Research-backed
Image: MomJunction Design Team
If you are looking for high-quality, entertaining toys for your child, we have compiled a list of the best Melissa and Doug toys to help you choose the right one. This trusted brand offers something for everyone, including plush toys, arts and crafts, creative games sets, educational toys, wooden puzzles, and more. These quality-tested toys are safe, interesting, and designed to teach various age-appropriate skills such as STEM learning through play. They will keep your child engaged for long and keep them away from screens and video games.
So, read on to know more about the various expert-approved products and features to choose the right toy based on your child’s age and interests.
Top Picks
15 Best Melissa & Doug Toys
1. Best Durable:Melissa & Doug Dust! Sweep! Mop!
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 39,035 buyers on Amazon have said the product lives up to the hype.
Want to encourage your children to partake in household chores to keep the house clean and tidy? Then get this pretend and play wooden set that includes a mop, broom, hand brush, duster, and a dustpan. The toys are durable, easy to use, and come with a stand to hang all the cleaning tools. It is designed to be colorful and kid-friendly and is a good alternative to plastic toys. Playing or using these can develop coordination and motor skills of the children. It motivates them to keep their rooms clean and improves their social skills too.
Pros
- Encourages imaginative play
- Helps your child to learn about responsibility
- Helps promote developmental skills
- Helps with pretend play
- Durable handles
- Ideal for hard floor
Cons
- Post may be feeble
- Handles may be slightly rough
"My little one loves to pretend to clean the house with me using the accessories in this set. Some of the accessories have developed a dent or chip over time, but they continue to enrich his imaginative play sessions."
2. Best Premium-Quality:Melissa & Doug Deluxe Pounding Bench
The pounding bench interactive toy for toddlers is made sturdy with premium-quality materials, is colorful and attractive, and is suitable for children aged two to four years. Its interactive features are said to help in the early brain development of the child as he or she uses the toy hammer to pound the pegs that are visible on the top. Playing with this skill-building toy regularly can improve hand-eye coordination and motor skills, and also teach the toddler to identify colors. This review video will give you more insights into the product.
Pros
- Non-removable pegs
- Made from solid wood material
- Break-resistant
- Smooth finish
- Keeps the toddler busy for hours
Cons
- Hammer’s head may wiggle
- Paint may chip off over time
"Besides allowing my little one to work on his hand-eye coordination, this pounding toy has been perfect for dispensing his energy constructively. The similar-looking hues of the pegs are a bit confusing, but that does not take away from the joy this toy brings to my son."
Quick fact3. Best Lightweight:Melissa & Doug 100-Piece Wood Blocks Set
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 20,296 reviews on Amazon, this product is a winner.
You can let your child have fun and develop strong motor skills by constructing buildings with the blocks set. The blocks are lightweight and durable, have round edges and smooth finish for children’s safety. They are designed in four colors and nine shapes. All the blocks come in a wooden box for convenient storage. The set is suitable for children aged between three and eight years and makes a suitable gift for them. To make an informed decision before buying, you can check out this testing video.
Pros
- Comes with 100 durable wooden blocks
- Encourages problem-solving skills
- Supports early math skills
- Lead-free toy for toddlers
- Suitable gift for the holiday season
Cons
- Wooden pieces may start to chip over time
- Storage box may be small in size
4. Best For Imagination:Melissa & Doug Slice And Bake Cookie Set
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
About 15,146 reviewers on Amazon have given their seal of approval to the product.
Children get to use their imagination and be creative by playing with this cookie set that contains a cookie sheet, knife, 12 toppings, kitchen mitt, 12 sliceable cookies, spatula, and a dough tube. All the things are made with premium-quality materials and have durable construction, making them an ideal gift option for the holiday season. They are attractive, and children can learn numbers and develop their motor skills while playing with this toy set, making it a trusted option. Click here to check out this YouTuber’s unbiased review.
