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Another very simple game by Orchard Toys. They do excellent work creating games for the youngest gamers out there. Shopping list, again, is no exception.
The Rules
The game is suitable for 2 to 4 players and will take approximately 10-15 mins to run through.
Each player takes one shopping trolley or shopping basket. Then they also take a shopping list. Turn the shopping items face down in the centre of the board.
The youngest player starts and turns over a shopping item in the middle. They have to match it with an item on their list. If they can match it on their list, they place it in their basket/trolley. If they do not they show all others and place it back face down in the pool of shopping items.
Play passes to the next player with the winner being the player to successfully fill their shopping basket or trolley first.
The winner, quite simply, is the player who fills their shopping basket first.
The Pros
This is a wonderfully simple game introducing the concept to preschool aged children on turn taking. They get to learn to take turns, an essential skill for any board gamer.
Equally the concept of winning and losing is being introduced once again by Orchard Toys. I maintain these are critical steps that all children should learn as part of their development and this game gently introduces that concept.
We also get to see all the items that are generally everyday essentials that you can pick up at the shops. The idea of having a shopping list and going to collect your products.
This game also starts to build on that memory element which is another critical skill for successful gamers. How many games can you think of where it helps to remember what is happening in the game play and being aware of what your opponents could be up to?
The Frustrations
Unlike some other Orchard Toys games that I have played. Your children will have to engage more with this one due to their being the need for them to memorise where the products are
when players are unsuccessful in picking from the pool. If your child doesn’t want to pay attention, this game is going to take a while. I've come across other games that utilise spinners or dice for the actions and so could be more appropriate. On the flip side, if your child does pay attention then they could have a lot of success and fulfilment with this one.
Final Thoughts
It has been a huge hit in our home. Both our children love it, particularly the 2 year old at present. We have even tweaked the rules slightly as he likes to help get all the items on everyone’s list which is really quite lovely. Rather than racing just to get his own. I’m a big fan of Orchard Toys and Shopping List does a great job in being another highly entertaining game once again for the little ones.
