November 23, 2024
| “[Alexander (9) and Jessica (7)] were intrigued by the focus on the eco-friendly nature of the product.” — Gail Richardson |
Paintable Barn by IMAGINATION BOX CO.
What It Is: The Barn from Imagination Box Co. contains flat, corrugated pieces of cardboard and assembly instructions. Pre-printed graphics are ready to decorate inside and out with markers, crayons, or the included set of watercolor paints. Instructions for assembly are included, and the completed size is 24" x 21" x 15". This kit is 100-percent recyclable and made in the USA.
What the Parents Thought: “The creative possibilities with decorating the barn were endless!” raved Tong. She and Richardson also liked the open-ended play potential of the completed structure and that it was entertaining to decorate and play with for a variety of ages and for multiple children. Summers appreciated the quick set up. 
Dawson, an eco-friendly consumer, appreciated the minimal packaging, saying, “I was pleased to read that it was made with 45-percent post-consumer materials.” Richardson agreed, noting that the toy “is recyclable and encourages innovation.”
Jones liked the break from coloring books and that Reece (10), Cameron (8) and Meg (5) were able to work on a three-dimensional creation. She anticipated that since the cardboard is heavy-duty, the completed building will hold up well to repeated play. Richardson appreciated the various facets the kit offered, “from learning a bit about the environment, to designing through the coloring and painting, building by putting the pieces together, and then using the space to play with once it is assembled.”
What the Kids Thought: Laura (3) and Abbey (5) “loved it!” They were quickly engaged in the activity and “painted with enthusiasm,” commented Summers. “Abbey (5) was particular about how the barn would be painted and integrated the barn with her play with Polly Pockets and Little People.” 
Ethan (10) and Sara (7) were pleased to find the finished size larger than they had anticipated; “large enough to accommodate smaller stuffed animals,” noted Dawson, adding, “I’m positive that Ethan enjoyed the challenge of construction.” Reece (10) was most interested in the assembly. Sara (7) most enjoyed painting a three-dimensional structure, while Cameron (8) and Meg (5) used crayons on the barn.
Richardson observed that although Alexander (9) and Jessica (7) both enjoyed decorating and assembling the barn, only Jessica (7) played with the finished structure. “[They] were intrigued by the focus on the eco-friendly nature of the product,” she said, “which started a discussion for us on what other toys they have that are as eco-friendly, and we could not come up with many!” 
How to Improve It: Dawson found the price point a bit high, and thought omitting the watercolor set could make the kit more affordable. Jones thought if the barn were able to open and close for play, her children’s interest would have lasted longer. Jessica (7) also encountered difficulty in playing with the completed barn. “When she puts her animals in and out, she inevitably makes pieces come disconnected,” Richardson commented.
Jones, who loved the concept of children designing a three-dimensional structure, observed that in reality, “it was cumbersome” due to “limitations when it came to working on it and understanding how to play with it.” She added, “If the barn could be designed with cardboard supports so it could be opened and closed, it would be easier to work on artistically, and I think it would be used to play with long after it was done being colored.”
Summers suggested, “More boldly displayed examples would probably make this item more attractive.” She recommended the kit have “more accessories, including some of the suggested items like glitter, stickers, etc.” Tong, who loved the toy as is, also thought the packaging could be improved; Dawson and Richardson appreciated the minimal packaging.
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