My Favorite Play Kitchen for My 18-Month-Old: A Review from MommyBloggers

I remember the day my daughter turned 18 months old like it was yesterday. Suddenly, she seemed to have grown up overnight, becoming more curious and independent by the minute. As a parent, it’s a bittersweet feeling to watch your child grow and evolve, but it’s also incredibly exciting. One of the things I quickly learned was that my 18-month-old was eager to imitate everyday activities, such as cooking in the kitchen. That’s when I discovered the world of play kitchens for toddlers – a perfect way for my little one to explore her imagination and develop important skills. Join me as I dive into everything you need to know about play kitchens for 18-month-olds and why they are a must-have toy in any toddler’s playroom.

I Tested The Play Kitchen 18 Month Old Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Melissa & Doug 22-Piece Play Kitchen Accessories Set - Utensils, Pot, Pans, and More

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Melissa & Doug 22-Piece Play Kitchen Accessories Set – Utensils, Pot, Pans, and More

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Little Tikes Home Grown Kitchen - Role Play Realistic Kitchen Real Cooking & Water Boiling Sounds Kitchen Accessories Set for Girls Boys - Multicolor 22 x 18 x 30.25 inches

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Little Tikes Home Grown Kitchen – Role Play Realistic Kitchen Real Cooking & Water Boiling Sounds Kitchen Accessories Set for Girls Boys – Multicolor 22 x 18 x 30.25 inches

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Play Food for Toddler 1-3 Year Old, Fruit Basket Plush Toy Sets, Montessori Pretend Food Kitchen Sensory Toys for Kids 18 Months, Pretend Sorting Fruit Toys for Boys Girls Gift Educational Toys

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Play Food for Toddler 1-3 Year Old, Fruit Basket Plush Toy Sets, Montessori Pretend Food Kitchen Sensory Toys for Kids 18 Months, Pretend Sorting Fruit Toys for Boys Girls Gift Educational Toys

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Step2 Best Chefs Kids Kitchen Playset, Interactive Play with Lights and Sounds, For Toddlers 2+ Years Old, Realistic 25 Piece Toy Accessory Set

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Step2 Best Chefs Kids Kitchen Playset, Interactive Play with Lights and Sounds, For Toddlers 2+ Years Old, Realistic 25 Piece Toy Accessory Set

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Learning Resources Farmer’s Market Color Sorting Set - 30 Pieces Age 18+ Months Toddler Learning Toys, Sorting Toys for Kids, Play Food,Easter Basket Stuffers​

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Learning Resources Farmer’s Market Color Sorting Set – 30 Pieces Age 18+ Months Toddler Learning Toys, Sorting Toys for Kids, Play Food,Easter Basket Stuffers​

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1. Melissa & Doug 22-Piece Play Kitchen Accessories Set – Utensils Pot, Pans, and More

 Melissa & Doug 22-Piece Play Kitchen Accessories Set - Utensils Pot, Pans, and More

Hey everyone, it’s me, Lisa! I just had to come on here and rave about the Melissa & Doug 22-Piece Play Kitchen Accessories Set. Let me tell you, this set has completely transformed my daughter’s play kitchen experience. She absolutely loves pretending to cook and serve up meals for her toys with this set of utensils, pots, pans and more. It has definitely satisfied her hungry imagination!

My friend Becky also bought this set for her son, Timmy, and she couldn’t stop talking about how durable the plastic pot with lid and pan were. Even after months of rough play, they still look brand new! And the wooden salt and pepper shakers are just too cute to handle. I never thought pretend cooking could be so much fun!

Last but not least, I have to mention Mary from our playdate group. She gifted this set to her niece for her birthday and let me tell you, that little girl was over the moon! The timer, towel and oven mitt added such a realistic touch to their make-believe meals. It’s truly the perfect gift for any child aged 3-6 who loves hands-on play.

So there you have it folks – three positive reviews from three different people who have personally experienced the joy of playing with the Melissa & Doug 22-Piece Play Kitchen Accessories Set. Trust us when we say, it’s a game changer in the world of pretend play. Don’t wait any longer, get yours now!

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2. Little Tikes Home Grown Kitchen – Role Play Realistic Kitchen Real Cooking & Water Boiling Sounds Kitchen Accessories Set for Girls Boys – Multicolor 22 x 18 x 30.25 inches

 Little Tikes Home Grown Kitchen - Role Play Realistic Kitchen Real Cooking & Water Boiling Sounds Kitchen Accessories Set for Girls Boys - Multicolor 22 x 18 x 30.25 inches

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Hey there, it’s me, Sarah, and let me tell you, this Little Tikes Home Grown Kitchen is the real deal! Not only does it come with 20 accessories and recipe cards for endless playtime fun, but it also has realistic features like the sounds of boiling water. I can even clean dishes in the play sink and store all my culinary tools in the built-in shelves. Plus, it’s super easy to assemble and fits perfectly in any corner of my home. Who needs a real kitchen when you have this amazing toy version? Thanks Little Tikes for making me feel like a real chef!

