7 Best Play Food Sets for 2-Year-Olds

One of my favorite parts of toddlerhood is watching my kids engage in imaginative play. Of course, being a Dietitian, I love all things pretend kitchen, play food sets, and even outdoor play with mud kitchens. So today I’m sharing my favorite play food sets for 2 year olds.

A play food set is the perfect gift for any toddler, but some are more suited to young toddlers than others. My son will turn 2 on his next birthday and I was looking at all the available food sets and put together this list of my favorite play food sets for 2 year old toddlers

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Things to Look for in Play Food Sets for 2-Year-Olds

When selecting a play food set for a 2-year-old, you may want to consider these key factors:

1. Safety: Prioritize non-toxic materials that are free from small parts that could pose a choking hazard.
   
2. Size and Shape: Opt for larger pieces that are easy for small hands to grasp and manipulate.
   
3. Durability: Look for sturdy construction that can withstand the enthusiastic handling of a toddler. Play food made from materials like wood, BPA-free plastic, or silicone tend to be more durable. (And of course, you can’t beat the asthetics of wooden toys.)
   
4. Variety: A diverse range of food items, such as fruits, vegetables, proteins, and snacks, can encourage imaginative play and expand a child’s vocabulary as they learn about different foods.

By taking these factors into account, you can find a play food set that not only captivates a 2-year-old’s imagination but also contributes to their cognitive, motor, and social skills.

Best Play Food Sets for 2-Year-Olds

These are our favorite play food sets in the toddler years, especially two. In general, we love the Melissa & Doug sets as well as the Hape brand sets.

I focused primarly on pretend play food sets we actually have and use over and over in our own home. However, I’ve also included just a couple things we have on our own wish lists.

1. Hape Wooden Toaster

Ok, I think I’ve said they’re all favorites, but seriously this toaster set is adorable and holds up really well since it’s made of wood. Plus everything is made of wood and I’ve found wooden play food holds up really, really well.

While even my 1 year old enjoys putting the toast in this set and pushing the button my 5 year old hasn’t outgrown it so it’s a toy that spans a large age gap from babies to older kids. Plus, it helps young toddlers develop hand-eye coordination.

2. Melissa & Doug Cutting Fruit Set

A fruit-cutting set is a great way to work on your toddler’s fine motor skills. My kids enjoy cutting the fruit and pretending to cook with it in their kitchen set.

3. Combine & Dine Dinners

If you’re looking for the perfect dinner food play sets, this is my favorite toddler play food. It offers a variety of plastic play food options for your toddler to play dinner with. We got this for my daughter when she was 2, and they continue to play with it now a couple of years later!

4. Melissa & Doug Ice Cream Set

This is hands down our most played-with kitchen set for 2-year-olds. If you need one gift idea, this ice cream cone set will be a winner for sure! Your kids can pretend to satisfy their sweet tooth without all the mess of a real ice cream cone.

5. Melissa & Doug Wooden Coffee Set

This adorable wooden coffee set was a gift my son got at age 2 and one that our kids still play with many mornings making their pretend coffee while my husband and I drink ours.

6. Hape Tasty Proteins Set

Ok, we don’t have this one, but I did already add it to my 1 Year Old’s Wish List. I love that this protein set gives some pretend food like bacon and fish that you don’t always see in play kitchens.

7. PairPear Wooden Tea Set

I’ve had this adorable wooden tea set in my “save for later” for a few months and may get it for my daughter for Christmas. It’s super cute and would be a great way to practice tea parties with your two-year-old.

Engaging Your 2 Year Old in Pretend Play

Spending quality time role playing with your two year old can really help give your child ideas when it’s time for independent play. Here are some ways you can engage with your 2 year old with their toy kitchen set.

• Play grocery shopping. – Get a shopping cart and a cash register and have your child shop using their play kitchen food while you check them out and then switch roles.
• Play restaurant or ice cream parlor! – Order food and have your toddler bring it to you.
• Cooking role play. – This is more of the obvious choice, but show them exactly what they can do with their new toys!

Other Gift Ideas for 2 Year Olds

If you are looking for more ideas for your 2 year old besides toy foods, check out these helpful resources:

24 Best Non-Toy Gifts for 2-Year-Olds – Most toddlers have enough toys! If you’re looking for a great gift that is more of an unconventional idea check out this list.

21 Practical Gifts for Toddlers –

10 Best Kitchen Toy Sets – Be sure to check this out if you are looking for a great kid’s kitchen for all of the best options.

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