Let’s pretend! 7 of the best role-playing kits for preschoolers

Pretend play is a vital part of early childhood. It allows little ones to build social skills and foster empathy, while helping them understand more about how the world works.

With this in mind, we’ve scouted some of the very best role-play toys for preschoolers. These cute sets for kids are sure to encourage hours of imaginative shenanigans and delight the little person in your life.

1. Doctor’s kit

The future doctor in your life is going to love this cheery kit. It’s got everything they need to fix all manner of health woes, tucked into a little case. #BewareTheTinyHammer

This kit is available at Kidstuff for $39.99.

2. Mailbox set

This sized-down wooden mailbox comes with a bunch of little letters, making it perfect for the little mailman in your life OR the very grown up preschooler who has a lot of pretend penpals.

Snaffle one at The Little Kidz Closet for $79.

3. Mini Masterchef cooking essentials set

Your preschooler will be delighted to receive their very own mystery box, loaded up with an as-seen-on-TV apron and lots of cooking bits and bobs.

Pick one up on eBay for $72.

4. Wooden hairdressing kit

Bring the salon home with this cute hairdressing set made especially for the tiniest stylists. Better still? It packs away neatly in a carry case so the pieces don’t get lost.

Buy one at Kmart for $13.

5. Personalised wooden dentist set

Promote dental hygiene and pretend play with this adorable (or perhaps scary to some!) kids dentist’s kit.

Grab this one at Hard to Find for $99.

6. Personalised wooden vet set

The little animal lover in your life will love this wooden toy vet set. They can care for their pets or give their soft toys a check-up, and everything stows away neatly afterwards, too!

Find this set at Hard to Find! It retails for $99.

7. Wooden tea set 

We’re in love with this very cute tea/café set which features a tea menu, biscuits, teabags and more.

It’s at Lucas Loves Cars and sells for $64.99.

That’s a whole bunch of imaginative ways to play!

Investing in these sorts of toys means you are also investing in your child’s creativity, language development and motor skills. Why wouldn’t you click ‘add to cart’?!