The 10 Best Kid Tea Sets
This wiki has been updated 39 times since it was first published in January of 2016. Some toys never go out of fashion, like classic kids' tea sets. These provide little ones with hours of imaginative play. Girls, boys, and even stuffed animals will appreciate these high-quality selections and the touch of elegance they add to games of make-believe. Whether your offspring prefer Earl Grey or Darjeeling, they're sure to find one that meets their approval. When users buy our independently chosen editorial recommendations, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Green Toys TEAB-1074
2. Melissa & Doug Bella Butterfly Set
3. Liberty Imports Nature Themed
Editor's Notes
December 10, 2020:
Depending on a child's age, these tea sets can either be purely for play, or they can be educational tools that help teach youngsters about useful skills. With that in mind, we selected models that appeal to a range of toddlers and older kids. It was also important that our selections are made of durable materials, as little ones can be rough on their belongings.
We, unfortunately, had to remove the Alex Toys Pretend & Play because its contents chip too easily, and even its basket is very fragile. We prefer the long-lasting Schylling SBTTS and the Liberty Imports Nature Themed, both of which have metal construction that can stand up to rambunctious users.
If you're looking for something that closely mimics what adults use because you have a child who loves to follow in mom or dad's footsteps, you may like the Toysmith Li'l Tote. It has ceramic construction, just like the ones grownups enjoy, and can hold real tea. However, if you're more in the market for something that's purely for play, the LeapFrog Musical Rainbow and the Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Sweet Manners are good picks. They each contain kettles that sing songs and provide educational games.
We appreciated both the Green Toys TEAB-1074 and the KidzLane Deluxe for being basic, affordable options, but they are too similar, so we removed the latter to make room for more varied models. On that note, we added the Tagitary Princess Party and the iBaseToy Rich Combination, both of which are comprehensive sets that include toy treats, trays, and utensils.
February 28, 2019:
There are so many reasons children and parents love tea sets, and we wanted to make sure to include a model that appeals to each of those. The Delton Products Set For Two is perfect for parents grooming their children to be quite sophisticated, while the Alex Toys Pretend & Play can actually teach little ones how to be hosts, as it accommodates real food and beverages. For parents hoping for something a bit more engaging for those easily-distracted little ones, the LeapFrog Musical Rainbow is educational and entertaining. Meanwhile, the Hape Wooden Play E3124 could be a nice choice for parents teaching their children about the importance of being kind to the environment, since it's made of sustainably-sourced wood.
Special Honors
Pottery Barn Kids Rainbow Unicorn Tea Set The Pottery Barn Kids Rainbow Unicorn Tea Set features whimsical creatures, heart motifs, and polka dots on its durable iron alloy pieces. Each cup is a different color, and all items fit inside of the stylish carrying case for portable play. The dishware has a polymeric coating to prevent corrosion and extend its usefulness. potterybarnkids.com
Bright Stripes Porcelain Tea Set The Bright Stripes Porcelain Tea Set comes in a beautiful robin's egg blue, pink, or a floral option, and is designed to feel like something adults used, but sized for little ones. It has four cups with matching saucers, a creamer, and a sugar bowl and kettle with removable lids. An attractive carrying case makes it easy to store away when not in use. brightstripes.co
4. LeapFrog Musical Rainbow
5. Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Sweet Manners
6. Schylling SBTTS
7. iBaseToy Rich Combination
8. Toysmith Li'l Tote
9. Hape E3124
10. Tagitary Princess Party
Why You Should Purchase A Tea Set For Your Child
As interesting as grown-up tea sets may appear to children, it's important not to let them tinker with objects that have the potential to be dangerous.
If you're looking for a way to keep your child occupied that isn't simply sitting them down in front of the television, consider purchasing a tea set. Kids' tea sets are designed specifically for youngsters and give them a chance to explore their creativity.
A tea set makes a great gift whether you're the parent of one child or several. Kids can have a ball with these toys alone or in a group. Convincing children to share can be tricky, but there's no need to worry about fighting with this type of toy. These sets come with plenty of parts, which means that even in a group situation, everyone will have something to play with — no tears necessary. Only children can have just as much fun on their own serving their favorite stuffed animals high tea.
