1. The kitchen is fast becoming the busiest and most centralized room in the house, with multiple TV stations offering programming featuring celebrity chefs. Play kitchens start young imaginations rolling, making kitchens a fun place to be.
2. The first toy kitchens consisted of separate components (stove, refrigerator, and sink) and were usually made of tin. These play kitchen components had opening or sliding doors, but often drawers and dials were painted on.
3. Play kitchens encourage role-playing; performing the role requires that a child analyze and solve a problem. Role-playing is the exchange of knowledge through interaction, and feedback from peers that establishes the value of the role.
4. Toys have a powerful influence over a child's social, physical and emotional development, helping children to master new skills. Play kitchens put children in control of a small environment that imitates the activities that occur daily in the grown-up world.
5. Toys are teachers that challenge young minds and stimulate imagination. Children learn through imitation, and play kitchens are compact enough to fit in a corner of the kitchen, where young chefs can work side-by side with parents or grandparents to simulate use of modern appliances and kitchen accessories.
6. Childhood obesity is a growing concern, and is typically linked to poor eating habits. Impress upon your littlest homemakers that healthy eating can be fun by putting a small bowl of berries, an apple, and some baby carrots in their play kitchen refrigerators; place small, airtight storage bowls with pretzels and whole grain cereals in play kitchen cabinets.
7. There are play kitchens designed for toddlers, with bright colors and familiar theme characters. Movable knobs and levers keep little hands busy, and there are enough sound effects to keep them giggling and occupied for hours.
8. Toy kitchens are the perfect group gift for the grandchildren; buy one for their house, and one for your house. Place a plate of fresh-baked cookies in the toy oven just before they arrive, and watch the fun begin.
9. Imagine a dreamy play kitchen with all the bells and whistles - even a coffee maker that makes electronic brewing noises. Play kitchens come with microwave ovens and even a play sink that has a pullout sprayer.
10. Stovetops, ovens, refrigerators, sinks, cabinets, even microwaves are standard in most wood and plastic play kitchens. But did you know that some have granite-like countertops, windows, imitation hardwood floors, lights, and even a phone - not to mention loads of accessories and utensils.
