Listen to Lena

Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion

Little Tikes Cookin’ Creations Kitchen #Giveaway

By

Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

This is a true story: A few weeks ago, I had plans on a Friday night. When my girlfriend called to confirm, I waffled a bit.

“What’s wrong?” she demanded.
“Oh nothing…” I answered.
“Well what’s the problem then? Pick you up at eight?”
“The truth is… I kinda want to stay home and put together this Little Tikes kitchen that arrived today…”

Okay, I know that I may have issues. But I also knew that my boys – who spend a lot of time engaging in pretend play – would be absolutely enthralled with the playset. I was really torn, but in the end I decided to be a good friend… and blow off my plans. After all, why party with girlfriends… when you can do THIS on a Friday night.

Now don’t be scared. Yes, when the good folks at Little Tikes sent us the Cookin’ Creations Kitchen to review, I didn’t exactly realize that it would arrive in about oh, a hundred pieces. Maybe more. The above picture was taken after an hour of work; the entire assembly took four (4) hours and sometimes required two people. But most of the time, I drank coffee and poured over the instructions while my husband manned the screwdriver. And so before we chat about the actual playset, I have this advice to offer:

1. If you plan on purchasing this item as a birthday or holiday gift, please don’t think you can stand in line at your local toy store the day before and have the kitchen ready to go the next day – unless you don’t plan on sleeping that night. Which leads me to my second token of wisdom –

2. If you gift this item, do the right thing and pre-assemble it before presenting to the lucky child(ren). Nothing says “get out of my house” more efficiently than the realization that some schmuck has given your kids the best present EVER – and now you have to work your butt off to assemble it while the kids hover and whine “can I play with it now?”

3. Even though assembly was rather intensive, I wouldn’t change a thing. The truth is, when you attach every door hinge, affix the granite-look counter top and snap in the front-loading washing machine, you have confidence that the toy is put together both correctly and securely, and you gain an appreciation for some of the features that may be less child-friendly for younger toddlers (the recommended age is 3 years and up).

And now… on to the awesomeness that is the Little Tikes Cookin’ Creations Kitchen.

Without a doubt, the boys LOVE their new kitchen. And with good reason: the toy features everything they need to play house. With plenty of storage, two burners, an oven, microwave, dishwasher, refrigerator with ice dispenser and even a washing machine, Ryder and Reid are engaged for looong stretches of time, allowing me to prep my own meals in our, er, real kitchen (which is definitely not as fun as the Little Tikes version, if you know what I mean).

Also awesome:

• Children’s kitchen has a double burner stove top, oven, and dishwasher all with clicking knobs
• Pretend play refrigerator comes with ice dispenser
• Pretend clock with hands that kids can move to set anytime they wish
• Laundry center with washer/dryer and timer
• Granite-look countertop, over-mount sink and roomy storage shelves
• 11 Accessories include: Basket, play phone, spatulas, pan with lid, pot, skillet, 3 spice jars
• Sink countertop measures 20″ from ground

Here they are, discovering, playing… learning. (I omitted the picture of Reid whacking Ryder across the head with a frying pan, which is one of the casualties of having both boys in such close proximity.)

Above: Reid slaving over a hot stove (check out his hand wiping his forehead) and calling a friend to complain about how he’s overworked and under-appreciated. “The meals don’t magically appear on the table, you know!”

We’ve had the playset for exactly two weeks now, and I can honestly say that the boys visit it multiple times each day – every day. Sometimes, they’ll bake muffins, other times, it’s time to stir-fry some chicken and veggies. I grabbed one of those 120-count plastic food packages from Toys R Us, which has been incredibly enriching for the boys’ pretend play, and an incredible PITA for me to clean up every night. Ah well, it’s worth it to see the smiles on their faces. Another fringe benefit of the Cookin’ Creations Kitchen? I have my coffee made by a doting Ryder each morning :)

We are duly impressed with the solid construction and quality of workmanship. Previously, in an effort to test the waters, I purchased a bargain brand kitchen in the $60 range – it was made of flimsy plastic and the boys were able to dismantle the whole thing in about two days. Not so with the Little Tikes model! Everything is fastened in securely – just the way we like it!

