The Playful Chef set includes 10 kid-sized cooking tools, one toolbelt apron and five healthy hands-on recipes, all packed in a backpack for easy storage. The Chef gives children safety tips, color-coded measurements, 10-step instructions and 11 illustrated learning lessons. It also helps them learn how to plan a healthy meal, shop for nourishing ingredients and cook with the right tools. This cooking kit received a 2007 iParenting Media Outstanding Product Award and was selected for Dr. Toy’s Best Products Resource Program Spring 2007. Launch date: November 2006.
— Lots of companies make cooking toys and accessories, but Playful Chef was awarded a TDmonthly Top Toy 2007 award for giving kids a chance to try to their hand at the real thing. With authentic tools, recipe guides and a sturdy apron, this quality set prepares children for a true chef’s experience in the kitchen, including attention to safety.

Where to Buy: The Satin Button

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TDmonthly Review:

What Is It?
The cooking set includes kid-sized versions of real chef utensils, including a mixing bowl, baking pan, whisk, measuring cups, measuring spoons and more — all packaged in a little backpack. A denim apron, a three-minute timer and bright orange, plastic safety scissors are also included.

What We Thought
The set is very well thought out, emphasizing parent-child bonding, safety, fun, healthy habits and cooking before children even learn to read! Color-coded measuring spoons and cups allow pre-readers to join the fun, while recipe cards detail preparation instructions on one side and ten steps to healthy eating on the other. The cards even include quotes that parents can repeat to their kids, such as “You want to take good care of your special tools, so we can use them again”!

Why They’ll Want It
Kids will love feeling like real chefs with these miniaturized, but fully functional utensils that fit perfectly in their little hands. The tool belt apron itself is absolutely amazing, with its adorable design and adjustable straps (which will allow kids to continue using the apron as they grow). After kids are done cooking and cleaning, they can neatly place the utensils and apron back into the backpack and take it with them anywhere. — Sivhour Sim, 11-1-07