The Land of Nod In the Market Shopping Cart Review + Giveaway

If you’ve been reading The Shopping Mama for any length of time you know I am a huge (HUGE!) fan of The Land of Nod – I’ve been shopping and admiring the store for years. The gift suggestions by age and price were a lifesaver when shopping for my nieces before I had kids of my own. Because I’m such a fan it’s a real honor to work with The Land of Nod to feature one of their many great toys for imaginary play.

In the Market Shopping Cart

This sturdy steel shopping cart is ideal for the little one with an extensive history of reaching across the aisle. Real, kid sized shopping cart features rubber breaking tips, pivoting front wheels, folding front seat and plastic wheels and handles.

Play Metal Shopping Cart

The In the Market Shopping Cart is a play metal shopping cart that was fairly simple to assemble. It did require a screw driver, but it didn’t take much time at all.

Once the Shopping Cart was all put together I had to giggle because it is literally a miniature version of the shopping carts adults push around every day. (Save for the fact that adult shopping carts don’t have three stabilizing tips between the wheels to prevent them from tipping like this mini cart does.)

While I think the Shopping Cart is best suited for indoor play (it is metal after all) we’ve been using it both outside and inside. We spend so much time playing outside and my son has several bikes to keep him busy, but my daughter needed something to keep her entertained. And oh my, the cart has kept her entertained! She walks back and forth in front of our house, pushing and pushing the cart. She loves to fill it up and empty it and fill it up again. The shopping cart is recommended for children 3 and older, so my daughter is definitely on the young side to play with this, but she’s really enjoyed it and we’ve made sure she has plenty of room to play safely.

I do have to say there is a downside to using the stroller inside, particularly in a small space. Because it’s made of metal, the shopping cart is heavy and you run the risk of some minor damage if your little one pushes it vigorously into a wall or furniture. For that reason, my husband actually prefers the kids use it outdoors or in our (newly arranged – yay!) playroom. On the other hand, it does work best on a flat surface. The cart has tipped over when my son is using it outside if the wheels go in divots or large cracks on the sidewalk.

The cart is kind of like having a play baby stroller because your little one can put a doll or stuffed animal in the front seat. In that regard, if you have to pick between a play stroller and a shopping cart, I think this is more versatile. You can push a baby AND fill the basket with toys like my kids do. (The picture to the left is how I found the stroller tonight.)

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… The In the Market Shopping Cart is a great addition to any toy collection. It’s incredibly solid and well-made and is literally a mini version of the shopping carts we use every day. Both my kids really love it and I think it’s freaking adorable. If you have a play store or kitchen this is a must.

Or Not to Buy… I think it’s best suited for a flat surface with lots of room until your child has enough control and the ability to avoid crashing into walls or furniture.

The Land of Nod Wish List Contest

Create a “Wish List” of your favorite goodies at The Land of Nod before May 11 and you are entered to win $1000 towards the products on your list. If your little one has a birthday or special event coming up or if you have grandparents who love to spoil, this is a great way to share the toys you actually want and need.

Shop! The In the Market Shopping Cart is $49.00. The Land of Nod has everything – everything! – for babies and kids from crib bedding and strollers to furniture and green toys.

Win! In the Market Shopping Cart from The Land of Nod!

How to Enter: Visit The Land of Nod and take a look at all the awesome toys, decor, furniture and gift suggestions and leave a comment here with something that catches your eye.

Bonus Entries – valid only after completing the first required entry. Please leave a separate comment for each you do.

* Spring into Spring! Enter KidsCraft Imagination Playhouse giveaway at Baby Loving Mama and let me know you did.
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Win an awesomely realistic miniature shopping cart so your little one can shop ’til they drop @TheShoppingMama http://bit.ly/bQCev6
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Disclosure: Giveaway ends May 14. Open to US residents only. Thanks to The Land of Nod for providing a sample for review and the giveaway prize. Others may have a different experience. Opinions are 100% my own.