Deluxe Reading toys were sold in the 1950s–1970s in supermarkets. 

One of the most successful toys for girls was the “Dream Kitchen” (circa 1961) which consisted of four 12-inch-tall colourful kitchen appliances, a kitchen table and four chairs. The 1/6th scale of the set made it perfect for Barbie.

This toy was unique in that the sink worked with water, the oven had batteries to turn a plastic turkey on a spit inside.

The refrigerator had pull-out shelves, and the dishwasher also worked with water.

Included were scores of food boxes, cleaning supplies, food replica items, plates, utensils and more. The box proclaimed that it held “176 pieces.”  I have acquired many extra accessories for my Deluxe Reading Kitchen.

This attractive display was high up on the grocery store shelf causing many children to beg their parents to buy them such a wonderful toy. I remember, as I was one of them, but I didn’t get the set until I was grown up. (Picture from Pinterest)

The set came in an colourfully illustrated cardboard box. (Picture from Pinterest)

The kitchen set was also sold in the 1963 Montgomery Ward Christmas Book, Page 230