Littlest Pet Shop Toys:Great Toys for Little Tots

For more than two years now, my youngest daughter's room has been filled with Littlest Pet Shop (LPS) toys. For those new to these toys, LPS toys are very small dogs, cats, birds, fish, turtles, rabbits, and just about every other conceivable animal, made cute and child-friendly. In our home we also have LPS worms, butterflies, ferrets, bugs, pigs, and probably a few others that I've lost track of.

To start an LPS collection, your best bet is to buy one of the larger "homes." There is a Biggest Little Pet Shop, which retails for approximately $40. The Biggest Little Pet Shop will come with some animals. There is also a Get Better Care Center, Round and Round Display Center (which connects the Pet Nooks together), a Whirl Around Playground, Little Lovin' Pet Playhouse, and several small sets.

LPS also has sets which are grouped by activity, such as Arctic Adventure, which has a penguin, a husky and seal. This set includes skis, a snowboard and a cup for hot chocolate. There is a Tricks and Talents Show Playset which comes with a puppy, 2 flying discs, hoop, and trophy. Another favorite set is the Play and Display Pet Bakery. This set comes with a baking bunny, treats and dishes.

Many LPS animals have bobble heads. Others are magic motion pets. These are part of a set. For example, there is a kitty, a bunny, a puppy, or a hamster which will "drink" from a bottle. All of these pets are good for children over 4. Of course, your child must be past the age of putting things in his/her mouth as some accessories are very small.

For those who think the regular LPS toys are too big, there are the Teeniest Tiniest Pets. These little pets are about 1/4" high and come in a playset with three animals. There are itty bitty accessories included with each playset as well. Parents, beware! These playsets are cute as the dickens, but the parts get lost very easily. My youngest daughter had the kitten set and after a week the kittens were gone along with the comb. The cute factor can't always make up for the fact that these just aren't very practical. I would not recommend the Teeniest Tiniest Pets for any child under 7.