Toy storage we used for tiles and art supplies

Our recommendations

Our family’s pick

MAGNA-TILES Storage Bin & Interactive Play Mat

For our tile collection, the boys can put the pieces back in one bin that stays zipped beside their Hot Wheels bin.

MAGNA-TILES lists this bin for ages 3+. If a tile cracks or exposes a magnet, take it out of play immediately and contact MAGNA-TILES about the damaged piece. MAGNA-TILES · Maker FAQ

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Worth knowing.

• The boys put the tiles back inside, and I usually keep the zipper all the way up
• The maker says it folds from a zipped bin into an open play mat
• It does not divide markers or tiny craft parts into separate cases

Also tested by our family

IRIS USA Medium Clear Storage Cases (10 Pack)

These work for the markers we keep in a cabinet. Check your longest marker against the inside dimensions, then make sure you have room for the 10-pack.

The snap latches are not child locks. Keep tiny craft pieces away from children under three. IRIS USA · CPSC

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Worth knowing.

• Each case is clear and closes with snap latches
• IRIS lists 7.88 inches along the longer inside side; compare that with your longest marker
• IRIS lists 1.63 inches of inside height, so bulky toys will not fit

Researched shelf option

IKEA TROFAST Storage Combination

I would consider TROFAST if I wanted several pull-out bin sizes in one shelf.

Anchor the frame to the wall as IKEA directs, and do not let children climb it. IKEA

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Worth knowing.

• IKEA offers bins in more than one depth for this combination
• Bins pull out and can be rearranged as storage needs change
• Open bins leave their contents visible

Researched soft-cube option

3 Sprouts Recycled Fabric Storage Box, Light Gray

An open fabric cube for a cubby shelf; the listed care is spot-clean only.

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Worth knowing.

• At 13 by 13 by 13 inches, it fits a lot of standard cube shelves
• The shell is 100% recycled polyester
• Even empty, it stands up, thanks to the cardboard in the sides

How I narrowed it down

At home, I used the MAGNA-TILES bin and IRIS cases with my boys. Our Sterilite 70-quart boxes have held Christmas gifts, train items, LEGO and Hot Wheels. We also used mDesign hinged boxes for small toys; a lid cracked near the hinge when bent too far back. I did not find a current exact match for either box, so neither has a buying card. I checked TROFAST and 3 Sprouts against their product pages. The MAGNA-TILES scene is AI-restaged from room and bin photos I supplied; the other pictures are staged product references. These are illustrations, not documentary photos of the products in use.

• MAGNA-TILES says the bin can hold up to 300 pieces. I haven't counted ours.
• IRIS sells the medium cases as a 10-pack. Check where you would store the stack before buying all ten.
• IKEA calls for wall anchoring on TROFAST. The 3 Sprouts cube is 13 inches on each side and spot-clean only.

I'm Matt, a dad of two boys. If we've used something at home, the card says personally tested. The rest I read up on. I keep a weekly list of kids' product recalls. How I pick.