Toy, Pretend and Play Kitchens

Play kitchens are something that progress hasn't been able to squelch. Thought by some to be a "girls only" toy, recent gender barrier breaking advancements in social beliefs have put that thought to bed.

Play kitchens are a way to pretend that you're just as grown up as Mommy or Daddy and play chef with your pals or siblings. This lens highlights some of the coolest pretend toy kitchens currently available.

Play Kitchens by GuideCraft and KidCraft

GuideCraft and KidCraft's Play Kitchens are some of the best on the market. They evoke the retro play kitchens of the past (you know, the really cool ones that weren't plastic?) and give kids a feel for the real thing.

Kitchen Island - Guidecraft - G97250

Complete Kitchen Center - Guidecraft - G97255

Having a Play Kitchen Does Not Necessarily Make One Domestic

Sating Your Fears on Gender Roles

When I was little, I had a play kitchen. A little tin number that I adored. I had the fridge, the stove and the sink. I adored them all. Some days, I would pretend I was cooking a home-cooked meal. Other days, I was serving a restaurant full of people. It simply depended on what I was in the mood for that day.

Growing up, however, I don't really have the slightest inclination to cook. Having the toy kitchen only served to help me see what I enjoyed doing along with all my other activities - be they coloring books, action figures, dolls or what have you. In the end, I became a freelance writer, taking all my "pretend" skills and applying them to story crafting.

So, for those who worry that buying your little girl a kitchen playset will box her into a domestic role before she's old enough to decide if that's what she wants, have no fear.

And for those little boys out there, it's simply a way for them to test out their own early domestic skills.

Step 2 Lifestyle Grand Walk-In Kitchen

The Ultimate Play Kitchen!

This little play kitchen is absolutely amazing. Not only does it have that cute "hardwood" floor you see there in the picture, but also an electronic stove, microwave and phone that make realistic sounds.

The play kitchen also features over six feet of "granite" countertops and since it's plastic, it easily washes down.

The play kitchen also comes with "stainless steel" appliances which give it that realistic look and can also be used for storage when through playing. The set comes with an accessory set that boasts 103 pieces. All of which are very nifty looking.

The Step 2 Kitchen also comes with a little stool so that visitors can have a seat for their pretend meal and chat with their friends about what the neighbors next door are cooking up.

It's such an adorable and ambitious set that you just have to say: wow!

You can purchase the Step 2 Lifestyle Grand Walk-In Kitchen Here: Step2 Lifestyle Grand Walk-In Kitchen

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Accessories For Your Play Kitchen

Perk up your play kitchen with these nifty accessories. The majority of these pretend appliances are wooden and durable.

27 Piece Kitchen Playset - KidKraft Furniture - 63027

KidKraft 15-pc. Kid's Tea Set with Pink Basket

KidKraft 19-pc. Kids' Shabbat Dinner Set

Guidecraft Color Bright Kitchen Microwave

MGA Play Smarter Cook'n Learn Kitchen

The Play Smarter Cook n' Learn Kitchen comes with Sandwich Set with 7 accessories, Veggie Stir Fry set with 9 accessories, and Mixing Bowl Set with 16 accessories

Amazon Price: $131.61 (as of 10/11/2008)

Star Kitchen

The Star Play Kitchen features light up and sound functions that make it a perfect match for playing kitchen, cafe or cook.

Amazon Price: $59.99 (as of 10/11/2008)

Electronic Play Kitchen

The Electronic Play Kitchen features realistic sounds and a cutting board for preparing plastic food.

Amazon Price: $64.98 (as of 10/11/2008)

Melissa & Doug Classic Deluxe Kitchen

The Melissa & Doug Classic Deluxe Kitchen comes with a "fancy freezer" and a see-through oven. Plus, it's totally adorable.

Amazon Price: $122.64 (as of 10/11/2008)

Children's Aprons

The Must-Have Accessory for Your Child's Play Kitchen

These adorable children's aprons by Jessie Steele have the look of an adult apron - only kid-sized! They come in a variety of styles and complete any kitchen playset.