Plans are currently underway to put together a killer playroom for our toddler, hopefully in time for what will surely be a rainy and cold Seattle winter. I thought I would share the top ten elements I’m hoping to include.
1) Crawl tunnel: Even though he can now run circles around me, G still loves his crawl tunnel.
We love: Melissa & Doug Happy Giddy Tunnel
Melissa & Doug Happy Giddy Tunnel
2) Low storage shelves and a toddler-accessible bookshelf: This is a Montessori concept, but it also just makes sense to me. Rather than throwing all of G’s toys in a big toy box or storage basket, I hope to make his toys and books organized and accessible.
On my shopping list: ClosetMaid Cubicles from Target and the Madison 3-Shelf Bookrack from Pottery Barn Kids
Madison 3-Shelf Bookrack from Pottery Barn Kids
3) Fun/educational rug(s): Because I’m kidding myself if I think my carpets won’t be in danger.
On my shopping list: IKEA’s HOPPLEK numbers rug
IKEA’s HOPPLEK Rug
4) Magnetic board: I’d love some fun alphabet magnets like these
On my shopping list: IKEA’s SPONTAN magnetic board
5) Art easel: Please, let this child be more artistic than his parents.
We love: IKEA’s MÅLA easel (with both blackboard and whiteboard sides, as well as a drawing paper option)
6) Ball pit: I’ve heard you can use a pack ‘n play, but I like the idea of something more open and will go with a friend’s suggestion to buy a cheap kiddie pool.
On my shopping list: Inflatable swimming pool and 200 “Phthalate Free” Pit Balls
and 
7) Tent: We have this one for his bedroom, but I love the look of the more cost-friendly IKEA option for the playroom.
On my shopping list: IKEA’s CIRKUSTÄLT children’s tent
IKEA’s CIRKUSTÄLT children’s tent
8) Table and chairs: For everything from Playdoh to crayons to high tea. I think it’s important that kids have their own sitting space.
On my shopping list: IKEA’s LÄTT Children’s table and 2 chairs
IKEA’s LÄTT Children’s table and 2 chairs
9) Busy board: A friend of mine and her husband made one of these for their son’s first birthday. They actually did an entire box, but I think a board is more realistic for our abilities. Check out this blog post to get a visual of what I mean.
10) Trampoline: This is my pie-in-the-sky playroom toy. I’m just not sure we will have the space for this, but it’s fun to dream.
On my wishlist: Alex Little Jumpers Trampoline
Alex Little Jumpers Trampoline
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G is going to have so much fun! Hunter would looooove to come play with him in that room. Do you already have the crawl tunnel or was the picture of him crawling from some place you guys went?
We just got the crawl tunnel for his birthday. That and the easel are the only things we already have from this list 😉 Yes, we would love for Hunter to come play!
That’s going to be one awesome playroom!!!
Great picks! I am sure I will be getting similar things. I’ve also been eyeing the kitchen from Ikea.
They change so much between one and two. Linnea still loves her play tunnel and it’s always a big hit when we have her little friends over too. We have the one from Ikea. The easel/blackboard from Ikea is still a bit big for her, so I just stick a large piece of paper on her table. She only started drawing when she was about 18 months old though. Now she loves it and also likes to paint and finger paint but that only started after she turned two. It’s important for kids to always have access to be able to draw whenever they want to – it’s great for their development.
Easy puzzles are also great. Any sorting game. And cars and those little car slide thingies where you put the car on the top and it goes all the way down. Or just a train table with trains. We don’t have those unfortunately because we ran out of space but whenever we are at friend’s places, that’s all she wants to play with and that started pretty early.
The last few months she has abandoned most of her toys for games that I made myself googling “Busy Bags Ideas”. She loves dried beans with a few cups and a few spoons or sorting pompons in an ice cube tray.
I mean, you have LOTS of time before that becomes interesting (and safe) for G but just so you are prepared. They were a life safer for us because she actually plays by herself with them.
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