The Learn-to-Play Piano holds the keys to playing a colorful tune. This brightly painted upright features 25 keys and two full octaves to give kids a wide range of notes to play. It also comes with an illustrated songbook and teaching key chart to help kids identify notes on the scale. The Learn-to-Play Piano measures 15.75" x 11.5" x 9.5".
— "Our small children’s piano by Melissa & Doug is big," said Susan Castor, owner of Pentwater Toy Box in Pentwater, Mich.
—    Four of 45 retailers told TDmonthly in summer 2007 that Melissa & Doug items are continuing hot sellers.
—  The four retailers are located in northern states.

Children can have a swimmingly good time without getting wet with this Stuffed Sea Turtle. This gentle guy is cuddly, realistic and big, at nearly 2.5' long and 2' wide. It weighs 2.9 lbs. and will reel kids in at playtime — hook, line and sinker.
— "We sell a lot of plush from Melissa & Doug. The big and more realistic animals do well," said Natalie Reese, manager of Angel’s Toy Barn in Greensburg, Pa.
— Six of 62 retailers told TDmonthly that Melissa & Doug is a hot-selling brand in the plush and puppets category.
— Retailers cited sales for the Melissa & Doug large plush at a few per month, with rapid increases to as much as a few per day during the holiday season.

Every little girl will feel like a princess with Melissa & Doug's Table and Chairs Set. The table and two chairs are elegantly carved with scalloped edges and adorable heart cut-outs, and are embellished with delicately painted flowers and foliage. The set is the perfect size for fancy tea parties, playing “house” or even finger painting, as the table measures 20" H x 24" L. The chairs are 13.5" x 26.25" x 14".
— "I would say our best-selling furniture is the table and chair set that we have from Melissa & Doug," said Char Mcaulay, manager of Toy Town in Casper, Wyo.
— Seven of 62 retailers TDmonthly spoke with in spring 2007 said Melissa & Doug furniture is a hot-selling commodity in their stores.
— "A handful a year" was a common answer about sales of Melissa & Doug furniture that TDmonthly received from specialty retailers.

The Fold & Go is a roomy portable dollhouse that features working doors, two flexible wooden play figures, 11 wooden furniture pieces and easy-access design, as well as a convenient carrying handle. It's an adorable "mobile home" that's solid, lightweight and built to last. The Fold & Go measures 11.5" x 16" x 10" and weighs 6 lbs.
— "We have a Melissa & Doug Fold & Go Dollhouse that does real well for us," said Joel Hardy, owner of Magpie Toys in Red Lodge, Mont., when asked about play house favorites in his store.
— Seventeen of 62 retailers TDmonthly spoke with in spring 2007 cited Melissa & Doug when asked about play house and furniture favorites with their customers.
— Lynn Robillard told TDmonthly in summer 2007 that Melissa & Doug wooden items are top sellers at her store, Toys in the Attic in Manchester, Vt., for many reasons: They are non-toxic and the company is diverse, including “arts and crafts, magnetic dolls and a huge array of everything imaginable.” 

The full body Baby Puppet is a perfect pretend pal. The cute character is easily animated with a working mouth. It's fun to play with and sure to inspire the imagination of kids, adults and drama departments alike. All Melissa & Doug people puppets have removable clothing and include a hand-operating rod. The Baby is constructed with super-soft quality fleece, measures 4" x 8" x 18" and weighs 11.2 oz.
— "We sell quite a few puppets from Melissa & Doug," said Char Mcaulay, manager of Toy Town in Casper, Wyo., when she talked to TDmonthly about store sales in the spring of 2007.

Kids can serve up a low-fat, high-protein meal to their teddy bears with this wooden play set.
— “Wood slicing food by Melissa & Doug,” Anna Barr, owner Anna’s Toy Depot in Austin, Texas, told TDmonthly, when asked about her store’s best selling wooden toy item.
— “We sell numerous sets of wooden food, like Melissa & Doug ones,” Emily Holmes, a buyer for Ambassador Toys in San Francisco, Calif., told TDmonthly.
— Over 11 percent of retailers told TDmonthly in early 2008 that wooden play-food sets were selling very well in their stores.

