*********Product Information**************
This set includes a pink and purple musical/learning teapot, two purple teacups, and a pink shape sorter plate of three cakes; a circle, triangle and square. It is made out of plastic, which looks and feels like it is good quality. It is currently on offer at Argos and Toys R Us for £11.99, reduced from £17.99 and £15.99 respectively. It is £18.00 in Boots but is included in their 3-2 offer! Fisher Price say this is suitable for 6months to 4 years. It was a gift for my daughter's 1st birthday.

***********What it does and why it's great************
This delightfull little tea pot, (about 15cm by 18cm including the handle and spout) is just about the right size for little hands to hold. My daughter (1 yr old) can't quite manage to lift and pour it yet as it is a little heavy but I think she will probably get the hang of it soon. She can, however, easily open and close the lid.
It has three modes of play, controlled by a little switch on the front (don't worry there is also an 'off' switch): -

**Learning Mode** (and in my opinion, the best)
Makes an excellent pouring sound when you pretend to pour the tea into the cups, the teapot also thanks you after you have poured or asks for 'more please'. Lift the lid and it teaches you opposites (up/down, hello/goodbye, open/closed). Press the button which is at the end of the teabag hanging out of the top and it sings a cute song, introducing 1,2,3, shapes and taking in turns.

**Music Mode**
Pouring the tea pot and opening and closing the lid makes a not too annoying sound of scales on the piano. The tea bag button plays 2 songs about using your manners.

**Fun Mode**
Pouring sound when you pour again but this time you get an extra 'bubbling sound' like boiling water. Open the lid and you get a little giggling sound. Press the teabag button and you get a whistling sound (similar to a whistling kettle).

The tea cups are pretty standard but do have a cute little face on them.

The shape sorting plate (15cm dia) and delicious looking shape cakes are just the right size for little hands to hold and sort accurately. The cakes have pretend icing and decorations on the top which I imagine would feel quite nice on teething gums (especially if cooled in the fridge for a little while). They have regularly made their way to my daughter's mouth (but are far too big to put in, so no worries there!). The cakes slot into their correct slot on the plate which means they are unlikely to 'slip off' the plate during play.

*********Limitations***********
This is totally unsuitable for any liquids to be put in the tea pot (Electronics and water don't mix - you can't have it all!). An older child could become bored as they may want to pretend with something a little more realistic, where you can practise at accurately pouring liquids. My 5 year old still managed to have a good role-play game with it but I can imagine him sneaking off to the bathroom to fill it up!
There is no volume control on it so some people may find it annoying, but even so I wouldn't say the sounds are particularly loud. It still deserves 5 stars!

****My Recommendation****
This is a fantastic little role play toy. It is lovely to sit down and play together. I would highly recommend it. If you could get this toy at the special offer price, it would be exceptional value for money. If you pay the full price, I would still say it's worth it, if purchased when your child is young enough. I can see this being played with for a good few years.