My parents always seemed to find a way to make Christmas especially magical for us. My mom would usually spend her nights sewing us pajamas for weeks beforehand, and my dad was often down in his workshop making someone a handsome new piece of furniture for Christmas. One year, my dad made me the most beautiful bedroom dresser, and I'm sure I'll be using it and loving it for as long as I live. This year will be our first Christmas to stay home and do it all on our own with our kids! I've been planning and prepping and really trying to find ways to make it just as magical as the Christmases I remember as a kid, and I've really been wanting to give our boys something that will last forever! I couldn't think of a better gift than a wooden handcrafted box from WoodToyBox.com!
At no cost to facilitate this review, we were sent a breathtaking premium Espresso Handcrafted Toy Box. We had big expectations, since both my husband and I had fathers with woodworking skills and we've been raised on high-quality furniture. Right away, my husband was impressed with the packaging and we agreed that it was very well done. WoodToyBox.com did an excellent job of protecting each piece with protective wrap, all arranged in a tight, compact (extremely heavy) box. Each piece is definitely made of real wood because of how heavy and sturdy everything is!
The instructions were decent, and perhaps could have had slightly better pictures, but they've done a good job of making a product that has fairly simple assembly, so you really don't need a lot of detailed intructions. If you've managed IKEA furniture, you can definitely assemble this, even without woodworking experience.
The pillars that go on the four corners come pre-assembled with these silver pegs in place. The orientation of the slotting is such a way that you can't assemble it wrong, especially with the handwritten letters as guides. Again, these are made from 100% all-wood construction. You aren't getting portions of particle board or flimsy interior pieces. The base that you see my husband dropping in is also available in cedar, which would smell fantastic!
My husband is a big critic, and he can be quick to point out imperfections or areas that need improvement. Praise can be hard to come by, but as he was putting this together, he said, "This is beautiful. I love this!" He kept muttering how this is definitely real wood, and how nicely constructed all the pieces were.
The top lid assembly is the only difficult part, and you might want to use a drill, or at least a big solid screwdriver and a strong hand. There are tiny pre-marked holes that indicate where to place the screws. They are basically nicks in the wood, and a slightly deeper predrilled hole would have been made it easier to get these started. If you drill too tight, however, you could cause small cracks in the wood, so go slow and use a screwdriver by hand if you're not a pro!
It was considerate to be sent extra screws and other small hardware pieces, in case some are misplaced during assembly. The entire job took about a half hour, and while the hubby did all the work while I took the pictures, I could probably have done it myself, even without the drill.
The boxes from WoodToyBox.com are especially unique because they can be personalized with laser engraved writing. I was so excited to be able to try out this feature and really make a one-of-a-kind gift for our kids. It was no hassle at all to ask that some writing in a certain size and font be engraved on the inside of the lid, and it turned out EXACTLY how I envisioned. You can also have the engraving on the front of the box, and you could choose a single name, a phrase, pictures, etc. They have an unlimited library of designs and fonts that you could use to personalize your box.
Try it out! Test the DESIGN YOUR TOY BOX option (in the middle of the page) and see what beautiful heirlooms you could create!
The versatility of this box is what really gets me excited. Because it is so classy, clean, and sturdy, you could move it around the home based on your needs. It makes a gorgeous storage box for blankets and quilts, and it holds quite a bit! WoodToyBox.com also offers the option of choosing a cedar wood base, which would make your linens smell wonderful! I'm thinking that over the years, especially when we get a bigger place, we might bring this into the living room for winter quilts and extra seating. It could look classic in an entryway, a hallway, and especially bedrooms.
For now, we are using it as a toy box in the boys' room, and it can hold SO many toys!! I'm just so relieved to have a large and sturdy home for all of their toys that they can't overturn every day. Typically, its just a huge mess in there, and this is really helping to keep their explosion of toys at bay. Once we are out of the "little toy stage", I'm anxious to use this as blanket storage in our living room! I think it would make a handsome piece of furniture in a common area, as well as perhaps extra seating when we have company. At some point in our lives, I'm sure we'll also use this as a box at the foot of our bed to use as seating, blanket storage, and extra closet space. There are so many places it could reside and really look like it belongs there.
