Everyone, at some point, had a toy chest of some sort. To this day if you were to look around my old bedroom in Grandma's houose, you'd find one. My old toy chest is cherry wood, with a flat top and a brass hinge that never held teh lid open the way it was supposed to. But even today, that chest contains the vestiges and treasures of my childhood.
Today, amongst some old stuffed animals and a "real" GI Joe doll, my old toy chest has become a vault of sorts. That is where a VERY old copy of The Night Before Christmas resides. Every Christmas Grandma reads the story to all the kids (her kids and her kids' kids). The chest has a certain aura about it...It's the place the grandkids can't wait to go get into.
Shopping for a Toy Chest
When you go to look for a chest, there are a few things to consider. At theKIDshoppe.com, we have done all the research for you! Below we lay out the good, the bad, and yes, the ugly.
Things to consider:
- Do you want a piece of furniture, or a character/theme toy chest?
- If you are looking for furniture, most colors can be matched to your kids room decor
- Most good toy stores have GREAT buys on nice wooden toy chests - don't feel like you have to go to a high-end childrens furniture store.
- A well built wooden toy chest will run between $120 and $180. A theme or character chest will typically be much less expensive.
- You'll also come across "toy boxes" and "toy organizers" - these are typically plastic or cardboard boxes or plastic modular tubs.
You'll find all shapes and sizes here at theKIDshoppe.com. And of course, we'll give highlights and full reviews of the top sellers and the best buys.
Our Top Picks
For a well built, traditional toy chest, our top pick for boys is the Kidcraft Limited Edition Toy Box. Though it's called a "toy box" it is a perfect example of a traditional toy chest. It has a beautifully arched back and is available in cherry or white. The cherry is not too red, like we find with some of the other manufacturers. This is a theKIDshoppe.com Top Pick!
Our #2 pick is the Badger Barrel Top Wood Toy Chest. This is a more utilitarian chest - it is a natural finish and had a barrel top. It is just a more rugged model than the Kidcraft. It is also a great buy - you can get them for about $97.
If you're after something more fun and less "furniture-like" there is plenty to choose from. From Dora the Explorer to Thomas and Friends, there is a themed character toy box for your child.
Jingles the Elf just loves these themed chests because they keep his house nice and tidy (there ar lots of toys there...
"After playing all day, put your toys in a chest - your Mom will be happy you cleaned up your best!"
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