I know you have probably never put much thought into a step-stool, but I have and there are a few things you should know.  First of all, there is no reason that it should cost you your first-born.  If you are spending $100 or more on a step-stool you are insane. 

My mom wanted to get my daughter something useful for her second birthday, and since she loves to play with water and brush her teeth a stool was a great idea.  She admitted to me that she was shocked at the prices of some of them, but she found the KidKraft Step 'N Store for half the price of some of the more well-known brand names. 

My daughter absolutely adores the independence it gives her.  She can give her dolls a bath in the sink,  brush her teeth like a big girl, wash her hands all by herself, even fill up her little watering can to help me water the plants.

She also likes to use her step-stool in the kitchen so she can watch me cook.  She likes to pretend that she is making dinner along with me.  It's a great way of bonding with her, and I don't have to worry about her falling  like I would if she was to stand on a chair. 

Potty training is fun with the step-stool, because it makes the child feel more in control of the situation.  They are able to step up to the potty by themselves, although I am sure you'll be holding on anyway. 

If you have already, or are in the process of switching to a toddler bed, a step-stool can be your best friend.One of the greatest moments in a toddler's life is when they realize that they are able to get in and out of bed all by themselves. 

If you have a child or toddler bed with drawers or storage beneath, the bed may be a bit too high.  With the stool, your child can feel confident getting into bed, and they will think it is great fun.

There are a few great colors to choose from.  It comes in natural, Red, Pink, Sky Blue, Dark Blue, or white, so no matter what theme or color you are trying to match there is one that will work.  It's size makes it easy to tuck it away or push it up against the wall so that it is a discreet fixture in your room.  It is lightweight and easy for moving from one room to another, but not so light that a child can knock it over or carry it around easily.

The KidKraft Step 'N Store does have to be assembled, but if you can follow directions you should be fine.  I think it took me about twenty minutes.  Once it is put together, it is very sturdy.

I like that the top step lifts up for storage of bath toys, or anything else you'd like to keep in the bathroom but out of sight.  My daughter likes to hide things in it, so I have lost the use of it for my own purposes but she loves it.

I know that step-stools are not among the things new parents spend a lot of time thinking about, but I just feel that the more you hear opinions from other parents, the better off you will be.  If you want a safe, attractive step-stool that also has storage I recommend the KidKraft Step 'n store.  It does the job, is easy to assemble, and your toddler will enjoy it more than you can imagine.