apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Love it. I am debating whether to get a play kitchen for my 2 year old boy, but am on the fence because it seems like less of a sure thing than something with wheels. I had heard there are little mini floor stoves like the one shown that take up a lot less space (and cost), but still allow for the same kind of play. Does anyone know if that was custom built, or if not, who makes it? Thanks!

Katey:

"This play kitchen is just superb! I assume your girls love to play here … it looks like you have created it yourself, please tell us a bit more about it?
The girls love to play in their kitchen, they also like to use it as a shop. I found the cooker at the ‘Queens day market’ for just 1 euro and needed a place for it, because there room is quite small I decided to use a corner in our kitchen to make their play-kitchen, I used a few old shelves, a cd cabinet and some left over paint. Most of the kitchenware in from the Hema, they have such great toys, it is difficult not to buy all. "

All kids -- boys included -- love to learn how to use "real" things -- that's the basis of the Montessori philosophy, and why they have all those small-sized real tools (brooms, pitchers, glasses, etc.). My 2 year old boy is always trying to help me cook, and plays with his sister's tea set, so I'd definitely get him a kitchen. (he'll still love his trucks and cars too, but this really teaches skills, especially fine motor skills, and manual dexterity -- he gets a real kick out of feeling "big" too!)

We bought a play kitchen as an early 3rd birthday present for my son and it gets tons of use. He was in love with play kitchens at other people's houses so we knew it was a safe bet. It's fairly small and we placed it in the kitchen and he cooks while I cook. All the neighbor children are in love with it too. He's had it about 6 months and he's showing no signs of getting bored.

We bought this one
http://www.oompa.com/baby-toys/category.cgi?item=WH706920 It even comes with toy food and cooking equipment.

My previous comment was directed towards Katey. This kitchen looks great too and I bet it gets a lot of use. I love how much storage it has :-)

Great feedback -- thanks to you both!