The best pretend play toys let your little one transform from themselves into whoever they want to be for a while. A doctor, mail carrier, garbage man, mom, dad, dragon, or knight. Pretend play helps your little one build imagination, language, empathy, and problem solving all at once.
I taught before I had kids, and I have two of my own in the 0 to 6 range. Role play is one of the 11 categories in our toy rotation system, and it is the one that my kids love the most. It overlaps a lot with nurturing toys. More on that overlap below. 🧸
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Pretend Play Skills to Develop
Pretend play is any play where a kid is being someone or something other than themselves. Playing doctor, playing house, playing dragon, playing mail carrier. They are trying on a role and improvising what happens when they are in control. With pretend play you’ll see you child:
- Develop language as they act out a scene, or even try to communicate (ahem argue) with their siblings over who is going what.
- Practice empathy while playing a parent, doctor, customer, or patient. They need to step in to someone else’s shoes and can learn to see the world from someone else’s point of view.
- Develop an imagination as they soar through the skies (even when they are just sitting on their bed).
- Problem solve: what happens after you get all of the groceries in the cart? I have to pay! How do I pay? With money! It all comes together naturally through what we call play-based learning.
When Do Kids Start Pretend Playing?
Later than you might think! Typically “pretend play” for an infant to 2 years old looks just like copying what mom or dad is doing around the house. Not a bad thing at all, but much different than acting out scenes with Little People, dolls, and other toys.
Some children develop their pretend play skills around 18 months to 2 years old, others might not until almost 3 years old. So if your little one isn’t quite there yet, don’t worry, there’s lot of time to introduce new toys and practice pretend playing.
The Best Pretend Play Toys for Any Age
Give your child the ability to be lots of different things through different types of toys. For example:
- A firefighter costume.
- A teacher Little People set.
- A chef with a kitchen.
- A parent with a doll.
- A veterinarian with some animal toys.
- A dentist with a dentist kit.
And these are just some ideas to get started! You don’t have to invest in 30 costumes to let your child pretend to play all of the different people they want to be 😊.
Melissa & Doug Wooden Play Kitchen
Step2 Kitchen Playset
We've loved this kitchen at our house for years.
- 25 Pieces and accessories
- Dog/pet feeding area
- Realistic lights and sounds
The classic for a reason. A play kitchen gives a kid the most familiar script they have, since they watch you cook every single day, and it is the pretend play toy that gets used the longest at our house across both kids and both age gaps.
Pair it with play food (or [Play-Doh] if you’re brave 🤣) and dishes rather than buying it bare.
Battat Kids Cleaning Set
Battat Kids Sweep n' Clean Pretend Play Kit
Toddlers love to clean. I wish preschoolers did 🤣. Let them pretend to be little grown ups and do chores around the house. This also functions as a nuturing toy where children learn to care for their house and surroundings.
- Five Familiar Tools: This pretend play kit includes a broom, mop, brush, dustpan, and duster.
- Wooden cleaning toy set.
We didn’t introduce “chores,” in my house until my oldest reached almost 6. Telling kids to do chores is an uphill battle. But when they are little they are naturally inclinded to mimic the things that you do (like sweep, dust, and mop). Getting them their own set of tools will show them that they are important members of the household, with important things to do just like you.
Melissa & Doug Doctor’s Kit & Costume
Melissa & Doug Get Well Doctor Kit
Our kids have used this set for years. The set is complete, so your kids can use tools just like their doctors do at their checkups. It's great for pretend play, and learning to care for others.
- Imaginative Doctor Play: Kids check on patients, give pretend shots, and write prescriptions for endless imaginative medical play that sparks creativity and role-playing fun every day
- 25-Piece Doctor Kit: Includes stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, thermometer, syringe, hearing tester, and more, all stored in a handy tote for toy storage and on-the-go play
- Open-Ended, Screen-Free Play: Builds empathy, communication & problem-solving through preschool learning activities that encourage creativity, confidence & social interaction through pretend play
Liberry Doctor Kit
I chose this doctor costume because it comes with a real working stethoscope, which was a game-changer in our doctor setup! This compliments the Melissa & Doug doctors kit well.
- Realistic Doctor Dress Up: Liberry doctor costume set includes a durable white medical lab coat, a fully functional stethoscope, and an official-looking ID card. It perfectly ignites children's imagination and inspires future medical professionals.
- Durable Materials: Liberry doctor's outfits are made from soft and durable fabric, ensuring children's comfort during extended play. The material is soft to touch yet durable enough for daily wear and tear, making it ideal for playtime.
Doctor is one of the earliest career scripts kids latch onto, mostly because they have actually experienced being the patient themselves and now get to flip the roles.
A doctor’s kit is also a great teaching tool for parents to demonstrate to an anxious child what might happen at an upcoming well visit. The costume is a nice touch with a real working stethoscope!
