Activity Tables

I am looking into activity tables for Bella as all she wants to do all day is stand up and its doing my back in!

I have been on e-bay looking at Leap Frog and Fisher Price activity tables and they look like the go - does any one have one of these? Do your kids use it and love it??

I would prefer not to purchase one brand new (limited funds) so did you purchase yours second hand and where from??

I have been looking out at the Op shops but notthing yet, I will put one on layby if I have to purchase one new.

Oh and how much did you pay brand new? Second hand??

Any info would be fantastic!!

TIA

Kate

Hi, We bought DD a Crawl and Cruise Jungle last Christmas....think it's Fisher Price?? She was 5 1/2 months at the time and is still using it! It has stuff for bubs to use at all stages, when they crawl, then sit, then stand.... Once we stood her up at it to play she'd cry and want us to hold her up all the time to play with it until one day she sat up herself to play, then not long was pulling herself up to play! It cost $98 got it on sale, they still have them in the cat's have a look when K Mart or Target have a sale cause I think normally it's about $150 -$200?? It is a good toy though, has a monkey that you put balls in his hand and they go down a windy ramp, a frog that rattles, a mirror, an elephant that you put the balls in his ears and they come out his trunk, a crocodile that swings, a ball that swings and a hippo that hold the balls when not being used in his belly. It has about 5 or 6 different songs that go off when bub touches things. Interesting thing is that when older kids come to play they still play with it!! Had 2 x 5 year olds come over and they both played with it for over an hour while 15month old DD watched thinking "this is my toy!" :lol:

Otherwise if you're looking for something at a bit of a discount I'd really recommend trying the baby and kids markets they're fantastic! I picked up the Elefun game for $3 which is RRP for about $25. Don't know where you are but they have markets all over the place, not sure but I think there's a website you can look up...baby and kids markets??? HTH :)

Just remembered the name of one of the markets I go to when they're on - Cherished once more They should def have a website they have been on a current affair before as a story as it's pretty cheap good quality stuff, basinettes, high chairs, toys, prams, clothes the lot...it's really good. Picked up a gorgeous fairy dress for DD at the last one with wings + beads + sequins all over it for a whopping $2!!!!

I bought a sand and water table at Kmart this week on sale for $39. Not exactly what you are after, but is similar..... It has a lid that closes as well.

I have the Leap Frog one and DS2 loved it :D. I bought it second hand (of course LOL) from a market for around $10. The Fisher Price ones are just as much fun, I've had them in my store before (I don't have any atm and I'm not trying to sell one on here sneakily, I promise :lol:) and DS2 played heaps with them too. Definitely a worthwhile toy!

I'd go the sand and water table. From my experience kids grow bored of activity tables that do the same thing ad can't be changed. If it's flexible I think it would get more/longer use. You wouldn't be limited to just sand and water either. You could pop in some coloured balls (too big for mouth) or different textured fabric (little kids love feeling the difference between velvets/wool/satins etc)... or rice play... where I worked toddlers LOVED pouring coloured or plain rice... if even goes through a water wheel.

I know a set activity table sounds easier and tidier but be prepared for her to get bored with that and then start roaming the house trying to get into cupboards etc.

Just my experience.

Softy - thanks for the info! Ill keep that in mind while I am looking!

Spooky - I think I saw that one in a c'log - Ill have another look - thanks!

Trish - I will keep an eye out on your store! We are hitting the garage sales tomorrow morning - so I might get lucky??

Bath - thanks for that - Ill have a think about it as well!

Thanks again ladies!

Kate

I think chicco also make a good one...
You could hire from a toy library - i often do this with these bigger items, either to make sure they do LOVE it before I buy or if i think they will have limited appeal.

Mama - Oh I didnt think of the toy library! Thats a great idea! I should look into joining our local one! Thanks.

I've got the Leap Frog one. Got it for Darcy a few years ago. It was half price at a Kmart toy sale....can't remember the actual price though. SHe played with it without legs and then with and now Nate and Darcy play with it. I wouldn't say it hold their attention for ages though. But it's got wear and tear signs so they must like it.
I also have a sand and water table for my little climber for Chrissie.
Bath's right about the rice. One of Darcy's faveourite toys atm is a disposable roasting tray with rice and cups/spoons etc. Plays outside for ages. Though she's a bit older than Bella.

I bought a second hand Fisher Price one for $5!! I got mine on Oztion (like ebay but less people seem to be on there or know about it so I find I get things for minimum bid but there is also less things on there so it might be hard to find what you are after. Always worth a look though.) Oh and my DD loves her activity table. GL

Thanks ladies! Went to a few garage sales today and I picked up a Fisher Price one for $10!! Cleaned it up and its awesome! Has all the bells and whistles and she has been playing with it all day!

I still look into one of the outside ones for her b'day.

Kate