The Holiday rush is over and my sons, once again, seem to have toys spilling out everywhere. Finding a place for all of the new loot has been dificult but we’ve been looking into solutions: a new toy box. We have some plastic toy bins for blocks and another one for trains, but they look like what they are – dull grey plastic utility bins. They are also difficult to maneuver and my oldest (at three) doesn’t have the strength to take the lids off. We looked through a number of different toy boxes and found a great selection. I particulalry liked the hot pink Hollywood Starlet Lounge Toy Box… for myself of course!
I loved the idea of this toy box for musical instruments. The musical motif is very well executed… down to the functioning xylophone on the back and the spinning bell “drums”. This toy box is roomy enough to store drums, tambourines, maracas and more! Slow closing safety hinges make it easy to lift up and safe for small fingers.
If only I had a daughter! I absolutely love this toy bench and I am very tempted to purchase it for all the little girls at daycare. This toy box even comes with the silver star throw pillow. The back, armrest and top pillow are all removable so that it can grow with your child. Though, the sophisticated “fainting couch” design is perfect for drama queens in training!
This toy chest has a simple design, but it’s very versatile. The open window design allows for easy access, great for two or more children to retrieve toys at the same time. The faux wooden wheels hide four sturdy casters which allow you or your child to move the toy box from room to room. This toybox can hold up to 100 pounds, allowing your child to ride inside if he or she wants. Has a small horn inside to make sure younger siblings steer clear.
I liked the design of this toy box/bench because it was simple and looked like furniture that could grow with my sons. Made of solid hardwood, this bench also supports up to 150 pounds allowing two older children to sit on it at once. The manufacturer states that this bench is good for children 18 months and up, but it lacks a slow closing hinge. It does however, have a lowered lip at the front reducing the chance that your child’s fingers will get caught.
This Train toy box fits in perfectly with the decor of most of the items in my sons room. Primary colors are dominant in many of his toys, his bedsheets and the curtains. While I was tempted to look at the Thomas the Train toy box offered by Little Tikes, I liked that this was a little more “generic” and wasn’t
specific to one brand of train. After all, I think we have at least five different train sets laying about the house. The bright, bold design also caught my sons attention – he was definitely more excited about this train toy box than the one with Thomas the Train.
While a little more pricey than the other toy boxes out there, the Shiver Me Timbers pirate-themed toy chest is definitely one for generations. It’s made with oak and mindy wood and has brass dubloon pulls and hardware. I could easily imagine this chest full of different costumes or sacred toy treasures. I actually think, of all the toy boxes, this one would probably stay with my sons well into their teenage years. Only then they’ll probably put a real lock on it to keep Mommy out!
This toy box reminds me of the toy table we have. It’s a solid table (even mom can sit on it!) with two bins that slide out and have chalk boards on the front. Honestly, we’ve never used the chalk boards but that may change as my sons get older. My husband and I love the concept behind these types of tables/toy boxes. Slide it out, fill it up, hide everything under the table. This toy box comes with the bonus “table” which can be great as a surface for coloring on or become a mini desk when your child starts bringing homework back from school.
I don’t think I’ve met a girl who isn’t enamored with princesses or sparkly things. If you have a daughter this toy bench is sure to please. It has similar features to the Hollywood Starlett box discussed earlier, but with a princess theme. The front boasts that your daughter keeps “The Crown Jewels” in the box, while the back reads “Always a Princess”. This toy box also comes with matching room decor – a vanity table, table and chairs, rocking horse, a toddler sized four poster bed, and a bookshelf. Add a few whispy curtains and you have a room fit for a princess.
Fairies 3-Tier Toy Organizer with Roll out Toy Wooden Box
I liked the concept of a shelving system in conjunction with a toy box, unfortunately I could only find this design with “girl” themes. This would be a perfect sytem for organizing dolls and doll accessories. When I was growing up my grandmother hand made Barbie doll clothes and we had boxes and boxes full. How I wished my sister and I had a system like this to store and sort all of those items! However, if your daughter or neice is a big fan of the Disney Fairies this organizer and wooden toy box is sure to please!
Lastly we have this sports themed toy box. It’s similar in design to the musical toy box and has the same weight bearing and safety features. While the musical design is perfect for storing musical instruments, this toy box is the perfect size for storing some sports gear. Have a young soccer player? You can fit all of the clothing and the ball inside this toybox with room to spare, and then have the cleats sit on top neatly out of the way. Of course, the challenge with this and all toy boxes is that your child actually puts their toys inside instead of leaving them all around the room. My only suggestion: Start young!