My son recently turned the big TWO and I just knew I had to get a play kitchen for his gift from us - the parents. Anytime he is in a new play area, he gravitates toward the play kitchen - each and every single time. Gentry has loved play kitchens since he was a baby. He loved to be in the big kitchen while I cooked and cleaned which I'd have to admit it was difficult for me to do either of those things with a very interested baby at my feet. He has always been enamored by the buttons of the microwave and how I would stir food in a pot. I felt that two would be a perfect time to gift him with his very first kitchen to play with and once I saw this Step2 LifeStyle Dream Kitchen, I just knew it was THE ONE!
Since his birthday, this Step2 LifeStyle Dream Kitchen has been put through the test of a hyperactive two year old. Each morning when he wakes up, it is the first toy he runs to. And at the end of the day, it is pretty much the last toy he touches. I thought a great spot for this toy would be in the little corner you see in the picture above, which also happens to be right next to his crib. So each night before he finally passes out for the day, I can see him on our video monitor reaching over to press the buttons on the microwave. Its like, he just can't get enough of it which makes me happy I picked a great toy for him. And during the day you will find him bouncing from room to room but always ending up in his room working on his kitchen. I love to watch his little imagination grow in his own little kitchen corner.
From a parent's perspective, I love the chunky sturdy design. I don't feel worried that this will topple over. It is really well-made and you can tell the design was really thought through to the littlest of touches. My husband put it together and didn't have any issues or headaches with that process.
Some of my personal favorite features include:
- The faux granite counter top has even the smallest little speckles for a real life look
- Five electronic features: cordless play phone, stove top burner (bubbling and cooking noises), overhead light, oven keypad, and microwave keypad
- All of the food and dishes it comes with
- The realistic upscale design of the whole kitchen - it really is beautiful!
We have since purchased additional Step2 play food which is shown in some of these images.
What I plan to do in the near future is label items throughout his little kitchen so that he can familiarize with word association.
Overall the Step2 LifeStyle Dream Kitchen is a must-have for any busy little toddler. With its sturdy design and upscale visual appeal, it will fit in great with just about any decor. Not to mention all of the accessories it comes with and all of the real life touches, this kitchen is a must buy for all!
Does your little toddler love kitchens as much as my little boy?
Disclosure: Brianne received this item at no cost to facilitate this review. All opinions are her own. Amazon links are affiliate links.
Ashley Chassereau Parks says
I'd love to have the Corvette Bedroom Combo! I'm not sure who would like that more... my hubby, dad, or kids. lol!
Deborah D says
I like the clubhouse climber & sandbox combo
Deborah D says
http://www.step2.com/p/Clubhouse-Climber-Sandbox-Combo
Natasha M. says
I would love to have the BUSY BALL PLAY SET!!!
Katie P. says
I'd like to also have the Princess Palace Twin Bed!
Mia says
I would like to have the Deluxe Real Projects Workshop.
Dandi D says
My children would really like the Neat & Tidy Cottage™.
Linda Mannst says
I would really like the DELUXE ART MASTER DESK™
This would be great for my grandchildren. Thank you so much for sharing these great products
Amber Ludwig says
We'd love the Extreme Coaster or the Up and down coaster!! They both looks so super fun!!
Danielle Papsis says
We'd also love to have the turtle sandbox.
Janet says
Art Master Activity Desk™ is my pick. Kids love to draw and be creative.
Kylie M. says
I would like the outdoor adventures combo. my girls would love it
Angela Hendricks says
I would love to get the ADVENTURE LODGE PLAY CENTER WITH GLIDER AND SANDBOX COMBO for my kids!
Annmarie W. says
I'd love to have one of their Garden Hoppers!
Leanna Morris says
I would also like to have the extreme mountain adventures combo. My grandkids would love it!
Lisa Garland says
I would also love the up & down roller coaster!
Cindy Kong says
I would love to have the Princess Palace Twin Bed for my daughter.
Tiffany Cheung says
Our backyard is pretty bare and wow we'd really love the swing and play backyard combo, we'd get so much use out of it! dds love all of these!
Jamie S says
I'd love to have the Extreme Mountain Adventures Combo... I'm pretty adventurous, so I think this might be wonderful for helping DD learn bravery and fun from an early age!
Julie Lundstrom says
I would love the Hot Wheels bed for my son. It looks so cool.
Carolyn Massey says
Love the Grand walk in kitchen or the pink you chest.
ALLYSON TICE says
The other item I would love my daughter to have from Step 2 is the Neighborhood Fun Center
Haley Cook says
I would love to have the Extreme Mountain and Coaster combo. My boys would LOVE to have that.
Beverly Guajardo says
I would also like to have PATCHES THE ROCKING HORSE for my granddaughter. She loves horses.
Debra S says
I have long wanted to get one of their Extreme Coasters! I think the kids would be nuts over it. And these toys are SO sturdy, you can pass them along to others for many many years.
Terri S. says
I would love to have the Creative Projects Table for my 2 granddaughters (sisters).
Diana Moody says
A Wonderful playstation for a youngster to enjoy!
Sue E says
We are running out of room here at Grandma & Grandpa's house!! I'd LOVE to get something from your storage items, like the Lift & Hide Bookcase Storage Chest. It would last a long time because it is a Step 2 product!!
jennifer peters says
We would love the skyward summit & sandbox combo
Richard Hicks says
I would like to have their 2-IN-1 TOY BOX & ART LID™ - RED
Rosanne says
I like the Designer Playmats
Sherry Conrad says
I also love the Deluxe Art Master Desk™.
Lily Kwan says
The Lift & Hide Bookcase Storage Chest looks very nice!