Weight: 3.5 ounces | Recommended Age: 36 months old to 10 years old | Components: Extra basket, play food, play cookware}

Amazon

Pros

Bright, modern colors
Seat for doll or stuffed animal

Cons

Wheels don’t swivel

Available in blue or pink, this toy shopping cart has a deep basket your kiddo can pack with pretend food and other treasures. The Step2 shopping cart is lightweight so it’s easy to push around, though turning could be a bit tricky since the molded plastic wheels don’t swivel. A bonus space under the basket allows kiddos to stash additional treasures while they trundle around playing pretend. There’s also a seat in the basket that can hold a special doll or stuffed animal.

Models manufactured in May 2019 were recalled in 2020 due to a laceration hazard posed by faulty construction of the plastic, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. However, models currently sold at major retailers are not involved in this recall.

Price at time of publication: $50

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 18.5 x 13 x 21.5 inches | Weight: 5.5 pounds | Recommended Age: 2 to 5 years old | Components: Seat, basket, under-basket storage}

Amazon

Pros

Has free play and game mode
Comes with pretend food
Electronic scanner

Cons

No foldable seat for dolls
Requires batteries (not included)

The Shop ‘N Learn Smart Cart from Little Tikes is packed with two levels of fun, including a removable basket and a pretend grocery scanner. Attached to the top tier of the cart is an electronic scanner that recognizes the eight included groceries, so kiddos can pretend that they’re actually checking out at the store. The scanner has two modes: Free Play, where they can scan an item to hear what it is, and Game Mode, where the scanner tells them which item to find and scan.

On the bottom of the two-tiered cart is a removable basket so multiple kids can play together. The included groceries, such as a juice box, loaf of bread, and carton of strawberries, are made from durable plastic, as are the baskets and the frame.

Price at time of publication: $82

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 21.8 x 13 x 13 inches | Weight: 3.6 pounds | Recommended Age: 4 to 7 years old | Components: Removable basket, electronic scanner}

Pottery Barn Kids

Pros

Sleek look
Sturdy wooden construction
Under-basket storage with traction

Cons

No seat for doll
Fixed wheels can make turning a challenge

Crafted from solid wood with a white painted finish, this aesthetically appealing shopping cart comes with a soft cotton basket. The Pottery Barn Kids Wooden Shopping Cart also has wooden wheels ringed with rubber so they’re less likely to damage your floor. Underneath the cloth basket, the cart has a shelf striped with grip tape that will hold more toys or pretend groceries in place.

In case of a spill, the cloth and wood can be wiped down with a damp cloth. Note that the wheels are fixed and do not swivel, potentially making turning a bit tricky.

Price at time of publication: $99

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 12 x 17 x 20 inches | Weight: Not listed | Recommended Age: 2 years old and up | Components: Cloth basket}

Amazon

Pros

Adjustable handle
Comes with pretend food and cookware

Cons

Toys must be hand washed

For a toy shopping cart that can grow with your kiddo, check out this set from Battat. The cart’s handle is adjustable, so they can continue to enjoy it even after a growth spurt. Made from bright pink, purple, and blue plastic, this cart has plenty of storage space in the basket and on the shelf beneath it.

In addition, this basket comes with a bevy of accessories, including a milk bottle, a rotisserie chicken, a loaf of bread, a plastic carton of eggs, and more adorable foods. It also comes with various cooking tools, such as a mixer, spatulas, saucepans, and a rolling pin, so your child can continue pretending after the grocery shopping is done. The brand advises against putting the accessories in the dishwasher, so you’ll need to hand wash them if they get dirty.

Price at time of publication: $30

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 13.5 x 10.6 x 15.8 inches | Weight: 3.5 ounces | Recommended Age: 3 to 10 years old | Components: Play food, play cookware, basket, under-basket storage}

Amazon

Pros

Works as a shopping cart and teaching tool
Comes with puzzles and pieces
Sturdy wood construction

Cons

Doesn’t offer a lot of space for other toys
No seat for a doll or stuffed animal

Encourage imaginative play and cognitive development with this shape sorting grocery cart from Melissa & Doug. Kiddos can explore shapes and colors, learn problem-solving, and just play pretend with this sturdy wooden shopping cart, which comes with two chunky puzzles and 12 shapes to sort. The cart also has a built-in food matching game and cupholder, and it comes with an adorable pretend coffee cup with a lid, so they can emulate the adults in their life.

Toddlers will learn fine and gross motor skills by sorting through the pieces and fitting them into the puzzle boards, or they can just push the cart around as they go about their day.

