Gift Edit 2023

15 Wooden Play Kitchens That We Absolutely Love

published Feb 27, 2023
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West Elm Sydney wooden play kitchen for kids
Credit: West Elm

This feature is part of Cubby's Gift Edit, our editor-curated collection of gift ideas. Need more inspiration? Check out all our guides here.

When I was little, I spent hours repurposing random objects into play food. Light Brite pieces became pasta, heaped onto coasters and served with a side of dominoes. Food has always been my passion, and when I started writing about it, it also became my profession. When I had my daughter, I was so hopeful that she would be interested in playing in a pretend kitchen, if only so I could play too. Thankfully, she’s always bustling in her kitchen, making me smoothies with tomato and lime, and cooking casseroles with some equally questionable ingredients. 

It was important to me to choose a kitchen that I didn’t want to hide away, or count the moments until she’d outgrown it so I could get it out of my house. I wanted it to be the centerpiece of her play space. Beyond style, I also wanted it to be durable and sturdy, something solid that I could keep around for future generations. 

If you’re searching for your forever kitchen, our picks below offer a range of price points and styles. Hopefully you’ll find something that suits your fancy as well as inspires your little chef. 

Whatever your little one decides to put in your soup … bon appétit!

Our Top Pick

The rubberwood kitchen range from Tender Leaf Toys is hard to top. In fact, it’s the one I ended up choosing for my daughter and Cubby’s executive editor, Cambria, bought it for her daughter as well. At $299 this kitchen is priced right in the middle of what you’ll find for wooden play kitchens — not as inexpensive as some but not nearly as pricey as others. And we think you get a lot for the money, since Tender Leaf Toy’s kitchen comes with many thoughtful accessories like a small dinner, dishes, a gingham potholder, a kitchen towel, wooden jars, cooking utensils, and even some herbs! It’s an absolute charmer.

The Best Wooden Play Kitchens Overall

1 / 8
Maisonette
$299.99

As I said above, this is the kitchen I bought for my daughter! While I love the look of natural wood, there is something so fun and whimsical about quality painted play kitchens and accessories, especially one that comes with such great accessories.

2 / 8
Hape
$109.99
was $139.99

This wooden play kitchen from Hape has everything a little chef needs to get busy in the kitchen, including a stove, sink, cabinet, shelf, an oven with a window, and knobs that actually move and click! The small footprint is great for tight spaces, too. If the colors aren't your thing, add some spray paint and customize the look!

3 / 8
Target
$139.00

This modern kitchen is from the Hearth & Hand line by Magnolia, which has quickly become an affordable, chic favorite with parents. This one goes in and out of stock regularly, so if you’re craving this farmhouse sink, grab it when you see it.

4 / 8
West Elm
$449.00

West Elm's Greenguard Gold-certified play kitchen is another classic, stylish choice, with a solid poplar frame, solid birch legs, a pretend sink, oven, fridge, even a set of salt and pepper shakers!

5 / 8
Amazon
$149.99

This kitchen has the look of the above kitchen from West Elm, but with a much lower price tag. I love the counter space, the storage options, and the clean, simple lines. It’s sure to fit in with a range of decorating styles as well.

6 / 8
IKEA
$99.99

This IKEA staple is a favorite for a reason, mostly because of the many ways it can be modified to suit your color scheme or needs. While it’s very basic on its own, it can really shine with a little DIY magic. It’s also a great choice if you’re looking for something simple at a great price point.

7 / 8
Pottery Barn Kids
$499.00

Choose from three colors for this classy sink, stove, and fridge combo. Although many of the kitchens in this list have matching fridges available, this one keeps it simple by including it in the set. Pottery Barn kitchens have long been a favorite for longevity and classic details that make this nearly a mini of a kitchen you might have (or at least want).

8 / 8
Maisonette
$729.00

I think I audibly sighed when I saw this kitchen for the first time (and it may have played into my plans for a remodel). It comes in three finishes, and you can add an additional hood for the full experience, if you choose. My daughter’s preschool has this, along with the matching fridge, and even with constant play, it continues to look new.

The Best Wooden Play Kitchens from Small Retailers

1 / 6
Coco Village
$129.99

This naturally colored kitchen is minimal and fresh, but with lots of storage and play opportunities built in. This is a great choice if you’re trying to cut down on painted surfaces, as well.

2 / 6
Tiny Land
$229.00
was $300.00

Tiny Land’s gorgeous little gourmet kitchen has everything: gold accents, floral curtains, a freezer, ice maker, and microwave that can all be opened and closed.

3 / 6
Elves & Angels
$259.00

Elves and Angels have long been a gold standard for wooden toys — and they make several play kitchens, all of them in this classic, old-world style that seems timeless. Perfect for Montessori-inspired play, these natural wood kitchens are intended to stand the test of time, and continue to look great forever.

4 / 6
My Toy Wagon
$400.00

Another natural wood option, there is something so cheerful about this Polish handcrafted beauty. The sink is made from enamel and the kitchen itself is solid Alder wood. There are so many delightful details, it’s sure to be a longstanding favorite.

5 / 6
Etsy
$597.00

There are so many lovely touches in this beautiful kitchen, from the latticed cupboard door to the oven rack and well-placed hooks. But perhaps the most fun element is the ability to illuminate the burners (you can also order without this capability). This natural wood kitchen is handcrafted in Ukraine.

6 / 6
Kid's Wood
$299.00
was $570.00

Prices start at $299 for a beautifully crafted, unvarnished wood kitchen, but from there you can customize this play kitchen with everything from a built-in washer to a matching tea set. You can even choose to create a kitchen for your 10+ year old!