Melissa & Doug Joey Magnetic Wooden Dress-Up Pretend Play Set (25+ pcs)

I bought this product for my grandson. The product arrived as promised. The puzzle is cute & I feel worth the price. All pieces were intact & as described.

My great nephew was going on first flight and this really kept him busy. Recommend for 2-5 yr olds

This review concentrates on the age-specific play I've seen with this toy. I have (current to review) a 2.5 year old DD, and a 4.5 year old DS, both of whom will play with these sets (the "Joey" set, and the "Prince & Princess" set--with colorful "matching" outfits). I purchased them last Christmas when the children were about 2 and 3.5, respectively. Both kids played with the sets then, and I purchased these because I thought they'd be easier for my 2 year old to handle than other "dress up" dolls or toys. Now, at almost 3, DD can manipulate the outfits, and she enjoys matching the right color outfit pieces together (Prince/Princess), and matching the 2 dolls to each other. They also have conversations, or "dance" face to face. My 4.5 DS also has really started to enjoy both playsets [more], especially the "Joey" set, since he can put together funny combinations of pirate/policeman/superhero costumes. I actually think he enjoyed the Prince/Princess more when he was 3.5, and Joey more now (but he has also gotten more into costumes, occupations, and pretend in general). DS doesn't play with this terribly long, not nearly as long as his LEGOS, but he's more into construction than "storytelling". There are a couple of very small pieces, like the crowns, or Joey's superhero mask, but we haven't had a problem with them being lost or chewed. (use a 2 gallon ziplock bag to contain the wood boxes and pieces.)Note: I also bought a Melissa & Doug Abby & Emma set (with smaller pieces, fashion theme) for a 6 year old niece, and she very much seemed to enjoy it as well.

We love this dress-up set. I got it for my grandson. He loves dressing and redressing Joey. Joey can be set up on a base that holds him upright. The magnets hold the clothes and accessories onto Joey. There are 6 costumes: pirate, construction worker, knight, superhero, firefighter, and police officer. This set offers lots of imagination. A great way to use this set is with books. Read about one of the professions, and then pull out the paper Joey in that costume and watch your child's imagination blossom.

Like it for boys and girls to play with

Before purchasing this toy I read through ALL of the reviews. Of all of them, I found only one mentioning a chemical smell. Therefore, I figured it was an anomaly. Nope. It really does stink horribly.This toy is off-gassing something. Not only does it have to be some form of VOC-it actually makes your fingers smell like it too. I did not realize this until I had already allowed my children to play with it. I got both the Joey set and the Maggie set. The Joey set is much more stinky than the Maggie Leigh set by far. It is now sitting in the garage and I am not allowing the kids to play with them until I find out what is off-gassing so bad.I got light-headed and my stomach became upset from the smell--this does not happen unless there is some type of volatile organic compound involved. VOCs are not good for anyone-especially kids- to inhale or handle. I had also bought some large wooden lacing beads and they do not smell anything like this. Actually, none of the other toys we have from Melissa & Doug smell like this. I wonder if it is the magnetic backing or some type of adhesive?I put a call in to the Melissa & Doug company right after I opened the package and noticed the noxious smell. I explained my concerns with them and asked them to contact me with the information on what could be causing this smell. They were very courteous, concerned and they assured me that they would get back to me after checking it out-it is one of their best-selling toys. They also offered to replace the toy if they could not resolve the smell issues. I am confident I will hear something this coming week and I will update this review.My family enjoys our many Melissa & Doug toys. However, this particular toy needs better testing.Update: 8/11/10No word yet on the testing results for what the noxious smell was. They were very understanding and professional. When I spoke with one of their consumer product reps she stated that the item may have been sealed before the paint cured. Still waiting on results though. Once they picked up the product that they footed the S&H on-they then kindly sent a small selection of age appropriate toys as replacement for the sets I sent back to them. I thought this was a really nice gesture on their part and very fair. They sent the large threading beads and an adorable sea life magnetic fishing puzzle. Our kids love them! Upgraded stars to 4 from 2 since I had to send it back for testing etc. but overall I am satisfied for the most part with how the issue was resolved- although I would like to know that they have resolved the smell issue with the magnetic dress-up toys.

My nephew really likes them

Melissa and doug products are great.We love these magnetic dolls.We have a few already this was another adition.They work well and stay even when being stood up and moved around.The peices have nice coloring and it doesn't peel off the magnet as some of the cheaper ones I've bough start peeling and the hold isn't as strong.for the price your getting a great product that's going to last.Like I already said with 6 kids this brand is a trusted and rested Brand by us!One thing I dont like is that there is not real top. It would be nice if this came with something to keep the peices in. But the pastiche that is over it is just for packaging. So the peices can fall out easily. We still keep our in the regular box on a shelf and stack all the ones we have together. But again with no lid I'm sure we have lost shoes to others and small peices.