Thomas the Train for Christmas-please help

[cinderlexa's mom]

These are great tips! My DS is 18 months and can't stop babbling about Thomas! I'm in the dark, keep the tips coming!

I'm going to go to Michael's.

What is YOUR favorite train table. Off brand or Thomas--most attractive and functional is what I'm looking for...

Also, what are your child's favorite activity pieces, ie fire station, mountain, etc. Which pieces does your child seem bored with?

Thanks, Kara.

 

[Frye7127]

I cannot say enough about the pottery barn table and mat. Lots cheaper than the Thomas one, still looks practically brand new, even after 4 years of hard playing and the mat serves the purpose and is a fraction of the cost of the Thomas one.

His favorite things are everything. Never gets tired of any of it. Honestly and he is six years old. Thought he would be getting out of it by now, but nope still loooovvvessss it just as much.

Leasi

 

[storybookstory]

I haven't read through all the posts but I can tell you that the money I spent on TTTE toys was THE best money ever spent on toys. I did get some good buys on ebay for them, but one of the best deals I got was using a 40% off Michael's coupon. You just have to read the fine print that you can use it on Thomas toys.

We started our son at age 2, and he played and played and played and played with them. Such a great toy for creative play. We had put them away for a while, but then DD6 pulled them out a few weeks ago and they set all the tracks out on the floor. She's integrated them with the Playmobil people too. This morning my 8 1/2 yr old son got up early and I could hear him playing with the trains downstairs. He stopped when I came downstairs though! Doesn't want to admit it but he still likes playing with them!

I also bought a great train table for about $90 with shipping on ebay from a guy in Texas that makes them. I'll see if I can find him still on ebay.

Our is very much like this one without the playboard:

http://cgi.ebay.com/OAK-TRAIN-TABLE...7QQihZ007QQcategoryZ22721QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[aagasen]

Don't forget to try creativetrains.com I've gotten a bunch of things from there, they have pretty good deals especially when they have stuff marked down to fifty percent off and free shipping if you spend more tha $30. My son also got started on Thomas when he was eighteen months. He's still a Thomas fan now, he's six. He just loves the bridges(Lifting Bridge) and the mountain overpass. There's also a Christmas Thomas, they are three trains total. There's Thomas and a caboose and one that held christmas cargo. There's also a Christmas destination with Thomas w/santa hat included.

 

[Harmoniebreeze]

I just found what I think is the coolest table. I wanted to know if anyone has any reviews for this type of table.

Double Decker Train Table- double top design creates a "hidden compartment" allowing you to keep your Brio, Thomas, or compatible trains and track set up on the lower top, even when your children are making puzzles or playing games on the upper top! It can also be used as a chalkboard.

http://www.littlekidstuff.com/train-table-dd-combo-thomas-figure-8-water-tower-train-set.htm

I was wondering if anyone has one and could give me a review. If you have one please let me know how much you paid for it and if it is worth the money.

 

[storybookstory]

It is very cool, in theory. I would ask what the clearance was between the train board and the cover. I'm wondering if it will be enough to clear the bridges and such. Looking at our set it would have to be at least 6 inches to clear the roundhouse, more for the larger suspension bridge. Is a REALLY cool idea though!

edit: AHHA - I see they anticipated me. See

http://www.littlekidstuff.com/train_table.htm

 

[Harmoniebreeze]

Yep. You are right, it may be that you would have to take some parts out first. I don't really know since at this point we don't even have a train. I am thinking of getting the Thomas figure eight set and some extras for starters and then we can add more if they are really into it.

I just wonder if it is worth the price for just the table.

 

[ilovejack02]

Yep. You are right, it may be that you would have to take some parts out first. I don't really know since at this point we don't even have a train. I am thinking of getting the Thomas figure eight set and some extras for starters and then we can add more if they are really into it.

I just wonder if it is worth the price for just the table.

It says you dont have to take pieces out.... I would say that is true except for Cranky the crane since he is soo tall.
149.00 isnt terrible esp since it does double duty, I would prob want the all wood one plus the pieces that go under it.

 

[Harmoniebreeze]

I just found it on ebay with starting bid $119 and $55 for shipping! No bids yet so I'll have to try and win it!

That is for the table, the top and the trundle!

 

[Harmoniebreeze]

Still looking for reviews and good deals on double decker train table. Anyone?