We've been fans of Giggle's Better Basics line for its seemingly perfect matrix of quality, practicality, style and affordability, but not in our wildest imagination did we think they'd add a crib to their offerings. Best of all, it's about $500.
The Harper crib is what many parents have been waiting for: simple, yet attractive; made of solid wood (birch with plywood end panels); the option to convert to a toddler bed and, most importantly at a reasonable price point.
Not to be overlooked is the companion Harper changing table. While we like a comfortable changing surface, we're not usually fans of actual changing tables, but this one may change our mind. Not only does it appear significantly sturdier than most, the design doesn't shout "changing table!" and we really do believe this could have a long life in your child's room as a bookshelf or as other storage.
Both Harper items come in natural or walnut color with the walnut color costing slightly more. The crib will sell for $500-550 and the changing table for $325-350. The toddler bed conversion kit will be $100-110.
They won't ship for a few more weeks, but you can pre-order them at Giggle.
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......affordable?
It's a lovely crib, I wish it had been an option for me two years ago! (Although I do love our Nurseryworks crib.) I saw it in the Giggle catalog yesterday, it's also built using nontoxic materials and I think sustainable woods.
And, yes, I consider $500 affordable for a piece of furniture such as a crib, especially one made with nontoxic and sustainable materials. I don't think everything has to be ultra-cheap to be labeled "affordable." And no, I'm not rich, but I believe in buying quality when I can afford it.
It's definitely in the technically "affordable" range for most people, but it's certainly no deal. When we were expecting our first, we got the cheapest crib Pottery Barn had to offer (the Dana crib), which was about $400 (+delivery). While I look at all the beautiful cribs out there that many think nothing of dropping $1000 on, I still feel a piece of furniture that will really not be useful for very long should stay around the $350 price point. And, yes, you can use the same crib for all your babies making it technically last longer, but my $700 Pottery Barn dinner table will be with us forever, which makes the $400 crib pale in comparison...
i agree with millymom619. although the first crib is now a toddler bed and we got a free crib for our second baby.
This looks very similar to the IKEA Gulliver (albeit more polished), which is also solid birch and beech, very sturdy, converts to a toddler bed, and costs $139. It's a nice crib and I don't think the cost is outrageous, but neither do I consider it a great deal. I tend to think the difference in cost is better allocated to the college fund...
I consider myself pretty frugal, but I think $500 for a well-made, good looking crib qualifies as affordable especially in the spectrum of cribs on the market.
Carrie