Imaginative play is encouraged in children from the moment they are old enough to play. For most kids this is something that comes naturally. For others, they sometimes need a little encouragement. This is where the assistance of toys come in.

Last month I wrote an article about the benefits of pretend play for pre-schoolers and toddlers (check it out and share it if you haven’t already!); today I am going to review one of the items I mentioned in that post and let you know why it is a favourite.

Melissa & Doug Sandwich Making Set

Prior to having children, both my husband and I were chefs. Obviously this means there is a passion for food in our home that our kids pick up on. We expect in no way that they follow our footsteps or even share this culinary interest; however like most kids, at some point they have all expressed a desire to learn and incorporate food into everyday play. This is when products like the MELISSA & DOUG Sandwich Making Set come in handy.

Obviously we do not want to be making real sandwiches, picnics and snacks every minute of the day. Not only would that be time consuming but it would result in an extremely costly hobby as well. The sandwich making kit allows children to create their picnic lunch with their favourite ingredients, without any mess or fuss. With the choice of bread or burger buns, they can begin their food creations. Adding lettuce, tomato, cheese, capsicum, meat patty, etc. they learn about not just the order ingredients are placed but also about the individual food items as well.

The sandwich making kit is a 17 piece wooden set that includes 16 sliceable pieces and a wooden knife. The pieces velcro together which not only holds your child’s sandwich in one piece but also adds a ‘crunch’ sound when cut with the knife. Mimicking real life lunch! Just in case you are concerned about how to store the pieces when not in play; the sandwich making set comes with a wooden serving tray that makes the perfect organisation box for sandwich pieces when not in use.

Poppet (Miss 2) is a food fanatic and loves nothing more than getting out her Melissa & Doug sandwich making kit. She will continually make ‘lunch’, eat it, make it again, feed it to someone else and the process just repeats. In the past few weeks, this kit has undergone an extreme taste test and is still in perfect condition. As I have come to expect from Melissa & Doug products; they are built to last! You can find the mentioned sandwich making kit here at child.com.au.

Want 20% off? To receive a 20% discount off Melissa & Doug products – use discount code: MND20.

Disclosure: I received this product for the purpose of this review. All opinions are my own or those of my kids.

The post Imaginative Play – Melissa & Doug Sandwich Making Set appeared first on All Mum Said.

Toddlers know what they like and dislike. Generally if it belongs to someone else, they love it and must have it. For some inspiration see below for my Christmas Gift Guide for Toddlers.

Christmas gift guide for toddlers

Under $20

Playdoh is a winner for every child of almost every age so it’s only fitting we share it with toddlers as well. You can buy this 10 pack for $10 from Kmart.

This gorgeous Tiger Tribe mini rag doll is perfect for all little girls. She comes in 2 different styles – Milly (seen above) and Lola. For the small price of $14.95.

It wouldn’t be Christmas without Mega Bloks! Boys and girls love expanding their creativity by building and constructing; these blocks are a great size for little hands. You can find them at Kmart for $15.00

These are a brand new product to hit the shelves at Tiger Tribe this Christmas. Busy Builders are great for both boys and girls, made of wood and are amazing quality. Available in 4 different construction vehicles – Dump Truck, excavator, cement mixer, loader. RRP $15.95 each.

Under $50

If your toddler is afraid of the dark, these Tee-Zed lamps are available in a range of Disney characters. You can purchase them from Big W for $40.00.

What toddler doesn’t love shoes? These gorgeous little moccasins are available at Little Bossy Boots in a wide range for both boys and girls and in a selection of colours. RRP $40.00.

Balance Bikes are a brilliant first bike for toddlers as they help promote good balance for children and prepare them for a ‘big kid’ bike. These Mocka balance bikes can be purchased from Retro Mum for $47.45.

Need ideas for HIM? HER? BOY? GIRLS?

What’s on your toddlers wish list?

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