Nostalgic toys are all the rage right now. Brand names popular in the late 70s and 80s are enjoying a huge resurgence in popularity. This is due in part to a number of older toy brands who have been “made over” in the last few years. These upgraded and updated toys attempt to get the attention of both the children who play with the toys and the parents who buy them. One of the most recent recipients of a high-profile make-over was Strawberry Shortcake. The new model retains much of what we loved about her before: the sweet scent, the bright red hair, the eclectic wardrobe, and, oh, the accessories. The new little Miss Shortcake is less round and ruffled, more realistic and relatable. Of course, all her friends have been restyled in a similar manner and they’ve all been given new thing to do and new places to go. Her newest hangout spot is the Strawberry Shortcake Berry Café.
Scent
This strawberry-shaped house has the characteristic scent of the familiar, classic Strawberry Shortcake products. Moms who loved this toy as a child will immediately recognize the smell. Both the doll and the play set are infused with the candy-coated aroma.
Accessories
The Strawberry Shortcake Berry Café consists of an upstairs bedroom and a downstairs kitchen. The two connect with a pull out staircase that stows away when the toy is not in use. It has lot of accessories for creative play, like the blender that really whirls for imaging smoothies and shakes. It also has several different types of “food” for the little hostess to share. There are trays of muffins, croissants, waffles and more. All this is in addition to the doll house standard furniture items like a table, chairs, a bed, an oven and a kitchen counter.
Extras
This is not ordinary doll house, which is no surprise coming from the land of Strawberry Shortcake. It has an element of fantasy, too. There is a oversized bird on top of the café, complete with a saddle. Push down on the top leaf and stem and the included figurine can ride the bird around the top of the Strawberry Shortcake Berry Café. It’s a rather incongruous addition, but one little girls will likely enjoy despite its oddity.
Cautions
On the whole, this looks to be a fun and engaging toy with a reasonable $34.99 price tag. However, there is one small concession to be noted for families with infants and young toddlers in the home. The very small components can be a choking hazard for small children. The manufacturer wisely labels it for children 4 and above and this age limit should not be ignored.
The Strawberry Shortcake Berry Cafe is Available from Amazon for $39.99
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