Pros
- Encourages role play
- Made from wood
- Convenient cookie storage
- Blunt and safe knife
Cons
- Wood cookies may be somewhat heavy
- May not withstand rough use
Did you know?5. Best For Communication Skills:Melissa & Doug Pull-Back Vehicles
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Over 8,919 satisfied customers have left positive reviews about the product on Amazon.
Colorful, vibrant, and soft, these pull-back vehicles can be an ideal choice of gift for toddlers. The tried-and-tested vehicles are brightly designed as a police car, a fire truck, a family car, and a school bus. A little pull-back will accelerate and give a speedy push to your vehicle. Playing with these cars would not only provide a happy time for the children but also develop their motor, sensory, and communication skills, preparing them for daily life.
Pros
- Rev-up mechanism
- Soft and lightweight design
- Enhances hand-eye coordination
- Boosts visual skills
- Easy to maintain
Cons
- Wheels may not stay snapped for long
- May not swivel on carpets
6. Best For Creative Skills:Melissa & Doug Scoop and Serve Ice Cream Counter
Kids love ice cream! Why not get them to be the ice-cream seller instead of the buyer for once? This ice cream server set contains a wooden counter, scooper, wooden spoon, six toppings, eight scoops, and six pretend money bills. Your children can take orders, make ice cream, and take money in exchange for ice cream. According to the reviewers, playing with this toy helps in developing creative skills and also basic mathematics.
Pros
- Improves cognitive skills
- Reusable menu card
- Well-crafted items
- Set can be carried with ease
Cons
- Scooper may be flimsy
- May contain tiny pieces that can be choking hazards for young children
"The best part about this pretend ice cream set is that it includes pretend money–A feature that has made it easy for my child to understand basic transactions. Plus, the toy set’s sturdy wooden construction assures me of durability."
7. Best Kid-Friendly Design:Melissa & Doug Cutting Fruit
Teach your children basic math concepts such as part and whole with this toy set of 17 pieces of fruits, including half and whole fruits, a knife, and a cutting board. They are light in weight, kid-friendly design, and vibrant in color. This Melissa & Doug pretend playset is ideal for children aged between three and five. The pack is portable and can be taken while traveling to different places.
Pros
- Wooden fruits that are durable
- Knife designed to separate self-stick tabs
- Cutting makes satisfying slice sounds
- Smooth finish
Cons
- Velcro may not be as durable
- Paint may chip if handled roughly
"This fruit set has worked wonderfully for teaching good eating habits to my child. He loves using the included knife and different fruit pieces to prepare pretend fruit bowls for me during breakfast. All in all, it has been a delightful addition to his play kitchen."
8. Best For Hand-Eye Coordination:Melissa & Doug Magnetic Car Loader Wooden Toy Set
Your child can learn sorting, sequencing, and counting while developing hand-eye coordination and motor skills with this Melissa & Doug kid’s toy. The car loader is made of wood and comes with a red truck and four cars, which are all magnetic. It becomes easy to load and unload the cars with the magnetic arm of the truck. The design is vibrant and is suitable for kids aged between three and six years.
Pros
- Bright colors
- Enhances visual sensory skills
- Smooth-textured wheels
- Detachable trailer
Cons
- Arm joint may be hard to move
- Truck arm may be a bit flimsy for rough play
"My son, who is really into vehicles, was enchanted by the toy as soon as I had unboxed it. Although a stronger magnet would have further enhanced his play experience, it keeps him hooked for hours. Plus, the numbered cars are easy to place in order."
9. Best Colorful:Melissa & Doug Doorbell House
The wooden dollhouse is creatively designed with colors and beautiful prints on it. There are four doors, and each door has a doorbell. It also has four cute dolls and a lock and key too. The dollhouse is durable and made with superior-quality materials, with a handle on top that makes it easy and convenient to carry it anywhere where your child goes. This Melissa & Doug toy gives a hands-on playing experience for the children.
