Leave it to P’kolino to turn a table into an erector set. The Play Table ($1,399) is a multi-piece mélange of playtime possibility. Machine pressed bent maple and vinyl mean strength, while interchangeable foam pieces mean fun. Works as a table, a chaise lounge, a rocking chair, a giant puzzle, a ramp for car races, you name it. Mix and match ‘till you drop.
Sorry, this seat is taken. By baby. The Wall-Mounted Changing Table ($790) offers public restroom convenience at home. Two shelves offer plenty of storage space, and there’s also a diaper holder. After taking care of the..ahem…soiled diaper, the seat folds up and nobody knows the difference. You’ll never have to go out to the mall or worse, Chili’s, ever again.
It’s kind of like the chairs outside the principal’s office. But the Fiberglass Arm Shell Rocker ($375) is better. First, there’s no detention awaiting your child. Second, those old chairs didn’t rock. Duh. This classic chair has been modernized within an inch of its life, with a recyclable polypropylene shell, maple or walnut runners and sixteen (sic) colors to choose from. Modern retro, environmentally safe and no detention. Sitting does NOT get any more comfortable.
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Sleepy time is learning time with the Photo Mobile by Kikkerland. ($12) This stainless steel five-card mobile uses Wee Gallery flash cards (not included) to teach about animals. The cards are sharp and sleek, so you’ll get aesthetic hipness points. But really, it’s about baby learning while they drift off to sleep. Shhhh…..
Cue up the Velvet Underground and trip back to The Factory with this 4 panel Warhol-style Portrait. ($139) This is a truly unique work of art, and we think Andy would approve. Just send in a picture of your boy or Femme Fatale, choose your material and that’s it: singular Pop-Art in 14-21 business days. Hey, your child is a lot more artistic than a soup can.
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Time is of the essence when you’ve got a nasty diaper in your hand. Okay, there’s still time for aesthetic beauty. The VIPP 16 Diaper Bin ($335), by designer Holger Nielsen, is all about Danish design and hands-free convenience. Just kick the lid open and you’re good to go. Holds up to 5 gallons and looks sharp in the process.
Okay, it’s a cardboard chair. But if you tried to build one, baby would be on the ground bawling. Try Take a Load Off Cardboard Chairs ($69 for two) instead. They’re made of corrugated, double-wall recycled cardboard, so they can hold up to 200 lbs. They have handles for easy transport, and they’re a blank canvas for crayon or marker work. You can try to build a cardboard chair. But we don’t recommend it.
It’s a toy! It’s a statue! It’s décor! It’s a retro post-modern nouveau classic! It’s the Eames Elephant from Vitra! ($290) The original wooden version, designed by Charles and Ray Eames in 1945, never made it into production. This polypropylene version finally brings the delightful Eames elephant to your children (and of course you’ll love it too). Choose from five colors, and have fun indoors or out.
Cue up Homer Simpson: “Bed goes up, bed goes down!” The Toddler Bed from P’kolino ($189) converts easily from bed with side rails to chair with arm rails. The bed fits any standard-size crib mattress. Flip it to chair position for afternoon reclining. Either way, your kids will love the comfort and classic P’kolino style.
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Not quite sleeping in the garden, but not bad. The Garden Chalet Twin Bed from Haba ($599) brings the great outdoors inside for your little angel. The frame is solid birch and plywood, with six strands of pink fabric roses to drape over. Also comes with a pouch to store books and stuff in. It’s beautiful and tranquil. And no watering required.
