Melissa & Doug Review Guide: A Mom's Honest Product Reviews. What to BUY, and what to SKIP!

Hey there, Mamas!

I (like most of you) love Melissa & Doug toys. They are such good quality and have lasted in our home for years, which, trust me, says a lot! However, I've found that not every purchase I've made has thrilled me, or my kids for that matter. So, when I found out Amazon was having a massive Melissa and Doug Sale, and came upon the Toddler Shopping Guide from Motherly, I decided to do my own list of the things on sale that we actually own and give you all this mama's real review on them!

Plus, the ONE item we have in our carts right now! Let's dive into the Amazon Melissa & Doug sale and see what gems we can uncover to BUY, or to SKIP! 

 

Spring Sale: $12.50 (was $27.99)

Wooden Building Set – 100 pieces: These blocks are an absolute lifesaver for keeping my little ones entertained while also encouraging their creativity and problem-solving skills. The variety of shapes and colors in this set allow for endless building possibilities, and the sturdy wooden construction ensures they'll last through years of play. Plus, you can not beat this price right now! For sure, a BUY!

 

 

Spring Sale: $10.99 (was $15.99)

Sunny Patch Giddy Buggy Watering Can: As a mom who loves spending time outdoors with my kiddos, this watering can is the cutest thing around. It's not only adorable, but also perfectly sized for little hands. Plus, the water actually comes out and doesn't spill everywhere (if you don't fill it to the top). My daughter was watering plants and flowers when she was just a tiny two-year-old tot, and she still loves doing it! Definite BUY! 

 

 

Spring Sale: $15.10 (was $31.99)

Alphabet and Number Magnets: Sadly, these magnets are a letdown compared to other Melissa & Doug products. The colors have chipped and pealed and they bend easily. I must say though, they are pretty strong magnets: great because they don't slide down the fridge, but my little ones struggle with getting them off the fridge to rearrange (leading to frustration and then walking away from them entirely). For us, this is a SKIP. 

 

 

Spring Sale: $18.30 (was $32.99)

Band in a Box: The instruments are beautifully crafted and produce high-quality sounds, but there's not much to it. Plus, they come in a open box with no cover, which means when us moms are on sensory overload and just need some quiet play, my kiddos can easily access them. Hence, they have been stored in the closet for a while now and I din't even remember they were in there until now. Again, great quality, but there are only a few instruments and personally not worth the price point. In my book, this one is a SKIP. 

 

 

Spring Sale: $25.99 (was $32.49)

Super Smile Dentist Kit: Warning, there are a lot of little parts to this (something I usually loathe...can we say Polly Pockets anyone?) However, this pretend play dentist kit is adored by my kids, especially my daughter Melody. The realistic tools and accessories allow them to role-play dentist appointments, helping to alleviate any fears they may have, but has also sparked lots of great questions! "What are teeth made of?" and "Do I have this many teeth in my mouth too?" just to name a few. Plus, it's a great way to teach them about the importance of oral hygiene in a fun and interactive way. It's not the best price point, but a definite BUY!

 

Spring Sale: $32.99 (was $47.99)

Water Wow Set: I can't rave about these enough. These activity pads are perfect for keeping my little ones entertained on long car rides or while waiting at restaurants. The reusable water pen magically reveals colors and patterns on the pages, providing endless opportunities for creative expression, but without any mess. Plus, they're compact and portable, making them ideal for on-the-go fun. I can't tell you how many times I have filled these up from my water bottle when we were out and about because I always had them in my diaper bag. This set includes SIX of them! Without a doubt, these are a BUY! 

 

Spring Sale: $18.99 (was 27.99)

Cutting Fruit Set: I really had high hopes for this one, as I thought it would be a fun and educational way to introduce little ones to the joys of cooking and healthy eating. This set initially seemed like a perfect addition to our play kitchen, but unfortunately, it didn't quite live up to our expectations. While the wooden fruit pieces are beautifully crafted and vibrant, the velcro attachments meant to hold them together for "cutting" are disappointingly weak. They often detach too easily, making it frustrating for my child to engage in pretend play without constant interruptions to reattach them. Additionally, the wooden knife provided isn't very effective at "slicing" through the fruit. Overall, while the concept is great, the execution could use some improvement for a more satisfying play experience. Sorry to say it, but SKIP. 

 

 

Spring Sale: $25.99 (was $37.99)

Jumbo Roadway Activity Rug: Ok, so many of you know how obsessed my son Luca is with cars and trucks! This rug has been a fantastic addition to our playroom and his thousand play cars (at least it seems like a thousand to me because I find them everywhere). He could sit on this huge mat and play with them for hours though, so it's a definite win for us. It features a colorful and detailed roadway design that's perfect for imaginative play with cars, trucks, and other vehicles. The large size accommodates multiple kids playing together, and the durable construction ensures it can withstand hours of playtime adventures. Definite BUY!

