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Have you heard about the popular, award-winning toy brand Melissa and Doug? Curious about what makes Melissa and Doug toys special?
Parents want to know all about their kids’ toys to make sure they’re buying a quality product that’s meant to last and enrich their child’s imagination. In today’s article, I’ll explain why Melissa and Doug is the toy company that checks all the boxes and which are the best Melissa and Doug toys.
Table of Contents
- 1 Bottom Line Upfront
- 2 Top 3 Picks
- 3 About Melissa and Doug
- 4 Why are Melissa and Doug Toys so Good?
- 5 Types of Toys Melissa and Doug Make
- 6 Pros and Cons of Melissa and Doug Toys
- 7 The Best Melissa and Doug Toys
- 8 Best Melissa and Doug Food Toys
- 9 Melissa and Doug Wooden Pizza Play Food Set with 36 Toppings
- 10 Melissa and Doug Slice and Bake Wooden Cookie Play Food Set
- 11 Melissa and Doug Food Groups – 21 Wooden Pieces and 4 Crates
- 12 Best Melissa and Doug Dollhouses
- 13 Melissa and Doug Fold and Go Wooden Dollhouse with 2 Play Figures and 11 Pieces of Furniture
- 14 Melissa and Doug Modern Wooden Multi-Level Dollhouse with 19 Pcs
- 15 Melissa and Doug Hi-Rise Wooden Dollhouse with 18 Pieces
- 16 Best Melissa and Doug Puzzles
- 17 Melissa and Doug Underwater Ocean Floor Puzzle
- 18 Melissa and Doug Safari Wooden Chunky Puzzle
- 19 Melissa and Doug Animals 4-in-1 Wooden Jigsaw Puzzles Set
- 20 Best Melissa and Doug Cars and Trucks
- 21 Melissa and Doug K’s Kid’s Pull-Back Vehicle Set
- 22 Melissa and Doug Car Carrier Truck and Cars Set
- 23 Melissa and Doug Service Station Parking Garage
- 24 Best Melissa and Doug Furniture
- 25 Melissa and Doug Solid Wood Table and 2 Chairs Set
- 26 Melissa and Doug Wooden Art Table and 2 Chairs Set
- 27 Melissa and Doug Wooden Toy Chest
- 28 Alternatives to Melissa and Doug Toys
- 29 Toddlers Montessori Wooden Educational Toys
- 30 deMoca Montessori Busy Board for Toddlers
- 31 Coogam Wooden Reading Blocks Short Vowel Rods Spelling Games
- 32 FAQs
- 33 The End
Bottom Line Upfront
My kids loved Melissa and Doug toys when they were little. They had everything from wooden food to floor puzzles and even nesting storage boxes. But I’d have to say the Melissa and Doug Modern Wooden Multi-Level Dollhouse is my fav.
Top 3 Picks
I have 15 amazing Melissa and Doug toys to show you today, but let’s start with the best of the best. These 3 toys are the best in terms of design, use, quality, and customer satisfaction. Take a look before we dive any deeper into what Melissa and Doug are all about!
- Best Melissa and Doug Toy Overall: Melissa and Doug Service Station Parking Garage
If your child loves cars, they’ll love this playset that comes with 2 cars and a service station/parking garage! The gas pump can be fitted into the sides of both cars.
- Best Melissa and Doug Food Toy: Melissa and Doug Food Groups – 21 Wooden Pieces and 4 Crates
This playset contains every kind of food in the food pyramid. Your little one will have a great time pretending to be a chef!
- Best Melissa and Doug Dollhouse: Melissa and Doug Modern Wooden Multi-Level Dollhouse with 19 Pcs
This dollhouse is huge! It comes with lots of doll furniture, too, for interactive playtime.
This all-in-one service station is truly full service! Park the two included wooden cars in the parking garage with a movable elevator or pull them through the car wash. 
About Melissa and Doug
Melissa and Doug’s company was formerly known as Lights, Camera, Interaction! Ever since the happily married couple began their toy company, they’ve gained a highly respected position in the toymaking world.
Founded in 1988, Melissa and Doug first began their toymaking journey in a basement. It wasn’t always easy raising 6 kids, but the couple created a brand they were proud of through hard work and teamwork.