Melissa & Doug Deluxe Costume Sets
We love Melissa & Doug costomes! The are the perfect size for toddlers… Not too big that they fall off, and not too small that they grow out of them. Plus they come with accessories that make it a full toy, not just the clothing.
I love that the costumes are not branded so the kids aren’t acting out a firefighter or policeman from TV, they can be free to be whoever they want!
Melissa & Doug Vet Costume
Kids love costumes and Melissa & Doug make costumes meant to last. The sizing is just right (not too big on toddlers, but not so small they grow out of it). It doesn't have to be *this* costume, there are so many to choose from!
- REALISTIC VETERINARIAN COSTUME PLAYSET: Kids ages 3u20136 suit up with a vet jacket, mask, cap, thermometer, syringe, bandage, plush dog, reusable name tag, and stethoscope with sound effects
- INSPIRES CREATIVE PRETEND PLAY: Veterinarian role play sparks storytelling, empathy, and hands-on fun as kids care for pets, examine patients, and act out animal doctor adventures
- DURABLE & EASY TO CLEAN: High-quality materials are built for repeat dress-up play and everyday use; tunic is machine washable and accessories wipe clean for quick, easy cleanup
- VERSATILE FOR ALL OCCASIONS: Ideal for pretend play, classroom dress-up, school performances, themed parties, birthdays, holidays, and everyday imaginative adventures at home
Melissa & Doug Hair Stylist Role Play Set
Now that my kids know that brushing mommy's hair isn't hitting her on the head with the brush, I would choose to play hair stylist every day! My kids love getting to actually practice brushing and styling hair, and I can sit back and relax while they come up with their creation.
- Young stylists can brush, comb, cut and curl with this set
- Includes cool-blowing hair dryer, non-cutting scissors, headband and plastic hand mirror
- Machine-washable costume and wipe-clean accessories; this product ships in its own special e-commerce packaging intended to be easier to open and reduce waste (curbside recyclable)
Melissa & Doug Fire Chief Role Play Costume
We love Melissa & Doug costumes because they come with lots of fun accessories. It's like getting a costume and toy set in one.
- REALISTIC FIRE CHIEF PLAYSET – Kids ages 3-5 will love playing the part of a fire chief with this play set that includes a jacket, helmet, badge, fire extinguisher, bullhorn, and the reusable name tag
Melissa & Doug Doctor Costume
I personally love the full Melissa & Doug doctor's kit along with the Libery doctor's costume and real stethoscope because this combo provides the most complete doctor's kit. But, this costume is a great beginner doctor set because it has the costume as well as a few tools.
- DOCTOR COSTUME PLAYSET u2013 Kids ages 3u20136 can dress up in a realistic doctoru2019s coat, face mask, stethoscope with sound effects (batteries required), thermometer, syringe, reflex hammer, and reusable name tag
- INSPIRES CREATIVITY & LEARNING u2013 Encourages imaginative play, empathy, and problem-solving as kids explore life as a doctor through dress-up, pretend checkups, and caring medical adventures
Melissa & Doug Step in Style Dress-Up Shoes
So fun for little ones to dress up and play princess (or mommy). The heels can be used to teach kids balance and coordination as well.
- 4 PAIRS OF DRESS-UP SHOES: Kids will love the Melissa & Doug Step In Style! Dress-Up Shoes set which includes four styles; Elegant Princess, Prima Ballerina, Magical Fairy, and Rocker Girl
Melissa & Doug Chef Costume
We love that Melissa & Doug costume sets are high quality and come with lots of fun accessories.
- INSPIRES CREATIVITY & LEARNING:This chef role play costume inspires storytelling, creative expression, and pretend restaurant play as kids explore life as a chef through dress up and role play
- VERSATILE FOR ALL OCCASIONS : For pretend play, school performances, classroom dress up clothes, cooking theme parties, Halloween, Christmas, birthdays, and everyday adventures
Melissa & Doug Policer Officer Costume
Just like all of the Melissa & Doug costume sets, this one is complete with everything you would need to play police officer or detective!
- REALISTIC POLICE COSTUME FOR KIDS u2013 Includes jacket, cap, badge, name tag, whistle, handcuffs, and sound-effect walkie-talkie (batteries required). Ideal for ages 3u20136 and imaginative role play fun!
- INSPIRES CREATIVITY & LEARNING u2013 Sparks imaginative storytelling, problem-solving, and heroic adventures as kids explore life in law enforcement through dress-up and pretend play
Melissa & Doug Construction Costume
We love that Melissa & Doug costume sets are high quality and come with lots of fun accessories.
- CONSTRUCTION WORKER COSTUME PLAYSET u2013 Kids ages 3u20136 can dress up in a realistic vest, tool belt, hard hat, safety goggles, toy hammer, saw, and reusable name tag for hours of imaginative pretend play
- INSPIRES CREATIVITY & LEARNING u2013 Sparks storytelling, role play, and imaginative expression as kids explore life as a builder. Perfect for children who love construction and creative adventures!
