Tell me about Calico Critters for younger kids

[Anonymous]

My mother collects Calico Critters and when we visited this summer my 2.5 y.o. spent HOURS playing with them. Absolutely loved them, including all the furniture, the kitchenware, everything. So far as I know nothing got eaten. So yes, a toddler can definitely like them. DD has good fine motor skills which probably helped with the furniture - no trouble at all with the little drawers or anything (now me and my fat fingers, on the other hand...).

[Anonymous]

My DD got the basic Calico Critter house and a family when she was 2.5. She's 6 now, and it is still her favorite think to play with. The little spoons and dishes are adorable! I wasn't worried about choking hazards, because she never put anything in her mouth. We lost some to the vacuum I'm sure.

Definitely look into the Target knock-offs. Woodzeez. They're just as cute, but way cheaper. Just a little chubbier, so they can't trade clothes with the Calico Critters.

[Anonymous]

I would get her Duplo - they are larger Legos.

My DD LOVED Calico Critters. They are well made and so much fun for little kids with all the little details. Don't discount them for the future. I originally scoffed at their expense but my DD continued to play with them until at least 10 years ol.

[Anonymous]

My 4 year old has Calico critters. I basically only gave her the animals and the furniture. Maybe some of the bigger food. SOOO much of it is way too tiny.

Funny thing- (pre-covid) our 16 year old babysitter used to really like playing it with her on Friday nights. DH and I thought it was cute that the 16 year old liked it and probably had had one too.

[Anonymous]

My 6 year old DD loves CC and probably started playing with them around 3. Yes, there are tons of tiny pieces in some of the sets; they will all get lost, vacuumed up, etc. But the actual dolls and some of the bigger items? Perfect for a 3 year old that likes dollhouses and you can save the smaller pieces for later.

[Anonymous]

We have the tree house. Probably got it around age 4. Our 7 year old twins still play with it. I actually still use the box to store it so have kept most of the pieces, but you could use a storage tub too

[Anonymous]

Calico critters are stupid, my kids don't play with them. They prefer legos and playmobil. They use the 4" disney figures in their dollhouse.