What options are there for toy chests?

Toy chests are predominantly constructed of wood, but are also made with particle board, wood laminate, metal, plastic, mesh or nylon, canvas, wicker, and the list goes on. Some organizers are actually toy towers or hutches with several bins to help sort toys. Some toy chests offer sliding doors or panels to prevent the hazard of falling lids. This design also prevents a child from reaching over the side of a deep toy chest looking for a long-lost toy that has been buried at the bottom. And some chests are actually benches with room for toys under the seat. For a clean, contemporary look, many parents opt for modular storage bins—with or without casters—or storage lockers.

 

If you are more apt to think outside the (toy) box, consider using a canvas over-the-door shoe organizer to stash your child’s small toys and stuffed animals. This idea also helps free up square-footage in space-challenged rooms by making use of vertical space. Bookcases are also a good option for toys and books and they allow your child to see in a blink where he or she stashed a beloved doll or game. Note: If you use a bookcase, consider anchoring it to the wall with brackets so it won’t topple over should your child decide to scale the bookcase.  

 

Toy boxes can be personalized with your child’s name by hand-painting or engraving. Many are designed to correspond to the nursery’s décor; you’ll find manufacturers who specialize in princess-, sports-, circus-, or animal-themed pieces, for example. Many companies sell toy boxes decorated with your child’s favorite licensed character or cartoon. A quick Internet search will turn up hundreds of toy-box styles—new and secondhand alike.

 

You may be tempted to use an heirloom trunk, cedar chest, and other similar piece of furniture as a toy box, but be sure to check that it is adequately ventilated and that the lid’s hinges are safe before allowing your children to use it (see safety information below). Spring-loaded safety hinges that hold the lid open in any position can be purchased at most hardware retailers for $10 to $15. Or, to be on the safe side, simply remove the lid.