Silicone symbolic play toys: more expensive, but better?

Silicone pretend play toys, such as a tea set, kitchen set, or doctor’s bag, typically cost more than plastic ones to purchase. In return, they last a long time, are easy to clean and can continue to be used for years, even by a little brother. Whether they are worth the investment depends on how intensively you play with them, your child’s age, and what you consider important.

What are silicone symbolic play toys?

Symbolic play toys are toys with which children imitate daily life: cooking, serving tea, playing doctor, shopping. For a long time they were mostly made of wood or plastic. Nowadays, you’re seeing more and more silicone, the flexible, food-grade material you know from baking molds, nipples, and teethers. Some examples:

• toy kitchen utensils such as saucepans, plates and spatulas;
• tea sets with cups, saucers and a teapot;
• doctor’s bags with a syringe and a thermometer;
• care sets with bottles and cream jars;
• symbolic play bath toys, such as fishing games.

You can read why symbolic play is so important for development in What are symbolic play toys and why are they important?. In this article we focus on whether silicone justifies its higher price. We discuss the general properties of the material in detail in why silicone toys are right for your child.

Why are silicone pretend play toys more expensive?

The higher price has several causes:

• Raw material– Food-grade silicone is more expensive than standard plastic.
• Production: Silicone is molded and cured in molds, which requires more time and energy than injection molding plastic.
• Smaller runs: Silicone toys are manufactured in smaller quantities than plastic mass production.
• Design: Many silicone toys have a calm, well-thought-out design in soft tones, which also influences the price.

Therefore, a fair comparison looks not only at the purchase price, but also at how long the toy lasts.

What do you get in return?

lasts a long time

The silicone does not break if it is dropped from the table, it does not chip and it hardly loses colour. A silicone cup that has been thrown on the floor a thousand times is often still perfect. A plastic cup can crack and be left with a sharp edge. That’s why silicone symbolic play toys are suitable to pass on to a brother, sister or cousin.

It is hygienic in use

In symbolic play, many toys go into the mouth: people “drink” from cups and “taste” from saucepans. Silicone is non-porous, so it cleans easily with soap and water. Many silicone toys can also go in the dishwasher; Consult the manufacturer’s instructions. It is practical for families with several children or in daycare.

Invites you to really play

Silicone toys can also be used with real water. A tea snack with real water, saucepans in the sandbox or a kitchen set in the bathroom: the material can handle it. This makes the game more realistic and extends it to places where wood is less suitable.

It is soft and silent

Silicone makes little noise and has no hard edges. Ideal with young children and in games where children “treat” each other, such as playing doctor. Its soft and flexible texture is also a pleasant tactile experience.

He has a calm appearance

Silicone lends itself well to soft colours such as beige, sand, brick and sage green. It sits quietly in the play corner and matches the living room.

What are the disadvantages?

• Higher purchase price: remains an obstacle, especially if you want to equip an entire kitchen.
• More limited offer: not all themes exist in silicone. Knights, construction sets and large kitchens are mostly made of wood or plastic.
• Less “real” appearance: Silicone has a soft and somewhat more abstract appearance. Some children and parents find realistic wooden or plastic toys more convincing.
• Dust and sand: Silicone attracts lint, so after playing on the carpet or in the sandbox you have to run it under the tap for a moment.

Silicone, wood or plastic: how do they compare?

Feature	Silicone	Wood	plastic
Purchase price	higher	Medium to highest	Normally low
Durability	Long, does not break	Long, can dent or chip	Variable, may crack
Cleaning	Easy, often dishwasher safe	Wipe with a damp cloth, do not soak	Easy, but the stripes retain dirt
Play with water	Good	less suitable	Good
Touch	soft, flexible	Warm, firm, natural	Hard, light
Appearance	Quiet, modern	Classic, natural	Often lurid and realistic
Pass it on to another child	Good	Good	variable

So there is no material that wins in everything. Silicone and wood score well in durability; Silicone wins in hygiene and play with water, wood in natural appearance. Plastic wins especially in the purchase price.

Is it worth the investment? So you can calculate it

Ask yourself these questions:

1. How often is it played? A tea set that is on the table every day pays for itself faster than a toy that stays in the closet.
2. How long does it last? Divide the price by the number of years you expect it to be used. A toy that lasts three years and goes through two children is often no more expensive per year of play than a cheap toy that you replace twice.
3. How old is your son? For small children and infants (more or less 1 to 5 years old), who put toys in their mouths a lot and drop toys, the advantages are greater.
4. What do you think is important? Sustainability, less waste and a quiet play corner weigh on many parents.

A middle ground also works well: a wooden kitchenette complemented by silicone saucepans and tableware. This way you combine the solidity and appearance of wood with the practicality of silicone. And fewer but better toys fits very well with the minimalist game.

Who are silicone symbolic play toys a good choice for?

• Toddlers and infants who start with the game of pretending and still put a lot in their mouths.
• Families with several children, where toys have to last a long time and are cleaned often.
• Children who love to play with water, in the bathroom, in the sandbox or on the kitchen table.
• Children sensitive to stimuli, because silicone is soft to the touch and makes little noise.
• Parents who consciously choose Fewer toys, but more durable.

Toys of this item

• doctor’s bag
• kitchen set
• toy tea set
• cream toy tea set

Frequently asked questions

Why are silicone toys more expensive than plastic ones?

Food-grade silicone is a more expensive raw material and the production process requires more time. Additionally, it is often manufactured in smaller runs. In return, the toy usually lasts longer.

Are silicone pretend play toys better than wooden ones?

Not necessarily better, but different. Silicone is softer, easier to clean, and suitable for water play. The wood is durable, has a natural feel and a classic look. Many parents combine both materials.

From what age are silicone symbolic play toys suitable?

Young children start around one and a half or two years old with simple pretend games, such as drinking from a cup. From that age onwards, silicone tableware or a kitchen set becomes interesting. Always follow the age indication of the product.

Can a silicone tea set be used with real water?

Yes, silicone holds water well and is therefore suitable for a tea snack with real water or for playing in the bath or sandbox. Rinse it after use and let it dry well. Do not use hot water to play, to avoid burns.

Do silicone toys really last longer?

The silicone does not break when dropped and hardly loses colour, so with normal use it lasts a long time. However, it can be torn by sharp objects or prolonged chewing. Check the toy from time to time and replace damaged parts.