Both male and female children love to play with tea sets as part of their dramatic play. We have previously owned a ceramic tea set, but inevitably cup handles, plates, etc. broke. You also have to be cautious when purchasing a ceramic tea set to be sure the glazes do not contain lead. A few months ago, we discovered Magic Cabin’s Children’s Tin Tea Set. This little tea set is durable, aesthetically pleasing to little people, and comes with 15 individual pieces. The only drawback is that the Children’s Tin Tea Set is made in China. Real liquids can be placed in the cups and tea pot, but these liquids should be at room temperature since the cups are made of tin. My son likes to play with it at the sink and practice his pouring skills. Sand also provides another medium to practice and experiment with pouring.

Magic Cabin also offers a Curious George Tea Set, if you are looking for a tea set with a gender neutral design. The pail, along with the Curious George Tea Set, makes this set perfect for taking to the beach or garden. Both Magic Cabin sets cost about $16.00.

Melissa and Doug make a delightful Wooden Tea Set. This Wooden Tea Setis very popular at my preschool program, but it is more expensive at $25.00 than the tin sets mentioned previously. The Wooden Tea Setonly comes with two tea settings, and the painted wood makes it strictly for dramatic play. The children at my preschool love to cook with sand in the dramatic play kitchen center, and this Wooden Tea Setis always part of the play.