My son loves to cook (for real, and pretend), and I am so drawn to all those adorable mini kitchens that are way out of my price range (not to mention out of my storage capacity). We were playing with his toy pots and pans the other day when I saw an errant plastic storage bin (the ones that are about the size of a shoebox). I turned it over and pretended it was a range, and then thought, a-ha! here’s a good solution to our lack of play kitchen!
The best part? When you’re done play-cooking, you can turn the range over and store all your play dishes inside!
Project Materials:
- Plastic storage bin
- Construction paper
- Glue
- Double-sided tape
To make:
- Cut out one piece of construction paper the size of the bottom of your plastic bin. I used black.
- Cut out two spirals for the range-coils on the stove. I used red. (To cut spiral: Cut a circle, then cut a spiral into it. When you get to the center of the spiral, turn around and cut a bit off of one side of the spiral all the way back out to the edge of the circle.)
- Glue spirals onto base piece of paper.
- Attach paper to inside bottom of bin with double-sided tape.
Alternate ideas:
- Draw the range-coil shapes onto the paper instead of gluing separate paper spirals.
- Glue the paper to the bottom of the bin instead of double-stick taping.
March 24th, 2009 at 3:21 pm
You know that they say about great minds!
I made a similar one using a sturdy card box, paper plates on the top as the hob and it has a flap door with is the oven. Ebi-kun drew on all the buttons and switches. It also doubles as the cooking toys storage box ;o)
March 25th, 2009 at 1:47 am
what a fabulous idea!
and even better, it’s not pepto bismal pink!
everyone around me keeps having babies, and i’m so horrified by the gender roles that are emphasized by the toys available. i can’t even walk into toys’r'us, it terrifies me so!
March 25th, 2009 at 8:38 am
Great idea and so practical. When the child has a good imagination, he doesn’t need something lifelike that takes up too much space.
March 25th, 2009 at 9:52 am
[...] living vicariously through all the great crafty moms out there. Here’s a great idea by Croq Zine on how to make a toy stove out of a plastic storage container. Once your kid is done playing, just place all the play food and utencils inside! If anyone has [...]
March 25th, 2009 at 10:34 am
THat is such a great idea!!
March 29th, 2009 at 5:51 pm
That’s just adorable! Thanks for sharing :)
March 29th, 2009 at 9:53 pm
just have to say fabulous idea re storage AND stove in one!
My son (3.5 yrs) and I have been cooking on a cardboard box turned onto its side so the flaps can be the oven doors; spiral hobs drawn on top; and also on top near the front edge, we shoved champagne corks into some holes for knobs (I cut an X with a craft knife to stick them in – no complicated circle cutting and holds nicely).
works like a dream and cooks yummy food, but cooking stuff all over the house and garden, so should use it to store as well!!!
March 30th, 2009 at 6:39 am
@smokz That sounds like a great stove!!
March 31st, 2009 at 3:11 am
[...] Croqzine shares a wonderful and inexpensive idea for a child’s toy stove that includes storage for kitchen tools when the stove isn’t being played with. Brilliant! [...]
April 2nd, 2009 at 4:35 am
Now THAT is a GREAT idea! It would be great to take anywhere too! Fun on vacation, at grandma’s etc.
April 5th, 2009 at 3:15 pm
[...] You can find detailed instructions at the Croc Zine blog. I am so doing this for the next 2 or three year old birthday party we are invited to. I will fill [...]
May 18th, 2009 at 3:11 am
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June 10th, 2009 at 3:36 pm
Great idea! I’m going to be fav uncle this weekend, thanks
July 29th, 2009 at 8:58 pm
I’ve recently started a blog, the information you provide on this site has helped me tremendously. Thank you for all of your time & work.
February 19th, 2010 at 5:01 pm
THat is such a great idea!!
January 20th, 2012 at 1:00 pm
[...] something more unique for your kids? Try making your own kitchen stove using a platic container! Croq Zine gives you all the [...]