Step2 Great Creations Art Center vs Simplay3 Creative Kids Art Desk

The Step2 Great Creations is the better pick for a child who wants to stand and paint, with a double-sided easel, chalkboard, and lots of bins. The Simplay3-style tilting art desk is the better pick for a child who wants to sit and draw, with an attached swivel stool and a raised-edge work surface. The Step2 has far more owner feedback and a proven track record, but it is bulky and all plastic. The Simplay3 desk rates higher on a much smaller sample, and owners praise its sturdiness and easy assembly, though some report hard-plastic screws with no pilot hole.

• Choose the Step2 Great Creations if your child is 3 or older, loves to stand and paint or draw on an easel, and you have floor space for a tall art center with lots of storage.
• Choose the tilting art desk if you want a compact sit-down desk with an attached swivel stool, a raised-edge work surface, and cubbies that keep supplies and mess contained.