Archive for January 23rd, 2012
Children’s Toys: Guidecraft Kitchen, Appliances and Accessories
Article by Linda Sommersby
As the mother of five, I have often been asked for advice from new moms and seasoned veterans-after all, we are a pretty big family in this day and age. I have given advice when it’s been solicited, but I am always quick to point out that every mom has to forge their own path and get to know what is best for her own family. I was always one to read a lot about current trends in parenting and try to always educate myself on the latest issues and debates-and that’s a hard habit to break. Even though my kids are grown, I still find myself drawn to toy reviews, vaccine articles and tips for keeping kids safe on the Internet.
My latest finding was a product review for the Guidecraft Kitchen play sets. While I understand all the concerns moms of today have about lead paint, products from overseas and the value of so-called learning toys, this product and the raves it was getting was certainly a breath of fresh air to this veteran mom.
The Guidecraft Kitchen set has all the appliances you need for a gourmet kitchen. There is a Guidecraft refrigerator, a Guidcraft stove, freestanding sink and all the play food you can dream up. What I love about toys like these is the imagination that is inspired. When kids play with a Guidecraft Kitchen, the sky is the limit. They can play house, restaurant and create wonderful role playing scenarios. While an adult may look at the Guidecraft stove and see a place to pretend to cook (ho-hum), your child will see an avenue to become the next top chef, a place to create a unique experiment as a mad scientist or the stove where she cooks dinner for her 13 children (fun!).
Additionally, this toy and this company feature toy construction that is of the highest quality. Made of hardwood and painted in bright colors, these are toys made to span generations, not satisfy them for an hour just to be tossed into the charity box. Toys like these-encouraging imagination and made to last-will be enjoyed by one child for years on end and will last through many children, even generations.
In my humble opinion, we live in a world that has become far too hectic-we are over stimulated, overscheduled and flat out exhausted. I think it is a wonderful thing to see so many new moms interested in a product like the Guidecraft Kitchen that offers a little piece of innocence to our youngsters and an opportunity to dream their big dreams.
About the Author
Linda Sommersby spent nearly 30 years as a stay at home mom raising her five children. Since they’ve all flown the nest, she has more time to spend on her writing, gardening and home décor endeavors. From reading Guidecraft Kitchen and other toy reviews to researching different landscape ideas and tips, she uses the Internet to learn new things and share her findings.