Wood Pretend-Play Lemonade Cart

Build the frame for the top tray with 3/4" pocket holes and 1-1/4" screws; since the top reinforces the joints, glue and 18-gauge brad nails also work.

Mark the notch-outs in the 1x12 top for the awning legs. Drill starter holes larger than your jigsaw blade at the corners, then carefully cut the notches. Embedding the awning legs this way makes them secure so the awning can't topple on a child.

Attach the straight front legs on the handle side with 1-1/4" screws and glue (pocket screws work fine). Add the 15°-angled back legs the same way on the opposite side — the angle lets the cart tip and roll on its wheels.

Build the bottom tray with nails and glue; paint it now if you want a contrasting color. Screw the tray to the bottom of the cart with 1-1/4" screws — a scrap block cut to 4-3/4" makes a handy spacer to position it.

Build the sign by attaching the 1x4 to its two sides with pocket holes (this joint isn't reinforced). Insert the sign into the notched top and screw down from underneath. Build the awning separately — legs, sides, and dowel rails — and attach it last, into the notches you cut.

Bolt the 5" wheels on with washers so they spin. Sand every edge and corner round — this is a toy — and finish with child-safe paint.