I first came across the Orchard Toys range when I worked at an after school club about 7 years ago now (gosh that makes me feel old) however looking at the packaging and some of the game titles I think I may well have come across these games before when I was younger.

Orchard Toys are a well known British brand who produce fun and educational games and activities for children. Age ranges vary but most games are suitable for children of a primary school age. The shopping list game is listed as for ages 3-7 but I definitely think the age range is much wider than this and it can be enjoyed by older children and even adults though of course it is more fun when playing with those younger as it is designed to benefit them.

Shopping Trolley is a game for 2-4 players. The concept of the game is very simple. Each player is given a shopping list and a trolley. 32 small square cards are placed face down on the table/floor. Each one of these has a grocery item on it. Taking it in turns, players turn over cards and if they get a match with their shopping list they put it in their trolley, if not it is put back. The first player with a full trolley wins.

This game is fun and it was often out at the after school club being played by children as young as 4 right up to around age 12. It was a fun game that didnt take long to set up or put away again which of course is an added bonus - there is nothing worse than having to pack a game away once the fun is over and you have finished playing.

The game is designed to assist development in children and there is a focus on memory and remembering whilst there is also an opportunity for discussion and the game really can be tailored to suit anyones needs. As a parent or caregiver you can change the game to help educate your child a little further either by asking questions eg 'what part of the supermarket would you find the apples in?' or 'how do you use eggs to make an omelette?' The picture cards are all varied and each has a picture of a food on that all children are more than likely to know about. The game can be extended to the supermarket too eg. 'here is your shopping list, see if you can help me find these things on the way round'.

The shopping 'trolleys' are made of a wipe clean board with eight square sections which allow the food card to be placed on the board once a match is made. The board is solid and though our game at the club had probably been use 100 times it was still in a decent condition - yes the box was a bit battered but all pieces were intact.

The shopping lists are made of board too and these have each food written on in bold, easy to read letters but there is also a picture of the item which makes the game easier to understand for little ones. It will also help with spelling when older.

The game is fast paced and dependent on how many players you have it can range from a 5 minute game to a 20 minute game. I found this game was one that had everyone wanting a go and it proved to be very popular with young and old alike.

If getting bored of this game then extension packs are available and you can even get a clothes one which I imagine would be fun.

This game gave me a really good idea of what other Orchard Toys games could entail and since using this game I have sung Orchard Toys games praises more than once. It is a fun, fast paced game that seems to be loved by all but it is also educational which is of course an additional bonus.

Many other Orchard Toys games are available including Crazy Chefs and Lunch Box. All of these are available on Amazon but Orchard Toys do offer free delivery with orders over £15.

Currently, the shopping list game is retailing at just £5.76 on Amazon which I think is a brilliant price for a game which has proven to be so popular amongst all ages. It is made with quality materials and is great fun.