We love this set for offering versatile STEM-related play that's challenging, educational, and fun. Includes 100 pieces with strong magnets. It can be used with an additional Playmags set. Comes with a storage bag. Easy to understand how to use.

Cons

On the higher end of the price range.

Best Bang for the Buck

VTech

KidiBeats Drum Set

Customer Favorite

This Simon-says styled game features learning core phonics and playing freestyle drums with the KidiBeats Drum Set.

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Customer Favorite

Bottom Line

This Simon-says styled game features learning core phonics and playing freestyle drums with the KidiBeats Drum Set.

Pros

Light-up drum pads and cymbal. Volume controls. Includes 9 songs. Features 4 engaging game modes, including educational alphabet mode. Available in pink and orange. Batteries included. The entire piece feels incredibly durable allowing for rougher play.

Cons

Not the biggest drum set. Made for ages 2-to-5.

Bluey

Ultimate Lights & Sounds Playhouse & Toy Box

Most Comprehensive

In addition to adorable Bluey characters and toys, this playset has a house with lights and sounds for hours of imaginative fun.

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Most Comprehensive

Bottom Line

In addition to adorable Bluey characters and toys, this playset has a house with lights and sounds for hours of imaginative fun.

Pros

Features the popular Bluey theme with a large, multi-room playhouse that includes Bluey, Bingo, Nana, and Chattermax figures. Includes Bluey's toybox with the character's favorite toys. Produces lights and more than 50 phrases and sounds.

Cons

Not recommended for kids under 3 due to small pieces.

Learning Resources

New Sprouts Deluxe Market Set

Most Versatile

A good choice if you are looking for a food-themed playset that has well-made components that will offer hours of fun.

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Most Versatile

Bottom Line

A good choice if you are looking for a food-themed playset that has well-made components that will offer hours of fun.

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. Comes with two different baskets to encourage creative play.

Cons

Some of the parts are a bit small so younger kids may need supervision.

Jakk Pacific

Black + Decker Junior 14 Piece Toy Tool Belt Set

Durable & Rugged

A fun "tool-set" that little builders will absolutely love thanks to the wide variety of toys.

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Durable & Rugged

Bottom Line

A fun "tool-set" that little builders will absolutely love thanks to the wide variety of toys.

Pros

Toddlers 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. Comes in at a very affordable price. The tool belt is easy for younger users to put on.

Cons

Some parents noted that some of the tools feel a little flimsy.

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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.About BestReviews

How We Tested

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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First Reviewed

December 22, 2021

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Written by Jennifer Manfrin

Updated November 2023

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.

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