Of course, you can teach them about laundry with just a plain laundry basket but it is much more fun with one of these great hampers or baskets for kids. Feeding the elephant, jumping on the laundry train or scoring a three-point basket score feels so much better than "put your clothes in the hamper"!
UPDATE JULY 2013: Injuries have reported from hampers that feature a spring wire construction. If the fabric that covers the tightly wound wire becomes frayed, the wire can pop out and cause eye or skin damage. Periodically check for wear and replace if needed.
1. Carter's Jungle Jill Hamper
This sweet hamper is part of Carter's Jungle Jill collection for baby's nursery. The collapsible frame makes it easy to store and move. The height is perfect for a toddler when she can add her dirty clothes to the hamper.
Their is a removable mesh liner that is perfect for taking clothes to the laundry room. The liner is made of 100 percent polyester so it can be tossed in the washer for easy cleaning. The hamper bag is also washable and the wooden frame can be wiped clean.More »
2. Cocalo Monkey Mania Pop-up Hamper
That cute monkey has found its way to another style of hamper. This time, there is a lightweight pop-up metal frame covered by a cotton/polyester fabric. The hamper features removable and washable liner and a removable inner mesh bag for easy loading of laundry.
The Monkey Mania Hamper measures 15 inches x 15 inches, and stands 18 inches tall. The outer covering has two handles for easy moving. For easy care, the outer fabric is made of 65 percent polyester and 35 percent cotton. It can be machine washed in cold on a gentle cycle and tumbled dry on low.More »
3. Elephant Hamper
What's more fun that a purple elephant? And if your child doesn't like elephants, these playful hampers are available as ducks, pigs, lady bugs and frogs. You can teach your child that elephants love dirty clothes and must be fed daily!
These lightweight nylon hampers are pop-up or open containers made of rip-stop nylon/polyester. it measure 18 inches by 11 inches by 24 inches. There is no removable mesh bag but it is lightweight for easy transport to the laundry. It also works well for travel and can double as toy storage.More »
4. JJ Cole Hamper
Here's another lightweight collapsible hamper but with the added benefit of a lid. Looking at a bag of dirty clothes is not always what we want to see. This hamper from J.J. Cole has an attached lid to hid unsightly laundry until it's time to wash.
The hamper measures 13 inches by 13 inches by 22 inches and has metal handles for easy carrying. The hamper can be wiped down with a damp cloth but is not washable.More »
5. My Closet Sorting Hamper
I must say, this is my favorite hamper. It has many features of the other hampers - lightweight, removable insert, lid to hid dirty laundry, handles for carrying - but also teaches laundry sorting. This is not just for young kids. I know plenty of adults who could use this one!
My Closet Sorting Hamper has two compartments with a labeling system designed to encourage independence and build responsibility. By following the simple illustrations, a child can sort white clothes and colored clothes. It's a great start to teaching laundry skills. Each hamper compartment holds a mesh laundry bag that removes for ease on laundry day. The mesh bags are attached inside with rugged hook 'n loop fasteners.
The outer hamper is made of sturdy polyester canvas and is stretched over a sturdy frame and has its own separate lid for each compartment. The hamper collapses for compact storage when not in use and features side handles for easy portability. The hamper measures 11 inches x 22 inches x 22 inches; each compartment measures 11 inches wide.
The labels are contained in a plastic sleeve and can be changed to accommodate toys or other items that need to be sorted.More »
6. Redmon Country Wood Hamper
If you are looking for a hamper that is more sturdy and longer lasting, a wooden hamper is a good choice. This hamper can move into pre-teen and teenage bedrooms or baths.
The Redmon Country Wood Hamper features wainscot-panels and enamel coating for durability, appearance and ease of cleaning. Brass hardware adds durable support. Tucked within the wooden hamper is a canvas bag with a double drawstring for closure. The bag makes transporting dirty laundry to the laundry room more simple.
The hamper is 24 inches high x 24 inches wide x 18.5 inches deep.More »
7. Sterilite Wheeled Stacking Basket
These basic laundry baskets may not look like much fun. But imagine several hooked together and you have a rolling laundry train. The Sterilite Large Ultra Wheeled Stacking Basket features a ventilated base to allow for airflow, smooth gliding wheels and comfortable handles for easy transporting of clothes. The handle is extendable for easy pulling. The baskets can be stacked or linked together to create a sorting system. Each basket is 22-1/2 inches in length by 16 inches in width by 21 inches in height.More »
8. Teamson Net Hamper
If you've got a rising basketball star, the Teamson Net Hamper may be the best choice to encourage a clean room and laundry. Each hamper is handmade and handpainted. You have a choice of a sports theme or a bouquet/flower theme.
The hamper is quite sturdy and made of wood. Since 1997, Teamson Design Corp. has been known for its high standard in designing quality products. Based in Edgewood, NY, it is a leading creator in beautifully designed and crafted children's furniture and toys that are designed to spark any child's imagination.
Each hamper is 15 inches x 29 inches x 15 inches.More »
9. Whitmore Super Sport Hamper
If you like the price and look of a pop-up hamper but not looking at dirty laundry, then the Whitmore Super Sport Hamper is for you. The hamper has an easy access top to hide dirty laundry. Made of a flame retardant, stain resistant fabric, the hamper weighs around one pound and collapses for easy storage.
In addition to the sports theme, you can also find animals in an array of bright colors.More »