Price at time of publication: $75

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 8.4 x 11.9 x 15.9 inches | Weight: 6.3 lbs | Recommended Age: 1 to 2 years old | Components: Puzzle pieces and sorting shapes}

How We Selected the Best Toy Shopping Carts

In addition to researching dozens of toy shopping carts, we spoke with a number of experts to compile this list. These included:

Carolyn Rubenstein, PhD, a Florida-based licensed psychologist
Linda Nelson, KinderCare’s early childhood development and learning expert
Holly Peretz, a pediatric occupational therapist

What to Look for in Toy Shopping Carts

Recommended Age

According to Peretz, it’s important to consider your child’s ability to walk well in addition to the manufacturer’s age recommendations. “You will want to make sure that your child is a very stable walker before introducing a toy shopping cart because they are not stable enough to be used like a push toy,” Peretz says. “Most children would be able to push and play with a shopping cart around age 2.”

Even if your kid fits a cart’s age guidelines, it can be dangerous for them to push a toy shopping cart—or any push toy, for that matter—if they are not yet able to walk by themselves.

Safety

The safety of a toy shopping cart largely relies on the user’s age and abilities, such as their walking and gripping capabilities, says Nelson. Caregivers should also be sure to check the guidance from the toy maker, she adds.

“In terms of safety, the key for families is to pay attention to the manufacturer’s guidance around safe usage and the approved ages for the product,” Nelson says. “Read reviews online from other families. The other key for families—whenever you can, join in the pretend-play fun with your child!”

Components and Accessories

When picking a toy shopping cart for your child, consider the components and accessories that best fit their skills and interests. After all, no one wants to buy a toy then watch their child struggle with it and abandon it out of frustration.

“It's important to choose toys that are easy to use, as they will naturally get more play and be more useful to kids,” says Peretz. “Specifically, with shopping carts, you will want to look out for ones that roll smoothly when you push them.” Options with roomy baskets or extra storage space are also good to look for since kiddos can push more play food or stuffed animals around with them.

And of course, accessories ramp up the ability to play pretend. Look for carts with pretend food or a seat for a baby doll.

“As children move into the preschool years, their play with shopping carts takes on more structure and depth, as they move through a pretend store to gather items to make a pretend meal or outfit a baby doll,” Nelson says. “At this age, peers often join in the play scenario by taking on different roles, like shopping, stocking shelves, checking out, putting items away when they get ‘home.’”

Assembly and Setup

Setup will vary based on the particular toy shopping cart you buy. Some models, like the Little Tikes Shop ‘N Learn Smart Cart, come fully assembled in the box, but most models will require some assembly. Typically, a toy shopping cart can be assembled by clicking pieces together or screwing in parts. For this list, we looked for options that are easy to set up so your kiddo can enjoy it soon after it arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are toy shopping carts good for toddlers?

Yes, particularly if the child has shown interest in pretend play, says Rubenstein. A realistic toy like a shopping cart, which toddlers have likely seen their caregivers use, can provide an opportunity for the child to develop.
“The familiarity [of playing with a shopping cart] creates a sense of safety for play that can be an excellent foundation for learning through play,” Rubenstein tells Verywell Family. “The toy cart allows the child to role-play and use their imagination. Interactions with the cart (e.g., pushing the cart around, filling it with objects, sharing the objects in the cart with others) provide great potential for child development.”
Toy shopping carts aid in developing a number of skills, including communication, gross motor function, and spatial awareness, she adds.
How much do the best toy shopping carts cost?

Prices for toy shopping carts vary depending on materials, features, and accessories. Many on our list sit in the $30 to $50 range, such as the simple Little Tikes Shopping Cart, which is made from plastic. Models that are made out of metal or wood or have more tricked-out features tend to cost a bit more, such as our Best Overall pick, the Melissa & Doug Toy Shopping Cart, which costs $85, and the Pottery Barn Kids Wooden Shopping Cart, which retails for $99 due to its aesthetic appeal and sturdy wood construction.
How do you wrap a toy shopping cart?

This depends on the size of the cart and your motivation to have it completely covered. If it’s a larger cart or didn’t come in a box, you may prefer to wheel it out with a big bow instead of wrestling with wrapping paper.
You can also choose to use traditional wrapping paper, tape, and ribbons, particularly if the cart comes in a box that’s easy to wrap. Depending on the item’s size, you could also opt for a large gift bag or even a fun drape over the toy.

Why Trust Verywell Family

Tanya Edwards is an experienced parenting, food, beauty, and health journalist who has been writing and editing parenting stories for over a decade. She has written for such outlets as Parents, Better Homes & Gardens, Real Simple, Huffington Post, CNN Underscored, and more.