Play Kitchens

SugarSnap83

I need some advice. Noah loves play kitchens. He plays with one constantly at DC and just this weekend we had 2 play dates and all he did was play with their kitchens. I convinced myself that we would get him one for his second birthday. I think my only reason is because it seems like a lot of money to buy something big like that out of the blue. But this weekend was DH's first time seeing how much Noah loves kitchens and is now convinced that we should get him one asap. So, what do you think? Should I suck up the money and buy one now, or just wait until Christmas/birthday?

And if I get one now, anyone have any recommendations?

Thanks!

Serendipity117

I don't know if your DH is handy at all but I'm having my DH do this for O, I found it on pinterest. It's just an old entertainment center that someone converted into a play kitchen.

If we weren't doing this I would just suck it up and buy one soonish, keeping an eye out for a good deal.

KissyFishyLips

Do you celebrate Easter? We're getting DD some fun presents for "in her basket" (in quotes b/c some probably won't fit).  

One of the moms in our playgroup has the Grand Walk-In Kitchen by Step2 and I lust after it. But it's WAY more than I'd spend!

https://www.leapsandbounds.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=533863&cm_ven=none&cm_cat=none&cm_pla=none&orderType=none&utm_source=none&utm_medium=none&utm_campaign=none&utm_term=none 

 This one looks more realistic to me (Step2 Lifestyle Fresh Accents Kitchen): 

https://www.amazon.com/Step2-737200-LifeStyle-Custom-Kitchen/dp/B000KGAFTU/ref=sr_1_1?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1330565635&sr=1-1 

MommaEA

I feel the same way. I thought it would be a good Christmas or bday gift for this coming year, but sometimes wonder if we should have one now. It is a big purchase though. I think we will wait for now. We are planning on getting him a slide and some other outdoor toys this summer. If your LO really loves them that much, maybe you should go for it. The longer he plays with it, the more you get your money's worth.

SugarSnap83

Serendipity- LOVE IT! DH is very handy, now I really want to find an old entertainment center and have him make that!

Kissy- That walk in one is fabulous and Noah would love it, but you're right, the price definitely made me gasp a bit!

MommaEA

Serendipity- I have seen that idea and love it! You will have to post pics when it is finished.

bumpuser260585

Serendipity117:

I don't know if your DH is handy at all but I'm having my DH do this for O, I found it on pinterest. It's just an old entertainment center that someone converted into a play kitchen.

J's daycare has a kitchen from an old entertainment center too, but it isn't as big, it is more of a tv stand with a mini-fridge and stovetop.   I think it is a great idea to upcycle an old entertainment center.

Serendipity117

MommaEA:

Serendipity- I have seen that idea and love it! You will have to post pics when it is finished.

It'll be a while yet. Garage sale season is May/June here so we'll look for one then. I'd like to find one that is a little smaller but we'll see what happens. I will def post pics whenever it gets done though.

JoJoMama730

Two words: Craigs List. If you don't mind buying used. This is the route we're going to go.

Strunella

Ok, that entertainment center-turned-kitchen is nicer than my kitchen.

KJKNAJ

Yes, I would suggest either Craigslist or garage sales. Most play kitchens are still in great shape after families are done with them.

Having said that, if you do decide to wait till his bday, I got an awesome deal on a big wooden Kidkraft one on Cyber Monday two Christmases ago.

And, lastly, I wouldn't waste your money on those 'mini/in-between' size ones. Unless you don't have a lot of room for it I guess.

Five Months to Plan

We are waiting till Christmas/birthday. We will be getting some other things soon though like a  water able and maybe even a swing/slide. Becuase of that and the fact we are outside all summer, we are going to wait. 

Carolina_in_my_mind

I agree with the Craigslist suggestions!  We bought ours for $20 on Craigslist, and the kids love it.  Since they're either made of wood or plastic, they're durable and easy to clean up.  The one we have will still be good for other kids once mine are too old for it.  It'll last forever!

And, if you decide to go the entertainment center route (which is super cute!) you can also look for entertainment centers on craigslist. 

Good luck!

OhSewCrafty

At first, we were going to find something during garage sale season. Then I wanted to make one like that Pinterest picture. Then, we saw the perfect sized kitchen for the space we have at Target on sale for like $50. We couldn't resist.

Its the Step 2 Lifestyle New Traditions Kitchen. Its small enough for us to put in our kitchen, comes with about 30 play food and dish pieces, and makes noises. If not for the sale, we would have probably went back to hunting for one during garage sale season. The Pinterest project ones, while pretty, rack up a cost quickly and can end up being pretty expensive in the end.

 

 

bosha711

Serendipity117:

I don't know if your DH is handy at all but I'm having my DH do this for O, I found it on pinterest. It's just an old entertainment center that someone converted into a play kitchen.

If we weren't doing this I would just suck it up and buy one soonish, keeping an eye out for a good deal.

ok, this is seriously awesome! Although MH is soooo not handy. haha

 

OP- what about looking on craigslist or even your local freecycle?

--halo--

Jack loves his play kitchen!  I found his at a 2nd hand sale for $15 and cleaned it up.    Like pp said, if you don't mind second hand items then that its a great route to go!