Knowing many children who are fans of Elmo, when I spotted the Fisher Price Elmo’s Restaurant, I was attracted to it right away. It has a working cash register, a burner that makes sounds, and Grover (on the reverse side of the restaurant) talks when you take a menu from his hand. There are other favorite Sesame Street character sounds to be heard as well. It sells for $74.99 at Amazon.com. A great addition to your children’s playroom, perhaps it’ll be something to add under the tree this Christmas.

Imagine the fun children could have playing restaurant with this Retro 50’s Diner made by Step 2. It’s two-sided, with a kitchen on one side and a booth on the other. The kitchen features an oven, fryer, sink, stove, griddle that sizzles, and coffee maker that bubbles. Play dishes and food are also included. It even has a bell that the “cook” can ring when the order’s up. The “waiter” can then serve his “customers” on the other side of the playset, in the booth that has a real, working jukebox loaded with three 1950s songs.

The diner playset measures 37″L x 25″W x 39″H. It does require adult assembly and batteries, which aren’t included. Made in the USA of polyethylene, it sells for $149.95 at SensationalBeginnings.com. If you’d like to give this as a Christmas gift, you must place your order before December 4.