You read the title right. Having a stainless steel refrigerator, has prevented my son, from putting his Melissa and Doug's 20 Animal Magnets, on the place most kids would. Instead of the fridge, he uses the dishwasher for this purpose, and we are planning on purchasing a magnetic board. For a three year old, he likes these magnets from a company, that is known for its high quality wooden pieces. These are good in that regard, as they are durable, and of course being animals are fun. Its a fine way to teach him what animals are which, along with the noises that they make.

The box in which these magnets come in, is an excellent container. Its durable, and allows you to put the magnets back in, so you can keep your house from looking like it belongs on the TV show "Hoarders." This is easily opened and closed, and the animals look realistic. You get twenty of them, and they include everything from cats, dogs, cows, sheep, giraffes, zebras, and even a goat. All of them look good, and I have to say realistic. This helps when we go to places like a zoo or the nearby working farm, because he is able to identify the real animals that much quicker.

These magnets are fairly durable, in addition to being colorful. While the stickered part isn't the best, these will not be confused with the other magnets that you can get at any toy store. They can be torn apart though, and not all of the animals "have survived my son's scratching and pulling them apart." Most magnets like this will not, so I cannot say that it is a major complaint. As for being repeatedly moved, and thrown around, they can take my son's abuse. He has been able to play with them often, and of course I've been responsible for the clean up.

I am appreciative of this gift. Its a nice starter set, that allows you to spend time with your little one, in a subject that interests all kids I've known. Animals are fun. These are shaped in such a way, that with their dulled corners, that you do not have to worry about splinters from the wood or having little hands not being able to grip them. I'll give these a recommendation, because while they aren't my son's favorite toy, he has played with them enough to say that they get his "green light of approval." They keep him busy, and show him different animals, that inhabit various parts of the world. The collection being domesticated and wild animals is a bit odd, but for a three year old, that does not make a huge difference. Its only us jaded adults that don't understand that a dog and lion aren't going to "play well with others," and these magnets can be found at any location that sells Melissa and Doug products.

Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): gift
Type of Toy: Educational
Age Range of Child: 3 to 5 Years