December 30, 2008

Review: Step2 Easel for Two

Anderson received a Step2 Easel for Two from Santa last week. He's been having a blast with it ever since, and it has become one of his favorite presents that he received this year.

This double-sided easel has a hinged top and a shelf in the middle. The shelf snaps into place to provide stability as well as a spot to put your chalk and markers. On one side of the easel there is a metal-backed dry-erase board and the other side is a chalk board. (And dry erase marker does not come off chalkboard I'm sorry to say). Each side also has a big metal clip to keep a large sheet of paper in place for art projects.

At first Andy was obsessed with the chalk board. He loves just drawing big circles with the chalk. Once he figured out how to cap and uncap the dry-erase markers, he's been on that side practically ever since. His drawing skills aren't quite matched by his imagination yet, so he often asks us to help him draw particular shapes. ("Towers" were a particular favorite today). Once done with a drawing, Andy erases it with the eraser.

Right now we're leaving the easel fully assembled -- we have enough room in our playroom. But it will easily fold up should we ever need to put it away in a closet. Just take off the shelf and push the two sides together.

We really like this easel. If you're looking for something as your child approaches pre-school age, it is highly recommended by Super Cool Baby!