Kids Activity Table Buying Guide

Grandparenthood has been interesting, but sometimes I feel like I'm learning about children's likes and dislikes all over again. Maybe it's the difference between boys and girls. I raised two boys and now I have this beautiful, talented and funny granddaughter (really, I'm not grandma exaggerating... much!). Most of the time I feel like I'm re-learning what kids want and wadding through more choices than I ever thought possible. Take a kids' activity table. How hard should it be to find a kids play table for my JillyBean?

Hard! Really hard.

I'm spending as much time deciding on a set of kids chairs and table for her as I am on deciding on a new color for the kitchen. There are lots of choices when it comes to activity tables for children--outdoor, indoor, craft or just a simple table and chairs sets to go with a kitchen play set. I've narrowed down some categories and hopefully, my Kids Activity Table Buying Guide will help some other hapless grandparent, aunt, uncle or even parent.

It should have been a simple decision. At Christmas we bought the JillyBean a kitchen play set. Now she needs a kids table set to go with it. I wanted something PottteryBarn-like, but not at a PotteryBarn price.

I headed to Amazon to look around. I shop there a lot because they always have a large selection to to choose, no matter what you're buying. Prices are good and there's usually a reasonable (if not free) shipping deal. And no sales tax (a big draw if you live in Los Angeles County like I do--9.75% is a big ouch).

The first kids table I found was Amazon's top-seller in the category--a Little Tikes picnic table.

Uh... that is definitely not a PotteryBarn-like kids table, but it is really cute and it would be great out on the patio, next to our big picnic table. That's when I realized I have a big decision ahead of me. There are a lot of different types of play tables available and I have to decide which will meet our needs.

That means it's time to ask a few questions:

1. How will the table be used? Is it for tea parties and pretend dinners? Or, will it be used for crafts, too?
   
2. How easy is it to clean? If it will be used for crafts, I foresee crayon marks, glue and glitter.
   
3. Do we need an outdoor table more than an indoor table? Or do we need both?
4. Will a specialized table--like a train table or Lego table--get enough use to justify its cost?
5. And most important... what's going to go with the silver and red retro play kitchen set?
   

My research has lead me to four categories for a childrens table set and a few possible choices within each.

When I initially thought about a kids activity table, I was envisioning a table and a couple of chairs--something to have a tea party on, but it could also be used to color pictures and do puzzles. The three tables to the right fit the bill perfectly.

The KidKraft Nantucket set reminds me of the PotteryBarn-like table I set out looking for (but much better price). I like the KidKraft products anyway--JillyBean's kitchen play set is from KidKraft and it's a good quality product.

The Euro Honey Table and Chairs is also from KidKraft. I like the simple, sturdy look of it and the brightly colored chairs.

But... this Little Tikes Table and Chairs is really adorable. I like the subdued yellow and blue and it's has a small footprint (the guest room/JillyBean room/play room is getting mighty crowded).

So there's a whole subset of kids activity tables that are really meant for activities. Some, like a kids art table, can handle a lot of different activities, while others are very, very specific. Who knew! Not this grandma!

Lego's were the toys of choice when my boys were growing up (and we still have most of them). Even the JillyBean is getting into her Legos, so, I could see her sitting at this Lego Construction Table for hours. And when the top is closed, it's still usable as a table for tea parties or puzzles.

The KidKraft Activity Center and Stools is such a cute shape and fun to work at. This would be great for a couple of kids since each could have his or her own "table."

An activity table and storage... who could ask for more. At at 32" x 25", the top is big enough for a lot of activities. It's also has a lip, so small toys don't fall off.

It's a good thing I went looking for an activity table when I did, because one of these three outdoor play tables is going to save me from having to build a sandbox. These look like so much fun.

What kid doesn't like playing in water. The Step 2 WaterWheel Play table is just perfect for that. It's just deep enough to float a few toys (& it comes with a water wheel, cup and boats).

Got water, now add sand. Not together, of course, but the Step2 Sand & Water Center is divided into two sections--one for water and one for sand.The umbrella will keep the sun from betting down on the JillyBean. The play table also comes with some toys (bridges, boats and a shovel). Update: Gotta have this one, even though it doesn't solve my kids indoor table dilemma. It will make a big hit with the JillyBean outside!

This Little Tikes Sand and Sea Play Table also has two sections for sand and water and it comes with a bunch of toys. And isn't the red and white umbrella adorable?

Amazon's top selling kids activity table is the Little Tikes EasyStore Table. And you can see why. It's cute, reasonably priced and works as well indoors and outdoors. That that great thing about any of these kids picnic table. They can be used inside.

This red picnic table has really caught my eye. I love the portions of it and it looks really sturdy. And did I say it was red!

The Step2 Naturally Playful Picnic Table is cute, too. The umbrella picks up the green on the tabletop and benches. The bottom is faux stone.

Are you looking for a gift for that special "little someone" in you life. Jellycat stuffed animals are just the solution. They make great gifts for new babies to teenagers. Even older folks fall in love with these incredibly cuddly creatures.