We are looking to get my 3 year old daughter a kitchen set for Christmas. My 6 year old son would most likely play w/it also. Any recommendations on a sturdy one that is priced reasonably?
I agree. Step 2 is the best for kitchen sets, tables and chairs, doll houses and anything else they make. I don't think there is another company that can stand up to the quality of Step 2. They make toys that last.
We got my 2 1/2 year old a Step 2 kitchen from WalMart for Christmas last year. She LOVES it! It's big enough that her and her little friends can play with it, but not so big that it takes up all our available floor space. It came with all kinds of great little accessories and we bought a few more. It's not outrageously expensive either. It's fantastic quality, so I know it will last a long time. I caught the 4 year old girl I babysit for climbing on it the other day, and she's not exactly small, so I KNOW it's durable.
http://www.walmart.com/Step2-Lifestyle-Partytime-Kitchen-...
We have Step 2 kitchen also, and it's not too girly for your son :) We like it. Whatever you do, make sure your kitchen is plastic, not that wood particle board (like some dollhouses). Th kitchen is bound to get wet and you don't want it 'melting'.
We have a Little Tykes one that I got at a garage sale. (Btw, I have 2 boys). I think I paid $5/$10 for it. These things are so bulky that people just want to get rid of them once they no longer want them. :) It's not girly at all http://www.littletikeskitchen.co.uk/doubleup.php (ours has blue doors instead of purple) It's very sturdy. My son has climbed on it many times... even though he knows he is not supposed to!!
Now is the season for Used Kids Clothes/Toys sales sponsored by Preschool PTAs and such... I know that you are probably thinking of buying new since it is for a gift, but... you can save lots of $$ and the toys are usually in great condition. Also, I doubt if your 3 year old would mind!! You might just have to clean them up a bit. Or try something like craigslist.org to find one instead of hitting the sales.
You might even have $ left over to buy plastic plates and some play food!! I recommend this food http://www.shopzilla.com/melissa-doug-cutting-food-box/62...
because, although made in China (try to find any play food that isn't!! it's impossible, unfortunately) it says it's been tested to European standards (I believe that's on the back of the packaging). Plus, it is fun... the pieces velcro together and you can "cut" them apart with the wooden "knife." I was very picky in picking out my play food since you know they will pretend to eat it by putting it in their mouths!!
ok, maybe more info than you bargained for, but hope it helps!!
L. :)
I suggest going around to the yard sales in the area for one if you don't want to spend a lot of money. WE found one for my niece and once we washed it down, it was great! Right now, people are doing their final sales and cleaning out, so you might get lucky!
these are pricey but will last FOREVER.
made by community playthings. they supply lots of prechools, montessori schools etc. as well as the home kitchen in the Cincinnati Children's Museum.
we have the older version. my parents got it for me for my 5th birthday. Now both of my kids play with them and LOVE them.
they are a great company with great customer service, and a quality product. they make the furniature themselves here in PA, not shipped overseas.
and its all Wood. not plastic.
so i know they are expensive, but you could start with one major piece or see if family members might go in on it.
if you are into quality realistic kitchen stuff these are great. we love cooking, and my son was using his kitchen to replicate my husband in the kitchen.
this is something your grand kids and great gradkids will be able to use.
http://www.communityplaythings.com/products/dramaticplay/...
I also got my son the Step 2 kitchen (same one as Shaun). He loves it. Actually 2 nights ago he was calling my husband downstairs so he could feed him dinner, the little guy had cooked dinner for him. This one is not girly at all and since my husband does most of our cooking I thought it would be nice for him to pretend like Daddy does.
I love my kids Target one. Unfortunately it now comes in pink. I have it in blue. For your girl thats great, I don't know if that might be a deterrent for your boy. I think it is so great and priced so nicely I think it might be worth buying and painting.
Five years ago I would have said Fisher Price. Today I would not.