Melissa & Doud Waitress Costume
This waitress costume comes with fun props like an apron, order sheet, and carrying tray. It's a perfect match if you also have a play kitchen or some pretend food.
- Includes pink dress, cap, ready-to-personalize name tag, color-coordinated apron with oversize pockets, dry-erase order ticket and sturdy tray.
Melissa & Doug Pirate Costume
I don't let my kids play with swords, so I would remove it from the kit. But even without the sword kids love to play pirates and go out on adventures looking for burried treasure!
- Complete pirate role-play costume set for pretend play and dress-up
- Includes vest, hat, eye patch and sword for swashbuckling adventures
Melissa & Doug Scientist Costume
This costume comes with tools that you could actually use for science experiements (or just playing with water and bubbles).
Melissa & Doug Magician Costume
This costume is more for show and not a magician set. But until kids are old enough to tackle magic tricks, this costume is fun to role play and pretend to make magic.
- Magician dress-up outfit and accessories for amazing pretend play performances
- Includes cape with bow tie, vest with secret pocket, top hat with hidden compartment, wand, coin, rabbit, card with tricks
Fisher-Price Little People Figurines
Figurine play is pretend play but instead of your child being the main character, they are the director, in charge of all of the people or things in their scene. It’s a great way for kids to learn to interact with other people.
I love the Little People figurines because there are so many types of sets (from playing house and school to running a construction site or veterinary office) that you’re sure to find one that speaks to your kids.
Here are the sets that my kids have played with:
Fisher-Price Little People Friends Together Play House
Babies and toddlers alike love Fisher-Price Little People sets. And it *doesn't have to be this set.* There are Little People sets to match whatever interests your little one has.
- Electronic home playset that folds for storage with 3 best friend figures and 7 additional play pieces
- 6 activation points including light-up radio, light switch, front door, kitchen 'tablet,' refrigerator, oven, and toilet that 'flushes'
- Lots of play for kids to discover including 4 rooms in the house, outdoor patio with swimming pool and working tree swing
- Helps foster fine motor skills and encourages imaginative storytelling play for toddlers and preschool kids ages 1 to 5 years old
Fisher-Price Little People Animals Farm Playset
I think it's universal that all kids love farms. This one teaches kids to care for animals, pretend to be a farmer, and folds up for easy storage.
- 3 Smart Stages learning levels grow along with your child & teach counting, opposites, animal sounds, and colors with fresh songs, sounds & phrases
- Playset comes with 1 farmer figure, 4 animal figures & 2 food play pieces, all sized for small hands to grasp & move, helping to strengthen fine motor skills
- Helps foster fine motor skills and encourages imaginative storytelling play for toddlers and preschool kids ages 1 to 5 years old
Fisher-Price Little People School Bus
Little People sets are fun for babies to explore, and for toddlers to learn imaginative play. The school bus has been a classic for my kids!
- Push-along toy school bus with lights, music and sounds for toddler and preschool pretend play
- Manually fold out the stop sign and open the bus door to load & unload passengers
- Includes 2 Little People figures sized just right for small hands to grasp & move
Fisher-Price Little People Fire Truck
This fire truck is a lot of fun with the lights and realistic sounds. The kids love to use the ladder to put out fires all over the house (pretend fires, of course!).
- Push-along toy fire truck with lights, music and sounds for toddler and preschool pretend play
- Manually lift and move the ladder to act out fun rescues
- Includes 2 Little People figures sized just right for small hands to grasp & move
Fisher-Price Little People Play for All School
This set let's kids pretend play playground scenes and act out teachers helping students.
- Hands-on play: rock both figures on the wheelchair-accessible swing, slide the elevator up & down, spin the weather wheel, toggle the garden, and flip the table scene
- Helps strengthen fine motor skills, introduce cause & effect, and encourage storytelling for toddler and preschool kids ages 1 year and older
Fisher-Price Little People Recycling Truck
My oldest wanted to be a garbage man for the longest time, so we have checked out many garbage trucks along the way!
- Push-along musical toy recycling truck and figure set for toddler-friendly pretend play
- Press the driveru2019s seat or lift the loader to activate fun songs, sounds and phrases about recycling
- Comes with 1 figure and 3 garbage play pieces to sort, lift and load into the truck
- Vehicle, figure and pieces sized for small hands to easily grasp & move, helping to strengthen fine motor skills
Fisher-Price Little People Noah's Ark Playset
Using a familiar storyline helps little ones (who haven't developed their imagination yet) act out stories.
- Toddlers can recreate the classic Bible story with this Noahu2019s Ark playset featuring 13 figures all sized for small hands to grasp and move
- Lower the ramp to board the animals onto the Ark (two by two!)
- Deck of the Ark easily removes to play inside and pops back on to store all the figures
- Gift set includes 1 Ark, 1 Noah figure and 12 animals, including 2 lions, 2 giraffes, 2 elephants, 2 sloths, 2 parrots, and 2 goats
Fisher-Price Little People Airport Playset
Roll your luggage down the carousel and board your flight!
