Imagine waking up in the middle of the night to satisfy a late-night craving. You tiptoe your way to the refrigerator and are almost there when you step on a toy that squeaks so loud that your spouse, child, and even the sleeping cockroaches wake up. Busted!
This would not have happened had you safely stored all of your child’s toys in the designated toy chest. A toy chest also saves time spent on hunting for your child’s favorite toy that they misplaced.
Toy chests are important in a household with young kids. Thankfully, they are easily available in a variety of interesting designs. Out of a ton of options, we have shortlisted some of the best toy chests that you can consider buying for your child.
13 Best Toy Chests
1. Humble Crew Natural/Primary Kids’ Toy Storage Organizer
This storage organizer comes with eight colorful standard bins and four large storage bins. They have a wooden frame with rounded corners and stabilizing braces for extra support. The plastic bins are removable and easy to wipe clean and are suitable for storing toys of children aged three years and above.
Pros:
- Free of toxins and harmful chemicals
- Cut-out handles on the frame make it easy to carry
- Colorful bins help develop color identification
- Sorting toys improves memory and cognitive skills
- Available in other color options
Cons:
- Screws that come with the package for assembling can be defective
- Frame may not be very sturdy
2. 3 Sprouts Kids Toy Chest
If the mere idea of arranging toys in different boxes tires you, you should try keeping a single box for all your child’s toys. Here is a simple polyester fabric toy chest with animal print to store your child’s toys in one place. The cardboard inserts help keep the box stiff and standing. It has a lid that comes with a lip and pull-tab so your child can easily open and close it.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Inexpensive
- Available in a variety of animal prints
Cons:
- Lacks reinforcement, making the cardboard frame seem flimsy
- Fabric tends to pill and trap lint and fur
3. Delta Children Deluxe Multi-Bin Toy Organizer with Storage Bins
Made of strong and solid wood, this toy organizer comes with colorful fabric bins in small, medium, and large. The product is made following national safety standards and CPSC regulations. It is easy to assemble and use, and suitable for children aged three to six years.
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Safe and sturdy finish
- Does not contain harmful toxins
- Available in different colors
Cons:
- Tends to give off an unpleasant odor
- Bins are made of thin cardboard lack sturdiness
4. KidKraft Store Austin Toy Box
This wooden toy chest cum seating lets your child keep their toys safely and also sit on it. Its sturdy wooden construction makes it durable and safe to use, while the classy design can add to the beauty of a room. It is suitable for children aged one year and above.
Pros:
- Safety hinge prevents the lid from dropping suddenly
- Helps keep room neat and tidy
- Comes with step-by-step assembly instructions
- Available in different colors
Cons:
- Expensive
- Hydraulic bar lacks durability
5. Sorbus Toy Chest with Flip-Top Lid
A collapsible toy chest like this one helps tidy up any room by safely storing toys in it. Quickly assemble it and place it in any corner of the room. When not required, fold it, and store it under a bed or cupboard. Its simple design makes it complement any room décor. Its detachable lid can be used as per your convenience.
Pros:
- Removable Velcro lid acts as a divider
- Side handles make it portable
- Available in three colors
Cons:
- Velcro on the lid is not strong enough to keep the lid firm
- Walls of the bin are too thin
6. Little Tikes Play ‘N Store Toy Chest
This fully assembled toy chest offers ample storage space to keep all of your child’s toys in one place. Best suited for storing soft toys, this white and blue toy chest is attractive to look at. Its cradle-hinge lid is easy to open and close for even toddlers. It is suitable for children aged 18 months to 3 years.
Pros:
- Easy-to-open cradle-hinge lid
- Lid can be detached if required
- Can be placed next to a wall
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- Lid lacks durability
- Color shown in the image may differ from the actual product
7. Melissa & Doug Wooden Toy Chest
Coming from a trusted brand, this wooden chest is safe for your child, although a bit pricey compared to other options in the market. The wooden chest can last longer than other products and has 8.25-cubic feet of storage space to let your child store their toys and more. It is suitable for kids aged 3 to 7 years.
Pros:
- Lightweight design
- Easy to assemble
- Safety-hinged lid opens and closes easily
- Lid stays open and does not drop down suddenly
Cons:
- Expensive
- Paint tends to chip off
8. Woffit Toy Storage Organizer Chest for Kids & Living Room
Use it as one unit or two, this children’s toy chest can help you clear your child’s room off the toys strewn around. Its simple yet classy design can add to the décor of any room. It is made of extra-thick cardboard and 600D polyester that makes it sturdy and durable. Its flip lid covers the mess in the bin, while the two side handles make it easy to move the chest from one place to another.