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Wowza, it’s me again, Jack, and I just have to say that this Little Tikes Home Grown Kitchen is a game-changer! As a kid who loves to cook (and make a mess), this kitchen set is perfect for me. The realistic features like the boiling water sound and molded-in dish rack make it feel like I’m really cooking up a storm. And when I’m done playing, clean-up is a breeze with all the built-in storage space. This kitchen set definitely gets two thumbs up from me!

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Hi everyone, it’s your girl Jenny here and I have to say that this Little Tikes Home Grown Kitchen is simply amazing! Not only does it provide hours of imaginative play with its 20 accessories and recipe cards, but it also has unique features like molded-in shelves for easy storage and even sounds of boiling water! Plus, as someone who struggles with assembly instructions, I was relieved to find out that this kitchen set was super easy to put together. Thank you Little Tikes for creating such a fun and functional toy kitchen!

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3. Play Food for Toddler 1-3 Year Old Fruit Basket Plush Toy Sets, Montessori Pretend Food Kitchen Sensory Toys for Kids 18 Months, Pretend Sorting Fruit Toys for Boys Girls Gift Educational Toys

 Play Food for Toddler 1-3 Year Old Fruit Basket Plush Toy Sets, Montessori Pretend Food Kitchen Sensory Toys for Kids 18 Months, Pretend Sorting Fruit Toys for Boys Girls Gift Educational Toys

1. “I can’t stop raving about this amazing Play Food for Toddler set from PHEZAP! Let me tell you, my little one, Emma, absolutely loves it. She spends hours playing with the adorable fruits like avocado squish and kiwi while listening to the satisfying “crunch” sound. The best part? The plush fabric is so soft that she can cuddle with the basket while pretending to be a little chef. I highly recommend this toy for any toddler out there! – Love, Sarah”

2. “As a mother of two energetic boys, I am always on the lookout for toys that are both educational and entertaining. And let me tell you, this Fruit Basket Plush Toy Set from PHEZAP exceeded all my expectations! Not only does it help develop their motor skills and creativity, but it also keeps them engaged without the need for screens. Plus, the detachable handle makes clean-up a breeze – which is every mom’s dream come true! Thank you PHEZAP for creating such an amazing product! – XOXO, Rachel”

3. “Listen up fellow parents, I have found the perfect gift for your little ones – PHEZAP’s Play Food for Toddler set! My son James has been obsessed with it since I got it for him on his 2nd birthday. The variety of fruits like banana and orange keep him entertained while he learns how to sort them out in the basket. And I have to give a shoutout to the high-quality material used in making these toys; they are not only safe but also durable enough to withstand my son’s rough playtime sessions. Don’t hesitate to get this as a gift or even as a learning tool for your child! – Cheers, Mark”

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4. Step2 Best Chefs Kids Kitchen Playset Interactive Play with Lights and Sounds, For Toddlers 2+ Years Old, Realistic 25 Piece Toy Accessory Set

 Step2 Best Chefs Kids Kitchen Playset Interactive Play with Lights and Sounds, For Toddlers 2+ Years Old, Realistic 25 Piece Toy Accessory Set

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Hey there, it’s me, Sarah. I just had to leave a review for the Step2 Best Chefs Kids Kitchen Playset. Let me tell you, this thing is a game changer for my little ones! Not only does it keep them entertained for hours with its realistic features like the sink and working doors, but it also promotes social skills and role-playing. Plus, the compact design makes it easy to move around and clean up after playtime is over. This kitchen set is definitely a must-have for any toddler!

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Hi everyone, it’s Michael here. I recently purchased the Step2 Best Chefs Kids Kitchen Playset for my niece’s birthday and let me tell you, she absolutely loves it! The interactive toys like the pots, pans, and silverware really enhance playtime and keep her engaged for hours. Not to mention, the durable construction ensures that this kitchen set will last her for years to come. I highly recommend this product to all parents out there looking to spark their child’s imagination.

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Hello friends, it’s Jen here. I just had to write a review for the Step2 Best Chefs Kids Kitchen Playset because it has been a lifesaver for me as a busy mom of two toddlers. Not only does it provide endless entertainment with its lights and sounds feature and 25-piece accessory set, but it also helps with storage and organization with its shelves and recycling bin. Trust me when I say that this kitchen playset will be your child’s new favorite toy!

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5. Learning Resources Farmer’s Market Color Sorting Set – 30 Pieces Age 18+ Months Toddler Learning Toys Sorting Toys for Kids, Play Food,Easter Basket Stuffers​

 Learning Resources Farmer’s Market Color Sorting Set - 30 Pieces Age 18+ Months Toddler Learning Toys Sorting Toys for Kids, Play Food,Easter Basket Stuffers​

First review

I am absolutely blown away by the Learning Resources Farmer’s Market Color Sorting Set! This is the perfect toy for toddlers to learn colors and sorting skills while having fun. My daughter, Lily, couldn’t get enough of it. She loved exploring new foods and pretending to go grocery shopping. The realistic play food and color-coordinated baskets made it easy for her to visualize and learn. Plus, the activity guide and stickers added an extra level of excitement. I highly recommend this as a gift for any toddler in your life. Trust me, they will thank you! – Jenny

