Quick answer
Set up the Melissa & Doug Barber Shop Play Set by unboxing all pieces, organizing the kit, demonstrating each tool's safe use, and letting your child lead the pretend play.
Why a dedicated setup matters for pretend play
When kids have a clear, organized space for their barber shop play set, they can focus on the role play instead of searching for missing pieces. A structured setup also helps them learn responsibility for their toys and encourages longer, more imaginative sessions.
How to set up your barber shop play set
- Unbox and inventory every piece: Open the zippered shaving kit and lay out all accessories: trimmer, beard, comb, scissors, razor, and any other pieces. Check the included list to confirm nothing is missing. This also helps your child become familiar with what's inside. A common mistake is skipping the inventory—missing pieces can frustrate a child mid-play.
- Create a dedicated play station: Set up a small table or a clear floor area with a chair for the customer. Place the open kit nearby so tools are visible and reachable. Add a mirror if you have one—it boosts the realism of the hair salon experience. Avoid cluttering the space with unrelated toys; keep the focus on the barber shop theme.
- Demonstrate each tool's safe use: Show your child how the vibrating trimmer works (it's pretend, not real), how to snap on the beard, and how to use the comb and scissors safely. Emphasize that all tools are for pretend play only, not for real hair or skin. Without a quick demo, children may misuse the trimmer or try to cut real hair, leading to disappointment.
- Role-play a sample haircut together: Take turns being the barber and the customer. Use the comb to part pretend hair, the trimmer to buzz along the neckline, and the scissors for a trim. Let your child lead the conversation—ask questions like "How short would you like it?" Skipping the first role-play can leave kids unsure how to start; modeling the script builds confidence.
- Establish a cleanup routine: After play, have your child place each piece back into the zippered shaving kit. Make it part of the game—"Time to close the shop for the day!" This teaches organization and prevents lost accessories. Without a routine, pieces scatter and the set becomes incomplete, reducing future play value.
Product details
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Barber Shop Play Set: The Melissa & Doug Barber Shop Play Set includes a vibrating trimmer, wearable beard, and a full set of pretend barber essentials that store neatly in a zippered shaving kit. The zippered kit makes cleanup and storage simple, so your child can take the salon anywhere and keep all pieces together.
Barber Shop Play Set