These boxes feature a cut out where the lid meets the box, which perfectly keeps little fingers from getting squished or smashed. In the picture above, the lid is completely shut, and my boy's fingers are untouched. In addition to the lid hinges are two two child-safety lid supports that keep the lid from slamming down shut. The supports are strong enough to hold the lid still at angle you open it to, so nothing is spring-loaded and you don't have to worry about the lid dropping fast on top of your child's head. I sure love the antique bronze hardware! I think it looks much more classy than standard silver and it matches the espresso color beautifully.
You really should have seen this room last week! It was a horrible heap of toys, books, make believe costumes, and clutter everywhere! This giant toy box has made clean-up a breeze, since everything goes into the same box, and my boys are just loving one consolidated place where they can find all of their toys. This box has made the boys' room much more tidy, contained, clean, and just beautiful!
Doesn't it look like this box will last forever? Its such a priceless heirloom! I am 100% pleased and impressed with WoodToyBox.com, and I completely recommend them and their handcrafted toy boxes as Christmas gifts, additions to your child's bedrooms, and beautiful storage options for all areas of your home!
Connect: Be sure to follow WoodToyBox.com on Facebook and YouTube.
Buy it: You can purchase this handcrafted toy box in Espresso, Oak, Cherry, or Bamboo for $295, with free shipping. You can play around with the DESIGN YOUR TOYBOX feature (in the middle of the page) on their website.
Win it: To enter to win a custom handcrafted toy box, JUST CLICK HERE!
Disclosure: I (Camille) received the Espresso Handcrafted Toy Box at no cost to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own and may differ from yours.
Joann Kernodle says
This is the perfect gift. You could gift to a couple for a wedding present. A teenager going off to college. There are so many ways to gift this beautiful chest.
Diane J says
This is beautiful. Thanks for the review, I was unaware of this company. I am impressed with the quality.
Chrissy Kim says
Ohh, this is gorgeous! I love how beautiful the color is and the engraving is so clear and beautiful! This is the kind of gift you can hand down to your children and they in return can give it to their children! So lovely!
Tara O. says
I absolutely love this! I really like that it's made out of wood, such a strong material! Also, I really like that it can be personalized!
Jennifer Haslbauer says
These toy boxes are beautiful and would make great Christmas presents for kids.
Michele Ash says
Thanks for the Terrific Review on the Handcrafted Toy Chest! It's absolutely beautiful! They look very well handcrafted and I love the fact that the lid will not come back down and slam little heads or little fingers! The engraving is also beautiful! This would look terrific sitting in a living room or anywhere where people could see it! My daughter just told me 2 days ago (I think it was a Christmas hint) that the kids really need a toy box! She said she's tired of always picking up the toys and putting them in a pile In the corner! Thanks again for this Great Review, all the pictures of your family, and the information on the company and all about the Toy Box! I truly do appreciate it! Thanks again, Michele 🙂
Erica M says
These are really nice looking. This is the first time I've heard of this company but one of these toy chests is definitely on my list now!
Kasie Tillman says
These are beautiful! I love that the dark wood would March my daughters bedroom set!
Heather Quartararo says
What a great review, I have never heard of this company before reading your page. Thanks for all of the insights on products!
Michelle J. says
This is such a beautiful heirloom piece. I could see getting this etched with our family name and it being passed down by generation. Perfect idea for my son's toy storage and later, when he's a bit bigger, for blanket and other fiber storage.
Deborah W says
It is a beautiful toy chest that can be used for other things after the child grows up.
Dandi D says
These are such beautiful chest and I know my son would love to get one!
Chrissy M says
This is such a special and unique gift that any child will surely love for a lifetime! I never would have thought about an engraved toy chest for a gift until seeing your review.
Lori Berson says
This toy box looks to be beautifully hand-crafted and easy to assembly. I would love to win one for my newest grandchild. Thank you for the chance.
Sarah Ganjon says
I love this box's. Would be great in the living room to hold blankets and throws.
Leanna Morris says
These are really a pretty piece of furniture. Love the fact you can design one to suit your needs. My grandkids would love the toybox...I'd love a blanket chest! Thanks for reviewing this item!
