Easel vs. Desk

[raynjen]

We are looking to buy either an easel or a desk for my daughter's 2nd birthday. My DH wants a desk so that it can store all the art supplies too. I think an easel would be better because it could go wherever I am in the house, and I'm not sure I EVER want her painting in her room. Unfortunately, since we live overseas, our options are pretty much limited to what our BX (Base Exchange) sells (the cost of shipping these larger items being prohibitively large). So here is what they carry:

http://www.step2.com/index.cfm?stp2ssid=BC9C69CB-2393-4E06-9F50FD977C39844E&action=details&category_id=1000&subcategory_id=1001&product_id=1285
An o.k. desk that at least isn't garish.

http://www.step2.com/index.cfm?stp2ssid=BC9C69CB-2393-4E06-9F50FD977C39844E&action=details&category_id=1000&subcategory_id=1003&product_id=1179
A basic easel, but as the shelf in the center holds it apart it either needs to be set up all the time, or nothing can be stored on the shelf.

http://www.littletikes.com/toyfinder/default.asp?URL=/toyfinder/products.asp?category=8&C=CAT
A very basic easel, only one-sided, but I've always found Little Tikes to be quality goods.

http://www.littletikes.com/toyfinder/default.asp?URL=/toyfinder/productsfull.asp?sku=7100
This is the one DH really likes, it is a desk, but it has an extra top that can sit, easel like, over the regular desk top so that a child can stand at it to paint or color, however, a bit garish.

I really like this desk too, but I wonder if DD will play at it if I'm not in the room with her. She generally (but not always) brings her toys to wherever I am in the apartment and then plays with them. What do you all think?

By the way, if we lived in the states, my choice would be the Little Tikes mission design easel: http://www.littletikes.com/toyfinder/default.asp?URL=/toyfinder/products.asp?category=8&C=CAT

Your input is appreciated!

Jen in Okinawa
Mom to Noelle (10/25/01)

[SeekerMage]

Wow...what a tough decision!
At first I was thinking that a desk would be ideal, storage etc...however, what are the chances that she will sit at it if you are in the other room as you stated she liked to be in the room with you.
After thinking about it and looking I like the Step2 easel. The dry erase board and the fact that it has clips so that you can hang up paper on both sides is great. As far as the storage is concerned, the shelves they offer never have a lot of space. You can always get a rubermaid container to put all the markers, chalk etc in. Or even a mesh bag that you can hang off the side of the easel. You might also want to look into the no spill paint cups...they are great! You can even get the ones that have snap tight lids so you can keep the paint in them etc. Then just have a container for the paints, a folder for the paper, and a nother one for the chalk and markers etc. Especially if you plan on moving it room to room.

A desk would only stay a mess in this house! Just another place for her to pile her things that are un art related etc. I wish we had room for an easel!