Pros
- Stimulates imagination
- Pre-assembled with precision
- Durable hinges for functional door
- Includes well-crafted poseable figures
Cons
- Ribbon that holds the keys may be short
- No color code for keys for easy identification
"Apart from being a fun plaything, this toy has been a unique way of teaching my child about numbers and colors. Its lock and key mechanism gets a bit finicky sometimes; nevertheless, it still manages to make her playtime fun and educational."
Did you know?10. Best Wooden:Melissa & Doug Fold & Go Barn
Made of sturdy wood, this farmhouse play set is durable and allows your child to have a fun time. It is made of wood and comes with a wooden handle to hold and carry. The set has seven farm animals made of plastic. The sliding doors of the farmhouse can be open and shut, allowing children to pretend and play with the animals. Loved by many reviewers, this Melissa & Doug wooden toy allows your child to imagine and be creative.
Pros
- Made of engineered wood
- Promotes screen-free play
- Promotes symbolic thinking
- Folding coral
Cons
- Animal figures may be smaller than expected
- Roof may look flimsy
11. Best For Pretend Play:Melissa & Doug Brew & Serve Coffee Maker Set
The pack contains three coffee pods, two mugs, a menu card, a creamer, a spoon, sugar, and ice cubes. These are made of durable wood and are manufactured as per the safety standards. Children can pretend to play as baristas selling coffee. The set comes in a regular size, not scaled, and is light in weight, making it convenient for children to have an enjoyable time with their friends or family members.
Pros
- Made of high-quality material
- Develops cognitive skills
- Engaging
- Safely designed materials
Cons
- Cups may not be water-resistant
"Watching my child mimic our visits to the coffee shop using this toy coffee play is a pleasure. The set is well-crafted, and the accessories are appropriately sized for his little hands. On the whole, it stirs up loads of interactive fun."
12. Best Educational Toy:Melissa & Doug Birthday Party
Your child can make a pretend cake with this birthday party toy. It is a wooden playset that contains removable candles, cake slices, cake plate, server, and some toppings. With many positive reviews, it is a creative and educational toy that promotes hand-eye coordination and strengthens creative skills. All the things come in a wooden storage box that is light and portable, making it an exclusive gift set for children.
Pros
- Removable candles
- Self-stick tabs to hold the pieces together
- Children can choose their own toppings
- Sturdy and durable
Cons
- Paint may start to fade or peel over time
- Spatula may be a little difficult to hold
13. Best For Toddlers:Melissa & Doug Rainbow Caterpillar
The colorful toy is ideal for toddlers to learn colors and improve fine motor skills. It contains six bright-colored gear pegs that can be rotated, rearranged, and removed. They are easy to place and spin in the wooden piece. The red piece is the face and has to be put in the front or first place. It is a good-quality Melissa & Doug toy set that can be an appropriate holiday gift for children.
Pros
- Promotes color recognition
- Boosts hand-eye coordination
- Comes with interchangeable gears
- Easy-to-hold pegs
Cons
- Some children may get disinterested over time
"This gear toy has been excellent for helping my munchkin understand the concept of cause and effect. Its colorful design also keeps her from getting frustrated. Its gears could have been attached more securely, but I still recommend it for its simplicity and educational value."
14. Best Toy Truck:Melissa & Doug Shape-Sorting Wooden Dump Truck Toy
You can teach your child shapes and colors with this wooden truck toy. The truck has spaces to fit in different shapes such as a square, triangle, star, oval, and more. It is suitable for toddlers aged two to five years, is made of durable material, and gives a hands-on playing experience for children. This skill-building toy could also help in the cognitive development of the child while keeping the toddler busy.
Pros
- Functional door
- Develops cognitive skills
- Tiltable truck bed
- Crafted with smooth edges
Cons
- Wheels may be flimsy
- Figures has no movable legs and hands
"My son can spend hours playing with this shape sorter and push-and-pull toy. He found it challenging to fit the blocks in the correct slots at the onset, but he soon got the hang of it. Plus, its ability to foster shape recognition has also been noteworthy."
