Good Questions: Sandboxes and Sand Tables

We received an email from Ohdeedoh reader Ellen simply asking: Suggestions for sandboxes/ water & sand tables for toddlers?

Well, Ellen, we've seen many small sandboxes and sand tables for sale at the usual toy outlets, but we're assuming you want something a bit better looking than those.

How about the sandbox pictured above? It's got a beautiful vinyl canopy that cranks down and covers the sandbox when not in use.

For sand tables, our first reaction is to make one yourself. We like this extremely easy table we found on Flickr. It's simply a plastic storage bin atop a bench/table. You can insert smaller bins to hold water.

If you've got some suggestions for Ellen, please share in the comments below!

Comments (7)

I saw this Jeep-inspired box in the PB Kids catalog yesterday:
http://tinyurl.com/3np9mu

Pricey, but very cute.

My DIY version is similar to the one pictured. I used an under-the-bed storage box and placed it on one of our deck's built-in benches. I highly recommend it, as the total cost was about $15 for the storage box, play sand and toys - it has been perfect for my 4-year old.

We have Step2's Naturally Playful Sandbox (http://www.amazon.com/Step2-7220KR-Naturally-Playful-Sandbox/dp/B00005U8TE/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1209574924&sr=1-3) and love it! We've had it for over a year and the top protects the sand well. We have ours in full sunlight and it doesn't seem to have compromised it either.

the featured sandbox, the (Austrian) Maxi Sandbox distributed by Exaco is sold by many retailers, not just the featured one (who does not accept non-US credit cards) and for much cheaper. Costco has the large size for $115 (according to a google search). Now if only I could find the Austrian manufacturer...

We got an aqua plastic sand-water table from Amazon after failing to find a more attractive one short enough for an 18 month old. It's a good idea and ours is fine but I will say I personally wish we'd just got the water-only table. The sand immediately goes on the ground and the water is the fun part anyway at our house. Better to focus on the water play knowing they'll sprinkle in whatever and skip the whole sand piece, from our perspective. Frankly, ours is an attractive nuisance a lot - wanting to play with it when soaked clothes and sand everywhere aren't doable, or wanting to climb into it.

Also a beloved and absorbing thing all the kids like, just wanted to share that we wish we had focused on the water!