There is a common misconception in the world of childcare and parenting that pretend play is strictly for the toddler crowd. If you were to walk into my after-school program on any given afternoon, you would see exactly why that isn’t true. Even my “older” kids, meaning my 4th and 5th graders, still enjoy pretend play. In fact, they tend to to pretend play more so than my younger students. I’ve seen the kids pretend to be a restaurant (with our play foods), a store (“selling” things from around the room) and teachers (that is one of their favorite things to play).
Aside from our plastic play foods we also have a Vet Kit and a Pet Grooming Kit. I purchased them for an “Adopt-a-Kitten” event I held last year (they were plush cats). The kids still enjoy playing with them, although I think some are board with them since many of the pieces have been tossed out. They were made of that cheap plastic. Over time pieces broke or bent out of shape. Most of the pieces ended up being tossed out because it couldn’t be fixed.
I’ve been on the hunt for replacements that could actually withstand the daily “love” of dozens of students.
I actually prefer toys made out of wood. Our building blocks, for example, we’ve had for years. They have stood the test of time as well as being played with by students over the years.
When I look at toys made from wood there is a bit of a nostalgic feeling. Many of my favorite toys growing up were made from wood. I’m 50+ years old and I actually still have some of my original wood toys. My own children played with my beloved vintage wooden Fisher-Price Little People play sets. I’d like to think that some day my future grandchildren will too.
I don’t have any of my favorite toys from my youth that were made from plastic.
Unlike plastic, which is often destined for a landfill after a year (or mere months) of heavy use, wooden toys are built to last. They are incredibly cost-effective. Why buy cheap plastic year after year when you can invest in a set that will last for many years (even decades!).
That is why I was so thrilled when Jasey’s Toy Chest sent me a selection of their wooden play sets to review. I received the Sparkling Smile Dentist Kit, the Little Glam Nail Studio, and their Busy Baker Cookie Set.
The difference between the play sets sent to me from Jasey’s Toy Chest and the plastic sets we have at work are like night and day.
Jasey’s Toy Chest toys are crafted from FSC-certified materials, ensuring they are as good for the planet as they are for our kids.
When I first brought the sets into work and lined them up on the table for the kids to play with. My 4th and 5th graders arrive at the program before the younger students. Normally, they head straight for coloring pages, the day’s craft or the sporting equipment. That day, to my surprise, they flocked to these wooden sets. They sat right down and started playing with them. The only ones who resisted were the boys who opted to head outside to toss a football around. I only have two boys in that age group and they live for sports so that didn’t surprise me.
Once the younger kids arrived, it was a bit of “organized chaos.” They kids were all trying to play with the kits at the same time. Honestly, I didn’t mind. They were playing together nicely for the most part. Sure, there were a few minor squabbles about someone taking too long to “paint a nail” or “pull a tooth,” but that’s just part of learning how to share.
The quality of these sets is truly impressive. Here is a breakdown of what kept the kids at work busy for quite a while.
** I had some fun with my product pictures by changing the background and foreground. The product it’s self is from my photos that I took on my smartphone. **
- Sparkling Smile Dentist Kit: This comes with everything a dentist needs: a toothbrush, toothpaste, and various dental tools, even a play needle for “numbing”. The absolute highlight for the kids was the mouth. The teeth actually come out! It looks incredibly realistic, and that poor wooden mouth had its teeth “extracted” and “cleaned” over and over.
- Little Glam Nail Studio: This was a massive hit with the girls. It includes three bottles of “polish” where the lids come off to reveal a matching color brush. It even features a wooden version of a UV gel lamp (the device that solidifies the polish) and a soaking bowl. It was so popular that even my male assistant ended up with a full “manicure” courtesy of the students.
- Busy Baker Cookie Set: This is a wonderful addition to our play food collection. Most of our play food is a “hodge podge” of plastic items, so having a durable wooden set is a treat. It includes a pan, bowl, ingredients, and felt dough. The cutest part is that the cookies are decorated on one side. The kids “bake” them undecorated-side up, then flip them over to show they are “done.” One student even used the box the set came in as a makeshift oven. I have to find a sturdy box and help them transform it into a permanent stove.
Jasey’s Toy Chest also sent over their 4-in-1 Play Pack. This set includes a detailed clock, an alphabet puzzle, animal dominoes, and a wooden shoe for lace tying practice.
The lace tying toy has been a huge help. Believe it or not, I have some 4th graders who still struggle with tying their own shoes. We have one young boy who only attends the program a few days a week and he’s already made incredible strides with toying his own shoes. In a way that fosters a sense of independence because now he can tie his own shoes and not have to rely on help from me, my staff or the other kids in the program.
The clock is another standout. I wish I’d had it a few months ago when the 1st graders were learning how to tell time. Now I know to have this handy for next year’s group of students. The clock in this set is the ideal tactile tool for practicing to tell time.
The puzzles and dominoes from this play set are made of thick, durable cardboard instead of wood. Even so, they maintain that same high-quality feel and nostalgic charm as the wood pieces.
Some people might assume that toys made out of wood are pricey. Perhaps some are, but at Jasey’s Toy Chest, 89% of their 47 products are priced under $30. This makes them very budget friendly. These toys will last for many years and can even be passed down from one child to another.
As we approach Mental Health Awareness Month in May, it’s important to look at the brand behind the toys.
Jasey’s Toy Chest was founded by Brian and Lauren Bernstein to honor the memory of their son, Jason (“Jasey”). Brian spent over 21 years in leadership at Melissa & Doug, so he knows exactly what makes a toy developmentally “rich.”
Their mission goes beyond just selling products. They partner with The Kids Mental Health Foundation and The Jed Foundation to support youth mental health. Their toys are designed to foster resilience, joy, and connection through classic play.
If you are looking for toys will stand the test of time, encourage imagination, and even support a worthy cause, I cannot rave about this brand enough.
To see all the products available, visit JaseysToyChest.com and be sure to follow them on social media for more play inspiration. In addition check out the resource section on the brand’s website to learn play tips, parent and caregiver tips, crisis support and more.
Do you own any wood toys? Feel free to comment and tell me about them.
Kimberly
*I received free product samples in order to do this review. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in any way.
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