 

 

Spring Sale: $29.99 (was $42.99)

Let's Play House! Dust, Sweep & Mop 6-Piece Pretend Play Set: As a mom, I'm all about teaching my kiddos responsibility from a young age. This cleaning set has been a hit with my little helpers, and it's made chore time feel like playtime. The realistic tools and accessories allow them to mimic real household tasks, helping them develop important life skills while having fun. I kid you not, my two year old son grabs his broom whenever I am sweeping anything up to, "Help Mommy" all the time! Plus, they are AMAZING quality, size, and durability. Not only is it the cutest ever, but I love that he feels helpful. Absolutely BUY! 

 

 

 

Spring Sale: $27.82 (was $52.99) 

Deluxe Double-Sided Tabletop Easel: While the Melissa and Doug brand is usually synonymous with quality, the tabletop easel left much to be desired. While the concept of a portable easel is great for space-saving and on-the-go creativity, the execution fell short. The easel is somewhat flimsy and prone to slipping back and not staying up-right, especially when my child gets excited and starts drawing with enthusiasm. Additionally, the chalkboard surface doesn't erase as cleanly as expected, often leaving behind smudges and residue that can be difficult to remove completely. While it's a decent option for occasional use, it may not withstand the rigors of daily artistic endeavors. I would SKIP this one, but check out the one below! 

 

 

 

Spring Sale: $58.81 (was 97. 29)

Deluxe Standing Art Easel: I didn't want to give up on my little artists just yet, so I tried this one instead. Yes, it's pricey, but I think totally worth it. I love how versatile this easel is! It's perfect for painting, drawing, and even displaying artwork. The adjustable height and double-sided design make it suitable for kids of all ages, and the built-in storage trays keep art supplies organized and easily accessible. It's a fantastic way to inspire creativity and artistic expression in young children, but is also super durable and comes with strong clips that hold their creations in place. Definitely worth a BUY. 

 

Spring Sale: $25.49 (was $49.99)

Clay Play Activity Set: You all know I love my play dough! So, I'll start this one by saying that the sculpting tools and textured rolling pins are fantastic! They are amazing for sparking creativity and fine motor skills development, and are great quality. Unfortunately, the set didn't quite meet my expectations. The quality of the clay itself left much to be desired. The clay was quite dry and difficult to mold, making it frustrating for my child to work with. Additionally, the colors in the set were not as vibrant as advertised, resulting in lackluster creations. Plus, it's pricey if you're getting it just for tools. If you're getting this expecting the clay to last, SKIP. However, the tools themselves are great and there are quite a few, so this one could also be a BUY. 

 

 

Spring Sale: $9.49 (was $12.99)

Scratch Art Mini Rainbow Notes: These scratch art notes are perfect for on-the-go creativity. Each mini note features a black-colored surface that reveals vibrant colors when scratched with the included stylus. They're great for doodling, writing messages, or creating miniature works of art. Plus, they're compact and portable, making them ideal for travel or quiet playtime at home. However, the black stuff that scratches off leaves a mess everywhere, and I would buy an extra wood stylus (or 10) because the ONE you get will inevitably get lost and render the notes useless. I would say SKIP, but my daughter adored them and the price is right, so, BUY! 

 

 

 

Spring Sale: $99.00 (was $239.99)

Wooden Snacks and Sweets Cart: I REALLY wanted to love this one. In fact, I remember being so excited for my daughter to see it Christmas morning! Disappointingly, it didn't live up to my expectations. One major flaw is the design of the top, which only opens on one side at a time, making it difficult for kids to access all the compartments simultaneously. This limitation not only frustrates little ones, but also detracts from the immersive play experience. Additionally, the front sign and the top metal sign holder tend to fall off easily, leading to constant interruptions during playtime, and sometimes not very safe. Plus, it is REALLY heavy, so don't expect your little ones to be carting it anywhere. Overall, while the concept is charming, the flawed design and construction hinder the enjoyment and longevity of this one. So sad to say it, but SKIP. 

 

 

 

Spring Sale: $16.99 (was $21.49)

Tip and Sip Toy Juice Bottles: These toy juice bottles are so realistic! My kiddos love pretending to drink from them during their play kitchen adventures. My son is always me bringing me drinks throughout the day; it's actually adorable. The set includes four bottles with realistic labels, providing endless opportunities for imaginative play and role-playing. Plus, you can't beat the price and they are really well made and durable. BUY! 

 

Spring Sale: $21.30 (was $32.49)

Wooden Thirst Quencher Drink Dispenser: This drink dispenser is a fantastic addition to our play kitchen. It features a wooden stand with four juice cups and a working tap that dispenses pretend drinks! Needless to say, my kids LOVE it! It's great for teaching kids about sharing and taking turns, and the realistic design adds an extra element of fun to pretend playtime. You can actually see it in action on Amazon with a video they included. It's definitely cool, and a total BUY! 

 

 

Spring Sale: $44.99 (was $64.99)

Wooden Scoop and Serve Ice Cream Counter: Ok, unlike the cart above, I love this one SO much! I first saw it at a local play house I take my kids to and they are both obsessed with it. The price point isn't exactly great, but when i saw how much they played with it, I caved and got it for Christmas one year. It features two wooden cones, a cup, and a variety of ice cream scoops and toppings. My kiddos don't seem to use the scoop much because you have to really click the pieces on, but that's ok. The interactive design allows my kids to scoop and serve their own pretend ice cream creations, inspiring hours of imaginative play. 100% BUY!

 

 

Spring Sale: $34.70 (was $64.99)

Slice and Stack Sandwich Counter Deli: This play set has been a hit with my little ones! It features a wooden sandwich-making station complete with deli meats, cheeses, toppings, and even a wooden knife for slicing. The interactive design encourages imaginative play and fine motor skills as kids build their own sandwiches. Plus, the realistic details make it feel like they're running their own deli! Although 3 out of 4 in our household are vegetarian, it's still cool and lets them come up with creations for their picnics. Super cute, BUY! 

 

 

Spring Sale: $14.97 (was $32.99)

Make-a-Cake Mixer Set: My kids love to bake with me, so I really wanted to get this one for them when mommy just wasn't up for baking at that moment. Despite its initial appeal, it also fell short of expectations. While the vibrant colors and realistic design initially captivated my children's attention, it's disappointing how quickly they lost interest in this toy. The limited functionality and lack of realistic features make it challenging for kids to engage in extended imaginative play. Furthermore, the mixer's functionality feels more like a novelty than a true representation of a baking experience, leaving children feeling underwhelmed and craving a more authentic play experience. Personally, I say SKIP this one.

 

 

 Spring Sale: $19.06 (was $26.99)

Reusable Sticker Pads: These sticker pads are a lifesaver for keeping my daughter entertained during quiet time at home, especially when I am putting her little brother down for a nap. She plays with this DAILY and really loves showing me all the creative, magical, and sometimes silly worlds she comes up with. With scenes ranging from farm animals to princesses to vehicles, there's a theme to capture every child's interest. The best part is that the stickers are reusable, so they can be peeled off and repositioned countless times, providing endless entertainment without any sticky mess! However, I will say that they sometimes do fall off and she often has a hard time getting them off the page, but that still wouldn't deter me from these. And for basically $5 each, absolute BUY! 

 

 

Spring Sale: $14.40 (was $34.99)

Camp Fire Set: This campfire set is perfect for sparking imaginative play and outdoor adventures on a rainy day when we are stuck indoors. It includes a realistic-looking faux campfire with logs, flames, and stones, as well as pretend chocolate and two marshmallow sticks for roasting or making S'mores! My kids love gathering around the "fire" when they are "camping" to roast pretend marshmallows and look at books. It's a great way to encourage creativity and pretend play while fostering a love for the great outdoors. Without a doubt, BUY!

 

And here's the ONE we don't have yet, but is in my cart as we speak....

 

 

Spring Sale: $39.89 (was $64.99)

Food Truck Play Tent: The weather is starting to get nice here in New York, which means we are outside a lot! We have a few pretend pop-up tents like this (a school bus and a castle) and I love them so much! They are easy to pop open and lightweight, so I don't have to drag anything heavy outside. It also looks like it's spacious enough for multiple kids to play inside, great for siblings who are still learning to share. Plus, they store aways so easily and flat, that they are perfect for both indoor and outdoor play. It's a fantastic way to inspire imaginative play and creative storytelling, so I am going back over to Amazon now to BUY! 

 

Well, there you have it, real reviews for all you mamas, by a mama. Overall, I will always love Melissa & Doug products because they offer a diverse array of toys and activities that cater to the imagination and development of young minds and there's no shortage of options to inspire creativity and learning. While some products may fall short in meeting expectations due to limited functionality or short-lived interest, Melissa & Doug's commitment to quality and educational value shines through in their standout items, offering endless opportunities for learning and exploration. So, while not every product may be a perfect fit, there's something for every child's playtime enjoyment. I hope this guide was helpful! 

Until next time, friends — Happy Playing, and SHOPPING! 🤓

 

PS...do you have some insight, questions, or something relatable to chat about? I would LOVE to hear from you, so feel free to leave a comment on this post! Even if it's just a quick hello, let's connect! 🫶🏼