15. Best For Social Skills:Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Sprinkler Toy
The sprinkler is an outdoor toy that can be used in the front or back yard for a fun time playing with water during summers. It is made with good quality material and has 12 flowers or sprinkler tubes on it. You can attach the water pipe or hose with this sprinkler and develop imagination and motor skills. This tested and trusted Melissa & Doug outdoor toy encourages children to play, run, and jump around while promoting social skills.
Pros
- Promotes active play
- Sprinklers are made of soft plastic
- Colors last long
- Easy to set up
Cons
- Water pressure may not be adjustable
"My search for a functional yet attractive garden toy ends with this one. It sprays water from multiple spouts, allowing my child to indulge in some water play during summer. Moreover, it is sturdy enough to handle my child’s rough play."
How To Choose The Right Melissa & Doug Toy?
The huge assortment of Melissa & Doug toys in the market could confuse you. But following a few tips could make it easy for you.
- Age: Melissa & Doug has toys for all age groups based on their creativity and imagination. For instance, you can buy soft toys for children aged zero to 12 months. There are cloth books and play activity toys for one to two-year-old children. You can pick stacking toys, art and crafts, and other interesting toys for children who are four and above.
- Category: Think about the category before selecting the toy for your child. Some of the major groups are dollhouses, developmental toys, pretend play, puzzles, vehicles, and many more.
- Skills: You can also pick a toy with regard to the skills you want to improve. For example, there are toys to improve cognitive skills, language and speech skills, motor skills, and social or communication skills.
- Theme: Choose a favorite theme of your child and then look for the toys. If your child likes animals, then you can pick from farmhouse toys or stuffed animal toys. Some other themes are mermaids, dinosaurs, pirates, geography, space, and sea.
Frequently Asked Questions
1.Are Melissa & Doug toys safe?
Yes, Melissa & Doug’s toys safely comply with US, EU, and other international safety standards. These toys undergo a rigorous testing process and comply with CPSC standards. Besides, most of the toys from this trusted brand are known for their durability.
2.What kind of wood are Melissa & Doug toys made of?
Melisa and Doug’s toys are made of both hardwood and softwood depending on the product design.
3.Are Melissa & Doug toys non-toxic?
Melissa & Doug claim that their toys meet or exceed government recommendations for safety. They limit heavy metals, phthalates, and lead in the toys to permissible levels (1).
4.Can I clean Melissa & Doug toys?
Melissa & Doug toys are safe to wipe and clean. It is recommended to check the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions for each product.
Melissa & Doug toys are known for their superior quality and safety features. Moreover, they are designed to develop different skills such as STEM and critical thinking among children of different age groups. These toys also make for perfect gift ideas that children of different age groups will love, provided you pick the right ones based on their interests. The options listed here include a range of toys, from wooden toy sets to plushies, so your little one can stay occupied and have fun for hours.
Infographic: How To Choose The Right Melissa & Doug Toy?
Just like manners maketh a man, toys maketh an enriching childhood, but picking the most suitable Melissa and Doug toy for your child can be overwhelming and confusing when there’s a plethora of choices. Therefore, we have compiled the following infographic to help you with the selection process. Check it out.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- Frequently Asked Questions
https://www.melissaanddoug.com/pages/faq - Using Play For Growing Smart Children: Things You Can Do And Toys You Can Make
https://www.crs.org/sites/default/files/tools-research/using-play-smart-children-toys.pdf
Recommended Articles:
Why Trust MomJunction?
Priti Bose uses her research skills to write high-quality product reviews. She usually covers children’s products, toys, and gifts. Here, Priti has listed the best Melissa & Doug toys that are guaranteed to put a smile on the face of your little ones and keep them away from the screens. She also gives you some tips on buying the right product. From wooden block sets to cookie sets and ice cream counters, you will find it all here.
