With well-designed furniture--an Eames lounge chair, for example--while you could get a new one ($529 via eamesoffice.com), the older ones, with a bit of wear and a nice patina, are better. They're something worth keeping.
Most kid furniture, on the other hand, isn't worth the raw plastic it's molded from. There are a few exceptions, though, like the Stokke Kinderzeat, which has a modern feel, but with a slightly odd, 70's Scandinavian twist. I know it says 18 months and up in the US, but in Europe, they use them as soon as kids can sit up. [Of course, they leave their kids on the street or in hotel rooms in Europe, too, so go figure.]
I'm reluctant to buy a new one, though. I mean really, Kinderzeat/Tripp Trapps have been in production since 1972. Don't people ever throw these things out? [Yes, this is how I found the Xplory on ebay last night.]
What, you're going to buy a new one now? Fine. They're $199 everywhere, including at babystyle.
We bought our first one new on eBay 2 years ago ($179 plus free shipping!) and I am looking for a second one now (twins). But I NEVER see used ones for sale on eBay.
OK- I figured out where all the used Kinderzeats are: Germany. If you go to www.ebay.de and search for "Tripp Trapp" (the name this chair model is sold under in Europe) you will find dozens! Plus did you know that "Sitzkissen" is "seat cushion" in German?
Hmmmm.... now I must scheme on how to get some of these back to the US without incurring untoward shipping and customs charges.
Quote:
I know it says 18 months and up in the US, but in Europe, they use them as soon as kids can sit up. [Of course, they leave their kids on the street or in hotel rooms in Europe, too, so go figure.]
Being a European MOM (Norwegian no less - where Stokke TrippTrapp is produced) - I can assure you we don't leave kids on streets or hotelrooms! As for the tripptrapp, it comes with a spescial baby"strap" (so it looks like a normal baby seat)to use for smaller kids (6-9 months). We don't just put them in an open chair...