Indoor Sand and Water/Sensory Table...Thoughts on This One?

[LittleScholars]

Does anyone have an indoor sand and water table they love? I just received a grant and I'm itching to get a sensory table and some new supplies, but I want to make sure I spend wisely.

Thoughts on this one? https://www.kaplanco.com/product/893...?c=10%7CSW1000

I'm slightly limited by the grant in terms of which I can choose, but there are quite a few others. Originally, I wanted one with dividers, but now I'm not sure.

Thanks!

[Cat Herder]

I prefer the ones with 4-6 separate bins. Less contamination, mess and fighting. They also allow more variation. https://www.worthingtondirect.com/ea...lay-center.htm

[Cat Herder]

Also, you can save yourself a couple hundred bucks and skip the mats that go under them. Washing machine trays work better, anyway. https://www.officedepot.com/a/produc...o-Washer-Tray/

[hwichlaz]

I have the round version of this one...

https://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=29287&Category=

It's outside, but the bins lift out so I can bring them inside and use them on our preschool table when it's too cold and windy outside.

Right now it's full of unpopped popcorn and laminated fall leaves and gourds.

[LittleScholars]

I prefer the ones with 4-6 separate bins. Less contamination, mess and fighting. They also allow more variation. https://www.worthingtondirect.com/ea...lay-center.htm

This is the exact one I want! They aren't offering it through the grant for some reason (we have access to a designated Kaplan site). It might be worth just getting that myself and using the money toward other things.

Great tips, thank you!

[Cat Herder]

Kaplan sells it, too, just for almost twice as much (and constant stocking issues, out of stock temporarily). https://www.kaplanco.com/product/889...ds?c=10|SW1000

I was forced to buy everything from them with my grant, too. The majority of the toys and art supplies were useless in under 12 months. I was very disappointed.

ECR4Kids brands seem to be pretty sturdy and affordable, though.

[Ariana]

This is the one I have. I like it because it is low enough to the ground for the ages of kids I have. Some of them are really tall so younger kids can’t use them too much. It also has multilevels which I like for dramatic play in the table. I have had this one now for 9 years and love it! Not sure if it is available with your grant. I got it at a local shop, not online.

https://www.meandfreya.co.uk/portable-clear-sand-and-water-table

[LittleScholars]

Kaplan sells it, too, just for almost twice as much (and constant stocking issues, out of stock temporarily). https://www.kaplanco.com/product/889...ds?c=10|SW1000

I was forced to buy everything from them with my grant, too. The majority of the toys and art supplies were useless in under 12 months. I was very disappointed.

ECR4Kids brands seem to be pretty sturdy and affordable, though.

And we don't even have access to the whole site! A customer service rep explained it is items selected by the grant admins.

When these come around we can choose between Kaplan or Becker, and if there is a next time I think I'd choose Becker. There really isn't a ton I want from the options I'm given and it is SO pricey.

[LittleScholars]

This is the one I have. I like it because it is low enough to the ground for the ages of kids I have. Some of them are really tall so younger kids can’t use them too much. It also has multilevels which I like for dramatic play in the table. I have had this one now for 9 years and love it! Not sure if it is available with your grant. I got it at a local shop, not online.

https://www.meandfreya.co.uk/portabl...nd-water-table

Oh! One just like this is actually available! I hadn't considered multi-levels!

[LittleScholars]

I have the round version of this one...

https://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=29287&Category=

It's outside, but the bins lift out so I can bring them inside and use them on our preschool table when it's too cold and windy outside.

Right now it's full of unpopped popcorn and laminated fall leaves and gourds.

I love this! I didn't realize the bins lifted out. That's great!!

[Cat Herder]

This is the one I have. I like it because it is low enough to the ground for the ages of kids I have. Some of them are really tall so younger kids can’t use them too much. It also has multilevels which I like for dramatic play in the table. I have had this one now for 9 years and love it! Not sure if it is available with your grant. I got it at a local shop, not online.

https://www.meandfreya.co.uk/portabl...nd-water-table

Kaplan sells it, just for $315 vs the $139 your site charges. -https://www.kaplanco.com/product/39314/transparent-sand-and-water-table?c=24%7CIT1040

I really don't get why that is who we have to buy from, they seem to profit off of it greatly.

[Cat Herder]

https://www.kaplanco.com/product/39314/transparent-sand-and-water-table?c=24%7CIT1040

sorry the link broke

[LittleScholars]

Kaplan sells it, just for $315 vs the $139 your site charges. -https://www.kaplanco.com/product/39314/transparent-sand-and-water-table?c=24%7CIT1040

I really don't get why that is who we have to buy from, they seem to profit off of it greatly.

They really do. And I haven't found that products are particularly amazing. As we used kaplan playdough this morning I was reminded of that.

[Alwaysgreener]

Kaplan sells it, too, just for almost twice as much (and constant stocking issues, out of stock temporarily). https://www.kaplanco.com/product/889...ds?c=10|SW1000

I was forced to buy everything from them with my grant, too. The majority of the toys and art supplies were useless in under 12 months. I was very disappointed.

ECR4Kids brands seem to be pretty sturdy and affordable, though.

I noticed this too, the ironic thing is when I applied for the grant I only had two kids under 12 months.
I did get some toys with suction cups on them for infants. But the majority of the money I spent on furniture and a stroller which even the grant price is higher than the price I would have paid out of pocket if I had gone to Amazon and bought it.

[Ariana]

Kaplan sells it, just for $315 vs the $139 your site charges. -https://www.kaplanco.com/product/39314/transparent-sand-and-water-table?c=24%7CIT1040

I really don't get why that is who we have to buy from, they seem to profit off of it greatly.

I feel like any educational store that engages in government grants charge WAY more than normal. Kinda like government contracts. If they know the government is contracting they charge then more for the work.

I paid $250 for it here locally.