For generation upon generations children have loved playing house and little girls especially love to have tea parties with their dolls, stuffed animals, their friends and you. Hosting a tea party, allows your child to not only use their imagination but too practice good manners and etiquette as well as offering a perfect time to bond for you and your child. Having a miniature tea set for just your child's size helps them to feel as though they really are the hostess at these special and fun times that are so much a part of childhood.
Types of Miniature Tea Sets
Miniature tea sets can range in size from those that are ultra tiny and designed to be used with doll houses to those that your young child can actually use to put on her own tea party. They can be make from anything from recycled milk cartons to porcelain, ceramic, and even metal.
The tea sets themselves come in a variety of sizes, shapes and designs from child like pictures of favorite characters to replicas of the finest English teapot styles with flower, bird, or other more adult designs. Some are designed for just imaginative play while others are made for actual use.
Not Just For Children
Although primarily designed with for the use of a child's small hand, mini tea sets have found a following among adults. Collectors who enjoy the variety and fine workmanship of tea sets often have miniature tea sets as a part or even their entire collection. These tea sets are displayed proudly on shelves and in china cabinets in the collectors homes.
Although most tea sets for children are purchased locally or over the Internet, collectors like to purchase tea sets from various places they visit and some collectors have fine miniature tea sets from all over the world.
Cost
The cost of a miniature tea set will depend on the material it is made of, it's intended use and where you buy it. There are many plastic and resin tea sets you can purchase for $10.00 and under that are designed for children but not intended for actual use with real food and beverages. Other tea sets run between $15.00 and $30.00 while tea sets designed specifically for collectors or miniature tea sets that have reached antique status may run $100.00 or more.
What To Look For When Buying A Tea Set for A Child
There are a couple of things you are going to want to consider when purchasing a miniature tea set for a child.
- What is the child's age? Porcelain or bone china may prove too delicate and a safety risk to small children. If a child is young a plastic set is probably your best bet.
- Can it be used for real food and beverages? Most children are actually going to want to put real food and beverages in and on their tea set. Purchasing one they can actually use will allow them to enjoy their tea set more.
Miniature tea set is loved by both children for imaginative play and adults collectors. It is simply a matter of choosing the right tea set for it's intended user.