Setting up a Play Store: Do we need a scale?

[mommab]

We're giving each daughter half of a playstand set (so as to prevent some fighting - lol!) for Christmas. I was also thinking of getting the 4 y.o. some items to set up a "play store" on the playstand such as some additional wooden food items (fruits & veggies), a wooden cash register (either the Selecta or Nova Naturals one), and possibly a wooden scale. My questions are regarding the scale:

1) Do any of you have a scale, and if so, do your children play with it very much (is it worth the money?)?

2) I've been eyeing the following and wondered which one would be the best to get - the traditional or more modern?

Traditional:

http://www.novanatural.com/s.nl/it.A/id.1457/.f

http://www.selecta-spielzeug.de/index.php/selecta_en/produkte/puppenwelt/kaufladen/waage

http://thewoodenwagon.com/p-IPI1401.html

http://www.willowtreetoys.com/product/HB1598/Wooden_Scale.html

Modern:

http://www.willowtreetoys.com/product/ES600105/Wooden_Grocery_Scale.html

http://www.atoygarden.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&Product_ID=1490

I welcome any other ideas or suggestions!

TIA

[funda62]

Does it have to be wood? What about a plastic balance bucket scale similar to this http://www.kidsurplus.com/itemDetail.asp?item=76%20LER%201521&=&fromsearch=true

that she can use with all sorts of things?

[NewGrandma]

Can you tell me what playstand you are giving your daughters? I've been trying to find a store for my grandson and so far have found none.
Thanks,
Linda

[brittone2]

Not the OP, but here are some pics of playstands if you are interested. The nice thing is that they can be more open ended than a preformed store. They can be a house, etc.

http://www.dandelionsummers.com/html/playstand.html

without arches (arches are usually at an additional cost):

http://www.rosiehippo.com/productdetail.asp?groupnumber=D625

more w/ arches:
http://www.willowtoys.com/catalog.php?item=25&catid=3&ret=catalog.php%3Fcategory%3D3

If you know someone handy, you can make them for a much more reasonable price. DH made DS's last year for about $100, including the arches. Some Waldorf toymaking books suggest tracing an ironing board for an approximate outline of the size (ETA: that should read SIDE) pieces. I think there are free or inexpensive patterns online too. We bought a long, wide silk scarf from Dharma trading company for $5 or $10 and dyed it w/ koolaid (very easy) for the "roof". You could make an awning out of any sort of fabric and you'd only need one playstand for a "store" (and maybe some crates or baskets).

http://thewoodenwagon.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=Prod&Product_Code=INV750
www.novanatural.com

Someone had a cute photo in the archives a few years ago (1-2 years ago?) where they set up a playstore for their DD using a shopping cart, a regular old 2 shelf bookcase, cash register, and some neat wooden crates. it was really, really cute. I tried finding the thread a while back and I couldn't find it any longer, but it might be worth a try. The most recent PBK catalog also had a store setup in there, although I don't think the actual store was for sale. They kind of had an awning (not for sale if I remember right) and then a bunch of playfood in baskets on shelves.

Target had one but they clearanced it out I think?

[NewGrandma]

Thank you for your post! I just PM'd you so we didn't hijack this post.
Linda

[mommab]

>Does it have to be wood?

I'd prefer wood because we're trying to go with more natural toys these days. Thank you for your suggestion, though. :)

[mommab]

We contemplated purchasing the plans for one off the internet here: http://www.playstandplans.com/purchase.htm
But we opted for this one through the co-op last May: http://www.willowtoys.com/catalog.php?item=25&catid=3&ret=catalog.php%3Fcategory%3D3

HTH

[mommab]

Giving this a little bump. Anyone with a scale/balance out there?

I appreciate any feedback!!

[calv]

intersting in seeing/finding more wooden scales myself. TIA!

[elliput]

When I was about 5, I received a scale as a present and found it to be fun and entertaining. Plus I also learned quite a bit about weights and measures while playing with it. It was a miniature antique grocers scale- a flat surface for the weight (it came with several metal weights) and a bowl with a pour spout for the "goods". I did a quick search online and could not find anything similar. Though this one is neat- http://www.moolka.com/jzv/prod/1704/Erzi/Toys/Kitchen+Play/Markets+and+Accessories/Pair+With+Weights?p=YzE9MzA3