“As toddlers engage in pretend play, they are learning a new language, seeing the perspective of others, negotiating and taking turns, and solving problems that arise,” says Rebecca Parlakian, the senior director of programs for Zero to Three. Some tips: choose a play kitchen that’s relatively easy to put together, but has enough realistic features to mimic what kids see in the real world. Opt for a kids’ kitchen set that’s small enough that it won’t take over your living space. A wooden play kitchen might offer more aesthetic appeal, if not higher quality. And while we love shiny things as much as the next person, remember that the more a toddler kitchen set does in terms of lights and sounds, the less pretending your kid has to do. The toy kitchen sets that do the least are those that inspire the most use of imagination.
The Best Toddler Kitchen Sets
The Best Play Kitchen Sets for Kids
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