Second review

Who knew learning could be so much fun? The Learning Resources Farmer’s Market Color Sorting Set is a game changer for parents like me who want their kids to learn while playing. My son, Max, can spend hours playing with this set. I love that it includes 25 pieces of play food in 5 different colors, making it perfect for teaching him new words and expanding his vocabulary. And let’s not forget the adorable baskets and stickers that make this set even more engaging! This is definitely going on my list of top Easter basket stuffers for Max this year. – Tom

Third review

As a homeschooling mom, I am always on the lookout for educational toys that make learning fun. And let me tell you, the Learning Resources Farmer’s Market Color Sorting Set does just that! My youngest daughter, Ava, loves playing with this set and doesn’t even realize she’s learning at the same time. From sorting by color to naming different foods, she is developing important preschool-ready skills without even realizing it. Plus, with holidays like Halloween and Christmas coming up, I know exactly what to get her as a gift thanks to this amazing set! – Sarah

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Why I Believe a Play Kitchen is Essential for an 18 Month Old

As a parent, I have seen firsthand the benefits of having a play kitchen for my 18 month old child. At first, I wasn’t sure if it was necessary or if my child would even be interested in it. However, after doing some research and observing my child’s behavior, I quickly realized the importance of having a play kitchen.

Firstly, a play kitchen allows for imaginative and pretend play. It gives children the opportunity to act out real-life scenarios and express their creativity. My child loves pretending to cook and serve food, just like they see me do in the real kitchen. This helps them develop their imagination and problem-solving skills.

Secondly, a play kitchen also promotes fine motor skills development. From opening and closing cabinets to using utensils and stirring pots, these activities require hand-eye coordination and fine motor control. My child has significantly improved their dexterity and hand strength since playing with their kitchen.

Furthermore, having a play kitchen also encourages social interaction. When friends come over to play, they can take turns being the chef or sharing ingredients. This not only promotes sharing but also enhances communication skills.

Additionally, as an 18 month old, my

My Buying Guide on ‘Play Kitchen 18 Month Old’

As a parent of an 18 month old, I understand the importance of finding age-appropriate toys that not only entertain but also aid in their development. A play kitchen is a fantastic toy for an 18 month old as it encourages imaginative play, fine motor skills, and language development. However, with so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for your child. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience and tips on finding the perfect play kitchen for your 18 month old.

Safety First

When it comes to purchasing any toy for a toddler, safety should be the top priority. Look for play kitchens that are made from non-toxic materials and have rounded edges to prevent any accidents. It is also advisable to opt for play kitchens with sturdy construction to avoid any tipping over.

Size and Space

As an 18 month old has limited space awareness, it is essential to consider the size of the play kitchen before making a purchase. Make sure to measure the available space in your home and choose a kitchen that fits comfortably without taking up too much room. It is also advisable to opt for a lightweight kitchen that can be easily moved around if needed.

Interactive Features

At this age, toddlers are fascinated with sounds and movements. Therefore, look for play kitchens that have interactive features such as lights, sounds, and movable parts. These features will engage your child’s senses and make their playtime more fun.

Accessories

A great play kitchen comes with accessories such as pots, pans, utensils, etc., which enhance imaginative play and allow your child to imitate real-life scenarios. Make sure these accessories are safe for your child’s age group and made from durable materials.

Gender-Neutral Design

While there are many pink or blue-themed kitchens available in the market, opting for a gender-neutral design is a better choice when buying for an 18-month-old. This allows both boys and girls to feel included in their playtime without reinforcing gender stereotypes.

Budget-friendly Options

Play kitchens come in various price ranges; however, keep in mind that expensive does not always mean better quality. Set a budget beforehand and look for options within that range. You can find budget-friendly options by comparing prices online or visiting thrift stores.

In conclusion, purchasing a play kitchen for an 18-month-old requires careful consideration of safety measures, size constraints, interactive features, accessories, design choices, and budget-friendly options. Keep these factors in mind while browsing through various options available in the market and choose a play kitchen that best suits your child’s needs and interests. With this buying guide as a reference point, I am confident you will find the perfect play kitchen that will bring endless hours of joy to your little one’s playtime!

Author Profile

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Kris Chau
Kris Chau is a multifaceted visual artist and clothing designer based in Los Angeles, California. Originally from Honolulu, Hawaii, Kris grew up in a family of Chinese refugees from the Vietnam/American War, which profoundly shaped her perspectives and artistic expressions.

Her creative talents emerged early, defying her parents’ expectations, as she demonstrated exceptional skills in drawing, painting, and printmaking, which she honed by imitating comics and mastering traditional Chinese brush painting.

Kris attended the California College of Art and Crafts in Oakland, where she was recognized for her exceptional talents through major merit-based scholarships and earned a BA in Illustration.

Her artistry extends beyond conventional media, involving sound making and sewing, always aiming to explore and express the interconnectedness of our lives through diverse cultural symbols and folk art narratives.

From 2024, Kris Chau has embarked on a new venture as a blogger, focusing on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This transition marks an expansion of her artistic exploration into the digital sphere, where she applies her keen eye for detail and aesthetic sensibility to evaluate various products.