Pretend Play Coffee Station with Espresso Machine

Attach the four dowel legs to the bottom shelf with 2" screws, two per leg. Then attach the cart sides to the bottom — nails and glue are fine here because the center panel will reinforce everything.

Attach the center panel with nails and glue — this is the structural spine of the cart. Then set the shelf on top and attach with nails and glue.

Attach the top support piece, then the top itself, with nails and glue. This completes the cart that the espresso machine sits on.

Cut the two espresso-machine sides with a jigsaw — make them identical, and sand the curves smooth. Then box them together with the front and bottom using 1-1/4" brad nails and glue.

Add the drip tray, panel, and top, then the dowel details: the 2" dowel portafilter holder with its 3/4" dowel handle, the two knobs, and the steam wand. Glue these well — small hands grab them constantly. Nail and glue from all sides so nothing works loose.

Sand every edge and corner round — this is a toy for a small child, so nothing sharp survives. Finish with a child-safe finish and let it fully cure before it goes into play.