- PRETEND PLAY AIRPORT: Little People airport playset lets toddlers ages 1+ explore travel-themed imaginative play with 5 pieces including airplane and figures
- u200bHands-on play: Spin the destination roller, flip the luggage conveyor belt, slide the u201cX-rayu201d machine, send figures sliding down the folding jet bridge
Fisher-Price Little People Disney Frozen Playset
Using familiar characters from favorite movies helps younger children come up with pretend play stories to act out.
- u200bInspired by the DISNEY Frozen films, this Little People playset includes 4 character figures, 1 roll-along wagon, and 6 accessories for toddler-friendly storytelling play
- u200bIncludes DISNEY Frozen characters Anna, Elsa, Olaf, Kristoff and Sven, all sized just right for small hands to grasp and move
- u200bPress the snowflake lever to launch the sled and u201cflipu201d the pile of snow
- u200bHands-on activities: spin figures in the hot tub, toggle the snowgie and bakery buttons, turn the picture book pages, and push the roll-along wagon to see Sven bob up and down
Fisher-Price Little People Load & Roll Hauler Playset
My kids loved how realistic this playset is. They could load up cars just like a real tow truck.
- Push-along toy car carrier that transforms into a mechanic shop for toddler-friendly road rescue pretend play!
- Transforming play! Unfold the carrier top to load vehicles, then fold up to haul them away
- Car mechanic pretend play! Place the mechanic figure on the peg & press the Discovery Button to spin the roller and u201cdiagnoseu201d the car trouble
- Includes 1 car and 2 figures. Carrier fits up to 3 Little People small vehicles (Additional toys sold separately and subject to availability.)
Fisher-Price Little People Musical Christmas Train
This set is especially fun to bring out around the holidays. You might even hear your little one talking to Santa about the presents they are hoping to get.
- Push-along toy train with holiday-themed music, sounds and figures for toddler-friendly Christmas pretend play
- Press the conductoru2019s seat to hear festive tunes and sounds
- Roll the train along for fun actions in the train cars: teeter-totter rocks up & down and figure spins
- Includes a musical engine, 2 detachable train cars, plus 3 figures: Santa, his elf, and a reindeer
Fisher-Price Little People Disney Princess Shimmer & Glow Dress Shop
Giving young children characters and storylines that they are familiar with is super helpful when it comes to teaching pretend play. It helps them act out stories they already know, using their own words.
- Musical boutique playset featuring DISNEY Princess characters, sparkling lights, music and sounds for enchanting, toddler-friendly pretend play
- Press or spin a figure on the pedestal to see the characteru2019s gown light up and sparkle with DISNEY-inspired music and sounds
- Fun storytelling play all around! Spin the dress form u2018round & u2018round, visit the store vanity, and relax in the second floor lounge after a day of shopping
- Includes DISNEY Princess Cinderella and Ariel figures, each styled in a pretty dress with a translucent layer that glitters and glows under lights!
Cash Register
Fisher-Price Classics – Retro Cash Register
This cash register is so much fun! Kids can drop in coins and open the cash box with different buttons and levers.
- It's great for pretend play as kids get older, and as a fine motor toy when they are younger
- Iconic cash register design with coins, ringing bell and working cash drawer.
- Teaches children about money and motor skills. Real cash register play with 6 plastic coins!
- Watch the coins come down the ramp, turn the crank to hear the bell ring and watch the drawer open!
Battat Cash Register with Scanner
Cash registers are so fun for kids. Set one up next to your pretend kitchen, and voila! You have a restaurant. Set one up beside your ice cream counter toy, and now you're a parlor. Not to metion scanning empty packages from your pantry is fun for pretend grocery shopping.
- Develops fine-motor skills as children handle money, use the scanner, and press the buttons on the cash register
- Play money (bills and coins) that creates an authentic shopping experience
- Realistic credit card with chip and tap symbols
- Beeping button sounds on the cash register for added authenticity
Store play is an underrated category. It practices counting, turn-taking, and a very specific social script, being the customer versus being the shopkeeper. We use ours constantly for at-home grocery store, which also reinforces the fake food from the play kitchen having a purpose beyond just cooking.
Younger kids will enjoy the Fisher-Price register which functions more like a shape sorter/cause-and-effect toy. Older kids love the reaslitic sounds and functions of the Battat cash register (with a scanner, card reader, and opening drawer that all work!).
Kids Tool Kits
Hape Fix-It Tool Box Toy
This compact toy covers a lot of ground. Kids can play carpenter, use their fine motor skills to assemble gears, and build their own creations.
Melissa & Doug Hammer and Saw Tool Bench
My boys came up with the coolest designs with the wooden blocks, and they loved playing carpenter with the tools.
- Learn to use a hammer, wrench, screw driver, and vice!
- Pieces actually connect together.
- Saw Velcro blocks with a pretend saw.
VTech Drill and Learn Toolbox
My kids love a toolbelt (one of their favorite accessories!). We also loved this beginner toolbox to practice screwing screws and wrenching with more assistance.
