How to Buy a Children's Toy Dish Set

Look for a toy dish set good for both play and real meals. Heavy porcelain or food-grade plastic are typical materials. Find one complete with miniature metal flatware in the children's section at Ikea.

Find vintage toy dishes on eBay, such as a Tupperware toy dish set from the 1970s, complete with a juice pitcher that looks identical to the full sized version. Another antique collectible is aluminum or tin toy dishes from the 1940s. Often, dish lots come with play food and other bonus items.

Browse children's consignment sales and stores for toy dish sets. Semi-annual children's consignment sales a great source for inexpensive toy dishes and there is often a good selection for early shoppers.

Check your local toy store for a sturdy dish set for pre-school fun. Fisher Price, Little Tikes and Step 2 make brightly colored, unbreakable dish sets that can be used alone or in conjunction with their toy kitchens.

Look in local classified ads and Craig's List online for toy deals. Toy dishes often find their way to flea markets and yard sales as well, and you can search for antiques as well as newer items.

Shop online. Children's online toy stores often have a great selection of toy dishes, from Disney Princess sets to Strawberry Shortcake dishes and plain china or solid colored plastic.