I've never been accused of planning too late! I've been shopping for DD's play kitchen, which she will receive for her second birthday, since she was about 14 months old. :lostit: It's jusst so much fun! So tell me about your's, what's great about it, what's not. And here are the ones I like. If you have them, or even if you don't, tell me what you think. I don't want to totally break the bank, but at the same time, I am hoping this will last for years to come, even being handed to grandkids, so I want it to be good quality and gender neutral so both boys and girls will be comfortable there.
Thanks for your advice, experience, tidbits of info, etc. !!
This so far is my #1 choice. Not only is it cute, but I like that I can also get a dishwasher, washing machine, corner shelf, microwave and grill to match if we decided to get additional pieces through the year.
http://www.uniquewoodentoys.com/cart.php?target=product&product_id=16825&category_id=320
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y190/moocowsteph/ii_736.jpg
This one is a pretty simple version that would serve well if I couldn't/didn't want to spend big bucks until the third birthday. My problem with this and the previous is that I don't know where they are made - haven't found that yet.
http://www.uniquewoodentoys.com/cart.php?target=product&product_id=17640&category_id=320
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y190/moocowsteph/ii_833.jpg
I like these as well. No fridge or other coordiating pieces that I've found. They may be out there somewhere though.
http://www.oompa.com/baby-toys/item/PL34090/Plan-Toys-Kitchen-Set---FREE-SHIPPING.html
http://www.oompa.com/baby-toys/item/PL34120/Plan-Toys-Dishwasher-Set---FREE-SHIPPING.html
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y190/moocowsteph/PL34120.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y190/moocowsteph/PL34090.jpg
sahminaz
08-05-2007, 11:03 PM
I love solid wood, natural looking play kitchens. I like that they allow for more creativity and are very open ended. Ours is from willow toys, Joe Martin hand crafts each piece himself using all hand tolls. It is absolutely amazing, it really is a work of art. Something like this can definitely be passed down. Many kitchens that are painted are made of pressed(particle) board/wood and will not last. Also they have formadahyde and off gas the paint and other chemicals. I trust Joe Martin and I know he only uses natural wax finishes. The aroma from the oils are soothing.
www.willowtoys.com
http://www.threesisterstoys.com/t-gallery.aspx
The ones from threesisterstoys are made by elves and angels.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v227/sahminhawaii/100_0890.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v227/sahminhawaii/000_0224.jpg
This is ours and it is from willowtoys, as well as the playstands and dollhouse
ravenonyx
08-05-2007, 11:22 PM
the first one you posted is also available at hearthsong :) http://www.hearthsong.com/hearthsong/product.do?section_id=0&bc=1005&pgc=492&cmvalue=HS|0|Normal%20Search%20Result|P2
We have the sink/stove unit, corner shelf, fridge, microwave, and washing machine. (we bought them all at different times, but they have a combo deal on them now, too - all the pieces for $495).
If you aren't opposed to going through a referall link, treasure trooper (link in my sig) gives 5% back on purchases from there.
also, THANK YOU for posting that first link, because I think we need that dishwasher this Christmas! LOL
We've had the base set (sink/stove/fridge/shelf) for 4 years and through 3 kids. It's going strong with my youngest (since about 18 months) and we love it! The only piece I strongly dislike is the sink insert which is a thick plastic; ours cracked about a year ago and while I glued it and sanded it I dislike it and wish they'd put another wooden piece in there. We've had no other issues with breakage or anything else though, even my 80lb 8 year old hasn't managed to break anything!
ravenonyx
08-05-2007, 11:23 PM
Oh, and they are all 100% Rubberwood, no particle board. There are these plastic pieces to be aware of:
sink insert
oven door insert
that's it.
sahminaz
08-05-2007, 11:32 PM
Oh, and they are all 100% Rubberwood, no particle board. There are these plastic pieces to be aware of:
sink insert
oven door insert
that's it.
I did see they are made of solid wood. I am talking about the ones you can buy at target,etc.. The one that you have are the type i have seen in many montessori schools. Very cute, i just prefer a plain style.
Steve's Wife
08-06-2007, 08:41 AM
Thanks, it's so nice to find someone who owns these. I didn't realize the sink was plastic. Not enough to make me not buy it, but kinda dumb, and for the cost they could have certainly added a wooden sink.
sahminaz
08-06-2007, 09:21 AM
Thanks, it's so nice to find someone who owns these. I didn't realize the sink was plastic. Not enough to make me not buy it, but kinda dumb, and for the cost they could have certainly added a wooden sink.
Ours has a stainless steel sink(bowl)
I hope you find what you are looking for. You can't go wrong with a wooden kitchen which ever style you go with..they all are great.
beenwaitingalongtime
08-06-2007, 10:18 AM
Ours has a stainless steel sink(bowl)
I hope you find what you are looking for. You can't go wrong with a wooden kitchen which ever style you go with..they all are great.
