Which toy is better for a 4 year old?

[thatselementary]

Deciding between a Melissa and Doug farm or the Playmobil safari set. She has a few playmobil 123 bits (not much at all) and likes them and Duplo but which one would be better for imagination etc longer term?

I'd go for the Playmobil.

Or the Happyland farm set is great too.

Melissa and doug : lovely quality but not very detailed for older kids, not many add ons
Playmobil : detailed, easy to add on too, so many bloody pieces
Schleich: detailed, very durable, expensive
Elc: nice set, not very detailed, very stereotypical colours

Just my opinion. Purchased the m&d stables, play rug and schleich horses for Grandaughter(4) when she was 2 and they are her most played with toys and look like new and shes got a few more years play before we can pass them on. I dont think I'd buy them now shes 4, shes getting in to more detail sets like playmobil and has the camper, playground etc, but they have so many pieces that they drive you crazy but she plays with them so much. Saying that I've already been looking at more playmobil sets for Christmas like the farm or pet hotel, even though the thought of the pieces is putting me off. I'm also tempted by the schleich playsets but they're pricey.

Playmobil = bits bits bits. Be prepared.

Mine like it but there is a lot of tiny extras which get everywhere ALL THE TIME.

we've never had M&D animal stuff but mine love their ice cream and pizza shop and have played that for hours.

I second happy land as well. Ours are still well played with 2 years later.

I would go for Playmobil. It will last for years. Kids of 10 still happily play with Playmobil and don't see it as a 'babyish' toy that they have to outgrow.