It's no secret that we love repurposing things. It's the true key to being a great resourceful and thrifty parent (and non parent alike). Sometimes it gets trickier when the item you're repurposing was made specifically for one thing. In this case, it's an under the bed storage box with a lid.
With the addition of a bag of sand, a sandbox was made. It's just the right size to keep things in control and perfect for small spaces. It would be a perfect fit on a small patio or terrace even to help keep your little one's entertained.
Click through the jump to see just how easy it is and check out another great use for this style of container just in case a sandbox isn't your idea of a good time!
I did the same thing a few weeks back and stuck a few pictures on my blog:
http://inadelicatecondition.wordpress.com/2009/03/24/south-city-sand-table/
I put the box on top of a couple of old milk crates, so my little guy can stand and play. The box is attatched to the crates with some coated wire. If you want to make it look nicer, build a table and paint it or find something premade that will work.
He loves it! I don't necessarily love it when he throws sand around, but hey, it's worth the minutes of sanity (for all of us).
view stlprintchick's profile
Funny this came up! Around two days ago I ordered some underbed bins to make two tables (one for sand, one for water). Waiting for them to arrive...
I am basing mine on the "little scientist" sandplay table at the Children's Discovery Museum in San Jose. Mucho, mucho fun, and at home there will be no fighting at the table or others throwing sand while their parents are nowhere to be found.
view stickyricemama's profile
We did that same thing a few summers ago, and I just finished making my kids a table top version this afternoon from some leftover wood flooring from our neighbor's remodeling project and an old wooden table. Unfortunately, just as I was finishing up a friend mentioned that "play sand" from most sources is a carcinogen. I looked around, and she was right. There are safe sand options such as , but I didn't find a local source and wasn't interested in paying ($60 for 50lbs!)the mark-up for shipping, so we have a brand new rock table instead. Pea gravel is fun, too, though I'm still a bit disappointed.
view mlhtn's profile
I did this after you posted about it last year and we also made one for inside full of dried beans to use during winter. My son loves them.
view Si's profile
Links for play sand is a carcinogen?
view stickyricemama's profile
The blog I initially was sent to is pretty thorough:
http://www.non-toxickids.net/2008/05/safer-play-sand.html
Safe sand, where you can buy the good stuff:
http://www.safesand.com/information.htm
Click on the MSDS for "play sand" on Quikrete's own site:
http://www.quikrete.com/ProductLines/SandPremiumPlay.asp
view mlhtn's profile
I'm not here to debate sand or sand safety because it's been done on other sites and parenting blogs/websites (excellent posts on Berkeley Parents Network, for example). I saw those links and read the info, and being a former SF gal, I will say that Safe Sand has probably made a killing on parents' fears.
And not all play sand is carcinogenic.
view stickyricemama's profile
wow. thanks for the information. that msds is crazy.
view hundredsofseabirds's profile
I did this last year for my toddler...but instead of sand I used dried lentils. Cheap, and any "sand" that gets tossed out of the box (because it does indeed get tossed out of the box) can be enjoyed by the birds. Also, no sand in eyes, noses, ears, pants, etc. I used a spare shallow plastic bin with a lid, so when we are done playing, I can cover it up (read: no animal access!) and stow it in the garage or on the rear patio.
view sassypiggy's profile