Toy Kitchen for 4yo

[TheCraicDealer]

Bonsoir everyone- we’re in the lucky position that we’ve just got part of our (integral) garage converted to a playroom, and 4.5yo DD absolutely loves pretend play. I would really like to get her a play kitchen but realise she’s maybe on the older side of the normal age range for this type of toy.

I was looking at kitchens on the Great Little Trading Company and Ikea, but before I spend £££ on one, does anyone have any recommendations for ones which might have a bit of longevity? I don’t want to get one that she’ll basically grow out of in a few months. I know the Ikea version has wee legs you can use to raise the height, so that would be my preference, but if I can get one with similar proportions which is a bit more pimped out that would be ace. I have a DS who is 7mos so I’m hopeful it won’t be a one trick pony, which is why I’m willing to spend a bit more.

The ikea one gave my daughter years of play! And when she was done, we sold it on. It took a battering from her too, so lasted really well.

I know people are snobby about wooden kitchens Vs plastic, but we got this Step2 one for my eldest for Christmas when he was not quite 2... he's now almost 8 and he and his 5 year old brother still play with it. Sometimes for pretend cooking but, like this week, it's become the lab for their Jurassic World and they're 'extracting DNA' and 'mixing antidotes' at it. It's big enough for two to play at, and tall enough to last beyond toddlerhood.

https://www.smythstoys.com/uk/en-gb/toys/fashion-and-dolls/kitchens-and-household/kitchens-and-home-role-play/step-2-lifestyle-dream-kitchen/p/145222?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=surfaces_across_google

Seconding ikea! It's fab

Facebook marketplace for an ikea one. If they hate it you haven’t lost much. Dont think you’ll get a better one. They’re super sturdy and a great size.

My DD is 6 and still plays with a wooden coffee machine, ice cream stand and till. She runs a pretend cafe, writes menus, goes on strike for the minimum wage, etc. I think a flexible set-up would have a lot of longevity. So maybe a basic kitchen which you could add to with smaller bits like the till.

Get the ikea one or similar 2nd hand

Ours is immaculate I didn't have to build the fecking thing and it was £40!

I love your kids' creativity! 🔬

Thanks everyone! I’m going to try and get an Ikea one off Facebook Marketplace. I will not lie, whilst making sustainable choices where I can is cool and all what swung it was someone reminding me that getting one secondhand means I don’t need to build it 🙌🏼 thank you all for the reality check.

I too loved Grumblebees’ boys’ creativity and ChrisPackhamsYellowFleece’s DD’s awareness of social issues with her strikes. It’s great to be reminded of how broad their imaginations are- I had a play tent at DD’s age and Darwin and I used to turn it upside and pretend it was a boat ffs.