Good Questions: Sandboxes and Sand Tables

We received an email from Ohdeedoh reader Ellen simply asking: Suggestions for sandboxes/ water & sand tables for toddlers?

Well, Ellen, we've seen many small sandboxes and sand tables for sale at the usual toy outlets, but we're assuming you want something a bit better looking than those.

How about the sandbox pictured above? It's got a beautiful vinyl canopy that cranks down and covers the sandbox when not in use.

For sand tables, our first reaction is to make one yourself. We like this extremely easy table we found on Flickr. It's simply a plastic storage bin atop a bench/table. You can insert smaller bins to hold water.

If you've got some suggestions for Ellen, please share in the comments below!

Comments (6)

I saw this Jeep-inspired box in the PB Kids catalog yesterday:
http://tinyurl.com/3np9mu

Pricey, but very cute.

posted by schnappycat on April 30th 2008 at 5:32am
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We love our Step2 Naturally Playful Sand and Water Activity Center. It's plastic but looks like wood and blends in with the back yard.

http://www.amazon.com/Naturally-Playful-Water-Activity-Center/dp/B0000WXGL8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1209571353&sr=8-1

posted by Aimi on April 30th 2008 at 7:05am
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My DIY version is similar to the one pictured. I used an under-the-bed storage box and placed it on one of our deck's built-in benches. I highly recommend it, as the total cost was about $15 for the storage box, play sand and toys - it has been perfect for my 4-year old.

posted by bp090499 on April 30th 2008 at 7:08am
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We have Step2's Naturally Playful Sandbox (http://www.amazon.com/Step2-7220KR-Naturally-Playful-Sandbox/dp/B00005U8TE/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1209574924&sr=1-3) and love it! We've had it for over a year and the top protects the sand well. We have ours in full sunlight and it doesn't seem to have compromised it either.

posted by Keri Kolumbus on April 30th 2008 at 8:10am
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the featured sandbox, the (Austrian) Maxi Sandbox distributed by Exaco is sold by many retailers, not just the featured one (who does not accept non-US credit cards) and for much cheaper. Costco has the large size for $115 (according to a google search). Now if only I could find the Austrian manufacturer...

posted by mschatelaine on April 30th 2008 at 11:11am
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we have this one and really like it:
http://www.sensationalbeginnings.com/itemdy00.asp?T1=R 5 118X

posted by thisisme on May 5th 2008 at 1:47pm
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