I have four kids aged 3-9 and probably the one game that all ages can play together is store/restaurant.  We have a small Step2 Kids Kitchen and we put this register on a stand next to that.  They were already working up fake menus and pretend money, and now they have this to put it all in.  It was an instant hit.

The register itself has an okay build quality.  I think the quality is fair for the price.  So far its handled a fair share of abuse with no problems.  My kids have had a great time integrating it into their pretend play.  Aside from being just fun I think theres a lot of learning value to having it.  This sort of thing really helps kids grasp how stores and money works.  Its the sort of thing thats tricky to explain but really sinks in when the role play it.  The scanner is a bit hokey, but we put some of the scan sticker on some old cereal and pasta boxes and the kids have just run with it.  The important thing is that they get a satisfying beep when they scan stuff.  That sort of thing is important to kids.  I don't know if the scan comes up correctly and it doesnt really matter, their imaginations fill in the rest.

So Im not sure its the sturdiest toy in the world, but I think there is real value in having it, especially if you have a small group of siblings/cousins/friends who can play together.  A much better investment than say a video game.
I have four kids aged 3-9 and probably the one game that all ages can play together is store/restaurant. We have a small Step2 Kids Kitchen and we put this register on a stand next to that. They were already working up fake menus and pretend money, and now they have this to put it all in. It was an instant hit. The register itself has an okay build quality. I think the quality is fair for the price. So far its handled a fair share of abuse with no problems. My kids have had a great time integrating it into their pretend play. Aside from being just fun I think theres a lot of learning value to having it. This sort of thing really helps kids grasp how stores and money works. Its the sort of thing thats tricky to explain but really sinks in when the role play it. The scanner is a bit hokey, but we put some of the scan sticker on some old cereal and pasta boxes and the kids have just run with it. The important thing is that they get a satisfying beep when they scan stuff. That sort of thing is important to kids. I don't know if the scan comes up correctly and it doesnt really matter, their imaginations fill in the rest. So Im not sure its the sturdiest toy in the world, but I think there is real value in having it, especially if you have a small group of siblings/cousins/friends who can play together. A much better investment than say a video game.