Kate’s birthday is next Thursday, and I haven’t had any really brilliant ideas about what to get her. I keep asking her, and other than telling me she wants one of everything at Justice, she’s not been too helpful. And as much as I’m dying to buy her one of these in every color, 
I’m still on the hunt for more ideas.
Today she mentioned that she’d like a table to replace the little Dora table & chair set we bought her several years ago (on clearance at Target for $12.97 – major score), because it’s gotten too small for her. She’s gotten a ton of use out of it, and she loves to write and draw and paint so much that I thought a new craft table might be the perfect gift.
I found some that I LOVE… there’s a really cute one from Land of Nod (that won’t let me save a picture… grrr!) for the low low price of $449, and check out this one (I love the paper roll over the top, and the storage areas below!) from The Container Store: 
which can be yours for a mere $375.
So.
Here’s the thing. I want a table like this (or at least with the same functionality), but I’d really not like to have to spend so much money.
Which is where you come in.
I’d love some ideas on where I could find a similar table that doesn’t cost a million dollars, or how I could take a cheaper table and create a similar workspace for Kate. Any thoughts?
Do you have an Ikea anywhere close by? They have a few options I think, and their prices are reasonable. Most times they have an unfinished option and you can stain or paint however you like!
Have you tried asking on freecycle (www.freecycle.org)? Or checking out your local Craig’s List (www.craigslist.org)? I also find lots of kid sized furniture at garage sales. Most of them are still in great condition. Watch local newspaper ads or check out the garage sale listings on Craig’s List and visit some neighborhood sales. Good luck!
Check out this one at Meijer. It looks pretty cool with lots of little organizers for art supplies:
http://www.meijer.com/s/step2-creative-projects-table/_/R-111660?cmpid=cashopzilla
And better yet, it’s under $100.
Here is just a craft paper holder if you want to add it to a table purchase that does not have one:
http://www.everythingfurniture.com/gc-paper-center-1.html?utm_campaign=Performics&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_content=Primary&promocode=k179001#axzz0lHJ6sDsO
Emily, I have been in love with desks from Pottery Barn since I knew what Pottery Barn was. This is a personal favorite: http://www.potterybarnkids.com/products/riley-desk-and-hutch/?pkey=ddesks-chairs
Great idea for a gift for your daughter! Our kids LOVE arts and crafts as well, so we just did the same thing – in the most frugal way possible! Our table seats 6 kids, but a smaller table can serve the same purpose…
1. Scoure Craigslist for a great table in the color that you want. Keep in mind that you can paint or stain it.
2. The table we found happened to be a little tall for our kids (all under 6), so my husband trimmed off a few inches to make it the perfect height.
3. We found great kids chairs on Craigslist as well – again, you can stain/paint to match. If you’re only getting a table for one, you might want to splurge on a cute chair at Ikea etc…
4. My husband is cutting 3 holes in the middle of the table, and I bought cute metal buckets in the Target $1.00 section to put in the holes to hold colored pencils, crayons and pencils.
5. You can get reasonably priced organizers (metal or otherwise) from Ikea or Lowe’s and attach them to the bottom of the table to hold paper, stickers, hole punches etc…These organizers are often found in the closet/kitchen organizing sections.
6. Buy a dowel rod and attach it to the bottom-side of the table for your role of paper
*voila*
There you have a perfect arts and craft area for your little one for a fraction of the price!
definately try Ikea. They’ve got some cool kids tables and art stuff.
We have this table and chair set in a light oak finish:
http://www.childrenstablesandchairs.com/table-and-chair-sets/unisex/childrensrectangulartableandchairset.cfm
It is SOLID wood, beautiful, and has lastest big sister for three years. Now that she’s heading into 4th grade this fall, we’ll likely upgrade her to a nice desk and hand this down to little bro #1.
It’s on sale right now for $138 and — check it out, girl – FREE SHIPPING!
You’re welcome. 😉
I am sooooooooooooo not helpful here…I always spend to much, have a terrible time putting it together, and never like the way it looks…good luck!!
UP
If you are looking to make something there is a website called Knock Off wood that has lots of ideas