Toy Box Alternatives

If you have young children, you most likely have toys all over your home. 

You can purchase a store bought toy box, however it may not compliment your home's decor. 

Here are some alternative options for toy storage instead of a traditional toy box. 

photo courtesy of Tiffany Terry flickr.com/photos/35168673@N03/6062629948Storage Ottoman
A storage ottoman #ad can be used a toy box while it also compliments your room. 

The only drawback to using a storage ottoman for toy storage is that a young child may not have the strength to remove the ottoman top to reach the toys (some might consider this a positive attribute). 

Fabric storage boxes
You can use store bought or homemade storage boxes covered in fabric #ad as a toy box. 

If you cover a box with fabric yourself, you can make sure the fabric perfectly coordinates with your room by using the same fabric as your decorative pillows or one that matches your wall paint or carpet.

Wicker baskets
Wicker baskets #ad are great for adding a textural element to a room as well as for storing toys. 

Make sure to get a basket that is sturdy enough to take a lot of abuse as well as soft enough so your child does not get scratched. 

Galvanized tub
Galvanized tubs #ad compliment many homes' aesthetics. 

Some tubs even come with decorative painting or engraving on the outside. 

If you need a very large galvanized tub, consider looking at a hardware or feed store.

Vintage or new cedar chest
Cedar chests #ad come in many styles and will hold many toys. 

If used for toy storage, make sure the lid will not hit your child in the head or pinch fingers.

Rolling storage
If you really want the toys to disappear at the end of the day, you can use rolling storage #ad to put the toys in a closet, under a bed, or under another piece of furniture. 

Tips:
Make sure to avoid using a toy box alternative that might be a suffocation hazard, such as a plastic box with a lid.  Kids love to play hide and seek and there have been tragic ends to kids hiding in plastic boxes.  If you already have a plastic box, consider cutting several air holes on all sides of the box and lid to avoid a suffocation hazard.

Avoid any toy box that might close suddenly and hit your child in the head or smash fingers.