Why are Melissa and Doug Toys so Good?
Melissa and Doug are proud that their company only uses premium materials for their toys, like wood, metal, and BPA-free plastic.
Not to mention, Melissa and Doug have a huge variety of different toys to keep your little one occupied. Many toys from this company are made for educational play as well as for developing hand-eye coordination and hand dexterity.
Types of Toys Melissa and Doug Make
Melissa and Doug are master toymakers, and they’ve come up with tons of toy designs over the years. Their most popular toys are:
- Wooden food toys
- Wooden dollhouses
- Puzzles
- Wooden vehicle sets
- Wooden child furniture
- And much more!
Pros and Cons of Melissa and Doug Toys
As a parent, it’s understandable that you want to weigh your pros and cons with any company you buy from. That’s why I’ve put together this little chart! If you’re still not sure about Melissa and Doug, maybe reading through this will help you make your decision.
Pros
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Cons
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The Best Melissa and Doug Toys
Here they are! These Melissa and Doug toys are the cream of the crop. When you’re searching for the perfect toy that will help your little one’s imagination flourish, I recommend these high-quality toys made from durable materials. I picked this list based on price ranges, popularity, and diversity.
Best Melissa and Doug Food Toys
Melissa and Doug Wooden Pizza Play Food Set with 36 Toppings
Best For: Creativity
My daughter loved this set! We still have it…bite marks and all. This wooden pizza set from Melissa and Doug is the perfect way to inspire your little chef to make one-of-a-kind pizza creations.
- Price Range: $11-$21
- Material: Wood
- Age Range: 3-5
This wooden pizza puzzle made from chunky blocks comes with 6 pizza slices and 3 different kinds of toppings. A wooden case, a plate, a spatula, and a pizza cutter are included, too.
The set comes with a brightly colored tray, pizza cutter, spatula, and a wooden box for storage, and the pizza makes "slicing" noises when cut. 
Pros
- Colorful, eye-catching wooden pieces
- Self-stick tabs to hold the puzzle together
- Kids can choose which pizza toppings they’d like on which slice
Cons
- Not ideal for kids older than 5
Melissa and Doug Slice and Bake Wooden Cookie Play Food Set
Best For: Cuteness
What kid doesn’t love cookies? I know mine does. This adorable wooden cookie set comes with eye-catching sugar cookies in a cookie tube with a lid.
- Price Range: $11-$21
- Material: Wood
- Age Range: 3-5
You’ll also find an equally adorable cookie tray, oven mitt, cookie-cutter, spatula, and cookie toppings in this set. Kids will appreciate being able to customize their own cookies and stick them to the cookie sheet with the self-stick tabs.
Slice and "bake" a dozen wooden cookies for a sweet playtime treat! This colorful wooden set includes 12 wooden, sliceable cookies and 12 toppings, a wooden knife, spatula, a cookie sheet and a kitchen mitt for safe, deliciously imaginative play. 
Pros
- Interactive toy that inspires kids’ imagination
- Brightly colored wooden pieces
- Comes with accessories like a cookie tray and an oven mitt
Cons
- Could inspire kids to want more desserts
Melissa and Doug Food Groups – 21 Wooden Pieces and 4 Crates
Best Melissa and Doug Food Toy
If I had to vouch for just one food set it would be this one just because of how much you get for the price. Your kids will get 4 crates full of food with this set! Each set contains food from different groups in the food pyramid: meats, dairies, fruits, veggies, and grains.
- Price Range: $9-$19
- Material: Wood
- Age Range: 3-6
You can use this toy to help teach little ones about different food groups. They’ll be inspired to explore these food groups on their own through playtime as a master chef.
Planning a well-balanced meal is child's play with this wooden play food set. Items from the five food groups--including watermelon, milk, cheese, fish, eggs, and much more--are crafted of solid wood and come with four wooden baskets for sorting and storage. 
