Ever heard of toy storage benches that gets kids to automatically put away their own toys?

Some people prefer toy storage benches with several compartments in a row and the ability to use to top as either a play surface or a bench for sitting. This is in contrast to the more popular One at a time toy storage cabinet which has compartments in a 2 x 2 arrangement as shown below.

Traditional toy storage ideas all have the same feature: what goes in can ALL come out. This is okay for a child who doesn't spread toys all over... or for a parent who has the patience to help pick up toys EVERY DAY!

The one at a time feature can also be applied to storage benches. This took Rick a bit of doing to get the mechanism embedded within the device.

Here is a One at a time all-in-a-row toy storage bench made from solid walnut being admired by two young ladies at a craft show.

There are advantages for very small children who are still crawling. The all-in-a-row compartments are all at "ground level" so to speak.

The advantage of a toy bench is that the top can not only be used as a play surface, but it can also be used to sit on. Upholstering only prevents it from being used as a play surface. Probably the best idea is to get an upholstered cushion and place it on top. The cushion can easily be removed when using the bench top for a drawing table.

Toy benches, toy boxes, toy cabinets... I call them all toy storage "CHESTS" since everyone is familiar with the term toy storage chest.

Ever heard of toy storage that gets kids to automatically put away their own toys? The one at a time Toy Chest and other toy storage ideas are covered for grandparents and parents of young children.

Ideas for parents (and grandparents). Parenting education for how to help children keep toys in order. Child psychology references.

What are the best materials for toy storage benches? Consider safety, durability, cleaning, hardness and appearance.

Picking up toys one at a time makes it easy. See video of kids furniture that keeps the other toys until the child puts one back.

Your child will put their toys back into the One at a time Toy Chest if they want another toy. They do it willingly to get another one. Imagine, the kids furniture gets them to do it automatically!