Best Playsets

Updated October 2020

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.Read more

Bottom Line

Pros

Cons

Hands down the best playset on the market when it comes to sparking kids' imaginations for building and creating. STEM based – a popular theme in today's toys that encourages learning.

Pros

We love this set for offering versatile play that's challenging, educational, and fun. Includes 100 pieces with strong magnets. Can be used with additional Playmags set. Comes with a storage bag.

Cons

On the higher end of the price range. Some sets don't come with the advertised idea book. Contains small pieces – not for kids under 3.

Best Bang for the Buck

Peppa Pig

Peppa Pig's Deluxe House Playset

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Bottom Line

With cute Peppa Pig characters that kids love and an affordable price, you will be impressed with the value of this versatile playset.

Pros

You get a lot for your money with this adorable playset, including a house, 15 pieces, and 3 popular character figures – Peppa, Suzy, and George.

Cons

Small pieces mean it's not recommended for kids 3 and under. Some of the components feel thin and flimsy, but kids don't usually care.

Learning Resources

New Sprouts Deluxe Market Set

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Bottom Line

A good choice if you are looking for a food-themed playset. While similar sets often have poorly made components, this one stands out for quality and design.

Pros

Provides all the necessities to fill play kitchens with a variety of realistic looking food items. 30 pieces garner praise for their durable plastic craftsmanship and sharp details.

Cons

Some of the pieces aren't true to size compared to real food, but this is a minor concern that most kids won't mind. A few small parts – not for kids under 3.

Jakk Pacific

Black + Decker Junior 14 Piece Toy Tool Belt Set

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Bottom Line

Although the components stand out among similar tool playsets for looking a lot like the real deal, some of the pieces come with durability concerns.

Pros

Little builders will feel all grown up when playing with the realistic-looking tools in this playset that sports the Black + Decker name. Comes with 14 pieces.

Cons

Some of tools are sturdier than others – the screwdrivers and toy belt in particular feel somewhat flimsy. For kids over 3 – has small parts.

If you are looking for a basic, affordable playset for toddlers that offers appealing features and functions, this is the best choice.

Pros

A cute little percussion playset that's ideal for kids as young as 2, thanks to the sturdy pieces, music, and lights. Plays various styles and melodies, and includes drumsticks.

Cons

It's on the small side, but this is plus for parents who prefer portable toys. A few defective models have been reported.

How we decided

We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

30 Models Considered

28 Hours Researched

2 Experts Interviewed

140 Consumers Consulted

Zero products received from manufacturers.

We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

From simple to sophisticated, playsets can help keep children happily busy for hours, allowing them to use their imagination and learn basic skills. The simplest way to describe playsets is that they are pretend/fake versions of something real, like tool sets, kitchens, cleaning supplies, or musical instruments. They are made of durable, hard-to-break materials like plastic and rubber, and are geared toward specific age groups so that they are totally safe, even with a lot of mishandling. They let kids practice before using the real thing. Because styles and components range so widely, so do prices, but you can find a playset your child will love whatever their interests or your budget.

Other Products We Considered

The BestReviews editorial team researches hundreds of products based on consumer reviews, brand quality, and value. We then choose a shorter list for in-depth research and testing before finalizing our top picks. These are the products we considered that ultimately didn't make our top 5.

Hatchimals

Glitter Salon Playset

Polly Pocket

Active Doll Playset

Schleich

Croco Jungle Research Station

Peppa Pig

Princess Castle Deluxe Playset

World of Nintendo

Super Mario Mushroom Kingdom Castle Playset

Baby Shark

Baby Shark Sticker Play Set