Tea Set Recommendation

[WitMom]

DD is turning 4 this weekend, and my parents would like to give her a tea set. Ideally, it would be "special" enough to keep and hand down some day, but still durable enough to actually use. Does anyone have any suggestions? Or maybe this is asking too much for a 4 y.o. tea set.....maybe she needs to be a little older? I know the Green Toys set is a favorite of a lot of families, but I'm not sure about the "specialness" IYKWIM.

[ThreeofUs]

I got a china tea set when I was this little. It was pretty heavy and built for small hands.

It was kept in the china cabinet and it was a special treat to use it when I was little. Even so, it soon was broken and patched like crazy. Kids drop things, kwim? It just happens.

Maybe you could ask your parents to give her a toy set this year to prepare her for a "special" set in a year or two?

[katydid1971]

No real life experience but with these but I have been thinking of getting my DD a set like these http://www.amazon.com/Schylling-Toys-Rose-Tin-Basket/dp/B002C4L484/ref=sr_1_3?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1305043899&sr=1-3 or http://www.amazon.com/Schylling-Summer-Bug-Tin-Tea/dp/B000OA83UU/ref=sr_1_2?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1305043899&sr=1-2 They are tin but are prettier than the plastic sets.

A friend of DD's (also 3) has a china set but is only allowed to play with it when an adult is playing with her and then it is put up away, that might be an option for your DD.

[Minnifer]

No real life experience but with these but I have been thinking of getting my DD a set like these http://www.amazon.com/Schylling-Toys-Rose-Tin-Basket/dp/B002C4L484/ref=sr_1_3?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1305043899&sr=1-3 or http://www.amazon.com/Schylling-Summer-Bug-Tin-Tea/dp/B000OA83UU/ref=sr_1_2?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1305043899&sr=1-2 They are tin but are prettier than the plastic sets. We have the 2nd one and it's really cute IRL and DD loves it. Schylling has lots of cute tin sets! I like the idea of a more durable but pretty set for now, and maybe a china set for later. DD also loves her wooden Plan Toys one and the Green Toys one (they all get a lot of play), but yeah, they're not as "special" looking.

[mommytoC]

DD#1 has a tin set, too. We had an oops with one of the teacups in a porcelain set (gift from Grandma), which is now put up!

[endlessheather]

I've been wondering about this too. I want to get my niece one and I'm so torn between that Shylling Summer Bug one or the Green Toys one. Cute or usable?

[WitMom]

Thanks for all of the input and ideas everyone.

One quick question for those of you with the Schylling (sp) one. How big is it? Some of the reviewers say that it's small? (I'm thinking "Of course it is, it's a child's tea set!")

I like the idea of one to play with now, and then another "special" one when she's a little older. I think I'm leaning towards the Green Toys one. I really like the Schylling one, too, but it doesn't have a creamer and sugar bowl (which she would notice). Decisions, decisions.

[egoldber]

If I had it all to do over, I would get the Ikea set:

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/00130148

[Minnifer]

One quick question for those of you with the Schylling (sp) one. How big is it? Some of the reviewers say that it's small? (I'm thinking "Of course it is, it's a child's tea set!") It is small, but in a good way - perfect sized for a toddler/preschooler IMO. I do think the pieces are a tad smaller than the Green Toys set, but it doesn't seem to make a difference - DD loves all of her tea sets equally :)

[MommyAllison]

I really really love our Green Toys set. Yes, not very "pretty" like a porcelain set, but it is totally usable and easy to wash, and can be played with inside or outside.

I did pick up some real tea cups & a tea pot at a thrift store that we use if DD has friends over for a tea party. At 25 cents/teacup, if it breaks, I'm not heartbroken (though I would hate the danger of the shattered glass!), though we haven't had any break so far.

[new_mommy25]

The only problem I have had with Schylling products in the past is that they rust. Something to think about if DD wants to put water in the cups.

I had a real China set when I was growing up and I treasured it.