The Best Toy Chests to Keep Everything Organized
Buyer’s Guide for Finding a Toy Chest
Finding the right toy chest for your child shouldn’t be too difficult, and if you know what you’re looking for, it can actually be quite straightforward. This is what you’ll need to figure out, and this buying guide can help introduce you to important factors that will help you get a high-quality toy chest in 2024 that suits your needs.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Toy Chest
When on the hunt for a toy chest, remember the following:
Size
You’ll come across toy chests in a variety of sizes, and you should opt for one that can easily store all your child’s toys and fit into your home without looking out of place. The key thing is deciding where you will be placing the toy chest beforehand — not only will this help avoid confusion, but it will also let you choose the size of a toy chest based on its dimensions. You might not want to compromise on the aesthetics of your living space when it comes to storing your child’s toys, but luckily there are toy chests available in a wide range of sizes, and you can take advantage of them — along with a variety of tips and tricks — to make your child’s playroom more organized and efficient.
Capacity
While size matters, capacity is just as important — you need to find a toy chest that can easily store all of your child’s toys (unless, of course, you’re planning to buy multiple toy chests). You’ll want enough space to store and organize all your kids’ toys without creating a chaotic mess inside the box, so make sure that you consider both the toy chest’s height and width.
Some chests may provide ample space when it comes to their width, but they may not be tall enough to accommodate larger toys. Make sure you consider the size of your child’s toys when deciding on the required capacity of their toy chest
Material
The most common materials used to make toy chests are plastic and wood, and while the choice of material may not affect the chest’s functionality, each does have its pros and cons. In terms of sturdiness, wood may beat plastic, but when it comes to design, plastic is the more versatile option. Think about what’s important to you when considering a toy chest’s material.
Safety
Any product intended for children should be completely safe to use. Some materials or designs may not be as kid-friendly as you’d like them to be, so make sure you compare your options and choose the safest one available. All the toy chests we’ve listed in this guide were chosen for their top safety features.
Ease of use
A toy chest with dangerous hinges or a heavy lid is a big no-no, and you can keep your tot from getting hurt by choosing a toy chest that’s easy to use. Introducing your child to a toy box is a great way to promote independence — most toy chests are easy to use and they help children learn good behavior like safely removing toys, cleaning them up, and placing them back inside the box after use.
Assembly
As easy as it may seem, some toy chests can require you to pull out all your power tools and handyman abilities to set them up. If that sounds like a hassle that you’d rather avoid, look for a toy chest that doesn’t require a lot of effort to put together — many toy chests come preassembled for easy use.
Toy Chest Tips and Advice
By following the tips and advice below, you can make sure your kids are as safe as possible when using their toy chests:
- A toy chest may present some safety concerns for younger children. Make sure you always check a chest’s safety features while shopping — consider options that are easy to open, don’t have sharp corners, and aren’t too heavy. A toy chest’s lid shouldn’t be too heavy either, just in case your little one tries to hide inside
- Toy chests are a multipurpose storage option, and they can be used to store various things besides toys. Opt for toy chests in solid colors or classic patterns that are easier to repurpose for storing books, bedding, clothing, or any other items around the house
- A toy chest will often have a single large compartment or one divider to split its storage space into two. If you’re looking to organize toys and other small items, keep an eye out for toy chests with multiple bins — this can help you stay organized and locate specific toys much faster
- Make sure to keep your child’s toy chest clean at all times, as this is the one thing around the house that they’ll probably be using the most. You don’t want dust or dirt to cause your kids any health problems, and regular cleaning is important to keep everything stored inside their toy chest clean. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the most suitable methods to clean a toy chest
Detailing Our Favorite Toy Chests of 2024
3 Sprouts Toy Chest – Best Overall
Keep your child’s bedroom or playroom perfectly tidy with this amazing toy chest from 3 Sprouts.
Keep your child’s bedroom or playroom perfectly tidy with this amazing toy chest from 3 Sprouts. Its spacious size can hold a variety of toys, nursery essentials, clothing, and other baby accessories, and it’s available in various adorable designs, making this toy chest a great addition to your little one’s playroom.
Besides its attractive aesthetics, this high-quality toy chest is made from 100% polyester which helps make it easier to clean. There are no sharp edges to pose a threat to your little one either, and its lid keeps toys out of sight and gives the chest a tidy look overall. We chose this toy chest as our top pick because its material and design make it a great choice for young children, and it can even be folded flat when it’s not being used.
