Classic Toys: The Sixpence Play Shop Gets A Christmas Makeover

Did you know that up until Monday 10th December, you can get 25 percent off all orders over £100 using the code CRACKER25? If you're still looking for that big present to make your child beam on Christmas morning, we think it's a great opportunity to snap up the multi award winning Sixpence Play Shop. Instead of £155, you'd pay just £116.25, and it really is an absolute gem of a toy. It has won so many prizes for its amazing play value and practical design, even adults won't be able to resist standing behind the counter and peeking through the charming red and white check curtains. And it's not just a play shop; if you spin it around, there's a theatre on the reverse. Anyone for a puppet show after the Queen's speech?

As a shop, there are so many ways in which it can be dressed - a coffee shop, an ice cream shop, a greengrocers, a post office, a travel agents, a flower shop, to name but a few. The shop crates are an ideal accompaniment for displaying play food (or even real food) or anything else that's up for sale. And don't forget a wooden till and perhaps a toy shopping trolley. These toys are great for encouraging both pretend play and social interaction and awareness, and the play shop is a brilliant size for siblings to play together or for when children have friends over. Everyone can join in!

Today, we're full of festive cheer so have transformed the shop in to a Christmas decorations emporium. The shop crates are packed full of baubles, the lights on the mini tree are twinkling and there's mistletoe hanging from the canopy. And for every purchase, you get a free mince pie! Don't forget to pull a cracker before you leave, too.

It's a great opportunity to use any Christmas decorations, cards or ornaments that your children have made in school (or at home), too. How nice would it be to set up a stall full of handmade decorations? Take a look at our craft section for more ideas. 

What do you think? In our experience, the parents have as much fun as the children when it comes to transforming the play shop. What would you sell in yours? If you say gin, we won't judge ... providing it's after the children have gone to bed!