Toys like these can help kids develop their motor skills. Hands-on play is a big piece of the puzzle when it comes to learning about the physical world. A tea set is a perfect tool for promoting the development of your child's fine motor skills.
It goes without saying that these sets are safe for children to use, in contrast with standard tea sets. These toys do not contain pieces with sharp edges or glass parts that can shatter. By giving your child a kids' tea set to play with, you can feel confident that you're not putting their safety at risk in the name of entertainment.
As interesting as grown-up tea sets may appear to children, it's important not to let them tinker with objects that have the potential to be dangerous. Similarly, letting kids play with actual hot liquid is, of course, a no-no. But juice, water, and milk can all be substituted for tea during playtime.
Another reason to keep your real tea set away from kids: the cost. If your child doesn't accidentally hurt themselves, they could end up ruining your precious china instead. Gift your child one of these specially crafted tea sets to put their safety first and protect your prized possessions.
Features To Look For In A Kid Tea Set
There are a ton of unique kids' tea sets on the market, which can make the task of picking the right one for your child a challenge. Here are a few features to keep in mind as you shop.
Additional features to watch for include trays and carrying cases.
The main factor that should impact your decision is the age of your child. Be sure to double-check the intended age group of the product you're interested in. Tea sets that are made for older children may contain small parts that can pose a hazard to younger ones. Even if the toy is marked as age-appropriate for your son or daughter, supervision during playtime is an absolute must.
Think about the size of the tea set. If you're purchasing a collection with the intention of setting it out at a birthday party, be sure to buy one that has enough cups for everyone. Alternately, those who are shopping for just one child can choose a set with as few as two cups.
Many kids' tea sets are actually functional and can even be cleaned in the dishwasher. Older children will likely want to experiment with actual liquids, so make sure to buy a collection that will stand up well to wear and tear. Stainless steel options exist that perform just as well as "real" tea sets. Plastic, wood, and metal are a few materials commonly used in kids' tea sets.
Some collections have musical capabilities. Especially young children are sure to appreciate additional stimulation in the form of lights and sound.
Additional features to watch for include trays and carrying cases. If your child is serious about teatime, they will probably want a tray for presentation. Kids who like to take their toys with them on playdates would be best served by an option that comes with a case for transportation.
The Benefits Of Open-Ended Play
One of the advantages of giving your child a tea set is that it gives them the freedom to play however they like. With a tea set, there are no set rules or instructions.
Open-ended play allows your child's creativity to blossom. Toys like tea sets give kids the freedom to direct playtime according to their interests and preferences. It's up to them how the tea is prepared and to whom it is served.
Children can develop their confidence and decision-making skills through open-ended play.
Children can develop their confidence and decision-making skills through open-ended play. Youngsters spend most of their time participating in activities that are guided by adults, which is great for their safety, but not for their independence. When kids make small decisions for themselves, even if it's just during playtime, they learn accountability.
There are lots of toys that fall into the open-ended play category. Building blocks are always a smart choice for young children. With a building set, your toddler's imagination can run wild. Older kids can have fun designing structures with magnetic block collections, which require a bit more finesse to assemble.
Another cool thing about open-ended play is that it helps kids sharpen their social skills. When playing with other children, compromise is the name of the game. Kids can learn how to share and collaborate when they have playsets that don't come with explicit directions. They can make up the rules together, finding solutions to problems by listening to one another and brainstorming as a group.
In short, a tea set is a dynamic toy that will stimulate your son or daughter's mind. If a toy can keep a child entertained while helping them develop their critical thinking skills, it definitely deserves a spot in the playroom.
A wandering writer who spends as much time on the road as in front of a laptop screen, Brett can either be found hacking away furiously at the keyboard or, perhaps, enjoying a whiskey and coke on some exotic beach, sometimes both simultaneously, usually with a four-legged companion by his side. He has been a professional chef, a dog trainer, and a travel correspondent for a well-known Southeast Asian guidebook. He also holds a business degree and has spent more time than he cares to admit in boring office jobs. He has an odd obsession for playing with the latest gadgets and working on motorcycles and old Jeeps. His expertise, honed over years of experience, is in the areas of computers, electronics, travel gear, pet products, and kitchen, office and automotive equipment.