Toy cash registers can be a lot of fun, but the best ones take it much further. They teach a wide range of social and educational skills, helping your little ones learn math skills, money skills, business operations, buying and selling, and much more.
To discern which toy cash registers do this best, you first have to do some research. But we’ve saved you the trouble by comparing the leading brands to find the best cash registers for kids. We’ve ranked these based on their educational features, value for the money, and appeal to children of all ages.
We’ve reviewed the best options here so you can make an informed choice and help your kids improve their number skills through imaginative play.
- Realistic beeping scanner
- Designed for maximum safety
- Ample shelving on both sides
- Built-in, solar-powered calculator
- LCD display
- Extra-large buttons
- Built-in change dispenser
- Modern and stylish design
- With pretend credit cards and reader
- Smart, educational cash register
- Designed to last
- High-quality materials
- 80+ songs, melodies, sounds & phrases
- Fun, interactive cash
- Colorful number buttons
- Brightly colored coins
- Screen-free play
- Sturdy classic toy
- 5 fun modes
- 35+ unique food and accessories
- Smart scan technology
- Realistic cash register sounds
- Batteries included
- Features Minnie phrases
Product Reviews
Here are 11 great toy cash registers to consider.
Melissa & Doug Freestanding Grocery Store
Best Freestanding All-in-One
This might be the most comprehensive toy cash register. Suited to children 3 years old and up, it will grow with your child as they develop. This cash register includes a counter, a fridge/freezer, shelves, and a shop storage space for a complete experience.
When passing the items through, the scanner lights up and beeps. A manual conveyor belt, credit card reader, and calculator should keep your kid engaged for some time. The Melissa & Doug line also sells a food companion kit, shopping cart, and more for when you’re ready to add on.
Learning Resources Pretend and Play Cash Register
Most Popular Option
This is one of our best-loved cash registers. There are two color schemes to choose from: red/blue and pink, making it suitable for boys or girls. The large buttons and cash drawer are designed for small hands, 3 years old and up.
It comes with 73 plastic American coins and bills, a solar-powered calculator, and a pretend credit card swiper. For realistic role-play, the machine makes that typical “cha-ching” sound when the cash drawer opens.
Little Tikes Count 'n Play Cash Register Playset
Vintage Comes Back in Style
A vintage concept with a modern and stylish design, this toy cash register is user-friendly and conceived to suit 2-year-olds and up. It also comes with two pretend credit cards and a reader, to allow a different method of payment.
Most children shouldn’t have any issue pulling down the large and easy-to-grab side handle, allowing the drawer to open. The large coins come in three sizes and colors, making this toy educational for the youngest users.
Funerica Durable Cash Register Toy for Kids
Best Value Toy Cash Register
This toy cash register will wow most kids 3 years old and up. For parents, this machine offers excellent value in terms of functionality, accessories, and price point. It’s also made of durable plastic material to withstand drops and throws.
Although designed for younger kids, it still features educational and entertaining accessories. In addition to the coins and bills, it includes a built-in microphone and a scanner that emits lights and sounds. To make the experience more realistic, pretend food and drink items are included.
VTech Ring and Learn Cash Register Toy
Interactive Sound & Lights
We couldn’t leave out the new walkers and talkers — this machine is designed for toddlers starting at 12 months old. It accepts credit cards or cash and features big numbered buttons that light up when pressed, a scale, and a cash drawer.
The included food items and basket make the role-play more realistic. Furthermore, it includes over 80 songs and phrases to keep your toddler entertained and excited. Some of those phrases feature healthy eating info as well.
Fisher-Price Classics Retro Toy Cash Register
Retro Toy Cash Register
This retro cash register has a unique design aimed at children over 2 years old. It has six colorful coins to teach your little one numbers and colors. The numbers on the coins come in increments of five, 10, and 25 and coincide with the numbers on the levers, helping with recognition and matching.
Just like old times, when the side handle is pressed, coins roll down, and the drawer opens with a ringing sound.
Shop 'N Learn Smart Checkout Toy
Great Choice for Tech-Savvy Kids
This freestanding grocery store shows a modern and colorful design, mimicking a real checkout stand and more. For kids aged 2 years and up, this comes with over 35 accessories and a real checkout screen. All food items included are scannable, just plop them on the electronic conveyor belt and check out.
You can download an interactive application on Android and iOS phones, connecting to the screen through Bluetooth. The application gives access to five fun learning games. Last but not least, the bagging area folds to save space.
Melissa & Doug Wooden Cash Register
Durable Wooden Toy Cash Register
This well-designed toy cash register is made of wood. It should entertain any child over 3 years old — and potentially be passed down to a younger sibling, thanks to its durability.