Pros
- Helps teach kids about different food groups
- Comes with 4 crates for storage
- Some pieces look especially realistic
Cons
- Some kids don’t like food-themed toys
Best Melissa and Doug Dollhouses
Melissa and Doug Fold and Go Wooden Dollhouse with 2 Play Figures and 11 Pieces of Furniture
Best For: Travel
Travel with your kid a lot? This is the perfect dollhouse for on-the-go play. I used to set my daughter up in the backyard, too, and she’d play with hers for hours in the sandbox. This fold-and-go dollhouse comes with sturdy carrying handles.
- Price Range: $48-$58
- Material: Wood
- Age Range: 3+
2 dolls and doll furniture are included in this set, so you won’t have to worry about buying extra accessories. Kids will love that all the doors are fully functional, too, which makes the dollhouse more realistic.
Move-in condition! Our folding, wooden dollhouse features working doors, and two flexible wooden play figures, and is completely furnished with eleven wooden furniture pieces. 
Pros
- Helps kids develop their imaginations
- Great for playing on the go
- All doors are fully functional
Cons
- The dollhouse itself isn’t brightly colored
Melissa and Doug Modern Wooden Multi-Level Dollhouse with 19 Pcs
Best Melissa and Doug Dollhouse
Does your kid want a big dollhouse? This is the dollhouse you’ve been searching for. The outside is white, pink, and blue with natural wood tones. I so wish this one was available when my littles were, well…little.
- Price Range: $98-$120
- Material: Wood
- Age Range: 3 months-7 years
Lots of doll furniture is included, but you’ll have to buy dolls separately. This dollhouse was even hand-painted, so it has a homemade feel to it.
This three-level wooden house is easy to assemble and in move-in condition. Sturdy, spacious, and versatile, this modern classic is perfect for a doll family and growing kids. 
Pros
- Huge and brightly colored
- 19 pieces of wooden furniture for the dollhouse
- Very easy to assemble despite its size
Cons
- Doesn’t come with dolls
Melissa and Doug Hi-Rise Wooden Dollhouse with 18 Pieces
Best For: Adorable Dolls
This wooden dollhouse offers easy-to-access rooms with its open design. 2 adorable wooden dolls are included, along with doll furniture.
- Price Range: $100-$122
- Material: Wood
- Age Range: 3-6
Toys like this help inspire your kids’ imagination and let them re-enact social scenarios through playtime. I’m a firm supporter of the importance of early play and learning.
Going up? Suitable for all 1:12-scale dolls, our newest play house invites pretend-play families to pull into the garage, ride in the elevator, and feel right at home in this modern home.
Pros
- Brightly colored dollhouse and dolls
- The open-sided design makes it easy to access every room
- Multiple stories
Cons
- Some kids may not like that there aren’t any walls
Best Melissa and Doug Puzzles
Melissa and Doug Underwater Ocean Floor Puzzle
Best Melissa and Doug Puzzle
Do you have a little marine biologist on your hands? If your kid is obsessed with the ocean and all its creatures, this floor puzzle would be perfect for them.
- Price Range: $4-$11
- Material: Paperboard
- Age Range: 3-6
Sea creatures like stingrays, jellyfish, sharks and a host of other fish decorate this puzzle. There are 25 pieces, so it’s perfect for very young ones.
Explore the wonders of the deep blue sea in this vibrantly illustrated cardboard puzzle. 2' x 3' when assembled, the 48 extra-thick pieces feature an Easy-Clean surface to keep this undersea puzzle scene looking like new. 
Pros
- Beautiful aquatic design with sea creatures
- Helps kids learn problem-solving skills and dexterity
- Puzzle is easy to clean
Cons
- Some kids may prefer the Melissa and Doug fairy tale castle design or solar system design
Melissa and Doug Safari Wooden Chunky Puzzle
Best For: Animal Lovers
This toy is perfect for teaching young toddlers about hand dexterity and basic problem-solving skills. It’s also the perfect gift if you know a little one who’s obsessed with marine life.
- Price Range: $5-$15
- Material: Wood
- Age Range: 2+
8 different animal puzzle pieces are included in this safari set, including a giraffe, lion, rhino, crocodile, elephant, hippo, zebra, and ostrich. This puzzle helps small toddlers understand hand-eye coordination, as well.
African animal favorites are featured on this extra-thick wooden puzzle. Eight easy-grasp, chunky wild animal pieces have full-color, matching pictures underneath. 
