Dress Up
All the Ways to Play:
Everything your little cook needs to fully take on the role of chef. Talk about what tools a chef uses as you cook together in the play kitchen.
Functional Language: chef, cook, chop, cut, simmer, pots, pans, bake, makeFor the little one who loves adventure and outer space! Talk about spaceships, rockets, planets, stars, and more. To take the role play further, build a fort and pretend it’s a space shuttle. Where will you blast off to next?!
Functional Language: astronaut, space, planets, stars, rocket, blast off!Order up breakfast, lunch or dinner with this high-quality and reversible wooden food set! It comes with a menu, an apron, and even a working bell to get your server’s attention. See if your child can take your order and then fill it accurately!
Functional Language: food items, breakfast, lunch, dinner, cook, order, kitchenEverything your digger-obsessed child needs to do their own roadwork or construction! Talk about what tools a construction worker uses and the function of each as you add them to the vest! Extend this activity further by “building” something out of cardboard boxes, pretend cardboard bricks, or even real wood!
Functional Language: construction, dig, work, tools, buildMelissa & Doug Barber Shop Set:
Set up your own barber shop and take turns being the customer and the barber! This toy would be great if your child is also hesitant about getting his or her hair cut, since you’d be able to role play what will happen before you go to help calm any fears.
Functional Language: barber, hairdresser, cut, brush, comb, haircut, trim, shaveIf your little one loves dressing up and role play, this is the perfect piece to keep all of their outfits and accessories visible and organized! Ask them who they want to be today!
Functional Language: clean up, hang up, pick/chooseChannel your child’s inner-diva with this wooden hair and makeup set! Set up a pretend salon and enjoy some pampering from your little stylist. Great set for 3+.
Functional Language: hair, makeup, dry, brush, paint, spray, look, cut, makeup & hair item namesThis set is perfect for any child who is hesitant about doctor visits. Practicing what will happen at the doctor before going helps to calm any fears!
Functional Language: doctor, temperature, thermometer, heartbeat, shot, sick/healthyEvery little angler needs their own tackle box and fishing vest! This fishing kit comes with pretend worms and three sizes of fish that are magnetic, so it’s perfect for talking about size comparisons. See who can catch the biggest fish! Wind, hook, and catch with this fishing set. Great for motor development and practicing self dressing skills.
Functional Language: fish, catch, pole, hook, “I got it,” on, offToddlers can engage in pretend play while also incorporating self-dressing skills with this beautiful dress. Don’t forget the crown and wand!
Functional Language: princess, dress, crown, wandSending cards and letters is quickly becoming a thing of the past - but it doesn’t have to be! Teach your child all about letter-writing with their very own mailbox. Show them where the stamp would go, practice reciting your address, and then write a real letter and put it in the mailbox! Great for 3+ years.
Functional Language: write, mail, mailbox, letter, stamp, deliverLet your little one dress up and come to someone’s rescue! Talk about what firefighters do and fire safety when you are engaging in pretend play, too.
Functional Language: firefighter, fire, hot, hose, help, “stop, drop, roll”
How to Set the Play Scene:
You have all your dress-up clothing & accessories, but how do you set them up for play? Our Ways to Play Guides can help with that!
Shop Pretty, Pretty Princess:
Shop Chef In The Making:
Shop Endless Role Play:
If your little one loves dressing up, be sure to check out our princesses, community helpers, & superheroes pages, too!
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