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I would love to order a few things (well, a bunch of things) but the prices are outrageous! I just can't imagine spending $60 on these little things...unless they are guaranteed to last F~O~R~E~V~E~R.
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Last edited by Blackcat31; 01-07-2014, 07:26 AM. -
and really the play value is not there. get some wipe containers and write a number on the side let them fill with that many objects.
Truthfully those are parent pleasers more to look at then learn from . They do have some great things worth the money but we have to stop dreaming like kids at the new things with bright colors and really think about how it will be used and if they will really do what it is for.It:
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Often I am disappointed with how the more expensive items in my dc are used and how often they are used. I know the trend is for wooden/ natural toys and yet, those items tend to be played with the LEAST in my dc. I don't have battery toys, so it's not that they are "competing" with those toys. The older and crabbier I get the less inclined I am to buy the "hot" dc toys...Comment
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I have been very satisfied with everything that I've bought from Lakeshore. The quality is there, but they are very expensive. As long as people are willing to pay the price, their prices will stay high.
My kids play with everything that I've bought from Lakeshore. I rotate my manipulatives weekly.Comment
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I buy from Lakeshore. Sometimes what they sell you can get on Amazon for less, especially the Learning Resources stuff (brand). The toys and equipment are meant to be used for classrooms and DC centers of 20-25 children so yes they are WAY sturdier than other toys that you would typically get at Target or Toys R Us. Their variation of toys similar to Melissa and Doug even last longer and the paint doesn't chip as fast. Add their stuff to a small FCC and yes, from my experience, they last a long time. I can't say how long but I've never had to replace a toy that I can get at Lakeshore while I've had to replace toys every 1-3 years if I get them from a regular toy store. It's not just Lakeshore ... if you get toys from a store meant for schools and centers you can pretty much bet it's going to last (Discount School Supplies, etc).Comment
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For 10 for $10 you can get these clear bug boxes, fill with colored sand with letter cutouts. They come in many shapes and sizes.
For 24 for $3.25 you can get these small party boxes to fill/decorate for any theme.
All at Oriental Trading.Attached Files- Unless otherwise stated, all my posts are personal opinion and worth what you paid for them.
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I totally agree with this. I have bought many, many, many items from Lakeshore. Many of the items from brands that are not exclusive to Lakeshore you can find cheaper elsewhere. But what you do get from Lakeshore is quality, and long lasting. Plus if you do have an issue, they wil stand behind what they sell. In the rare case you have an issue, they will usually replace it without hesitation. One time I bought one of these wooden magnetic counting boards (http://www.lakeshorelearning.com/pro...=1389108942416) and after about 6 months the colors started chipping off the balls. I took it back to the store - no receipt or anything - and showed it to them. They replaced it with no issues. I have had the replaced one for about 5 years now and no issues.Comment
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Awesome catherder! Thanks!Comment
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Have you looked at Discovery Toys? They have some great stuff for much less than Lakeshore. They are really pricey but I'm sure good quality that will last. Discovery Toys has a warranty on their items as well.Comment
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I get a Constructive Playthings magazine, too, that offers good sales. cptoys.comComment
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I like constructive playthings also and sometimes they have decent sales. I love lakeshore but it is so high. I bought some toddler toys through a grant last spring, and was kinda disappointed with some of the things I got, especially from Kaplan's, which was a catalog my birth-3 mentor showed me. Guess I expected more for the price.
I did get extremely lucky at a yard sale early last summer, filled my car right up to the top, paid $50, all of it was Melissa and Doug, Lakeshore, all kinds of brand name sets, games, manipulatives, etc. I was in heaven.
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Okay now I want to get the Discovery Toys starter kit!! LOLComment
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