Pros
- Interactive play to help kids develop problem-solving skills
- Adorable animal designs
- Chunky wooden pieces are easy to grasp
Cons
- Too easy for elementary school kids
Melissa and Doug Animals 4-in-1 Wooden Jigsaw Puzzles Set
Best Puzzle Set
Puzzles are all the rage in my home, even now. Your kid will get to construct 4 adorable animals with this 4-in-1 puzzle set. The 4-slot carrying case makes it easy to keep all the puzzles organized, which means less of a headache for parents.
- Price Range: $15-$25
- Material: Wood
- Age Range: 3-5
Sturdy wooden pieces will stand up to your toddler’s playtime because Melissa and Doug toys are made with durable, long-lasting materials.
The set includes four wooden, 12-piece pet jigsaw puzzles-- a fish, a dog, a cat and a bird-- each stored in a separate compartment of a sturdy wooden box.
Pros
- 4 different puzzles in 1 set
- Each puzzle features a cute animal design
- Helps kids develop dexterity and problem-solving skills
Cons
- Too easy for kids older than 5
Best Melissa and Doug Cars and Trucks
Melissa and Doug K’s Kid’s Pull-Back Vehicle Set
Best For: Small, gentle hands
This vehicle set was made with small, soft hands in mind. I think it’s perfect for toddlers, and even curious babies.
- Price Range: $13-$23
- Material: Wood
- Age Range: 9+ months
The wood is soft, so it’s gentle on your child’s skin. Bright colors and cute character designs make these wooden cars, especially appealing to tots. You can use these toys to help teach your kid about the rules of the road.
Pull back one of the soft vehicles--then release to see it zoom off across the floor! The action of grasping and pulling back is great for fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. 
Pros
- Brightly colored vehicles
- Each vehicle features a cute character on the windshield
- The soft wood is gentle on small hands
Cons
- Cars may be too cutesy for older kids
Melissa and Doug Car Carrier Truck and Cars Set
Best For: Large Size
If your kid loves all things cars, they’ll love this green carrier truck that comes with 4 wooden cars.
- Price Range: $8-$18
- Material: Wood
- Age Range: 3-6
The durable, chunky wood makes these cars an ideal shape for little ones to grab onto and teach them dexterity. This carrier truck even allows your child to roll cars onto 2 different levels.
This cool truck has a big job: delivering four colorful cars to their new homes! Its upper level lowers to let the cars drive on, then lifts smoothly to hold two of the cars when it's time to roll out. 
Pros
- Brightly colored cars and carrier truck
- 4 different cars included
- Created from highly durable wood
Cons
- Some kids don’t like to play with toy cars
Melissa and Doug Service Station Parking Garage
Best For: Best Melissa and Doug Toy Overall
It’s time to refuel! You can help your kid understand more about vehicles by buying them this service station parking garage that comes with 2 wooden cars. You could even teach them about rising gas prices…okay, maybe not.
- Price Range: $18-$28
- Material: Wood
- Age Range: 3-6
The gas pump can actually be hooked into both cars, which offers even more interactivity. The garage has 2 floors, and the garage doors open!
This all-in-one service station is truly full service! Park the two included wooden cars in the parking garage with a movable elevator or pull them through the car wash.
Pros
- Comes with cars and a service station
- Promotes educational playtime
- Service station has interactive elements
Cons
- Only comes with 2 cars
Best Melissa and Doug Furniture
Melissa and Doug Solid Wood Table and 2 Chairs Set
Best Table and Chairs Set
If you need a table with chairs for your little one to have a space to work and play, check this out! My kid had one almost exactly like this, just in a different color. And she used it every day. It’s great for puzzles, drawing, coloring, playing with Play-Doh, having a snack, etc.
- Price Range: $90-$120
- Material: Wood
- Age Range: 3+
This child-sized table with mini chairs keeps its gorgeous natural wood look. You can buy this same set from Melissa and Doug in gray and white. You’ll find that this child-sized crafting station is easy to assemble, too.
Pull one of the two durable chairs up to the child-size table--they're sized just right for kids and hold up to 100 pounds. Top the table with a child's favorite puzzles or use it for arts and crafts, tea parties, puzzle play, lunch and snacks, and so much more. 
