With everyone cutting back on their expensive coffee habits, you can enjoy a pretend cafe latte or cappuccino with this new pretend setting from Step 2. The Cafe Barista looks like fun–we really liked the “steamed milk” sound effect. Looking forward to testing this one. Will be available later this year. Be on the look out for more and more toys that focus on food…both real and plastic.
Step 2 is continuing their wonderful line of gender free kitchens. To their credit these kitchens also have some sound effects–but not overly intrusive bossy instructions (an unfortunate trend in this category). For the holidays, Step 2 will also have a new Retro Diner, complete with a cooking side and a two person “booth” side. Both boys and girls will love this pretend setting. The retro diner styling (complete with licks of red–our favorite) looks fresh and fun. On the upside, the company is also phthalates free. The company is also working to address the issue with the Infantino toy line– a company they recently purchased.We were also delighted to report that the company took our concern over their small plastic hot dogs and french fries to heart. The hot dog is now in a bun (much larger) and the french fries are being combined so that they are also larger. All good!
Good news! The following companies have sent in verification forms for several of their products.
Edushape, Mudpuppy, Lego Systems, Publications International, Little Tikes, Step 2, Kidsgive, Lisa LeLeu
We hope now that the new toy season in underway that more companies will submit forms! We are not independently verifiying with a lab, but we are encouraged that these companies have listed their lab and signed off on the form that their products are lead and phthalates free.