Dawn B. says
I love that it is made from quality materials and they are thoughtful enough to send a few extras in case some wander off in the construction process.
Vicki Wurgler says
these are beautiful chests-I like the cut out on the lid and that they can be personalized
MonaG says
I love this beautiful all-purpose box! Hubby and my daughter would most likely be doing the assembly. I'm envisioning so many uses for it besides as a toy box. In your review post, you mentioned using it as a blanket chest and/or extra seating -- great ideas. I'm thinking hope chest or shoe storage in the entryway.
crystal davis says
I love that this is real wood. It is so hard to find anything real wood these days. Even my grandma's antique dresser has cheap interior pieces.
Ai Schirmer says
I love them!! This is the perfect gift!!
Maria Iemma says
What a gorgeous keepsake box, it could be used for toys now and then for linens or other treasures later on.
Sarah Hayes says
this is adorable! i love how nice these are and that they will last for years and years. the espresso is a gorgeous color. id love to have this for my little ones clothes and toys that i keep
Jerrica Evans says
I am very glad you did this review. I hadn't heard anything about this company until reading this and I love the way their products look. These would be the perfect gifts for my children and for my nieces and nephews. Thank you again for the amazing information that you give, it's very much appreciated!
Tammy says
These are beautiful, thank you for the thorough review!
Melisa Lewandowski says
This is awesome! Your children are thrilled! I love the "Merry Christmas Love Mom and Dad in the inside of the box! Very cute!
Brandi says
Beautiful toy chest that is safe for the kids to get the toys in and out of on their own.
Jeannette Olton says
This is such a beautiful piece of handcrafted furniture! And thank you so much for your review. It is so honest and therefore very helpful. I sometimes avoid things that need to be assembled but your step-by-step critique assures me that I could easily handle it.
Carolyn Massey says
Love this toy box. Lovely hand crafting and made sturdy. Easy to assemble and hold a lot of toys or whatever you want to put in it. Good revew of this product.
Jessica White says
Awesome review! This box is absolutely gorgeous and makes for a very unique keepsake!
Erin W says
I love how classic these look and all the possibilities of personalization!
Erin W says
I love how classic these look and all the possibilities of personalization!
katklaw777 says
This box is beautiful...I luv your idea of putting the message inside the box lid.
I know my kids would really use this to help keep their room clean...thanks!
Shanna says
These toy boxes are beautiful! I love the inscription. So pretty.
Gail McMurray says
These storage boxes are beautiful, they would look good any where in the home. A perfect gift.
Amber Ludwig says
I love that these are handcrafted and that you can include a personalized message inside! What a great treasure they can keep and pass down from generation to generation! Amazing memories could be made with it!
Heather in VA says
The quality of craftsmanship is truly evident in these chests. Gorgeous!
Mary Dailey says
What a gift this would be. Keep toys in it when they are little, and when they leave on their own, give it to them to use as a chest for blankets or out-of-season clothes. Besides, they are beautiful!
Ruth Griffeth says
I have got to show this to my "NOT" husband, and we will decide if we will get one for the Grandson. All of the extra's are just great. Thank you so much for the review!
German Lopez says
Awesome toy chest. I love the various colors and personal touches you can add. Chest looks like its made very well and the hardware looks very durable. I will definitely keep this toy chest in mind next time i shop around for one.
Michelle Bohn says
Your review of the toy box just makes me want it even more for my daughter! Even if I don't win one I think I am going to make sure one ends up under our Christmas tree this year!
Joy says
I love the quality and durability.
Patrycja Chudziak says
What a beautiful chest! My son would be especially excited to see his name on it! Would make a wonderful Christmas gift!
jessi gonzalez says
Awww. I love that you put a special note on the inside. Love the dark wood...looks and sounds like great quality!
Alicia Thompson says
Great review. it looks gorgeous and sturdy. This would be great for my kids' room, and I love your idea of using it to store blankets when they outgrow the need for little toys.
Kelly says
Beautiful! I think the fact it is called a toy box is an understatement. It could be used for SO many things. I am thinking it would be perfect to house all of our games, toys, blankets, etc. Thanks for doing the review. It is really helpful to find out what the pros/cons are. 🙂
Leela says
That is such a beautiful box. I love the message inside!