Pros
- High-quality and very durable
- Offers a station for kids to work and play
- Easy to assemble with simple instructions
Cons
- Not brightly colored
Melissa and Doug Wooden Art Table and 2 Chairs Set
Best Art Station
So, you’ve got a tiny Picasso at home? I can relate. Not only am I married to an artist, but my kids have also taken on his creative side, too. My house is covered in art supplies all the time. If that sounds like your home, I’d recommend this set with a table and chairs for them.
- Price Range: $300-$400
- Material: Wood
- Age Range: 3-8
A cute paint cup holder is positioned at the side of the table, so your little painter can reach over and re-dip their brush with ease.
The sturdy wooden art table with two matching chairs includes shelves for storage, built-in cup holders for paint, an innovative paper roll holder, and a 75-foot-long roll of paper. This is the perfect spot for one or two kids to pull up a chair and get creating.
Pros
- Provides built-in paint cup holders
- Cute miniature art table for little ones
- Easy to assemble with simple instructions
Cons
- No bright colors
Melissa and Doug Wooden Toy Chest
Best Toy Chest
If your child still needs a toybox, I highly recommend this one. This toy box is sturdy, easy to put together, and comes in 4 different colors-white, blonde, espresso, and gray.
- Price Range: $95-$115
- Material: Wood
- Age Range: 3+
The safety-hinge lid opens and closes with ease, so your kid won’t hurt themselves trying to get to their favorite toy.
Kids will love having a handy place to store all their toys, and adults will love the classic styling and durability of this wooden toy chest. 
Pros
- Convenient storage space for your kids’ toys
- High-quality and durable wood
- Makes a great gift for new parents
Cons
- No bright colors
Alternatives to Melissa and Doug Toys
Toddlers Montessori Wooden Educational Toys
Montessori toys are known for their quality and STEM learning features. Your kid can play around while learning about shapes, sizing, ratios, colors, and more with this cool set. I love how cute it is, too! There are tons of textures and shapes for them to poke and grab while finding the right place for each item.
deMoca Montessori Busy Board for Toddlers
Oh, gosh, I wish I had this when mine were little for when we traveled. This busy board has all kinds of different textures, objects, and movements to keep them occupied during long trips. And bonus: No annoying beeping and booping sounds.
Coogam Wooden Reading Blocks Short Vowel Rods Spelling Games
I firmly think that it’s never too early to teach kids about letters and numbers. My son was reading at an 8th-grade level when he was only ten years old and I attribute that to toys like this. They can play around with common sight words while also having fun. It’s a win-win for parents and kids.
FAQs
Question: Are Melissa and Doug Good Toys?
Answer: Yes, Melissa and Doug toys are of excellent quality! You’ll find a plethora of 5-star reviews under every Melissa and Doug product you look at online. In terms of quality, these toys pass every test.
Question: Is Melissa and Doug Considered Montessori?
Answer: Not every Melissa and Doug toy is considered Montessori, but some are. The Melissa and Doug Catch and Count Fishing Game is a Montessori toy.
Question: Are Melissa and Doug Toys Made in America?
Answer: While all Melissa and Doug toys are designed in America (in Connecticut, to be exact,) not all their toys are made in America. Melissa and Doug create toys in America, but also abroad. Some Melissa and Doug factories are located in China.
Question: Where are Melissa and Doug Toys Sold?
Answer: Just about anywhere! Aside from Amazon, you can find Melissa and Doug toys at Walmart, Target, Macy’s, Kohl’s, Barnes and Noble, and on eBay. Melissa and Doug is a popular toy company, so you won’t have to look hard to find their merchandise.
The End
Did you enjoy learning about the best toys Melissa and Doug have to offer? You got to learn all about this popular kids’ toy brand and see a huge range of toy options. Is there one you think your little one would love?
I recommend the Melissa and Doug Modern Wooden Multi-Level Dollhouse, for sure. And you can check out more of their dollhouses with our choices for the best Melissa and Doug dollhouses!
This three-level wooden house is easy to assemble and in move-in condition. Sturdy, spacious, and versatile, this modern classic is perfect for a doll family and growing kids.