Melissa and Doug Toys Play Panel Review

*Review. Gifted Products*

I have always heard extremely good things about Melissa and Doug Toys. My mum had a few in the toy box at her house for when the grandchildren came over and I still love the cars she had in her collection.

When the company asked if we would like to become members of their play panel recently, how could I resist?!

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About Melissa and Doug Toys

Melissa & Doug is the number one parent-recommended toy brand, trusted by more than 60 million mums and dads globally. Melissa & Doug toys are designed to spark kids’ imaginations, inspiring open-ended thinking and curiosity during key developmental years.

Melissa & Doug are real people! They set up their company in their early twenties and have been together over 30 years. It is easy to see why.

Examine & Treat Pet Vet Play Set

I think that this is probably my favourite of the 3 toys. The Pet Vet Set (as we call it in our house) is beautifully made (as are all the toys) and has 24 pieces with a plush dog and cat as well as a stethoscope, thermometer, syringe, ear scope, tweezers, clamp, cast, bandages, “treatments,” “ointments,” and reusable double-sided checklist for office visits. There is also a handy tote bag to carry all the vets essential tools of the trade.

This toy arrived at the perfect time. It comes with a plastic recovery cone to put around either of the animal’s necks. Our cat, Gypsy had just hurt herself badly the day before and needed stitches. She had to wear a cone and Rex didn’t really understand so we were able to use the toy to role play and help him understand that Gypsy had hurt herself.

One of the things that I really love about this set is that the tubs and pots all have real lids. None of this ‘painted on’ stuff. This means that it makes your games even more realistic. The stethoscope is not plastic or cheap looking either. It is strong and durable and Rex thinks it is hilarious when I put it in my ears and listen to his tummy!

It is easy to see why this product was recognised by toy experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute for how it helps kids develop empathy while playing.

Pizza Party – Wooden Play Food

Rex is still a little young to completely understand how to have imaginary play with this product, however, this doesn’t stop him enjoying the shapes and 54 pieces which come with this wooden pizza set.

Rex is well aware of what pizza is (thanks to Hey Duggee and the Pizza badge!) so he does kind of understand what is going on. But, Rex loves nothing more than posting things and fitting things into – and out of – holes! He also loves that the pizza comes apart and then sticks back together with Velcro!

The 3 separate side compartments on the brightly coloured tray contains 3 different types of topping; pepperoni, mushroom and sliced peppers. The main compartment contains a pizza cutter, spatula, the pizza and a green plate for it to sit on. The Velcro is a fantastic idea as it sounds like you are really cutting it when using the slicer.

Food Groups – Wooden Play Food

As with the two previous toys, it is suggested that this toy is suitable for age 3 and up. Even though Rex doesn’t understand food groups yet, it is great to be able to show him different foods and what they are called. We are still using this as a learning toy but in a slightly different way.

The set contains items from the five food groups; dairy, meat, fruit and vegetables, and bread. Each piece of food is crafted of solid wood which includes fish, cheese, egg, burger, watermelon and onion. It also comes with four wooden baskets for sorting (Rex’s favourite thing to do!) and storage.