Beth Z. Patt says
These look so nice, I love that you can customize them.
CRISSIE WOOLARD says
THESE TOY BOXES AND AMAZING!! IM SURE THEY WOULD LOST FOREVER! I LOVE THAT YOU CAN PERSONALIZE IT ALSO
Shannon says
Gorgeous!!! Quality that will last forever .♡
Adriana says
Oh my goodness! This looks beautiful! And it is made of real wood so it will last!
Patty wright says
Beautiful!
Laura Wilson says
I love the fact that it is able to be personalized. I also love that it is something my daughter would be able to use her whole life, first as a toy box and later as a memory/hope chest.
Kelly Fennemore says
I love that it's real wood and seems very sturdy. It also seems to have an easy assembly...my husband likes that!;)
Beth says
This looks like just what I've been hoping to find. Thanks!
Sandra Hying McFadden says
I love this it is made of the same quality that my Grandfather would have built it. He was a great carpenter. I love the choices you have to build this one and the safety precautions used in the construction.
Deborah D says
This is so well made.
Sue D says
Beautiful box. thanks for the review of how it came, the quality and the ease of putting together.
Heather T says
Love how it is a personal, long lasting gift that can be passed down through generations! I have always had a weak spot for wooden trunks. They are such an awesome size too! Didn't realize they were so big!
Linda Mannst says
This is a beautiful piece of furniture and it looks like the craftsmanship is good. I love the bamboo. I think I would probably have to have my son assemble it for me because it looks to difficult for me. Thank you for sharing
denise says
looks like a great quality product, multiple uses, and easy to assemble!
DEBRA DUBOIS says
This is wonderful my grand father use to make us toy boxes he has passed years ago it would be so nice to give one to our grandson.
sherry butcher says
Wonderfful, I did not know they still made these. Love that it's built so it does not slam down or pinch fingers. TFS.
Kelly Marlow says
I would love to have one of these toy boxes. It's so classy and versatile too so it can go anywhere. Perfect gift for sure.
Andrea B Cofman says
I LOVE anything that is Handcrafted, Furniture, Toys, Clothing & even Jewelry. This Handcrafted Toy Chest is such a Beautiful Piece & it can go anywhere around the House. Looks so easy to install & I like that most of all!
Hannah Pitts says
Your boys look so happy with their toybox!
I would love to have one of these for each of my girls, s they can use it for a toy box or craft box now and a Hope chest when they are bigger!
Stephanie says
I love how you can pick the wood grain , the color, and be able to make it personable. This would make a great hope chest for my daughter someday!
Patricia C says
This is a beautiful box, I love how simple was for your husband to put together
leslie ross says
These are beautiful hope to have one someday
Molly Conetta says
Such a beautiful keepsake for children! I love that this is a nice gift that my son can use for years to come 🙂
SHINING OHLSON says
THESE ARE BEAUTIFUL! I would love one for my daughter Riley
Kathleen Quinlan says
I love these toy boxes. I wish they were around when my son was little. They are Unique and I love them:)
N Bear says
I love the feature that protects little finger. These are gorgeous toy boxes, and I would love a bamboo one for my daughter.
Lisa Green says
This is truly a beautiful toy chest! I love the child safety features too!
Shannon R. says
This is a great review. I will definitely be checking out this as a Christmas item for my children. I love that the inside can even be engraved. I am very impressed with the quality based on your review.
Candi Parent says
I love this! My dad made me a foot locker type chest when I was a kid, before he moved away. It was my most cherished item. This toy box reminds me of that locker 🙂
Theresa Miller says
Wow these are just beautiful. I love all the different messages on them it definitely would be hard to choose one. Great job!!
Amy Franz says
This is gorgeous! I would love to get one of these for our daughters. Love it so much!
Lori Mahan says
I love that it doesn't have one of those flimsy cardboard backings like all the rest. Would love one for my first soon to be grandchild. Just need to know if it's a girl or boy.
Cheryl Rahkonen says
This is a beautiful toy box. It looks as though it is very well made. I had fun designing my own toybox on the sponsor's page.