- Interactive toolbox, tool belt, tools, plastic nails and screws give little fixer uppers all they need to tackle projects; drill screws into holes or make the interlocking gears spin
- Learn about colors, numbers, tools; explore how to fix things with two double-sided project cards
- Three tool buttons play wrench, hammer and drill sounds and songs and teach how tools are used
John Deere 18 Pice Deluxe Tool Box
As my kids got older they wanted more realistic toolboxes, but we weren't ready for actual tools. This kit comes with a ruler, level, square, and tape measure!
- 18 PIECE PLAY SET: Includes 18 realistic tools and accessories with a working tape measure, perfectly sized for small hands to enjoy imaginative play.
- TOOL BOX WITH SNAP LATCHES: Durable tool box with easy to carry handle and two locking snaps, makes for easy storage and on-the-go play.
- PRETEND PLAY: Use plastic versions of real life tools to make pretend home improvements. Build hand/eye coordination and a strong understanding of what each tool is used for.
- SAFE AND DURABLE: Designed with safety in mind, the toy tool box is made of high-quality, durable materials for indoor and outdoor play.
Black + Decker Kids Workbench
When we first bought this, we knew our oldest was going to love it. A workbench with the same tools like Daddy uses?! Yes please. What we didn't expect, was for him to still be using it almost 4 years later! This has really stood the test of time in our house.
- Comes with 75 kids tools and accessory pieces
- Kids tool bench set with realistic action, lights and sounds
- STEM learning with assembly toys stimulates design and critical thinking skills, which will help to inspire a lifetime interest of science and engineering
- Develop motor skills and imaginative play
- Included components: Toy workbench with storage trays, miter saw, phone, drill press, accessory bin, vise, hand saw, screwdriver, hammer, wrench, 15 screws, 5 nails, 22 nuts, tool box, bonus flashlight
I have two boys, so we’ve been through quite a few tool kits at our house… They also varry by age. A screw driver is too tricky for a 1 year old, but a wooden hammer is too basic for a four year old. These are the sets that we’ve used at our house and/or library.
Tools are all about fixing something, which appeals hugely to kids who gravitate toward [building] and [physical toys]. Plus my kids love a toolbox or a toolbelt to go along with the role-play adventure.
Mom Tip: Sometimes when my kids are bored, I ask them to go “fix” things around the house with their tools 🤣. I might tell them the bolts on the chair are loose. I’m not sure how much they really accomplish with their platic wrenches and screwdrivers…but it keeps them busy for a while when they are having trouble using their own imagination.
Corolle Mon Premier Baby Doll
Corolle 12" Soft Baby Doll
I love Corolle dolls from when I lived in France as a kid. There are other great baby doll brands out there like JC Toys and Melissa & Dog.
- Perfect First Doll: Ideal soft baby doll for toddlers; Lightweight 12-inch size with bean-filled body makes this cute baby doll easy to grasp and carry; Realistic baby doll girl features create special bond between child and toddler baby doll for nurturing play
- Sensory Experience: Delicate vanilla-scented vinyl skin appeals to the senses; Soft body baby doll with realistic features including eyes that open and close; Perfectly sized doll babies for little hands to hold and cuddle. muu00f1ecas para niu00f1as
- Quality Design: Trusted Corolle brand with over 30 years of experience creating realistic baby dolls; Designed in France with premium materials; Soft body construction allows doll to be posed like a real baby for lifelike play
- Developmental Benefits: Baby doll for girls ages 18 months and up encourages nurturing skills and imaginative play; This real baby doll becomes a treasured companion for years of loving playtime experiences, like a realistic reborn baby doll
I grew up in France. So my fondest memories were going to the grand-magasins (department stores), and picking out clothes and accessories for my beloved doll. Of course, other dolls are perfectly fine (we love the Gigglescape doll line from Target), but this is my toy list, and these are some of my fondest memories… so Corolle was always going to make the cut.
Baby dolls are great for role-playing, but also teaching kids about [nurturing others] and empathy. They can also be used as patients for a doctor’s office, students for a classroom, or just an extra set of ears for your little one to talk to.
Baby Doll Accessories
JC Toys Boutique Folding Umbrella Doll Stroller
Strollers make great walkers for little ones who are just starting to walk, and continue to be used for pretend play around the house.
JC Toys Deluxe Disappearing Magic Bottles
These are a classic that make your kids feel like they are really feeding their babies.
- PERFECT SIZE and LIGHTWEIGHT // SEALED liquid moves just like the real thing when you feed your doll.
- SAFETY TESTED AND APPROVED // Made with non-scented, BPA free, safety tested.
- TEACHES CHILDREN NURTURING SKILLS // Doll accessories promote holding, cuddling and special care. Perfect accessory for any doll.
Melissa & Doug Mine to Love Carrier
My kids love playing mommy and carrying their baby dolls around.
