Playing with pretend toys is not only fun for kids, but it can also be a means for their growth and development.  Here are some great choices when it comes to playing pretend:

• Dolls and dollhouses
• Kids play kitchen
• Workshop play set
• Medical play set

Play has always been an important part in any child’s development. It is through play that their imaginations can be expressed in a vivid manner.  It can actually develop their senses, way of thinking, values, and how they think about different roles they will be portraying in the future. That is why most toys today are made in such a way that they enhance the child’s development. Very good examples of educational toys are the pretend toys which not only develop a child’s social growth and cognitive skills, but also enhance his language skills as well.

Dolls and dollhouses

For young girls, dolls are one of the most popular pretend toys as well as the dollhouses that come with them.  At a very young age, they like to mimic what their mothers or older women do while taking care of babies. Dolls and dollhouses are also excellent ways to teach children about close family ties and taking care of members of the family.

Kids playing kitchen

Young children love to participate in various activities. They often ask what you’re doing in the kitchen and usually try to do it themselves. Toys helping kids to play kitchen are perfect for your children. They will teach them basic household chores and responsibilities like washing the dishes, preparing food, etc. and can even develop their interest in cooking or baking. Some of these play kitchens already come with a counter, a grill or burner, an oven, ice maker, cabinets, towel racks, a refrigerator, drawers, and/or a sink just like a real kitchen would. Others also include some toy kitchen utensils and even toy foods like fruits, vegetables, and meat.

Workshop play set

The best way to enhance your child’s motor skills and interest in the arts is by exposing him to various handcrafting activities. The workshop play set is just the perfect pretend toy to enhance those different artistic abilities. This type of set will definitely develop their imagination by creating new things and understanding how things work. Most workshop play sets already include a table, a bench, and some materials and safe tools for building.

Medical play set

For kids, pretending to be a doctor is especially fun when playing with friends or even with dolls. This type of play set includes a doctor's costume and a handbag where all medical accessories, like a toy stethoscope or thermometer, are stored. This toy would teach kids about teamwork and leadership.

Don’t underestimate the power of a great toy in developing the minds and skills of your children. You may not realize it now, but their toys may be an initial step of what they might become in the future.