If you’re like most parents and like me, in particular, it seems toys are always accumulating in your house. They are given as gifts; they appear after parties and a few, sometimes the good ones, you purchase for your child…often on a whim.

The good ones, not necessarily the most well made or the most expensive, but those that provide the most play value, last for years. In our house these are usually pretend play toys. We have a wide variety of them – cars and trucks, toasters and play food, costumes and stuffed animals. One of the best we’ve purchased, especially for summertime fun is our toy BBQ.

Americans are a barbecuing society. As the fourth of July weekend approaches we’re all stocking up on burgers and buns and getting ready to fire up the grill for the holiday. Why shouldn’t our children too? O.K. well, not exactly fire up but pretend to cook on the grill.

These toy grills, one smaller for tabletop use and one larger, “floor model” are great for summer fun. They’re small enough to haul outside and set up next to Dad or Moms or even carry along in the car for a barbecuing picnic. Boys particularly love the opportunity to “cook like Dad”.

I like these two models because the number of bells and whistles is limited. Sure, they light up and make noise, but they’re just as much fun if you never put in batteries or replace them when they die.

So, pick up a toy grill and let your little one join in the fun this barbecue season.