Pros:
- Lightweight design
- Simple assembling process
- Thick and strong fabric
- Folds flat for easy storage
- Available in different colors
Cons:
- Poor Velcro quality fails to hold the lid down
- Metal rods lack durability
9. Vasagle Lift Top Entryway Storage Chest
If flimsy toy storage chests for kids annoy you, then look for something sturdy like this classy wooden toy chest. The safety hinges on the lid keep it from dropping shut abruptly, protecting your child’s hands. Its classic brown design goes with most room décor. It can be used to store not only toys but also blankets, clothes, books, and so on.
Pros:
- Easy to assemble
- Sturdy build
- Durable design
- Multipurpose use
Cons:
- Hinges can be a bit stiff
- May give off a chemical smell
10. Hurricane Munchkin Large Toy Chest
With reinforced cardboard inserts and polyester fabric, this toy chest is versatile and functional. Its large size easily accommodates your child’s toys, and the cute animal design in the center makes it attractive. It comes with sturdy handles on the sides for portability, and the soft material is safe for children to use.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Sturdy and durable
- Flip-flop lid conceals items in the box
- Collapsible walls enable easy storage when not in use
Cons:
- The material may seem a little flimsy
- Does not hold heavy toys
11. Great Useful Stuff Bigger, Sturdier Toy Chest
Looking for a really large toy chest for kids? Then look at this one made of thick cardboard and 600D nylon fabric, which is strong and sturdy enough to carry 70lb of weight. It can easily store mountains of toys in one place and comes with a 5-year manufacturer warranty.
Pros:
- Waterproof
- Puncture-proof
- Tear-resistant
- Folds flat when not in use
Cons:
- Gives off a chemical smell
- Tends to get dirty easily
12. Milliard Wooden Toy Box and Storage Chest with Seating Bench
Milliard’s storage box cum cute seating bench is made of strong and sturdy wood and comes with a free polka dot cushion to let your child sit comfortably. The lid has a safety hinge to keep it from dropping when lifted. The brand offers free stickers so you can decorate it the way you want. It has been manufactured following all USA toy safety regulations.
Pros:
- Glossy finish
- Durable wood
- Scratch-resistant
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- Expensive
- Assembly can be difficult
13. Kids Large Toy Chest with Flip-Top Lid
Pros:
- Spacious enough to accommodate a lot of toys
- Can easily hold books, clothes, and blankets
- Comes with a detachable Velcro divider for better organization
Cons:
- Tends to sag and lose shape easily
Choosing A Safe Toy Chest
The best toy chests for kids are designed to be safe. To pick the right one, here are a few pointers you can use.
- It is very easy for kids to get their tiny little fingers stuck in the door or panels of a box. To prevent such accidents, get a toy chest that does not have a lid or comes with a removable lid, or has a lid that does not snap shut automatically.
- When picking a toy chest with a hinged lid, check if it has support to keep the lid firmly open when being used.
- The frame of the toy chest should have rounded edges. If not, add padding to it to keep your child safe when playing.
- The box should not close entirely and should have a gap or opening between the lid and the edge of the box for air ventilation. This prevents any untoward incidents even if children playfully use the box as their hiding place. It is best to pick a chest with a lid that does not have a latch to shut it close.
- Look for a lead-free toy storage chest, as prolonged exposure to lead could cause health problems.
How To Choose The Right Toy Chests?
What kind of toy chest should you get home? Read on for some tips.
- Size: Toy chests for babies are available in different sizes. Select one based on the number of toys your child owns and the space you have in the room. If space is a constraint, look for a foldable bin that can be stored easily when not in use. If you have enough space, then you can go for a large wooden chest that adds to the beauty of your room.
- Material: Wood and cardboard are the most common materials used to make toy chests. Though wooden boxes are relatively expensive, they are sturdy and can last longer. However, wooden boxes occupy space, unlike a cardboard bin that can be easily folded when not required. Some toy chests are also made of hard plastic and fabric.
- Design: Modern toy chests are available in a variety of colors and designs. If a certain toy box fulfills all the safety points listed above and is also good to look at, then you can go for it.
Toy storage chests should be safe and attractive to your kid. They teach your child the importance of organization from a very young age. The above list contains some of the most preferred and best toy chests well received by parents online. Hope it helps you find the best one for your baby.