Vintage Charm: Exploring Children's Play Dinnerware Sets From Yesteryear

Vintage children's play dinnerware sets are a great way to add a touch of nostalgia to your little one's mealtime. From colourful plastic sets to miniature tea sets made of porcelain and metal, these toys offer a range of options to spark your child's imagination. You can find vintage play dishes and cookware in various materials, including plastic, metal, and even wood. These sets often include plates, bowls, cups, saucers, and utensils, providing children with a fun and engaging way to explore the world of pretend cooking and dining. Whether it's a rare find from the 1950s or a beloved character-themed set, vintage children's play dinnerware adds a touch of charm to any play kitchen or tea party.

Vintage children's play kitchen sets

There are many options available for vintage children's play kitchen sets. Here are some examples:

Vintage Toy Kitchen by Martin Fuchs Zirndorf

This vintage toy kitchen set is made of German tin cardboard and is available on eBay. It is not clear from the listing whether it comes with any accessories, but it does feature an oven, sink, and stove.

Vintage 1950s Wolverine Toy Kitchen Set

Also available on eBay, this pink metal toy kitchen set was made in the USA in the 1950s. It includes a stove, sink, and oven.

Vintage 1950s/60s Child's Cooking Stove Toy Utensils Kitchen Play Set

Another eBay find, this vintage play kitchen set includes a stove with toy utensils and kitchen accessories. The set is designed for children aged 3 and above and is made from lightweight metal.

KidKraft Blue Vintage Play Kitchen

Sold on Wayfair, this vintage-style play kitchen has a modern twist with its cool blue colour and stainless steel-look accents. It features interactive accessories such as a clip-on phone, an inset ice maker, and a thermometer on the ice box. The wooden design is durable and built to last.

Vintage Toy Kitchen Sets on eBay

EBay also has a wide range of other vintage toy kitchen sets available, including:

• Vintage Suzy Homemaker Sink With Dishwasher Toy (1967)
• Vintage Aluminum Children's Metal Dishes, Drying Rack, and Spatula (35pcs)
• Vintage Toy Tupperware Assorted Mini Cups, Dishes, and Pitcher
• Vintage Pizza Hut Baking Oven Toy Coleco, 1975
• Vintage 1930s Empire Dual Oven and Stove
• Vintage Wooden Kids Kitchen Set

Vintage children's tea sets

Materials and Makers

Alternatively, you might opt for more durable options like metal, tin, or aluminium tea sets. These sets are not only long-lasting but also add a touch of shine and practicality to your child's playtime. Some popular makers of vintage metal tea sets include Wolverine, Mirro, and Chilton.

Themes and Designs

For a truly unique touch, keep an eye out for sets with themes like Barbie, Barbie, or even vintage advertising characters like Holly Hobbie. These sets can add a touch of nostalgia and playfulness to your child's tea parties.

Where to Find Them

When searching for vintage children's tea sets, online marketplaces like eBay, Etsy, and TIAS are excellent sources. These websites offer a wide variety of options, ranging from rare finds to more affordable sets. You can explore different materials, themes, and designs to find the perfect set for your needs.

Vintage stores, antique shops, and thrift stores are also worth exploring. These places often house a treasure trove of unique finds, and you may just stumble upon a charming tea set that sparks joy.

Care and Display

Once you've acquired your vintage children's tea set, it's essential to care for it properly to ensure its longevity. Hand washing these delicate items with mild soap and warm water is recommended. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning tools to preserve their beauty.

When not in use, consider displaying your vintage tea set on open shelves in your child's play area or room. Not only will this add a touch of vintage charm to the space, but it will also allow your little one to easily access their tea set for imaginative play and tea parties with friends.

Vintage children's baking sets

There are many vintage children's baking sets available on Etsy and eBay. These sets typically include baking tools such as measuring cups, spoons, rolling pins, cookie cutters, and baking pans, all in a smaller size suitable for children. Some sets also come with a child-sized apron and chef's hat, perfect for keeping your little baker clean while they explore their love of baking.

For example, Etsy offers a vintage children's baking set from the 1950s, featuring red-handled cookware and silver baking toys. Another option is a vintage plastic toy Corning Ware and Pyrex kitchen bake set in blue flower print, including three casserole pans, a sugar bowl, and a creamer.

If you're looking for something more unique, Etsy also offers a vintage juvenile no. 2 tin baking set in its original box, perfect for displaying or playing with. This set includes cake, pie, muffin, and bread pans, offering a variety of baking options for your child.

For an even more extensive collection, eBay has a vintage lot of tin toy bakeware, cups, saucers, and other items. This lot features an assortment of pieces to spark your child's imagination and creativity in the kitchen.

Vintage children's plastic dinnerware sets

Ebay

Some specific options include:

• A 1950s Ideal Russel Wright children's melamine set in a mid-century modern style, featuring a "Just like Mom's" design.
• A vintage Corning Ware Blue Cornflower set, which includes plastic kitchen items designed for children's play.
• A 1960s set of Toy Tupperware in assorted colours, perfect for pretend play and storage.
• A 22-piece Chilton Globe plastic play set from the 1980s, featuring a variety of dishes, a pitcher, and plates.

Etsy

Etsy is another great source for vintage children's plastic dinnerware sets, with many unique and handmade options available. Here are some highlights:

• A vintage children's melamine set with a teddy bear and balloons design, including a plate, cup, fork, and spoon—a delightful gift for a child.
• A vintage Raggedy Ann & Andy dish set from the 1960s, featuring plates, bowls, and a mug—a rare find for collectors.
• A 5-piece bamboo kids' dinnerware set with a cute unicorn design, including a plate, bowl, cup, spoon, and fork made from eco-friendly bamboo.
• A personalised kids' cutlery set made from stainless steel, with an animal pattern and the child's name—a wonderful way to make mealtimes extra special.

Amazon

Amazon also offers a variety of vintage children's plastic dinnerware sets, with options for different character themes:

• A 5-piece Marvel Spider-Man dinnerware set, including a plate, bowl, fork, spoon, and water bottle made from durable plastic and stainless steel.
• A 3-piece Bluey dinnerware set, featuring a plate, bowl, and tumbler made from durable melamine—perfect for fans of the popular children's show.
• A 5-piece Paw Patrol dinnerware set, including a divided plate and utensils, made from durable melamine material.
• A 5-piece construction-themed feeding set, including a plate, bowl, cup, fork, and spoon—a fun way to encourage independent eating.

Vintage children's ceramic dinnerware sets

There are many vintage children's ceramic dinnerware sets available online. Etsy, for example, offers a wide range of options, including:

• A vintage three-piece Lenox Teacher's Pets alphabet and numbers children's dinnerware set, made in England.
• A vintage Crown Winsor four-piece ceramic children's dish set, featuring a teddy bear with balloons.
• A vintage child's ABC Cat Plate and Bowl Set, made in Norway from Egersund Pottery.
• A vintage three-piece children's dinnerware set featuring an elephant, a monkey, and a pig flying a goose, made by Knowles.

In addition, some unique options include a vintage Strombecker child's china tea set featuring Barbie, and a vintage set of children's dishes made from porcelain, with 19 pieces, produced in Japan.

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