I tried it: Tiny Land®’s Montessori-Style Play Kitchen changed the game for tiny chefs (and their tidy-loving mamas)

When it comes to children’s toys, there’s something magical about the joy and wonder they bring into a child’s (and sometimes a parent’s) life. As a mom of two girls, ages 3 and 1, nothing warms my heart like watching my daughters play cooperatively and intently while I’m getting things done around the house. As such, I’m constantly on the lookout for toys that not only entertain but also foster socialization and open-ended play.

I’m also always looking for toys that mesh well with our lives. Our home features an open-floor plan where the playroom seamlessly merges with our living, dining, and kitchen spaces, and while we adore the natural flow of our girls’ play into our daily life, we’re equally mindful of curating toys that are not only visually appealing but can be effortlessly tidied up at the end of the day. I wouldn’t go so far as to label myself “type-A,” but I’ve been known to indulge in the occasional Marie Kondo session, purging my closet of items that no longer “spark joy,” and I may or may not have created a labeling system for our pantry and fridge. When it comes to toys, I love letting my kids be kids, but also appreciate a calm and tidy house after the munchkins are down for the night.

The finest children’s toys, in my book, should offer years of open-ended play, emanate aesthetic charm, and be easy to maintain and keep tidy. So, when Tiny Land’s Montessori-Style Play Kitchen came into our lives, it was a game-changer, serving as a portal to a world of imaginative play, social interaction and essential life skills for my daughters, and a true source of delight for my tidy-loving tendencies. Here’s what I loved about it.

I tried Tiny Land’s Montessori-Style Play Kitchen—and here’s why I loved it

My daughter’s reaction was priceless

The moment we unveiled the Tiny Land Montessori-Style Play Kitchen in our living space, my 3-year-old’s eyes lit up with amazement—”Oh my gosh, I can’t believe my mind!” she exclaimed (of course, I added that directly to my log of adorable things she says). The beautiful, lifelike design of the kitchen immediately transported her to a world of make-believe cooking and culinary adventures. She was instantly drawn to the pretend cookware and tiny chef-sized kitchen utensils, and began to “make breakfast” all before 6 am (thank you, Daylight Saving Time).

It offers an opportunity for open-ended play and socialization

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Tiny Land Play Kitchen is how it encourages hours of open-ended play and socialization. It truly is a platform for creativity and interaction. My 3-year-old spends countless hours concocting culinary masterpieces and setting up imaginary tea parties for her favorite stuffed animals, and loves to include her little sister in pretend play as her petit sous chef…or dishwasher. And when my toddler is at school, my 1-year-old enjoys rattling the pots and pans and exploring the storage bins. While I should note that the kitchen is intended for children ages 3 and up, I can already tell that this setup is something that will be loved in our home for many years to come.

There’s ample and intentional storage space

At first glance, you might not realize just how much storage space this play kitchen offers. As a parent who values organization, I appreciate how the kitchen teaches kids the importance of tidying up and taking care of their belongings. I also love how the four removable storage bins can be used to teach my girls about sorting—something my 3-year-old is very into at the moment. The bins also make it easy for me to get my living room back to normal at the end of the day, as cookware and play food can be neatly stowed away without too much effort.

The thoughtful design blends into my decor

Tiny Land’s Montessori-Style Play Kitchen’s eco-conscious craftsmanship and thoughtful design ticks all the right boxes. First of all, it’s undeniably charming with its chic cottage-core aesthetic featuring calming white and beige tones, touches of gold “hardware”, and natural wood shelving. The roomy cupboard and faux faucet strike the perfect balance between practicality and whimsy, making kitchen role-play incredibly realistic, and the hanging hooks for kitchen utensil storage are a unique touch that give this kitchen an extra je ne sais quoi. Tiny Land also values quality and has strict requirements for all the wood they use, so the kitchen has no added BPA and uses non-toxic paint, which gives me peace of mind.

Assembly was a breeze

I was pleasantly surprised by how easy the Tiny Land Montessori-Style Play Kitchen was to put together. It took about two hours for me to assemble all by myself. For comparison, my husband and I put a different play kitchen together a few years ago and it took over four hours. With no less than 400 tiny screws. On Christmas Eve. Putting together this Tiny Land kitchen was a totally different experience. The step-by-step instructions and clearly labeled bags of hardware made it a manageable (and dare I say enjoyable?) task, and the feeling of satisfaction I got from assembling this thing solo was immeasurable. 

In a nutshell, the Tiny Land Montessori-Style Play Kitchen has transformed our playtime and added a touch of elegance and ease to our living room and play area. It resulted in hours of endless imaginative play and sweet collaboration between my girls, and the ample storage and aesthetically pleasing design are added bonuses that delight my tidy-loving heart. This kitchen is truly a game-changer for tiny chefs and their parents, and would make a wonderful holiday gift that keeps on giving for years to come.

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