apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

I have one of these vaccuums (apparently an older version - the colors are purple and yellow). I got it after seeing one at a friends' house. I thought it was the cutest play vaccuum ever, with great play features. Unfortunately, the front piece broke after only a short time in use. The same piece broke on the one that my friend has for her daughter. Online reviews at Amazon seem to confirm that my experience is not unique.
Unless they have changed the design as well as the color, this toy may not be as durable as would be expected from a product marketed for preschoolers.

I've been wanting a play vacuum for my boys - I'm tired of having to hunt for pieces to my hand-held. Thanks for the warning, Sarah. Does anyone else know of another, more durable, working play vacuum? Thanks in advance.

The front piece broke off of mine as well! I got it second hand though. But that's pretty crazy

I got a hoky carpet sweeper (http://www.hoky.com/), just like the one I remember from my nursery school days. We have low-pile carpets, and it picks up little bits of things soooo well. Obviously we still have to use a regular vacuum for a good deep clean, but for cheerios, popcorn, dried beans (from my son's construction vehicles tray) and the like, it's PERFECT.

My 3-year-old son likes to vacuum with it, too, and it's very easy to push for him. When it's shipped, the handle actually comes in 3 pieces, so for a truly child-friendly vacuum, you could just put 1 or 2 of the handle pieces on so that the handle is kid sized.

Plus, it's very slim and stores easily.

thanks, fresh.air!