Those folks at 10 Grain Kids sure know how to cogitate outside the crate. When designer Eric Pfeiffer contemplated his daughter's former dollhouse, which, having been retired from active use, now served as "an awkward table", he was inspired to create a play dwelling that could effortlessly serve both purposes. And lo, the Play Pad was born.

Strong enough to hold books and a lamp, and versatile enough to allow for endless play permutations -- from dollhouse to firehouse -- the Play Pad is finished with birch veneer on molded plywood.

$159 at 10 Grain Kids