Kids can put an animal in its habitat with the Magnetic Wooden Board Habitats With Animals. They just slide one of the three habitat scenes into the sturdy wooden frame and then sort the magnets to find the appropriate animals for each habitat. They’ll create a beautiful picture on the chosen background. The set includes three habitat scenes (farm, ocean, African plains), 26 magnetic wooden play pieces, a sturdy magnetic board and a plastic carrying case with an easy-zip back pocket. The board measures approximately 14" x 11.5" x 0.5".
— "For the little ones, it's magnetic animals by Melissa & Doug," said Trish Garlock, owner of Treasured Child in La Grange, Ky., about best-selling travel toys in her store. "We sell some [travel toys] every day,” she added.
— It's no surprise that Melissa & Doug made the travel toy best-seller list, as they produce a wide range of magnetic toys well suited to the category.
― “Some concrete examples of suppliers with whom I am very happy would include … Melissa & Doug,” Owner Drew Friedman of White Mountain Trading Company in Lutherville, Md., told TDmonthly.

It’s time to play “follow the leader” with the Pull-Along Zoo Animals, which contain nine interchangeable pieces as part of a string of unique and colorful animals. One day it’s the giraffe’s turn to be the head of the pack. Another it might be the elephant’s time to lead. Only the child’s imagination stands in the way of all the possibilities. It comes with a solidly built interlocking wheelbase as well as a handy pull-along string.
— “Melissa & Doug — anything they sell…[including] pull toys,” said Paula Hall, manager of Rabbit in the Moon in Louisville, Ky., about best-selling infant toys in her store in spring 2007.
— Two other retailers TDmonthly spoke with mentioned Melissa & Doug pull toys as popular in their stores.
— Retailers who cited Melissa & Doug pull toys as best sellers reported monthly sales of approximately 30 units.

When assembled, this 28-piece puzzle measures 10’ long. It is made of heavy-grade cardboard that is coated on both sides and is 20 percent thicker than the competition's material. The company’s colorful, detailed, value-priced floor puzzles are available in a variety of shapes, sizes and piece-counts, ranging from 24 to 100 pieces. The pieces of the Alphabet Train Floor Puzzle are self-correcting and the puzzle itself is an amazing 10’ long upon completion. Launch date: Re-launched January 2007 with revised graphics.
— “Our best seller is Melissa & Doug — their wooden floor puzzles are very popular,” said Melodie Ingwersen, owner of Creative Kids in Columbia, S.C.
— Research conducted by TDmonthly indicated that sales of Melissa & Doug Floor Puzzles were strongest in the Southeast, where retailers averaged more than 30 units sold a month.
— Over 57 percent of retailers told TDmonthly in early 2008 that Melissa & Doug puzzles were the best-selling puzzles in their stores.

 Melissa & Doug's Wooden Railway Set provides children with the complete train toy experience. Watch the trains roar by on a system kids help design themselves, complete with cranes, switches and T-junctions. The set comes with 138 pieces, bridges, dozens of curved and straight tracks, trestle bridges, workers, trees, a big Roundhouse, as well as roundtable. The set also comes with a lifetime warranty. 
— "There are train sets — a lot of companies make them — but Melissa & Doug hold up the best," was the enthusiastic endorsement given by Susan Pruett, owner of Kilmarnock Toy Store in Kilmarnock, VA.

The Deluxe Magic Set is unlikely to disappear from the hearts and minds of budding magicians. Providing a comprehensive play experience, the Magic Set comes with 54 pieces in a wooden chest that doubles as a magic table with a secret compartment. It includes instructions to perform standard and new tricks alike. The set is 14" x 9.5" x 3.75" in dimension, but the social, presentation and motor skills it helps kids develop might be boundless.
— "We have tons of Melissa & Doug...they have some wooden magic sets that have done great. Anything magic sells," said Bill Rayment, co-owner of Toy Crossing in Harbor Beach, Mich.
— Idanna Smith, owner of Juggles in Wakefield, R.I., said she liked Melissa & Doug’s new magic kits at Toy Fair 2007.

