Are you looking for ways to incorporate play and learning with Shopkins? I’ve got you covered!
Over the weekend, Madison and I decided that we were going to a Shopkins swap event being held at ToysRUs. Normally, I prefer to sleep in on the weekend and not leave my bed until way into the afternoon. Anything before 12pm is considered too early for me.
However, Shopkins are a huge favorite in my house, and I just can’t resist their cuteness! When you have been collecting them for over a year, you amass quite a collection, and I felt like I needed to come up with some creative ways to get some additional use out of them. I love fun activities that also promote learning, so I came up with 11 ways to play with Shopkins that also teach various skills. Don’t just let them sit in a bin; get them out and use them in all sorts of ways with your children.
Remember, Shopkins recommends their toys for ages 5 and up, but if closely monitored by you, I think they make a super fun and interesting learning tool as well as toys!
1. Sorting
Instruct your child to sort Shopkins by size, color, type, food group, etc. Encourage them to come up with their own method for sorting.
2. Matching
If you have duplicates, your child can sort through the pile and match them for a simple game. Make it a little harder for older children by covering Shopkins with small disposable cups and playing as you would the flat memory game.
3. Bingo Markers
Make up your own bingo sheets with letters, shapes, sight words, or whatever your child is working on. Let them use their favorite Shopkins to mark off the squares as they get them.
4. Counting
Simple one-to-one correspondence is an important early math skill. Little ones can count one by one, and older children can use them to learn to count by 2s or 5s.
5. Scavenger Hunt
Hide them around the house in slightly obvious places and let your child find them, give simple clues to help if needed. This is a great idea for rainy-day fun!
6. Number Match
Use 3×5 cards or other small pieces of paper to write down the numbers 1–10, and have your child place the matching number of Shopkins on the paper. For slightly older children, you could write down simple math problems and have them show the answer in Shopkins.
7. Patterning
Teach your child some simple patterning by laying out 4 or 5 pieces in a pattern and having them complete the pattern.
8. Memory Tray
Help build your child’s memory with this fun activity. Place 10 Shopkins on a tray, cover with a hand towel, remove the towel and let them study the tray, have them turn away as you remove 1 and then guess which is missing.
9. Mini Store
Is your child learning about money? Set up a mini store complete with tiny little price tags for your Shopkins groceries. Give them a set amount of play money and have them spend as close to the amount as possible without going over. Give them different amounts to make, ask them what is the cheapest item? The most expensive? Etc..
10. Story Starters
Use Shopkins figures to spark creative writing in your older children. Set a figure in front of them and ask them to tell you in a story the character’s name, where they are headed/what they are doing, etc… A fun way to break up the monotony of writing. Little ones can just recite their stories out loud.
11. Sensory Bin
These are my favorite go-to activities for toddlers and preschoolers. Fill the bin with a base (shredded paper, packing peanuts, uncooked noodles, whatever), add Shopkins, spoons, and measuring cups, and the kids will provide the imagination!
Who would have thought there were so many ways to play and learn with Shopkins? Now you don’t have to feel guilty about buying more when a new season comes out.
DIY Shopkins Coasters
Supplies:
Cork Coasters
Mod Podge
Brush
Shopkins Fabric (purchased ¼yrd at JoAnn’s)
Scissors
This was pretty simple to do and Madison did them with just a little bit of help from me.
Directions:
Step 1:
With your coaster, place it on the fabric and cut it into a square. It’s OK if you cut it bigger than you need because you’re going to shape it at the end.
Step 2:
Apply a thin layer of mod podge on one side of your cork coaster. If your little one is going to do this, I would suggest using gloves to protect their little hands from the glue.
Step 3:
Wait a few seconds so that the glue is tacky and ready to stick and then apply your cork coaster to the back of the fabric. Press down on it so that it sticks, then let it dry.
Step 4:
Once the glue has dried, get your scissors and cut off the extra fabric around the cork coaster. Continue steps 1-4 until you have an entire matching set of 4 or 6 or however many you need.
Now that you’ve seen how easy these were to make, grab your favorite fabric and make your own set of unique coasters today.
For more fun and free DIY projects, check out our DIY category.