- Adjustable cloth baby carrier for stuffed animals and dolls up to 18 inches; sturdy high-quality construction with reinforced border bindings
- Includes butterfly rattle, baby bottle, stuffed toy bear, reusable double-sided activity card
- Mine to Love accessories encourage empathy and help kids express themselves as they explore grown-up roles and responsibilities
Melissa & Doug Mine to Love Bathtime Play Set
Teach your kids about how to bathe and the hygeine needs of others.
- 19-piece realistic diaper-changing and bathing accessories sized just right for dolls and stuffed animals
- Bathtime items include soap and dish, shampoo and bubble bath bottles, rubber duck, bath book, washcloth, hooded owl towel
- Mine to Love accessories encourage empathy and help kids express themselves as they explore grown-up roles and responsibilities
Melissa & Doug Wooden Play Cradle
Help your little ones soothe their dolls and stuffies, sing them lullabies, and put them in their crib for sleep.
Boy Mom Take: Should Boys Play With Baby Dolls?
This is a non-negotiable toy in our house. Sure, we may get the odd look from someone with different philosophies… But absolutely yes. Boys can and should play with baby dolls. Not just as infants and toddlers, but well into the preschool years as well.
Let me be clear that by dolls I mean: baby dolls. Not just an action figure or Little People set. They should be learning from a very young age how to hold, feed, change, speak to, and care for a baby. This isn’t just about developing the dads of our future, it’s about developing empathy and understanding how very much goes in to caring for other things.
So yes, my children will always find some kind of baby doll or doll accessory on their birthdays or under the Christmas tree. Their favorite accessories:
- Folding stroller
- High chair
- Pack N’ Play
- Wearable baby carrier (gosh they really love this)
- Magic bottles & food sets
- Diapers for changing
Melissa & Doug Dentist Set
Melissa & Doug Super Smile Dentist Play Set
We bought this for our son who was apprehensive about his first dentist visit, and we wanted to show him all of the tools that he would see at the office. He brought the kit to the dentist with him, and too this day they call him "doctor," when he walks in 😂
- Complete Dentist Play Set: Featuring oversized teeth & big, chunky dental toolsu2014a vibrating drill & polisher, cavity stickers, floss, wiggly teeth, braces & moreu2014just like in a real dental office
- Skill-Building Pretend Play Toys: Kids can role play teeth cleaning, putting on braces & even tooth extractions, with premium-quality dentist toys, that will complement any doctor kit for preschoolers 3-5
- Open-Ended, Screen-Free Play: Teaches dental hygiene & preschool learning activitiesu2014counting, hand-eye coordination, memory & empathyu2014using kids' dress up & pretend play to keep them active & engaged
My oldest was always skeptical of doctors, so when we were preparing for our first dentist check I knew we were in for a bit of trouble. My mom had the great idea to get a dentist set so he could learn about the different tools and what to expect at the appointment.
He was so excited about this set that we brought it to the office with us so he could show his kit to the dentist. Everyone loved it so much that 1) they still refer to my son all these years later as “doctor,” and 2) they bought a set for their office as well!
At home, my kids like to make sure my husband and I (as well as their stuffies and dolls) are keeping up with our oral hygeine. It’s fun to play and it’s something I can play lying down with a pillow under my head 🥳🙌.
Top Bright Veterinarian Kit
Top Bright Veterinarian Kit
Believe it or not this is a STEM toy! When the dog is sick, it's nose will change a certain color. To heal the dog, the child must complete a series of actions (give medicine, listen to heart, etc.) in order. These are the foundations of coding!
- Interactive Vet Play Set: Watch as kids learn to respond to their puppy's health signals! With different colored lights representing various ailments, toddlers will help the dog get better with diagnostic card. Kids will hear the delightful licking when feeding the pill and get a playful response when using the syringe, the perfect vet role-play experience. Note: The puppy's nose changes color randomly every 1-2 minutes.
You won’t find too many toys on this site that aren’t from my [favorite brands]. But this is one of the exceptions in a big way!
Not only is this a [LEARN TO CODE KIT] (yup you heard be right!), it also comes with a lot of vet-specific gear that the other kids don’t include. The others seem more like regular people-doctor kits.
This interactive dog lets you listen (actually) to their heart beat, and tells you when it’s not feeling well by the color of it’s nose. It’s up to you (the vet) to administer the remedies in the correct order and amounts to get the dog healthy again (hence the coding!).
More Pretend Play Toys We Love
More Home & Career Roleplay
Rotation staples that did not make the main ten but earn their shelf space regularly.
B. toys Play Sink
My youngest LOVES this sink. The running water makes it feel just like the real thing. I can't say I'm entirely sure what he does with it… but I do know he has a blast and plays for a long time!
- Sink Play Set: Play house with a realistic kitchen sink set that features a colorful twist!
- 15 Accessories: This toy sink comes with 2 plates, 2 cups, 2 forks, 2 knives, 2 pieces of play food, a colander, a sink caddy, a scrub brush, dish soap, and a decorative flower.
