We here at Swellbeing believe deeply and strongly in the value of dramatic play. This kind of play helps children to practice being in the real world – specifically by trying on different roles and problem solving. Since children really gravitate toward food and kitchens in play, this recommendation ought to be right on target for many of your children. Lilly Bean (handmade and ADORABLE play food) is another example of a business started by a savvy mom who couldn’t find what she was looking for, so made it herself. Her business has grown and grown and to keep up with demand, she has hired some of her Amish neighbors in Michigan. Trust me, you will adore this stuff! She just opened her own website, which delighted me as every time I found her food offered somewhere online, they sold out faster then I could press the ‘buy’ key.