Isn't it about time we saw fewer DIY play kitchens and more DIY play... other things? We thought so. That's why we love this tutorial for making your own kid-sized ironing board.
The tutorial (for Prudent Baby) was constructed by the sisters behind Duo Fiberworks, and they claim they aren't experienced with woodworking, so pretty much anyone who can wield a jigsaw with a modicum of confidence should be able to complete it.
The finished product is not only super cute, but totally functional: it even folds flat. Ok, well, the iron doesn't get hot and actually take out wrinkles. But close enough.
Read more: Prudent Baby
(Image: Duo Fiberworks Prudent Baby)
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While I really find this ironing table really cute, I'm wondering where we'll stop. DIY ironing table is ok, DIY vacuum, DIY mop ? As I was looking for a gift to my 8 years-old niece, I was horrified to see almost professional looking cleaning carts. I know imitation play is a huge thing for a child, but I wondered who'd want their child to play "cleaning lady". While this is a respectable job, this is not what most parents want their child to imitate (or am I alone in this ?). Therefore, I limit imitation toys to a toy-kitchen (feeding people, how noble is that ?) and some tools (because my husband wanted our son to stop "borrowing" his own). My son actually helps me to vacuum the house because it's fun, and I ask his help with the dishwasher, but as a chore, not as a game.
This ironing table is really cute though, I can imagine a girl playing house with it. And maybe it's a good thing to have fun with something that may become a chore someday ? I wonder.
It's just an ironing board. No batteries required, no web site or app needed. Just kids and an imagination. And if it means a son or daughter learns that clothes don't iron themselves awesome.
As a kid, my sister and I had a play ironing board and it was one of our favorite toys. Not only could we use it for ironing our cabbage patch doll clothes but it was great to use in fort building. This one is great and love that it is DIY.
let's see if I can close whatever is making all the comments bold...
This is *super* adorable, buuut .... if you're not handy, they already sell miniature ironing boards for dorms that are the perfect size for kids to use. Obviously, not as fun as making your own, of course, but it's an option. Easy to find around the end of summer when college kids are stocking up for school.
Hmm, nope, trying to close the bold with a html tag didn't work, ah well!
Nice job. I bought a toy ironing board for my five year old niece this Christmas and she loves it. There is a lot of dolly clothes to take care of. I found a deeply discounted one on Magic Cabin that was fine. But I think I'll buy the Camden Rose version for my daughter. They make lovely stuff. Both are great alternatives if you aren't "woody" like me.
I found the first comment really odd. Pretend play is the foundation of learning for small children. They like to mimic the adults in their life and express themselves in stories.
If you want to raise your kid to do low wage work buy them a tv.