- Faucet & Running Water: This playset includes a working faucet u2013 simply remove the sink, add water, pop it back in and turn on the faucet!
- Color-Changing Dishware: Pour warm water on the play dishes and watch them change color right before your eyes!
Melissa & Doug Wooden Scoop & Serve Ice Cream Counter
This was the absolute show stopper at my son's 3rd birthday. I have to admit the scooper is super satisfying!
- Complete Ice Cream Shop: Kids love scooping & stacking bright wooden scoops & toppings, with a kid friendly ice cream toy scooper, & serving on a countertop with special ports to hold all their treats
- Skill-Building Pretend Play Toys: Kids will boost their memory, hand-eye coordination & counting skills by remembering orders, customizing meals & handling play money, just like a real ice cream shop
- Open-Ended, Screen-Free Play: This premium set of wooden toys features smooth finishes, vibrant toy kitchen accessories, & a sturdy countertopu2014which also doubles as a toy storage box, for easy cleanup
Manhattan Toy 23-Piece Wooden Tea Set
This wooden tea set is an upgrade from the plastic set my kids had. It even has little tea bags, honey, and a milk pot to sit on the serving tray.
- 23-piece wooden set
- Build to last
- Great for imaginative play and role playing
Melissa & Doug Wooden Beauty Salon
Let your little one explore brushes, combs, mirrors, and even "lotion," and "makeup," in a safe and contained way. My boys love playing hair salon, or spa (and I love it too!)
- Imaginative Salon Play: Kids role play as stylists, using pretend tools to brush hair & apply u201cmakeupu201d for endless pretend play that sparks creativity & role-playing fun every day (Not real makeup)
- 18-Piece Set: Includes wooden toys like a vanity with child-safe mirror & storage drawer, plus hair dryer, straightener, comb, brush, flip-top lotion bottle, & pretend makeup like lipstick & nail polish
- Open-Ended, Screen-Free Play: Builds empathy, communication & problem-solving through preschool learning activities that encourage creativity, confidence & social interaction through pretend play
Hape Super Stylish Hair Salon Set
Teach little ones to care for their appearance, and the hygeine of others with this fun hair stylist pretend play set. This is a complete set with everything you need from fake scissors (that won't cut hair!) to curlers and clips.
- MADE FOR SMALL HANDS: Accessories are specifically designed with smooth, rounded edges, making them safe and comfortable for little hands to play with.
- REALISTIC FUN: The hairdryer makes realistic sounds, giving young children an even more realistic and engaging hair-cutting experience.
- PLENTY OF PIECES: This styling set includes a hairdryer, hair clips, hair rollers, hair straightener, brush, mirror, comb, pair of scissors, spray bottle, stylist`s apron and a client`s cape.
- REALISTIC FUN: The hairdryer makes realistic sounds, giving young children an even more realistic and engaging hair-cutting experience.
Melissa & Doug Toy Shopping Cart
A kids center near us has a dozen of these shopping carts along with pretend food that the kids can pretend to shop with. They are very realistic. The bottom legs give the cart more stability. My little one loves to push his doll in the front seat and pretend to play "daddy at the store."
- Built Like the Real Thing: Features a sturdy metal frame, pivoting front wheels for smooth rolling, and a fold-open seat for a doll or stuffed animal passenger (sold separately) to join the trip
- Skills on the Move: Builds fine motor skills, coordination, and social play while encouraging hands-on, screen-free fun that inspires creativity and imaginative role-playing every single day
More Small-World and Puppet Picks
Great for the figurine and storytelling side of the shelf. My kids aren’t huge puppet kids, so we don’t have a lot at home. However, our local library has loads, and the kids really do enjoy playing with them when we visit.
Melissa & Doug Safari Buddies Hand Puppet Set
Our local library has this set and it's always in use. Kids love to have a live audience and put on a performance (whether it is practiced or impromptu) and grown ups can enjoy the show!
- Set includes 6 soft, washable safari hand puppets featuring elephant, tiger, parrot, giraffe, monkey, and zebra, perfect for imaginative play and storytelling.
- Sturdy wooden puppet theater with non-tip base, plush curtains, movable clock hands, and chalkboard panel for show information.
Melissa & Dog Paw Patrol Hand Puppets
Use familiar faces to put on a puppet show! Kids can act out their favorite episodes, or make up their own storylines.
- Tell stories, make connections, and build dexterity and vocabulary with this set of 4 PAW Patrol hand puppets (Rubble, Skye, Chase, Marshall)
- Each puppet has a Pup Pack pocket on back to hold a mission/story-starter card
- Soft plush heads, washable fabric; sized to fit children and most adults
Melissa & Doug Disney Mickey Mouse & Friends Soft & Cuddly Hand Puppets
We play with puppets at our local library and our kids have lots of fun making up silly stories!