The Cutting Food Box is a super-sized play-food set that comes with a child-safe knife. Kids prepare their own healthy meals, cut into them as they make a crunching sound, and then have fun trying to put them back together again. The set includes a cutting board and a wooden crate for easy storage.
— "I think Melissa & Doug certainly ramped up the trend toward wooden toys in designing things like the food-cutting box out of wood," said Nancy Streeter, owner of Eureka in Newburyport, Mass.
— Melissa & Doug dominated the wooden toys' category in an early 2007 survey, as the brand was cited more than 50 times by a collective 51 retailers.
— Two of 39 retailers told TDmonthly that Melissa & Doug cutting foods make popular playsets.
— As of 8.03.2010, this product had 5 out of 5 stars from 201 reviews on Amazon.com and was No. 20 in the top 100 best-selling toys and games. PROS: Entertaining and well-made. CONS: Paint can peel.

Mancala is part of the company's newer line of classic nostalgic games. It's made of solid wood, is painted by hand, and features a clever system to store pieces securely. It also adds a decorative touch to any room.
— When asked about new best-selling games at Ouray Toys in Ouray, Colo., Assistant Manager Rene Leonardi said, "Mancala by Melissa & Doug."
— "They have a lot of the really good wood toys and games," said Allison Smith, owner of Storybook Nook in West Jordan, Utah, about Melissa & Doug.
— Three of 51 retailers specifically cited Melissa & Doug as a customer favorite for games.

Say hi to the nice policeman as he tips his hat in response. The play possibilities are endless with this quality hand puppet from Melissa & Doug. Measuring 6.5" x 15", the puppet comes with a wooden rod to allow children control over this play guardian of the community. The Policeman is part of the Melissa & Doug career hand puppets that all come with finely detailed uniforms. Others puppets include a Fireman and Construction Worker.
— In a late Spring 2011 survey of 15 retailers, two retailers said that character puppets from Manhattan Toy were best-sellers in that category.

These creative creatures add color, texture and a whole lot of fun to traditional bowling. Soft yet firm plush pins stand up on their weighted bases, ready to be toppled by the monster ball. Storage is easy with the clear zippered carrying case. Measurements are 10" x 7.5" x 7". Launch date: Fall 2006.
— Melissa & Doug products have been top sellers for Michelle Deutschmann, owner of Kaleidoscope Toys in Falmouth, Mass., since July 2006.

This alphabet puzzle toy was designed to combine fun and learning. It comes with large pieces containing letters and drawings that are visually and intellectually appealing to the growing mind. It’s handcrafted of solid wood.
— "We sell a lot of puzzles. Most of the ones we sell well are Melissa & Doug. They’re a really great company," said Rene Leonardi, assistant manager at Ouray Toys in Ouray, Colo.
— Owner Elaine Hackney of Boing! JP’s Toy Shop has carried these chunky puzzles for a couple of years and said they are best sellers due to their graphics and play value. “Each puzzle piece stands alone and can be used for pretending as well as for the puzzle,” she told TDmonthly in summer 2007.
— Rick Davis, from marketing at Melissa & Doug, told TDmonthly that “We just try to make it fun to sell our toys, and from what we hear from our vendors, customers, and from the media, it sounds like we’re succeeding.”

Role-play is not difficult for kids when it comes to this complete play kitchen set. It’s made of wood and comes with stove, refrigerator, freezer, oven, sink and microwave. Knobs and handles provide added realism. The color and design also add to the appeal of this set. Assembly is required.
— “It’s not really a surprise, but Melissa & Doug is getting more popular. People ask for it by name,” said Alyssa Cox, owner of Animal Quackers in Raleigh, N.C.
— Rick Davis of marketing at Melissa & Doug told TDmonthly that the Country Kitchen “has been a tremendous success for us this year, and we’re looking forward to introducing even more exciting items in 2007.”
— Almost 25 percent of 58 retailers who shared their thoughts with TDmonthly stated that Melissa & Doug kitchens would be their stores’ wow item during the 2007 holiday season.

