Several years ago I was a foster carer and one of the methods I used to encourage speech was by playing games. One of our favourites was Orchard Toys Shopping List (I have also volunteered in a Year 1 primary school class as it was a big hit there too). While Shopping List is a memory game, it has so many more educational benefits as well as being a fun game to play. And it has had a bit of an update from the game I know and love, the rules and gameplay remain the same but it now features Bluey, the animated character from the hit television series that children adore to become Bluey Shopping List Game (the original game, along with its extra packs, is still available).
Bluey is the kind of character that children greet like a friend: a playful, curious Blue Heeler pup whose short, warm episodes celebrate imagination, family and the small dramas of everyday life. Those qualities make anything bearing her name immediately appealing to preschoolers, and the Orchard Toys Bluey Shopping List Game takes an already popular game and gives it an even more appealing boost for youngsters.
Memory games are ideal for young children because they exercise short-term recall and help to boost focus while encouraging matching, reading and vocal skills.
In the box:
- Shopping List Cards (x4)
- Shopping Trolley Cards (x4)
- Shopping Item Cards (x32)
- Instructions
The Bluey Shopping List Game joins Bluey, Bingo, Bandit (Dad) and Chilli (Mum) in a race to fill their shopping trolleys with the eight items on their shopping lists. The first to fill their trolley wins. It is a game that is suitable for 2 to 4 players, age 3+.
To play, each player chooses a shopping list board showing 8 illustrated shopping items. The 32 shopping item cards are placed face down on the table and players take turns revealing a card to try and find an item from their shopping list to put in their trolley. Once a card is flipped, players need to remember where it is so they can flip it over on their turn to add it to their own trolley if it is on their own shopping list.
Overall, the Blue Shopping List Game is excellent. It is quick to set up, easy to learn and even easier to play with its simple rules and features characters that young children are familiar with and love.
The core mechanic of the game is memory: flip a card and remember its position, and try to match it to an item on your list. Elegant simplicity. Children as young as three can understand the objective immediately and have fun playing without being it being frustrating. Because the images are large, bold and colourful even pre-readers can participate independently; recognising a loaf of bread or a familiar Bluey prop becomes an early literacy win as well as a game moment.
The quality of the components is excellent and extremely durable. Orchard Toys uses thick, chunky cardboard for the shopping items, shopping lists and trolleys, so small hands can manipulate pieces with ease and without bending or tearing. The trolleys and character art feel cheerful and recognisable, which helps players form an emotional connection to the task.
Educationally, the game is perfect for memory and matching skills, but it also encourages social skills with turn taking, waiting patiently and politely while another player searches, promotes conversation and celebrating other players finds – small but important lessons all packaged in the game play.
Orchard Toys Bluey Shopping List Game is an excellent addition to any child’s game shelf. An excellent choice for a fun and easy to play educational game, whether playing at home with family and friends or as a classroom activity. It combines the gentle charm of the much-loved television character Bluey with a classic memory game, while supporting cognitive development and social skills.
Rating: 5/5
RRP: £12
For more information, visit www.orchardtoys.com. Also available to buy from Amazon here.