Ice Cream Parlor Set Ages: 3+

What We Think Fun factor: Durability: Educational factor: Novelty factor: The Good: Toy offers sturdy construction that's versatile enough to last several years. The Challenging: We wish there were more pieces for easier group play; also, the wooden cones are a bit heavy for younger children. In a Nutshell: Realistic ice cream cone playset offers plenty of inspiration for a child's imaginative play.

Make a yummy, triple-scoop cone creation with the Ice Cream Parlor Set from Melissa & Doug. View larger.

This simple, delicious-looking toy is fun and helps develop motor skills. View larger.

Scoop 'N' Stack
The Melissa & Doug Ice Cream Set features an abundance of nostalgic ice cream parlor charm, starting with its sturdy red-and-white, striped storage container. The set includes four realistic molded plastic ice cream scoops in chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, and mint chocolate chip "flavors." Two wooden cones and two plastic scoopers with painted wooden handles round out the set.

The scoopers, cones, and four ice cream scoops are all magnetic, so the scoopers can actually pick up the ice cream scoops and place them on the cones. They easily release by pressing the lever, like a real ice cream scooper. Magnets in the cones keep the scoops in place, even with a quadruple-dipped cone. (All magnets are located on the interior of the pieces, so there's no danger of the magnets breaking off and posing a serious risk to small children.)

Almost Good Enough to Eat
This set carries realistic, authentic touches, from the classic ice cream scoopers to the waffle design on the wooden cones. The cones look so good that our child tester almost fooled an adult into thinking her cone was real.

With its simple design and sturdy build, the Melissa & Doug Ice Cream Set gives children ideal props to inspire their imaginations -- no batteries, bells, or whistles to limit the possibilities. The toy can also aid in developing motor skills every time a young child uses the ice cream scooper to stack and balance the scoops.

But it's a toy that older children will enjoy, too. The toy's sturdy, quality construction helps ensure that it will last through many years of play. Because it comes with two scoopers, this toy is ideal for group play, although some testers wished that the set had a few more pieces.

About Melissa & Doug
Started in the garage at Doug's parents' house in 1988, Melissa & Doug has grown to become one of the most popular toy makers in the world. Their toys have garnered dozens of parenting and "best toy" awards over the years, and have been featured widely in national print media and on television.

One of the company's points of pride is that their toys are thoroughly tested for safety, and meet all US consumer product safety regulations. The toys are tested at the factory of origin during various phases of the production process to assure that every toy meets the company's stringent safety requirements every step along the way. In particular, the paints and coatings on Melissa & Doug toys are tested frequently to be sure they meet or exceed government recommendations limiting heavy metals and lead in children's items.

Since day one, Melissa & Doug has been in compliance with every US consumer product safety regulation and will continue to stay compliant as the laws continue to evolve, assuring parents that their children can have a safe childhood while playing with Melissa & Doug toys.

What's in the Box
4 plastic ice cream scoops, 2 scoopers, 2 wooden cones.