Starting at an early age, children begin to discover a sense of self. Their experiences within their immediate surroundings play an important role in their development.
When kids explore how they fit in with their own community and neighborhood, it helps them build a feeling of belonging, and it fosters connections to the world outside their own home.
We’ve gathered a selection of Melissa & Doug toys that provide opportunities for little ones to practice important social and developmental skills through play as they take an imaginative journey all around the town. You’ll love seeing their eyes light up as they have fun learning about community helpers, different types of transportation, neighborhood stores and restaurants, and more. Ready? Let’s go!
Plan a pretend play travel adventure at home
Getting Around Town: Vroom & Zoom Interactive Dashboard (Ages: 3+)
Kickstart your child’s neighborhood adventure with the Melissa & Doug Vroom & Zoom Interactive Dashboard. This high-quality wooden car dashboard revs up imaginations with plenty of interactive features including lights, sounds, and moving parts including a scrolling GPS. Be sure to wave hello as they “drive around town!”
Let’s Stop for Coffee: Wooden Café Barista Coffee Shop (Ages: 3+)
Whether kids role play as a customer or the barista, they can begin to learn the basics of business and have fun role playing the familiar scenario of grabbing a coffee. With the Wooden Café Barista Coffee Shop, kids can take orders, pretend to make drinks, serve pastries, or take on the role of the person enjoying the goodies, while they experience the social interactions that go hand-in-hand with a coffee shop experience.
Time for a Haircut: Barber Shop Play Set (Ages: 3+)
Introduce kids to community helpers with this kids’ barber shop toy. They can roleplay as the barber and pretend to cut, trim, shave, and style or sit back and enjoy getting pampered as the customer. The barber set includes an adjustable play beard, and pretend accessories for a “little off the sides,” or a full haircut and shave.
Practice Self-Care: Beauty Salon Play Set (Ages: 3+)
Little ones can also get their hair styled and nails done at the beauty salon – or they can be the beautician and pamper their friends or dolls, while developing fine motor skills and a sense of personal care. The 18-piece Beauty Salon Play Set for ages three and older includes a wooden hair dryer, comb, brush, pretend makeup, nail polish bottles, a child-safe mirror and more!
Meet a Community Helper: Police Officer Costume Role Play Set (Ages: 3+)
This high-quality police officer costume for kids allows children to step into the shoes of an important community helper. Kids can learn about community safety and cooperation while patrolling their imaginary neighborhood. They can direct traffic, help out with directions, rescue lost pets, and engage in role-play scenarios that promote a sense of responsibility, right and wrong, and problem-solving. The role play costume set includes a jacket, cap, whistle, badge, walkie-talkie with sound effects and more.
Who Wants Pizza: Top & Bake Pizza Counter (Ages: 3+)
All this adventure can make you hungry, and stopping for a slice of pretend pizza is a delicious way to explore the restaurants in the community. The 34-piece wooden Top & Bake Pizza Counter lets kids create their own pizzas, add felt toppings, and even pack it up to go in the delivery box. It’s a great way for kids to practice sharing by dividing the slices with friends and family. The pizza set also includes play money to help kids practice counting, sorting, and early math skills.
You can continue to build upon the neighborhood journey by adding other Melissa & Doug toys such as the Fresh Mart Grocery Store, Scoop & Serve Ice Cream Counter, Super Smile Dentist Play Set, and the Fire Chief Role Play Costume Set. These toys would be perfect for setting up additional scenarios around town, and spark imaginative, open ended play.
Want more play content from Melissa & Doug…check out these posts!
Themed Gift Sets for Every Age
Melissa & Doug Opens First Flagship Retail Store Ahead of the Holiday Season
Top Toys Every Grandparent Should Have
Introducing Our New & Innovative Puzzles
Melissa & Doug Turns 35: A Look Back at Three-Plus Decades of Open-Ended Play