The center retails for $199.99 and is called the “Deluxe Wooden Kitchen & Laundry Center” in the US (their version is slightly different with the addition of an ironing board). It is rated 5 stars at toysrus.ca and 4.5 Stars on Little Tikes’ own website. It’s also a hot ticket item; if you can find it on sale, grab it before it sells out! This item is 100% Lena-Approved!

WIN IT!!!

One lucky Listen to Lena reader will win their own Little Tikes Cookin’ Creations Kitchen (value $199). To enter, simply visit Little Tikes and choose two (2) items that are on your “must have” list for 2012. Then, leave a comment on this post telling us what they are, and why.

You can also qualify for extra entries! Remember, you must leave a separate comment for each. You can:

(1) Add Listen to Lena on Google Plus
(2) “Like” Listen to Lena on Facebook
(3) Follow Listen to Lena on Twitter
(4) “Like” Little Tikes on Facebook
(5) Follow Little Tikes on Twitter
(6) Share the Giveaway on Facebook
(7) Tweet daily about this giveaway; Please use this Little Tikes Giveaway Tweet.

I’ll draw for a winner on March 24, 2012. Good luck everybody!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Shannon Carmichael

    The endless adventure climber and rocky mountain river race inflatable toy would be awesome for the summer.

    • Carolyn Boorsma

      The Classic Castle and the Endless Adventures Fold and Store Picnic Table would be an awesome addition to our back yard this summer.

  3. Marisa Cunningham

    Oh def the Endless Adventures Fold n’ Store Picnic Table Combo Pac and the Triangle Bouncer. It’s all about outdoor fun for our family. Here’s to wishing for an early Spring and fabulous summer!

  4. Sabrina

    LOVE so many things… but the Bright View easel looks great for budding artists and the Sand and Sea Play Table looks great for some summer time fun outdoors!!!

  5. Sonia

    With Summer around the corner I think Esmee would thouroughly enjoying exploring and learning with the any of the Little Tikes Adjustable playgrounds.

  6. Beatriz Bailey

    Would love to get the Giant Toy Chest Pink (two girls) and the Fold away Picnic Table. That one looks great for craft time :)

  7. Sonia

    I just saw the cozy cruisin wagon with umbrella at Toys R’us and thought to myself I need this, eventhough I have a brand new barely used red wagon at home…this would make my decision so much easier :)

  11. patricia

    The Double Duty Engine & Workbench & the Endless Adventures® SwingAlong Castle are must haves on my list!!

  12. J Santos

    Endless Adventures® Fold ‘n Store™ Picnic Table Combo Pack and Endless Adventures® Lookout Swing Set because hopefully I’ll be a stay at home mom soon and I could have fab play dates with other kids, while us moms sip nice ice coffee!!

  14. Elizabeth Galloway

    The Princess Cozy Coupe… x 2 (I have twins ;-) and they LOVE cooking with me so this is exactly what I need!!!!

  17. tumyii

    i like the 5-in-1 adjustable gym (great value with 5 different options) or the discover sounds workshop for my little boy, these look like great toys for babies! i also love the home and garden playhouse for my toddler daughter, for fun imaginative play outdoors!

  24. Becky Boo

    I would choose the 8 in 1 Adjustable Playground and the Rock and Scoot FireTruck. I think my son would enjoy both of those toys!!

  27. angela m

    I would love the Princess Cozy Coupe® with Glitter and the 6-in-1 Towncenter Playhouse
    thanks
    flower_child_23(at)hotmail(dot)com

  54. nicolthepickle

    WOW! That is a fabulous kitchen. My daughter brings my husband “coffee” every morning in bed.
    My favourites would be The Baby Born Nursery and the baby can swim doll.

  60. Pat B

    I like their Tuff Tikes™ Rain Barrel Sandstone and Little Tikes® Sport Wagon – both terrific for the garden!

  65. autumn quinn

    I would have to have the Buzz Lightyear Blaster Rocket because my daughter love the movie and that is one sharp looking today. The second must have would be Little Tikes® Playground. I run a day home and that would be perfect.

  70. Nicole Fleming

    Must haves are:

    Ride & Rescue™ Cozy Coupe® 30th Anniversary Edition. Our toddler received this for his 3rd Birthday and he absolutely adores riding in it!

    &

    The “Cozy Pumper” which is a gas pump for the Cozy Coupe car line and our toddler loves “filling up” the gas tank on his coupe.

  74. Eva U

    We all like brevity – completed all 7 requested tasks ! Thanks for the giveaway Lena A.
    I absolutely love this little tikes kitchen giveaway; aspiring Chefs in the making.

    valena@hotmail.ca

    eva urban

  77. Tamara

    I’m thinking summer – the Builders’ Bay Sand and Water table and the endless adventures picnic table combo pack would be perfect in the backyard for my boys this summer!

  110. Linda Kish

    I would like a cozy coupe and a big car carrier for my great nephew’s second birthday in April.

    lkish77123 at gmail dot com

  112. Francine

    I think the 3-in-1 Trike with Deluxe Accessories and DiscoverSounds® Activity Garden would make great gifts for my great-niece.

  117. Angela G

    I would love the Classic Table and Chairs Set because it is perfect for when my little one wants to sit down and drawn and the Craftsman® Workshop because it is adorable and I know my boy would love it!
    Thank you so much for the chance!

  119. Kristina Scott

    I would love the Backyard Barbeque™ Backyard Picnic set and the Summer Fruit and Veggies set. My daughter loves to play with pretend food. We would love to win this kitchen!

  124. Deanna T.

    Oh my goodness, this thing looks so fantastic!
    As far as 2012 wishlist, I would LOVE to get the girls one of those awesome LittleTikes outdoor playhouses, like the Endless Adventures® Tikes Town™ Playhouse or the Log Cabin.

  139. SweetPanda

    My must have list for 2012 are Large Table & Chairs and Americana Sort ‘n Store™ Toy Chest because I have two kids now and I definitely need a table set for them and a toy box to put in their play area

  145. LoraB

    My two picks are: Shady Jump and Slide Bouncer (my son uses this at a friends house and loves it) and a second cozy coupe for my daughter since our first is still in use by our son.

  147. Little Miss Kate

    That looks like an AMAZING play set! My 2 must haves would be:
    1 – this kitchen set, I love how it encourages imaginary play
    2 – 3-in-1 Trike – For outdoor fun and exercise

  155. Debbie W

    Their stuff is amazing.
    I also like the Classic Castle and Endless Adventures® Tikes Town™ Playhouse

  163. Melodie MacInnis

    Were just moving into a townhouse with a backyard so I’m thinking outdoor toys since were in a condo now and have none. My 2 little ones would love a Cozy Coupe of some sort and the Endless Adventures Slide and Hide is cool for them as well. They would just love a slide of any kind.

  169. Erlinda

    I would love the 6-in-1 Town Centre Playhouse and the Endless Adventures® Fold ‘n Store™ Picnic Table Combo Pack

  177. Lisa KH

    My must-haves for 2012:

    Endless Adventures Climb & Slide Castle – my son will turn one in May and this would be the perfect “first” outdoor toy for him. It has climbing and sliding which he loves to do already!

    Turtle Sandbox 33rd Anniversary – This would be so much fun for my little guy. Just enough play space to not be overwhelming to him.

  188. Tina F

    I love Endless Adventures® Slide & Hide Tower™ for motor skills for my little great nieces and Deluxe Wooden Kitchen & Laundry Center for their fine motor skills and with both they can have so much imaginary play which is great for little ones

  194. Tina F

    I Tweeted—https://twitter.com/?iid=am-42194999313300515140463823&nid=22+dm_sender_screenname_profile&uid=166667365&utm_content=profile#!/Tina1wthautism/status/173492289124057088

  195. Adriana Fitzgerald

    I would also love the Classic Alligator Teeter Totter for my girls to play with in the summer as well as the Little Champs® Bathketball™ for the girls bath time

  202. Anne Taylor

    The Rocking Horse -Magenta for my neice because she is the perfect age and would have a blast on this. For my friends new grandchild the 5-in-1 Adjustable Gym would be wonderful to keep her busy and get some hand eye co ordination going!

    ty

    nancyrobster at gmail dot com

  218. Sarah C.

    Their 3-in-1 trike for my little one that looks enviously at her older sister as she rides around on her bike.. and their table and chairs set that are so easy to clean with little ones!

