This really depends on whether your child likes imaginative play and making a mess! It may be worth investigating how your kids react to this kind of play before making the investment, for example by putting a bowl and utensils in the garden for them initially to see what they do. It allows kids to get messy and have fun in the garden, where the mess doesn't matter so much for parents!

Your child may have siblings or friends over to play with the kitchen so make sure you take the time to give this some thought. We would suggest when you have your choices narrowed down, show your child pictures and see which one they engage with. This isn’t of course a requirement for surprise presents!Mud kitchens are a great way of encouraging imaginative play in your kids. We have mud kitchens with working taps & sinks, our splash & play range. This range comes with their very own mud kitchen water dispensers & a working tap, adding extra play value. We have small mud kitchens for toddlers and larger garden mud kitchens for older children. Our mud kitchens come with pots & pans as accessories for little chefs looking to create messy mud masterpieces.

We were surprised at how great the wood was once made, it's solid timber and looks like it would last.” (Brand recommended by Mumsnet user BunnyBerries) Our verdict Messy play is vital, but we don’t often encourage it for fear of the inevitable tidying up. The best mud kitchens provide a great alternative to playing indoors - a safe space for your child to mix potions and throw water about without restriction.Cupboards and Storage So you are buying the kitchen as a fun play experience for your child. Have you considered the practical storage solution this can offer to you and your family as somewhere to keep all their little play bits? All the pots and pans, cups, chalk, watering cans and anything else that may otherwise be strewn around your lawn? Having shelves and/or cupboards in your mud kitchen can keep your garden or play area much tidier than it once was. So this is not just for the kids after all. Having lots of places to put all their bits and pieces right inside their play kitchen also means it is much much easier for them to find everything they need when they are outside playing - win win! Elevates mood: Mud kitchen play increases the levels of serotonin in our brains, helping us to relax and feel soothed and calm, they say. Plus, fresh air and Vitamin D (obtained through being exposed to sunlight) are both great for boosting the spirits. Dimensions: 43 x 96 x 108; Material: Wood; Age range: Unspecified What to look for when choosing a mud kitchen? It also helps with their problem solving and self regulation skills. For example a child may be playing with their friend and one of them has to decide what they are 'cooking'. This allows them to take turns and allow others to go first. Perhaps if they don't get their choice this time, the next time they play they can choose the recipe. A lesson that will serve them very well in later life. Whether or not your mud kitchen comes with some pots or pans, you’ll probably want to add some toy kitchenware to give your child even more to create mud masterpieces with: