Toddler Toys: Magnetic Whiteboard Easels

DESCRIPTION

When considering toddler toys for a special occasion like a birthday...an easel is an excellent choice. It is certainly one of the most consistently used item in our home. There are a wide variety of easels available for children on the market. They are table top easels, stand alone, chalkboard, white erase and magnetic. They can range in price from $20 to over $100 US. Prices are often determined by size, company, and versatility.

THINGS TO CONSIDER

Storage and Mobility...Can it fold up and be stored? Can I carry it up and down the stairs?

While tabletop easels take up less room space it does take up table space. You also would want to place it on a low table for easier monitoring.

The tray makes a handy place for storing items as well as keeping drips off the floor when painting.

How sturdy is it? Is it heavy enough NOT to push over easily?

Examine the hinges so that little fingers won't get pinched easily.

Is it easy to fold up to store if needed.

ACTIVITIES

PAINTING: although that is the first activity you think of when you say easel, I will honestly say that activity has been the least one done with the easel. We do most of our painting on flat surfaces.

DRAWING Chalk is fun but definitely an activity to be monitored Dry Erase Pens provide vivid color, however most are not washable so you need a smock or old t-shirt.

DISPLAY Artwork or Place to Hang Art to Dry

#1 USE: Magnetic Board for Letters and other Magnets My children use the board routinely since they received it for Christmas two years ago. They love to put pictures they drew up with magnets and spell words. Especially those of you with the stainless steel refrigerators...magnets don't stick on the front!

Here are a few more suggestions for Magnetic Letters and Animals

Our choice is the Lakeshore Easel

FEATURES

Having two children able to stand side by side or on either sideof the easel is a plus.

The white magnetic background makes magnets stand out visually.

It comes with clips which makes this a great way to pin work they have done, great for holding up recipes for cooking, number and alphabet charts, cards with their names on it.

SAFETY

It is a little heavy but I can carry it up two flights of stairs myself. It's designed well so it doesn't tip or move when two children are using the easelunder normal usage. We have not had it fold up during use which could cause injuries such as pinched fingers or more. As you all know it takes but a second for children to think of creative ways to use toddler toys...one of my children swung from the hinge and it was heavy enough not to tip. Of course we are not testing that feat again.

However, as I always caution, check the most current recalls on whichever easel you select. Product materials and specifications can change over time. I have a direct link on the Toddler Toys Home Page.

Great for Party Games

We used it for Pin the Badge on Diego and Fishing!!