Little Tikes Prep ‘n Serve Kitchen
The Little Tikes Prep ‘n Serve Kitchen is certainly far beyond any toy kitchen I had to play with as a child. First of all, when I was growing up, a lot of toys, especially kitchen sets and tables were made of wood. Plastic wasn’t as utilized back then as it is today. Yes, I am a 1960’s baby! This playset, as most other products manufactured by Little Tikes is truly state-of-the-art in children’s play. It is subtly colored in creams, powder blue, and brown – not bright, over stimulating colors that many other toy companies tend to manufacture. This toy kitchen will make even the most finicky little girl happy.
Features of this ultra-modern toy kitchen include an island peninsula, faux granite counter tops and appliances with the look of real stainless steel. Because it is made of durable plastic, it is easy to clean with a damp sponge – part of every good cook’s job description! Although it is a little tight, there are small cabinets and shelves to store the cooking utensils, dishes, pots and pans, and groceries. Of course, your children will need to cook, store, and clean her kitchen, and this lovely set-up comes with an oven, refrigerator, and microwave oven. In fact, this Little Tikes kitchen comes with more appliances than most apartments! But wait – there’s more! No chef could work without a step stool – and that too is included in the Prep ‘N Serve Kitchen Playset.
However, before your child can cook her first meal, some assembly is required. While Prep ‘N Serve Kitchen Playset does come with factory specific hardware, you will have to furnish your own tools such as a screwdriver and hammer; safety goggles are recommended. Also, per you and your child’s discretion, the set comes with detailed full-color decals, which also need to be applied. So, before your child is ready to begin cooking, the both of you will have to do a little carpentry and decorating to get her kitchen into working order.
Last, but not least, the stove top is battery operated; the burner emits boiling water sounds for added realism. You’ll have to spring for the cost of two AA batteries, which do not come with the kit. No, there is no light bulb to bake, as was the case with my Easy-Bake-Oven. This kitchen just looks nice – but is really not capable of making any real food, unless of course, you allow your child to prepare peanut butter and jelly sandwiches on her granite counter top. Since a little sink is included, you can also encourage her to clean her own dishes. As with other toys made by Little Tikes, there is always an educational feature to their toys. I certainly would encourage the use of plastic spoons and bowls serve up tasty fruit cocktails – fresh out of your little daughter’s fridge.
Little Tikes Prep ‘n Serve Kitchen is truly a cute little starter kitchen for any child, beginning at about three years of age. Although it does come with a packet of 18 accessories, I am sure that over time both you and your little homemaker will find other cute accessories to add to her basic kitchen, like little towels, pot holders, aprons, and anything else that she sees that her mom enjoys!
Written by Brenne Meirowitz, BA, MA, MS.
© 2010-2011 Brenne Meirowitz. All Rights Reserved.