Molli Vandehey says
i really wish i had acrafty gradfather to make this for my kids, but this is the next best thing.
Carol L says
What a great review. A half hour time is pretty good when I consider all the hours my husband and I spent Christmas Eve assembling toys. 🙂 Thanks for the pictures as well.
Carol L
suzanne tischler says
These really are beautiful. The perfect gift for a child because it could be used into adulthood and passed down.
amanda says
this is a beautiful heavy duty looking toy box. even better since its customized..love it.
Mary Diehl says
I'm really impressed with it that it's real wood. It looks beautiful and sounds easy to put together that I believe I could do it as I'm handy with screwdrivers and a few other tools. These would be so nice for extra storage also. Thank you for the great review and I'll keep this company in mind for future ideas.
alijohns says
What a gorgeous piece of furniture! This would be a nice piece to use in the living room where toys are often kept yet still maintains the integrity of it being a living room and not a toy room!
Courtney Morgan says
This chest is so beautiful and looks so well crafted!
jackie stevens says
This is stunning and the design your own option is just perfect. I love all of the details and the quality. Thanks for sharing
pam clarkson says
my son shane made me a china cabinet in wood shop ,that was very special cause he put alot of work into it , it was his own design which made it even better ,love it
Hillary H. says
I absolutely adore the engraving on your toy box! What a great idea. Beautiful product!
Tina M says
I think these are gorgeous
melissa bybee says
So beautiful. i know my son would treasure on of those chest.
Monica Sepulveda says
This is impressive craftsmanship. Thanks for the review.
Linda Buzard-Moffitt says
I like the cut-out for no smashed fingers
Dee Lafrenz says
I had a toy box/hope chest when I was young, I would love one for my grand daughter. The detail I love the most is the gap for little hands. Mine did not have that. I like the idea of putting cedar in the bottom and the personalization of the boxes. This is the kind of quality gift anyone would cherish! I did the helpful personalize your box tool, and it was great, I love the Cherry and the Espresso with the gold outline, and gold lettering, beautiful piece of furniture.
Christina Swenson says
I love the safety feature for children's fingers. I do not like the way my daughters current toy box lid closes.
laurali graham says
These are so nice I really like the cut out so little fingers don't get smashed.
Sarah Bailey says
I like the no fingers being smashed idea - my children all seem to have a penchant for doing that.
janice urffer says
The most meaningful gift was a birthstone ring my daughter picked out
Angela Warren says
I love this review. It's made out of sturdy wood, and I like that you can personalize it.
polly says
Love them! Also, that you can personalize the inside lid. The pictures are darling of the kids!
Shannon Grubbs says
this would be so nice for my son! the wood is very nice
Maria Castro says
Beautiful. Love that you mentioned the cut out feature which would keep those little fingers safe from getting hurt.
Lilia Kharabora says
This is so beautiful! I love the Bamboo. It would be for my children and would go in our family room. Thanks so much!
Patricia A Herbert says
Would love this for grandaughter who is due in March
Janel says
I love how well crafted these seem to be - they could be used for other storage purposes too, other than toys. I think I'd get one just for storage in my bedroom of various books and seasonal clothing.
Tanya White says
I love how this toy chest is hand crafted , I feel it gives it a look of elegance.
Chelsey Bennett says
These are absolutely gorgeous. And I love that it won't pinch tiny fingers!!
Shannon Sontag says
The toychest looks amazing.
Amanda McCollum says
I love to see quality pieces in action... so many things are slapped together and made out of cheap materials. Your pictures and thoughts really prove that this is a high-quality item! It's lovely!
Helen Nordstrom says
I love it. It is a beautiful keepsake for all ages. I love that you can personlize it.
Helen Nordstrom says
I love it. It is a beautiful keepsake for all ages. I love that you can personalize it.
tiffany f says
This is an amazing looking toy box, it seems like a great quality product. I love that it is fairly simply to put together and is very sturdy. Would make a lovely gift for any child in your life, something that lasts a long time and is beautifully crafted.
DEBRA GIFFORD says
This is a beautiful story of family love! hen, the great craftsmanship to top it off!