- Set of 4 Mickey Mouse Club-themed hand puppets
- Includes Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy
- Sized to fit kids and adults
- Helps build vocabulary, dexterity, creativity, and imagination
Pretend Play, Empathy & Nurturing
One of my [core 11 toy categories] is [nurturing toys]. Nurturing is about teaching our children how to care for and empathize with others. You might have been taught, “being the bigger person,” “putting yourself in someone elses’ shoes,” or “not to judge a book by it’s cover.” Nurturing encompases all of those things, and pretend play is the best way (in my opinion) to go about it.
A doll is the clearest example. Your kid taking care of a doll, feeding it, dressing it, putting it down for a nap, is nurturing play, since they are caring for something. It is also role play, since they are playing the parent. Same toy, two categories, at the same time.
A plant your kid waters every morning, or a toy that requires love and affection (think old-school Tamogatchis) is nurturing without any role play attached at all, which is the other end of that spectrum, since nurturing does not require a pretend character to work.
The practical takeaway for a rotation shelf: a toy like a baby doll can count toward either category slot (pretend-play or nurturing) depending on the day.
How to Foster Role-Playing
I swear my youngest came out of the womb wearing a super hero cape and never looked back. He didn’t need any help with imaginative or pretend play. Other children just don’t really “get it,” (I was one of those children!).
“Why am I playing garbage man?” Trash stinks. I don’t ever want to be a garbage man… So why did mom pull out the garbage truck again?!
Legitimate questions from our more realistic-play littles. But there is an importance to teaching about all different types of people, careers, machines, and rols and responsabilities. In fact, once my oldest saw how cool garbage trucks were 😎 he spent the better part of 4 years determined to become a garbage man.
On the flip side, was I trying to push him to become a garbage man? Nope 🤣. But we’re supportive of whatever our kids want to do in life.
It’s not about pushing them into any one specific career. It’s about building that empathy and respect for everyone. Understanding that something like hairdressing requires a lot more thought and attention that one might realize. Or that designing a water-proof scuba mask cannot be accomplished with paper and tape.
If your little one is pushing back, try these techniques:
- Play with them: be the patient, the hair dressing client, the sick dog, the child that needs to catch the bus to school, and role-play with them. Show them that it’s ok to jump into a character and look, act, and sound just like them. When playtime is over, they can go right back to being themselves.
- Point out people in real life: the more they notice others, the more they will notice others. Point out the mailman and wave! Talk about what the mailman’s day looks like and how much fun it would be to be just like them. Point out the cat that lives in your neighborhood (or any other wild animal) and talk about where they might live, how they find food, and what their day is like. Talking will eventually lead to acting out. Promise.
- Give them the tools: It’s not necessary to buy all 12 of the [Melissa & Doug] costumes above to let them experiment with different types of roles. Give them a pen and paper and let them be a server. Grab some plastic bowls and spoons and they can be a chef. Let them brush (or wash if you’re very adventurous) your hair… Heck my boys are so good at hair salon these days they can give me a full blowout while I relish in the relaxation and accomplishment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Simple, familiar scripts work best at this age. Play food, a soft baby doll, and basic figurines cover most of what a 1 to 2 year old is ready for. Save multi-piece costume sets and puppet theaters for closer to 3, once language and imagination catch up to more complex scenes.
Simple versions show up surprisingly early, often before 18 months, as basic imitation like pretending to feed a stuffed animal or talk on a toy phone… Why are they all so obsessed with remotes?! Full role play with invented storylines and assigned characters usually develops more between ages 3 and 5.
No. Every role on this list, doctor, chef, builder, parent, shopkeeper, is worth offering to any child regardless of gender. Follow your kid’s actual interests rather than assumptions about which roles suit them.
In my experience, yes, more than almost anything else on this list. It gets used across a wide age range and holds up over years. It is one of the few pretend play toys I would tell you to spend more on up front. Lots come with play food, dishes, and pots and pans so you don’t have to source that separately. It’s never too early to buy for a gift (in fact it’s appropriate as a [gift for a one year old]) because they can use it for standing up practice until they are ready to play.
They overlap constantly but are not identical. Pretend play is about stepping into a role or character. Nurturing play is about caring for something, a doll, a stuffed pet, a plant. A lot of toys do both at once, a doll being the clearest example, but a plant your kid waters is nurturing without any pretend character involved. The same is true that if your child is being a fire-fighter and they are putting out “fires all over the house,” they aren’t really caring for anything, just learning the job.
Not really, and it is extremely common. Repetition is often how kids process and master a scenario before moving to the next one. That said, if you want to nudge variety, rotating which pretend play toy is available tends to work. Or a different type of toy can peak their interest. If they want to play princesses and tiaras every day and you’re a little bit (or a lot-a-bit) over it, find a Jungle Explorer Little People set and see if you can find all of the wild stuffed animals in the house. Just a little change of toy and scenery can unleash new stories they hadn’t thought of.
If you want the full 11-category system this fits into, the toy rotation guide covers how to set up the shelf and what to do on weeks you are short a category. 💜
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