Why Pretend Play Matters

Every toddler wants to be a barista, a doctor, a shopkeeper, or a carpenter — and the best thing you can do is let them. Pretend play isn't just fun, it's one of the most developmentally rich things a young child can do. Imitating adult roles builds language, social confidence, emotional understanding, and creative thinking all at once — and wooden toys do it better than anything with a screen or a speaker.

Mentari's Professional & Daily Life collection covers the full range of everyday roles children love to act out. From the Wooden Toy Mobile Phone and Camera to the Barista SetMy First Aid KitChippy's Handy Tool Kit, and the Ice Cream Kiosk — every piece is crafted from sustainably sourced rubberwood, painted with non-toxic paints, and ASTM F963 certified for the US market.

Most of the collection is suitable from age 2, with smaller accessories starting from $15.99 and larger play sets like the Shop Keeper Stand and Carpenter's Workshop available for more immersive play. Browse by price or scroll below to find the right fit. Free shipping on all orders over $75.

FAQ

Questions and Answers

What age are pretend play toys suitable for?

Most products in this collection are suitable from age 2 or 3, each product page shows the recommended age range. Smaller accessories like the Wooden Toy Mobile Phone and Camera are great from age 2, while larger sets like the Carpenter's Workshop and Shop Keeper Stand are better suited to ages 3 and up.

Why are wooden pretend play toys better than plastic ones?

Wooden pretend play toys are more sustainable, and tend to be more open-ended than their plastic equivalents. A wooden barista set, tool kit, or camera doesn't beep, flash, or direct play — it lets the child's imagination lead. Mentari’s collection is mindfully crafted from sustainable wood, featuring high-quality rubberwood, making it a safe, beautiful, and environmentally responsible choice for your family.

Are these toys ASTM certified?

Yes. Every product in the Professional & Daily Life collection meets all US toy safety standards. They are beautifully made with sustainable wood, featuring eco-friendly rubberwood and non-toxic, child-safe paints. You can read more about Mentari's safety standards on our Our Story page.

What developmental skills do pretend play toys support?

Role play toys support social and emotional development as children practice communication, empathy, and turn-taking through play. They also build language skills through storytelling and roleplay dialogue, develop fine motor skills through handling props and accessories, and encourage imagination and creativity through open-ended, self-directed play.

What's the best pretend play toy for a 2 year old?

For a 2 year old, we recommend starting with the smaller accessible pieces — the Wooden Toy Mobile Phone ($15.99), Wooden Toy Telephone ($20.99), or Camera ($15.99) are all perfectly sized for little hands and priced for gifting. For a bigger gift, the Barista Set ($36.99) is one of the most popular role play toys in the entire Mentari range.

Can pretend play toys be used together?

Absolutely! and that's one of the best things about this collection. The Card Machine pairs perfectly with the Shop Keeper Stand and the Ice Cream Kiosk for a complete play shop setup. The Barista Set and Make Me A Cuppa work beautifully together for a café theme. Mix and match to build the play scenario that works best for your child.