Comments: We like just about anything that gets kids in the kitchen and cooking with parents, grandparents, or other responsible adults. We love the Kuhn Rikon Kinderkitchen tools, which blend fun, useful tools with charming animal shapes and designs.

The starter set includes a Gold Fish Measuring Spoon Set, Mouse Measuring Cup Set (with a leveling tool), Crocodile Jaws Tongs, 6-1/2-inch Dog Knife, and a Cookie Cutters Set, all nestled in a sturdy, washable chef's bag with inside pockets and dividers.

The measuring cups and spoons have flat bases so they stand stable while children pour in the ingredients. The knife is sharp enough to cut soft foods, but not fingers The cookie set includes 3 differently shaped cutters (heart, star, and flower).

Extra pieces that are sold separately include:

• The White Rabbit Apron with Tasting Spoon, featuring an adjustable loop neck strap and ties for a proper fit on small people and a front pocket handily outfitted with a stainless tasting spoon. Made of 100 percent cotton, the apron is machine washable
  
• The Birdseye Open Spoon, really more of a stirring spatula than a spoon, the hole in the spoon makes it easier for little arms to stir and mix. Made with soft silicone, the beak does not scratch and will protect nonstick pots and pans.
• The Duck Snippers feature rounded-off, child-friendly blades that are sharp enough to cut vegetables and herbs but not sharp enough to hurt people. The spring action makes cutting easy and non-tiring; the duckbill covers the blades for storage.
• Bluebird Spatula is made with a heat-resistant silicone edge, safe for use in nonstick pots and pans.
  
• Cockatiel Whisk has all-purpose wires that are excellent for beating and mixing, scrambling eggs, mixing desserts, and more. The whisk sports a pink or purple silicone wire in its "plumage," making it stand out.
• Dog Knife with Teeth features serrated "teeth" that are sharp enough to cut sandwiches and fruit peels, but not fingers. A hand guard protects against slipping.

Yes, you can rack up a certain amount of expense if you buy every piece, but children sure grow up fast.