Danielle Isom says
I love that this is a wooden toy box. They seem hard to find in stores and I usually come across plastic ones. I had a wooden toy box when I was young and I want the same for my son. This would be perfect, and I can even get is name on it!
Sandra Watts says
These are gorgeous! What a great item to pass down through the family.
samantha bogard says
So beautiful!
Dianne Mumpower says
I've been looking for something like this to begin a "Hope Chest" for my son. Thanks for sharing.
Veronica says
This is exactly what I have been looking for to store my one-year-old's toys.
Donna Cooper says
I like the idea of putting it together. I remember at Christmas spending hours putting together the toys and Bikes.
Merri Sunderland says
I love this. They are beautiful. It would make a lovely hope chest.
Debbie Hass says
This toy chest is just absolutely beautiful! It will make a wonderful gift for anyone of any age!
Nicole G. says
I love someone's suggestion as a box for a wedding present. I never would have thought of that. Now, I hope someone I know thinks of this for me.
Kristen Osborne says
I would really love to have one of these. It is a beautiful piece!!
Tina Graves says
I love your idea, with the message on the inside. I would love to get one of these for my girls. I've been looking for a good toy box.
Christa Lopez says
This is such a great gift! This is a gift to be cherished forever! I love it!
Jillian Gonzalez says
I love how the box seems fairly easy to put together & how she wrote that if you have put together IKEA furniture you could do this. So for me that seems easy. I like how she said that the company sent extra screws and smaller hardware pieces, because I am always seeming to loose or misplace something, probably because I have a small little helper who can be too much help at times 🙂
janet aycock says
these are great boxes
DanetteDW says
My Dad was a carpenter. He made me bookshelves when I was in college and my sister a hope chest. We miss him very much. I would love for my munchkins to have this. Just don't know which one I would give it to.
laurie nykaza says
These boxes are so beautiful love to have one for my little nephews toys they can hold so much his play things inside of them.
Cathy Jarolin says
These Toy Boxes are Beautiful! Yes your Boys will have something to Cherish Forever. I loved your review. It was so joyful to read. I loved your Illustrations and your idea of printing your Christmas Message on the inside lid! Its also a beautiful piece of furniture to show off in your Home. Have a Merry Christmas~ God Bless~
christine j says
this looks amazing. I love the merry christmas message on this! so cute
michele garson says
These are beautiful
jodi Armstrong says
I love these. Love that you can personalize them & they look so sturdy for my crazy toddler who climbs on everything
Kathy Haury says
I like that it has the safety lid support! I also love the thematic font!
Amber says
How wonderful it is to come across something of quality these days! The way the hinge and lid make it safe for little ones is great.
Richard Hicks says
These are fantastic toyboxes and sure to last a lifetime and longer. I like how you can personalize it too.
Sarah Read says
This chest is beautiful and would look lovely in our living room. No need to hide it out of site. Would go beautifully with our decor.
Jaymie Shook says
Wow, thanks for the pictures with the kids next to the box! It helped me see the sizing better. We have been looking for a toy box just like this!
laurie says
this is a beautiful box and they look so strong
shawna c says
that's so cute! would love to have in my day care
Carrie W. says
This is so beautiful! It would be perfect for those toys that don't really have a good way to store any other way to make a room look tidy. It does look like it holds a lot of toys from your picture!
Kim says
Thank you for including comments regarding the ease/difficulty of assembly. As a single mother, putting items together myself can be a challenge. It is always helpful to know ahead of time if this is a task I want to attempt. Your review was very thorough.
Janette Polivka says
These are adorable! The fact that you can totally customize it makes it even more special to keep for years and years.
Jasmine P says
These are such a great gift idea! They look so nice!
Nicole U says
What a beautiful piece that will last a long time. I am impressed with the craftsmanship.
Kamla L. says
I love that they are built so sturdy with safety mechanisms and have such a timeless classic design. The Cherry finish is my favorite and I would love to get one for my grandnephews with their last name.
Christina Strapp Lambert says
I really love this and I love how you can personalize them. They look really nice and look really well made.
April Beech says
I would love to have one of these for the boys!
maria c says
This box is so beautiful. I love the quality and that it is personalized. My son would love this.
Lily Kwan says
This toy box looks very nice. Thanks for sharing!