Today's gripe

[Optimalstar]

Looking for multicultural toys - small world figures in particular.

I don't want just a random bunch of people that are 'token' figures for different cultures. I want people/figures that can be played with in a wider context. I spotted a set by lego called 'community mini figure set', now I thought that would be a mixed race set of people with various roles. Wrong, it's a set of figures with different roles - all white, well technically yellow but all the same culture. Why can't these people make sets of figures multicultural as standard? we shouldn't have to go looking for an additional set of figures that cover this area to supplement a playset, multi-culture should just be represented within a standard playset.

Correct me if you do know a make of toys(small world that is) that does this.

Sam x

www.samanthachildminder.co.uk

[Stormy]

Happyland from ELC and Mothercare make lots of playsets and packs of people ideal for small world play, which include doctors, nurses, police, fire officers,etc

[lfishwick]

Happyland from ELC and Mothercare make lots of playsets and packs of people ideal for small world play, which include doctors, nurses, police, fire officers,etc

I have these also and it is nice as they are not just 'token' figures they are every day sets - vets, construction workers, post office etc etc with multicultural and disabled figures

[Optimalstar]

Thanks guys, I was in ELC yesterday but all I saw was a set of figures not a complete playset. Mind I was looking for paint so never really focused on everything they had. Plus my toddler was testing out everything with buttons - her thing right now

Sam x

[rickysmiths]

Duplo to a set of mulicultural grannies, grandpas mums dads and babies, our County gave us a set a few years ago.

[jayjay1963]

I got some brilliant ones from Step by Step via the web. I have the families sets which include black, asian and white figures, eight to a family, and I also have the occupations set which covers lots of roles, male and female. They also have a set with various disabilities again with mixed races. They are very sturdy and play friendly for all ages
Just search for Step by Step or PM me for the web addy

Jacqui

[Optimalstar]

obviously I'm not looking in the right places

Sam x

[nannymcflea]

Little people sets are good too. Fisher price.

[Kes]

Not toy figures but I went to a training course once and they had a great idea of using something like a lolly stick and putting a photo on it to make play figures. That way you can make them anything you want including the children themselves.