When an infant/toddler toy measures in at 36" x 29" and has an estimated height of 22.75", it has to receive 5 stars from me to warrant the ability to remain part of our permanent in-home toy scene; considering my own children are 6 and 10. This mom of two/daycare provider has no qualms about assessing the Little Tikes Activity Garden with an overall highly recommended! Trust me when I tell you that regardless of gender, your child will delight in playtime with this well made toy.

I originally purchased our Little Tikes Activity Garden when my youngest daughter was 3 months old. The purchase price 6 years ago was $49.95 at the local Toys-R-Us. Recommended age for play is 9 months through 3 years of age. I have witnessed children 3 months – 4 years of age delight in garden playtime. It is easy to say we have received beyond the expected use from this durable toy! I was initially drawn to the cuteness of the overall design. Upon closer examination, I was impressed with the versatility of this activity center!

The base of the unit is typical Little Tikes off white, molded plastic. The overall shape is a corner snuggling friendly triangle shape. The front has a swing open door is vivid yellow with a white doorknob. A red, squishy, working, doorbell presents itself just left of the door. An adorable pass-thru mailbox poses close to the door, awaiting a variety of pretend play fun! The inclusion of three chubby mail pieces allows for successful mail delivery. To one side your child may go under a crawl-thru tunnel. Another point of entry children use as they grow is climbing over the structure. All three points of entry allow for utilization of gross motor skills.

To the rear of the structure a friendly birdhouse, complete with a chirping blue bird protrudes upward. Directly below there is a dirt depicting garden area that has three grooves to allow placement of the pudgy vegetables. Included within this great package you receive three squeezable veggies! The shape and material allow for delightful playtime for your young child! Many children will remove the veggies and use this garden box as a seat. It is perfect for small bottoms. The vegetables will withstand numerous teething moments!

Along one interior wall your child will delight in batting three very cute flowers! Again, durability typical of Little Tikes products prevails. Six years later, these flowers have withstood hours of batting and show very minor wear (they aren’t as perky as initial presentation). I guess gravity has it’s effect on toys as well. * wink * The opposite interior fence line sports a metal rod with three vivid color birds. These turn with ease, and delight children infant through toddlerhood.

Final Thoughts
I would purchase this toy again, and as stated earlier – highly recommend this play center! In addition to the obvious uses, the versatility is immense! Children in my care have consistently enjoyed playing in the Little Tikes Activity Garden.

The mailbox allows for perfect peek-a-boo fun! You most likely will hear many chuckles as your child squishes his/her face to the opposite end, and you proclaim peek-a-boo! The chubby mail pieces are perfect for young hands and durable too. Another great activity that children enjoy is reading within the garden interior. Sometimes toddlers enjoy seating on the ‘dirt’ for a favorite story listen.

Those of you who are familiar with me, know I adore reading (and playing) with children. Young listeners are such attentive listeners when entertained by a play center like this. My daughter used to adore Beatrix Potter stories while lounging in her garden. Now, six years later, the one-year-old I provide care for enjoys this same garden and the same stories!

The garden will withstand many cleanings. My method has varied from a cloth and spray, to a literal hosing with the garden hose and detergent. It is durable, easy to clean and highly recommended! Unfortunately, these gardens are a rare find now. You may purchase them at consignment stores, garage sales, and certain online outlets/auctions.

eBay
www.ebay.com
search for: little+tikes+garden

The Little Tikes Store : Little Tikes Infant Play
https://maia.safe-order.net/littletikesstore/c549.html

Happy Playing!
© 2001 Lisa_J


Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 49.95
Type of Toy: Playscene