affordable kids dining & play area

i recently started on a play room in the basement of my home. i had the toys but was lacking in the seating and storage department. i headed to IKEA to see what i could find. while i was in the children's section, i came across some adorable plastic chairs and a matching plastic table. the table was 39.99 and the chairs were 14.99. i started adding up the cost, and realized that 3 chairs and a table was going to run me $85 before tax! i wasn't planning on spending that much. i then came across some stools that were the same plastic material- but were 1/2 the price... $7.99. then i found some side tables that were intended to be an end table, but they were the perfect height for a children's table. they came in blue, yellow, pink, red, white, etc... and best of all... they were only $7.99!! so instead of $85, i spent about $30 without sacrificing any adorability (which isn't a word, but should be!). if you are looking for some cute seating for your wee ones, head to IKEA for this great find. i am finding that it pays off to think outside the box.