  219. Cindy tu

    I would choose the endless adventures play centre playground or the endless adventures variety and swing set. Not would it be great for the summer but watching my 3yr old be daddys lil helper to assemble would be memorable and priceless =)

  235. belinda m

    We must have the Adjust ‘n Jam™ Basketball Set and the Deluxe Sports Bundle with Bonus Bag. Summer will be here soon and these are perfect for the back yard

    bluebelle0367(at)hotmail(dot)com

  250. Soozle

    The two must haves arethe Ride & Rescue Cozy Coupe (as it’s a classic toy that always is a favorite) and the Turtle Sandbox, as it is also a classic toy that gets a lot of use!

  253. Shan

    The Endless Adventures® Fold ‘n Store™ Picnic Table Combo and the Garden Bundle would both be awesome for summer!

  267. Karyn

    Two items on my must-have list are:
    Endless Adventures Variety Climber and Swing Set
    and
    Picnic on the Patio Playhouse

    I love these two items as they are for the outdoors, and we do not have a lot of room inside of our house for toys.

  278. Pamalot

    My two must haves are the Anchors Away Pirate Ship with 2 Pirate Costumes and the Campsite Cookout™

  291. Katharine W

    Backyard Barbeque™ Get Out ‘n’ Grill Bundle and Double Easel are on our list because Daddy loves to barbeque and the girls love to do art work.

  299. Kelly

    WoW, after seeing your assembly photos I am still not afraid, it is on my list for this year.

    Deluxe Wooden Kitchen & Laundry Center
    and for the never ending toys Giant Toy Chest Pink

  305. Marlibu

    Design Master Studio™ Desk b/c i want her to have her own desk to read write and draw. Deluxe Wooden Kitchen & Laundry Center b/c she loves helping me in the kitchen and doing the laundry :)

  352. Andrea Scott

    Would love the Sand and Sea Play Table and the classic castle. They would be great for our backyard and for summer!

  375. Vivian

    I would like to have 3-in-1 Trike with Deluxe Accessories (Pink) and Cozy Cruisin’™ Wagon with Umbrella for this summer 2012.

  394. Teri Tarrant

    Seek & Explore™ Expedition Climber and TotSports™ Easy Score™ Basketball Set
    They’d both be perfect for my boys, they are so adventurous and love to play basketball.

  431. Alison Pentland

    The classic castle because we are into totally into history with knights, princesses and dragons and the magenta rocking horse because it’s a stylish sensory action piece for my 16 month old granddaughters room.

  443. Tammy

    The Jump ‘n Slide Bouncer is definitely on my list for this summer my boys love bouncy castles we intended on getting this for them, and the Dirt Diggers™ Bundle!!! They love trucks!!

    dalleykt at live dot ca

  465. Joy

    Seriously! I just picked up an ancient little tikes plastic kitchen on Kijiji, and when I saw this I was drooling with envy! Hope I win! Thanks for hosting this awesome giveaway! And thanks a bunch to Little Tikes for making such AWESOME products!

    For summer I’m looking at their Explorer Wagon with an Umbrella! And don’t forget the Adjust ‘n Draw table. Poppet is just getting interested in crayons!

    Warmest regards,
    Joy
    http://www.PardonMyPoppet.com/PipSqueaks

  504. Ewa Ferreira

    Must haves are the Pink 3-in-1 trike because summer is just around the corner and it will be fun for the outdoors, and of course the Cookin Creations kitchen because I think my daughter will have tons of fun with it for years to come! :-)

  541. Heather T

    Thanks for hosting this great giveaway! My son would love the Classic Racing Tire Toy Chest and my daughter would adore the Deluxe Wooden Kitchen & Laundry Center!

  572. Janette

    to get all ready for spring I’d choose the Backyard Barbeque™ Get Out ‘n’ Grill and the Campsite Cookout™

  594. Trista

    Tuff Tikes™ Rain Barrel Sandstone
    and Little Tikes® Sport Wagon

    Too cute!!

    Liked on fb as well :D

    ty for the great contest!

