10 Best Pretend Play Toys in 2022 (Learning Resources, Melissa & Doug, and More)
While researching, we found that the best toys are durable, age-appropriate, and sometimes even useful (to mom and dad). Toys that can be used in multiple ways are great, and ones that can grow with a child are even better. Keeping these factors in mind, we’ve put together a list of our favorite pretend play toys, including Battat's Farmers Market Basket.
Quick List - Top Pretend Play Toys
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How to Choose Pretend Play Toys
Find a Toy That’s Age-Appropriate or One Your Child Can Grow With
The littlest ones probably won’t care much about what a toy is so long as it’s engaging and stimulating. To that effect, look for toys that are colorful and made from different materials to activate their senses.
For early elementary-age kids, look for toys that encourage them to act out real-life situations with more detailed parts. Some examples of this type of toys include doctor sets with various tools, kitchen sets with utensils, and store sets with toy money.
Ensure That Parts are Non-Toxic and Aren’t a Choking Hazard
And remember that even if it looks like there are no small parts, you should always pay attention to your little ones to make sure they’re not putting anything they shouldn’t be into their mouths.
Look for a Toy That Fits in Your Space
It could also be important to look at measurements if you’re looking for toys that can match with other toys in your child’s collection–for example, if you’re looking for a kitchen and utensil set that will fit the fake food you already own.
For Industrious Little Ones, Look for Functional Toys to Help Mom and Dad
These are great for encouraging responsibility and beginning to implement chores while also allowing kids to feel grown-up.
10 Best Pretend Play Toys Ranking
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Battat Farmers Market Basket | | Cut Fruits and Veggies With a Full Sensory Toy | |
2 | Tresbro Wooden Dentist Tool Toys | | High-Quality Medical Set for Wannabe Dentists | |
3 | Melissa & Doug Take-Along Tool Kit | | Best for Kids Who Like to Build | |
4 | Maple Landmark Mites Wooden Cars | | Classic and Safe-for-Play Wooden Toy Cars | |
5 | Learning Resources Pretend & Play Calculator Cash Register | | Learn How to Count and Use Cash | |
6 | Learning Resources Primary Science Lab Set | | Have Fun Experimenting With a Science Kit | |
7 | Grimm's Spiel und Holz Design Set of 12 Rainbow Friends Peg Dolls | | Simple Dolls for Imaginative Play | |
8 | Teamson Kids Little Chef Florence Classic Kids Play Kitchen | | Learn Your Way Around the Kitchen | |
9 | Prextex Plush Farm House | | A Well-Made Horse Plush Toy Set | |
10 | Melissa & Doug Let’s Play House! Dust! Sweep! Mop! Pretend Play Set | | Sweep and Clean to Play |
Cut Fruits and Veggies With a Full Sensory Toy
Reviewers write that the knife is comfortable for kids to hold and that the whole set is very well made. The velcro is fairly strong, which means it makes a satisfying crunch sound and provides realistic tactile feedback when cut.
High-Quality Medical Set for Wannabe Dentists
Reviewers write that this set is very well-made and will last years of regular wear and tear. Do note, however, that several of the smaller pieces are removable (teeth, toothpaste cap, etc.), so be sure to keep an eye on younger kids.
Best for Kids Who Like to Build
It may be a little difficult for younger kids to figure out how to use at first. Reviewers note that the pieces fit snugly into the box, which gives kids the ability to “turn it into” something else for other imaginary games.
Classic and Safe-for-Play Wooden Toy Cars
Reviewers say the cars roll smoothly, though not quite as smooth as a plastic car would and may get a little stuck on carpet. However, many more appreciate that they’re made in the US and are vibrant and well-constructed.
Learning ResourcesPretend & Play Calculator Cash Register
Learn How to Count and Use Cash
Reviewers write that it’s a great toy for younger children without the batteries and a good learning resource for older ones with the batteries in.
Have Fun Experimenting With a Science Kit
Reviewers write that while it’s appropriate for younger kids, it’s still a great kit for kids already in elementary school as they might be able to do the experiments all on their own.
Grimm's Spiel und Holz DesignSet of 12 Rainbow Friends Peg Dolls
Simple Dolls for Imaginative Play
Reviewers write that they’re durable and can withstand years of daily use and abuse. They also note that kids tend to like these more than other plastic toys or electronics.
Teamson KidsLittle Chef Florence Classic Kids Play Kitchen
Learn Your Way Around the Kitchen
Reviewers appreciate the wooden construction and timeless look of the set that allows it to blend into home decor. It’s fairly easy to assemble alone and is quite sturdy (though rough children may need to be taught to treat the downwards-opening oven gently).
A Well-Made Horse Plush Toy Set
Reviewers write that all of the pieces are very well stitched and that none of them could come apart easily. Parents report that it holds up well to daily play and kids who like to carry it everywhere.
Melissa & DougLet’s Play House! Dust! Sweep! Mop! Pretend Play Set
Sweep and Clean to Play
Do note that the mop has a hard connective disk in the center that could be rough on hardwood floors. Reviewers write that it’s well-made and easy for kids to handle.
Why Pretend Play is Important for Children
If they’re playing with other kids, it also gives them a chance to practice patience, cooperation, and communication and language skills.
And of course, pretend play is a fantastic way for kids to stretch their imagination and critical thinking skills as they create scenarios and rewrite the rules of the world to fit their imagined world.
Keep Your Kids Busy With Plenty of Toys
Kids are always looking for new ways to play. When you're in need of new toys to keep your little ones busy, keep our articles in mind! We've prepared plenty of buying guides to help you pick the best toys for your children.
Top 5 Pretend Play Toys
No. 1: Battat｜Farmers Market Basket
No. 2: Tresbro｜Wooden Dentist Tool Toys
No. 3: Melissa & Doug｜Take-Along Tool Kit
No. 4: Maple Landmark｜Mites Wooden Cars
No. 5: Learning Resources｜Pretend & Play Calculator Cash Register
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.