An easily accessible push handle opens the cash drawer, and three different coins can be placed in the machine. Alternatively, if your child’s customer doesn’t have cash, they can swipe the included credit card.
Minnie Bow Tique Toy Cash Register
Best Themed Cash Register
Sometimes, your child might need a little extra motivation to learn their numbers. This Minnie Mouse cash register should be enough to get your little one counting and learning in no time.
This machine is safe to use for those aged 3 years and up. Each accessory is Minnie branded, including a heart-shaped dialing pad, screen, scanner, credit cards, and coins.
You won’t find boring American bills in this game. Instead, each bill comes with a character’s face from Minnie’s clique. This is the perfect cash register for kids who love all things Disney.
Funerica Toy Cash Register
Best Restaurant Play
This unique set allows for several different activities. Geared towards children 3 years and up, this one should last your little one well into primary school.
The shopping activity includes a cash register with a real microphone, scanner, bills, coins, and a scale. A basket tops it off because no one likes to walk through the store with full arms.
After the shopping is over, your little one can go into full chef mode. The set includes a mini stove, cutlery, pots and pans, sliceable veggies, and even a chef’s hat.
Disney Princess Cash Register Toy
Best Princess Pick
Little princesses might want princess toys, and everything about this cash register is princess-friendly. Get ready for a magical time with this one. Decked out in pink and gold, there’s no option but to go all-girl.
This extraordinary set is designed for children 3 years and older and comes with a real calculator, six heart-shaped buttons, 12 coins, and a princess credit card. An old-fashioned key opens the cash drawer, and a royal scanner will beep whenever you scan an item.
How to Choose a Cash Register Toy
Whether you’re shopping for a toddler or an older child, here are a few tips to make this process easier.
Age
As with most kids’ toys, chronological age and developmental age should be the first considerations. Cash registers often include small pieces that could be a potential choking hazard. Other machines combine advanced technologies and detailed accessories that the youngest won’t necessarily understand or use.
Toddlers imitate what they see and experience in their everyday life. When you’re shopping, they might want to handle the payment process. At home, role play is important for their development, enhancing problem-solving, imagination, and social skills (1).
Cash registers aimed at toddlers are usually placed on the floor or a table. Older kids, however, might enjoy freestanding cash registers.
Although toddlers can safely use most freestanding styles, they’re typically best for older kids. They’re not only extremely realistic, but they also come with all the technology, mimicking an actual grocery store.
Materials
Toy cash registers are often made of plastic or wood. Both materials have their advantages.
Wooden Cash Registers
Toddlers may need sturdier machines with larger pieces and accessories. Wooden cash registers could be ideal as they’re often more durable and come with thicker bills and coins.
However, most wooden machines aren’t as interactive as plastic toys. They’re also heavier, and toddlers might need their parents’ supervision during playtime.
Plastic Cash Registers
Cash registers made of plastic can be more interactive, with audio phrases, sounds, and lights often included.
Plastic machines are also lighter. They’re usually more affordable than wooden toys for this reason.
On the downside, plastic machines aren’t as durable and might not last as long. Plastic can also contain Bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, which are considered toxic and unsafe for children (2). Selecting a BPA-free toy cash register for your child helps ensure their safety while playing.
Accessories
Most toy cash registers come with coins, bills, and a drawer, encouraging role play and introducing your child to currency and numbers. To make the experience more realistic, they often have additional accessories.
Pretend credit cards, scales, and scanners might inspire creative storylines. Working calculators can teach your child to subtract and add. Some cash registers even come with food items and storage shelves, recreating the atmosphere of a real store at home.
It might be a good time to teach your child the value of money.
Toy Cash Register FAQs
What is the Best Kids’ Cash Register?
The best kids’ cash register is one that is durable, interactive, and educational.
Popular models often include features like a working calculator, play money, credit card swipe, and product scanner to simulate a real shopping experience. Brands like Learning Resources and Melissa & Doug are well-regarded for their toy cash registers.
Is a Cash Register a Good Toy?
A cash register can be an excellent toy for developing math skills, social interaction, and imaginative play. Kids can learn about money management and basic arithmetic and engage in creative role-playing as shopkeepers or customers.
What is the Best Age For a Toy Cash Register?
Toy cash registers are typically best for kids aged three to nine years. The ideal age can depend on the complexity of the cash register and the child’s development.
Simpler models with large buttons and basic functions are suitable for younger children, while older kids might enjoy more features.
How Does the Fisher-Price Cash Register Work?
The Fisher-Price cash register works by allowing children to press buttons for numbers, open the cash drawer, and use play money and coins. It’s a classic toy that’s been around for decades, known for its durability and simplicity.