This neat little craft set allows kids to combine creativity with structure to make a work of art. The crown comes in a plaque, but it's up to the kids to decide how they want to personalize it. It comes with paint, glitter, gems, glue and stickers that are included in a sectioned wooden box.
— "We sell a lot of crafts from Melissa & Doug," Cindy Nelson, owner of J. Skylark Co. in Duluth, Minn., told TDmonthly.
— An insightful observation came from Natalie Reese, manager of Angel’s Toy Barn in Greensburg, Pa., who said of the toy, "They have a small price [sic], and kids will often buy it as a gift for their brother or sister."
— Specialty retailers continually report Melissa & Doug as a top seller.

It's every girl's dream home, the beautiful Victorian Dollhouse. Decorative detailing throughout the interior and exterior of this amazing dollhouse makes it a high-quality heirloom to be cherished for years and years to come. Matching room furnishing sets are also available.
— “Melissa & Doug Victorian dollhouse with dolls,” Helen Ulrich, assistant manager of Hardware Center Inc. in Paoli, Pa., told TDmonthly when asked about best-selling furniture and playhouse items in summer 2008. “This time of year, we don't sell as many (it's more of a Christmas item) but we sell pieces or dolls.”
— “We have a three-tiered [dollhouse] display as you walk in the door. I have all [Melissa & Doug’s] furniture around it. The kids love that doll house,” said Jeanne McCullough, owner of Children’s Store Inc. in Boise, Idaho.
— Six of 62 retailers mentioned doll houses by Melissa & Doug as a strong seller in the furniture and playhouses category in June 2008. Three specifically referenced the Victorian design.

This big, soft bird is ready to warm up with a friendly hug. He has long, outstretched wings and a wire frame so that he is partially poseable. He is quite realistic looking and measures 23.5" by 13" by 12".
— “Anything penguin,” was the state of plush toys described by Kim Duff, manager at Giggles Toys & More in Bozeman, Mont. “Our favorite is the one that's 2' tall from Melissa & Doug.”
— Angel Stahl, owner of Angel’s Toy Barn in Greensburg, Pa., concurred: “Melissa & Doug is our No. 1 seller. For them, penguins sell the best.”
— Rick Davis, from the marketing department at Melissa & Doug, told TDmonthly, “This embracably soft plush penguin will march into your heart with its colorful coat and cute features. Nearly 2' tall and 12" wide, this cuddly emperor's 'waddle' can make any penguin lover happy.” Launch Date: Summer 2005

This fantastic colorful plush dragon inspires children’s imaginations while staying soft and snuggly. He measures 40” by 20” by 12”.

This 40-piece set encourages creativity and constructive play. Children can create walls, fences, forts, houses or skyscrapers. The bright, colorful blocks are durable to withstand years of rough play. The set includes three different block sizes.

Tucked away in a wooden box are 16 different animal and nature stamps that kids can use to create their own designs. Two different inkpads are included, as are seven colored pencils for filling in the spaces.
— “Holy Moly, there’s a ton of stuff that does well” in Melissa & Doug, particularly the stamp and bead sets, enthused Steven Levy, owner of Toy City in Surry, N.H.
— Of 58 retailers who spoke with TDmonthly, four cited Melissa & Doug as makers of popular holiday stocking-stuffer items. Additionally, of the four, three cited Melissa & Doug’s art kits as being the “it” product.
— It was one of the best sellers at Imaginit in Decorah, Iowa, said Kayla Storlee.

Each side of this peek-a-boo birdhouse features a window that houses a velvety bird that rattles, jingles, squeaks or crinkles, and can be sorted by shape or color. It measures 12” x 10” x 12”, boxed.

It’s “all aboard!” for this toy. The train is leaving the station to have plenty of kiddie passengers. The 15 interchangeable brightly colored pieces let kids design their own cars. It measures 17" x 3" x 6".
— This train moves off the shelves for Kim Walter, manager of Giggles in Stoughton, Wis. She told TDmonthly, “People seem to love all the vehicles in this line.”
— “That’s one of our best selling items,” said Susan Waterstreet of Tree Top Kids in Washington, D.C. “We also now have a jumbo version; they’re fabulous sellers for kids 2 and up.”
— This toy is a steady seller at Be Beep A Toy Shop in Columbia, S.C.
— Since Jillie Beans Toys & More opened in Westminster, Colo., in fall 2006, Melissa & Doug’s Stacking Train has been a consistently strong seller, Owner Valerie Elsea told TDmonthly in April 2010.