This was my first thought--can you find a stainless mixing bowl that'll fit in the hole? That's what Brian's Woodshop uses on their playsink. We only have a stove for our playstand, but I'd love to get a kitchen like these!
ravenonyx
08-06-2007, 10:19 AM
Sorry mama *blush* I just added that so that the OP would know it wasn't particle board. I think I didn't come across well and want to apologize.
A stainless steel bowl sounds MUCH nicer!
Steve's Wife
08-06-2007, 10:33 AM
I thought about making my own with a bowl and other supplies. I can't remember where I saw the prototype - I think on another forums. A mama used a longish white particleboard shelf, the cheap kind you can get from target, walmart, etc. They cut a hole for the sink, added stuff to look like burners, knobs, etc. The only thing missing was an opening door for the oven.
beenwaitingalongtime
08-06-2007, 10:56 AM
I thought about making my own with a bowl and other supplies. I can't remember where I saw the prototype - I think on another forums. A mama used a longish white particleboard shelf, the cheap kind you can get from target, walmart, etc. They cut a hole for the sink, added stuff to look like burners, knobs, etc. The only thing missing was an opening door for the oven.
Maybe you can attach two 20" playsilks to the front and DC can lift them up, like a stove/oven door?
Kanga
08-06-2007, 11:35 AM
Trying to decide on one for xmas/birthday
Toys r us
http://trus.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/pTRU1-3716623dt.jpg
Jc Penney
I really like this one too. Finally a gender neutral retro kitchen.
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f78/Leslie_J_R/retrobluekitchen.jpg
Steve's Wife
08-06-2007, 11:54 AM
That JCPenny one is really cute! I never thought to look there. Sears might have some fun ones, too.
Bug-a-boo's mom
08-06-2007, 12:09 PM
I am SO glad that you posted this. I recently told DH that I want to get a kitchen set for K for bday/XMas. I want to get a solid wood set. I love the top two pieces, and that is great that you can add on to it as time goes on. But I also really like the natural look, unpainted. A lot of research to do, but you all listed some great sites for me to check out.
Good luck in your search! :goodvibes:
Tiffer23
08-06-2007, 12:32 PM
Those are all cute. We got Jack a tiny one and he really likes it.
we have the one from target and dylan loves it. it's dark blue (took forever to find a non-pink one) and has a oven, stove and sink. dh is going to make a fridge to go with it. i also like most of the wooden food that target sells.
twothreeshop
08-06-2007, 01:19 PM
Your first set of choices is really cute!
We have this one: http://www.gummylump.com/front/f_product.php?id=776. We've had it for almost 4 years now and it's been a hit from day one. My older DD, almost 5, is no where near outgrowing it.
As for making your own, I've had these instructions bookmarked for a while - they look like fun, especially the first one:
Oh-and I forgot to add in my original post. Make sure that you check out the height. A local consignment shop had a set and K was the perfect height for it. Now. But with a little growth I don't know how it would have worked. And it isn't like the one Tiffer23 is showing. Which is super cute. But also meant to be used at that height.
:goodvibes:
Steve's Wife
08-06-2007, 01:28 PM
Your first set of choices is really cute!
We have this one: http://www.gummylump.com/front/f_product.php?id=776. We've had it for almost 4 years now and it's been a hit from day one. My older DD, almost 5, is no where near outgrowing it.
As for making your own, I've had these instructions bookmarked for a while - they look like fun, especially the first one:
Your kitche is super cute - I've seen that one. My only issue is that I am putting it against the wall in my kitchen and that one has to be away from the wall to get to both sides. If I had more room I'd be all over it!
Those DIY ones are super cute!
blissfullyblessed
08-06-2007, 01:41 PM
this is a great thread!!
I just had to say the the OP that your av of your dd is absolutely adorable!!!! :mrgreen:
Steve's Wife
08-06-2007, 02:16 PM
this is a great thread!!
I just had to say the the OP that your av of your dd is absolutely adorable!!!! :mrgreen:
thanks :goodvibes: I love the pic too
Steve's Wife
08-06-2007, 02:22 PM
I emailed a store about a kitchen I thought was cute. Wanted to know who/where manufactured. Here's the response. Why in the world can't they tell me what country their products are made in??
Dear Stephanie,
Thank you for your email.
Due to contractual obligations we are unable to provide you with any of our manufacturer’s information. We apologize for any inconvenience. We would be happy to answer any other questions you may have about our products, please contact us via email or the toll free number listed below.
We would also like to take this opportunity to invite you to visit www.netshops.com.
NetShops is our family of online stores. We currently have over 125 specialty online stores, with each store catering to a particular product range.
We appreciate your interest and look forward to hearing from you again soon.
