I'm in Phoenix and there doesn't seem to be an Ikea anywhere close. I also looked for fair trade stores (thru some fair trade website somewhere?) and found NO listings for Arizona.

I'd like to buy wooden shelving and woven baskets (especially for DS's things), but have no idea where the better places to look are (better in terms of good quality and fair practices).

I DO have access to Pier One, and Cost Plus. There are several Danish furniture stores, but I haven't gone to check them out yet since for some reason I fear they will all be "high end" furniture places (sort of like how Frasier would furnish his living room) with just oddly shaped chairs and such.

If I have to deal with "chains" are there some I should avoid more than others?

Mildly OT, but I think I've finally found a good "system" to help me organize, so I do want to get this started since I'm feeling more motivated lately. I've been trying so hard to get more organization in my life and just ridding the playspace of the bulk of the plastic has made me feel ALOT better.

Thanks everyone for all of your help!

~Amey (who seems to only have questions)

Amey, we have found most of our baskets at goodwills and yard sales.
(And, I have a TON of baskets!!)
Usually, we pay 25 cent-$1.00 each.
Sometimes they are dusty, and we wash them with dr. bronner's and water and dry them in the sun.
We also have some old wire egg baskets, old lunch tins, and buckets we use for storage.

Also, fabric bags are easy to make if you sew to store small toys.

Another good toy box is a metal wash tub.
(If you have a local hardware store, they may have this.)

Shelves, again.. we have found many for free or very cheap, and dh has made some.

Check your want ands for things for sale.
Or, see if a local woodworker could make some shelves for you.

Pier One is a cool store, but I know they sell items using child labor.


Hope
Who does not have an ikea or fair trade store, either!

edited to add!
I have seen basket lots go on ebay really cheap!!!

I had to order mine from Ikea. ( the closest Ikea is 4 hours away). I really like the quality of Ikea's baskets and furniture.

Sorry, Not much help.

Lori