apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

With a simple, yet creative design in mind, we purchased Baltic Birch plywood from our local plywood store and glued the base of the box together, creating an 18" cube.
The top was cut and configured with a measured joint inside to ensure a snug fit. Concerned for little fingers, we opted to have the top be completely removable instead of one with a hinge.

We hope that this toy box/bench will be a storage solution for our son for many years to come. Toys for now, treasures later, and hopefully a box for his own children someday. This toy box did require time and effort, though the design and process was quite simple and direct, even for a wood working novice such as myself. I love that it is handmade, personal, unique and has several uses as a toy box/bench/table.

What's your best storage tip for families with children?
In trying to find storage solutions for my boys, I first try to look at what I am trying to store and decide, what is valued and truly needed and what has served its purpose and can be passed on to other families? I then look for storage solutions that have a clean look, can separate items into categories (books here, animals there, etc.), and solutions that may serve a dual purpose.

Thanks for your entry, Jennifer!