Pros
- Easy-to-open lid with lip and pull-tab
- Features cute animal designs
- Reinforced sides keep it intact when empty
- Suitable for kids of all ages
Cons
- Not ideal for heavy toys
Melissa & Doug Toy Chest – Top Wooden Chest
If you’re in the market for a wooden toy chest, look no further than this option from Melissa & Doug.
If you’re in the market for a wooden toy chest, look no further than this option from Melissa & Doug. It’s one of the sturdiest on our list, and it offers long-lasting durability that doesn’t compromise when it comes to your little one’s safety. It’s suitable for children between the ages of 36 months and 7 years, and it can easily hold up to 81 pounds of toys inside. This toy chest’s safety-hinged lid is easy to open and close, offering you a great way to teach your children good habits and improve their organizational skills.
The wooden toy chest boasts a classic design, and you can purchase it in several different color options. You can also easily repurpose this toy chest and use it to store your belongings as well, or even as a decorative piece around the house.
Pros
- Available in several color choices
- Looks great with most existing home decor
- Large storage and weight capacity
- Features a safe, easy-to-open lid
Cons
- Assembly can be difficult
Delta Children Toy Chest – Great Design
Add some character to your kids’ room (literally!) with this Delta Children Deluxe Toy Chest.
Add some character to your kids’ room (literally!) with this Delta Children Deluxe Toy Chest. This cartoon-patterned wooden toy box is a great choice thanks to its collection of amazing designs that feature beloved children’s characters and bright colors, and it’s made from engineered wood that’s durable, easy to clean, and scratch-resistant. Find your little one’s favorite character and surprise them with this great toy chest that can help them keep their room tidy and fun!
This toy chest also features a lid with a safety hinge to help make sure that everything inside stays organized and clean. Not only does this toy chest meet and exceed all safety standards, but its non-toxic design is also eco-friendly and made from sustainable materials.
Pros
- Fun, attractive cartoon character designs
- Easy to assemble
- The rectangular shape allows for efficient organizing
- Boasts a scratch-resistant finish
Cons
- Limited character choices available
Little Tikes Toy Chest – Classic Look
Add some fun to your child’s playroom with this classic-looking toy chest that’s hard to miss.
Add some fun to your child’s playroom with this classic-looking toy chest that’s hard to miss. The Little Tikes Play ‘N Store Toy Chest is one of your top options if you want something both lightweight and sturdy, and it has enough space to hold all sorts of toys and accessories inside. Its removable lid can help keep everything out of sight for a neater look, making this toy chest a great choice in more ways than one.
This toy chest is light enough to easily be carried and placed anywhere. It doesn’t require any assembly, and it’s the ideal size for use by children. You can purchase this toy chest on its own or pick it up in a bundle that comes with a small play table as well.
Pros
- Unique, child-friendly design
- Large interior storage space
- Lid can be removed for added safety
- Ideal for young children — promotes good habits
Cons
- Its oval shape may have limitations
Popoly Toy Chest – Most Versatile
This large toy chest from Popoly offers a ton of space for easy storage.
This large toy chest from Popoly offers a ton of space for easy storage. Don’t let its minimalistic design fool you, because this linen-based storage box is highly functional and great for storing everything from children’s toys to books, accessories, clothes, and lots more.
This toy chest also includes thickened cardboard that adds stability to its bottom. Besides serving as a box for toy storage, this dustproof organizer can also be used to hold towels, blankets, and decorations as well, making it a great choice for bedrooms, living rooms, and closets. This toy chest’s detachable Velcro lid is easy to open and close (allowing your child to develop good organizational habits), and when it’s not in use, it can be folded flat and stored practically anywhere.
Pros
- Reinforced handles for easier carrying
- Available in a range of neutral colors
- Good size for multipurpose use
- Foldable and easy to store
Cons
- Not very sturdy
People Also Asked
A: A great place to store a toy chest is in your child’s bedroom or playroom. Depending on your home’s size and layout, you can also keep it in the living area or family room if you don’t want your kids distracted by toys when it’s time to do homework or sleep.
A: Children prefer toys suited to their age, and a toddler may no longer engage with something that’s designed for babies. If you have children of different ages, you can organize separate chests with toys according to their age. If some toys are no longer being played with, consider giving them to friends or family with young children or donating them so that others can enjoy them.
A: Leaving toys on the floor is a bad idea. They can scatter and hurt passersby, and toys like blocks and balls may even cause a person to slip and fall. Another reason it’s recommended to properly store your children’s toys is to avoid dirt and dust buildup, as these can cause allergies and illnesses.