  623. Anne B

    I would choose the Endless Adventures® Fold ‘n Store™ Picnic Table and the Classic Tough Tire Trike!

  628. Angela Bublitz

    The “Go & Grow Lil’ Rollin Giraffe” and the “2-in-1 Push ‘n Play Turtle” would be great toys for my baby nephew.

  652. Jackie

    love to get the Camping Adventures little campsite and the hidden pirate treasure sandbox.

  666. Conny McRiner

    Sand and Sea Play Table and the Princess cozy coupe would be wonderful summer fun things!

  675. Amy Menzies

    My must have list for 2012 includes: Craftsman® Workshop so she can play with tools and learn to help daddy & 4-in-1 Baby Born® Nursery so she has a spot for her dolls to eat and sleep (very important)

  685. Sharon Navarro

    I like the Campin’ Adventures™ Little Campsite – wow…soft tent for our house would be awesome. And I like the 2-in-1 Garden Cart & Wheelbarrow – we have a huge yard, so this would be perfect.

  693. B C EDWARDS

    (3) Follow Listen to Lena on Twitter (JACKALJarrod please follow me back , twitter has a limit of 2000 to follow and then they do a ratio, and if no one follows me back then I can not add more then the 2000 limit)

  705. MB

    My two must haves are my little guys two favourite toys at playgroups and friend’s houses. They are the little tikes cozy coupe fire truck and the cookin’ creations play kitchen, of course!

  716. Jennifer Cheney

    I like the 5-in-1 Adjustable Gym and the Discovery Sounds cell phone because I am due in 7 weeks time and I think these 2 things would be educational as well as fun for my baby after he arrives!

  724. megan longmuir

    i would love to have the DiscoverSounds® Activity Garden so my 2 daughters could play with something together they would both like. And, Giant Toy Chest in Pink so my girls toys will be more organized! i also “liked” little tikes on Facebook. thanks so much!

  725. Lonneke Griens

    We love the Woodside Cottage Playhouse™ and the Cookin’ Creations Kitchen, because my little girl only wants to pretend to play house these days and store. Her way of getting us to play with her is simply saying: mommy (or daddy) you like to buy……… And we just can’t refuse the excited smile. Right now she is using and old TV cupboard as her store, but her birthday is coming up…..

  729. Sarah Hyatt

    I would really like to get my girls table and chair set. And a kitchenette too!
    Like on Facebook!

  742. Andrea Gallagher

    I would love to get the Backyard Barbeque Get Out’n Grill and the Endless Adventures Rock Climber and Slide Bundle for my little guy.

  747. Tara Cline

    I would love the big infladable waterslide or garden cart my kids love to play outside in the summer

  823. Bree

    I would also love the Double Easel (with twins I need this!) and the Classic Castle (my boys would have an amazing time with this!)

  834. Mandi Mercredi

    My two must haves are the Thomas and Friends Table and Chairs set, because a kid friendly table is much needed in our household. Secondly the Backyard Barbecue ‘Get out and Grill’ is on the wish list because my boys are at the age where they love to copy what we do, so during the warmer months they would love it.

  869. Shannon C.

    Must have are the deluxe wooden play kitchen and a cozy coup. Every kid needs both of those. my son doesn’t have either yet.

  871. Lonneke Griens

    Shared facebook link again! We’ve been trying to purchase this at toys are us for my girls’ birthday next month,but they are out of stock:(

  874. Janice K.

    I’d love to get an Endless Adventure swing playcentre for our backyard, and also a bouncy castle would be fun for my 3.5 + 1.5 year olds.

  887. Andrea H

    The Cozy Cruiser to get out and enjoy the spring/summer with jogs and bike rides and get rid of the last few pregnancy pounds!
    The Cozy Cruiser Wagon looks like a must have too for a different mode of transportation!

  889. Nicole vijayasingham

    I would love to get the Endless adventures fold & store picnic table & 

    Deluxe sports bundle with bonus bag

  896. Kim

    The PopTunes Big Rocker Guitar and the Deluxe Wooden Kitchen & Laundry Center are definitely on my must-have list! My son is a little musician and chef in the making…he would have endless fun with both of these items!