Behind the Scenes at The Step2 Company | How to Make the Coolest Toys

I’m going Behind the Scenes at The Step2 Company with How to Make the Coolest Toys. This post is sponsored by The Step2 Company as a 2016 Step2 Ambassador. All playtime opinions are my own

Behind the Scenes at The Step2 Company | How to Make the Coolest Toys

Ever wondered how The Step2 Company makes their famous kids toys? I certainly did! I recently went to Ohio to check out how The Step2 Company makes, creates and takes their beloved toys from their home to yours. Take a walk with me through The Step2 Company Headquarters and go behind the scenes as I make my own Step2 toy firsthand! Plus check out sneak peeks at new toys, fun facts and more during my Behind the Scenes at The Step2 Company Ambassador Trip to Ohio.

Be Invited to The Step2 Company Headquarters

Coming back for the second time to The Step2 Company definitely felt like coming “home.” Already familiar with the surroundings, the people, and the toys, I was greeted with open arms and huge smiles. Yes, I missed this place. Our annual trip to The Step2 Company as a Step2 Ambassador always brings new reveals, new surprises and new appreciation for one of our family’s favorite toy companies. I leave with so much more love for the company that does toys right for families. This trip was no different as we got to try our hand at actually making a custom Step2 toy for ourselves. Think it’s easy to make a plastic toy? I beg to differ. Humor and fun go hand in hand as I share how I made our custom swag with our Behind the Scenes at The Step2 Company.

Get Overwhelmed with Little Child Giddiness

The child in you instantly comes alive as soon as you walk into The Step2 Company. Surrounded by toys, toys and more toys, I found myself squealing in delight, jumping up and down and playing with toys at every turn. How could you not look at your surroundings and be inspired?

And in a first sneak peek for Fall 2016, check out the first model of an amazing kitchen that will be coming soon!

Custom and modern design, HUGE play space and lots of details, I cannot wait to see the final touches on this toy in time for the holidays this year!

Enjoy the LOVE That Goes Into Each and Every Toy Created

Being a part of the “Step2 Family” means sitting down and getting into the nitty gritty with meetings. And while one would normally be bored with a slideshow presentation, I found myself hanging onto every word. Seeing the company’s goals for the year, milestones reached and even areas of improvement gave me such greater insight into the business side of what The Step2 Company does. But don’t be fooled. At the heart of EVERY single word is the essence of family. Then the FUN stuff comes out with new concepts for toys (seriously my favorite part of the trip). To be able to sit down with the marketing/design teams and give our honest feedback on toys and then have them LISTEN and care about what we say…it’s a wonderful partnership.

Put on a Hard Hat and Safety Equipment

Goggles, check. Hard hat, check. Gloves, check. It was time to tour the factory. And that means, safety first for everyone. It’s not surprising that The Step2 Company takes safety very seriously. As we got into the tour and safety testing that goes into each and every toy, I love that Step2 cares about the safety of their workers as much as the kids.

Thanks to Step2 to taking these awesome in-action photos!

Measure, Weigh and Custom Color Your Toy

Making my own Step2 toy? I didn’t have to be asked twice. Picking out my custom color for my Step2 KidAlert & Pup, I gathered, measured and poured the custom Step2 plastic into the rotational molds. Pretty cool, right?

Watch the Magic of Rotational Molding

The molds are then heated, rotated and worked into a KidAlert. I had no idea how meticulous the process was. Huge machinery, large bolts, industrial strength tools, The Step2 Company really has a grasp on the toy making process. It was vastly different than I had expected, especially when I’m the one hooking and unhooking chain links!

See The Experts Inspect, Sand, Melt and Pack Your Toy

When the toy comes out of the mold, it’s still not perfect. The Step2 Company team then sands, melts, and inspects each toy to be sure that there are no sharp edges or harmful spots that could injure a child. Amazing, right? Then each toy is hand packaged for delivery….in this case to my house!

Take Your Toy Home to Enjoy for Years to Come

The Step2 Company really knows how to spoil bloggers. Not only did we have fantastic meals, great sights and a 1-hour massage and relaxation room, but I got to see snow for the first time, have a million laughs with friends and ultimately create my own custom toy to enjoy forever. I’ll certainly never forget my 2nd trip to The Step2 Company, with the “coolest” toy I’ve received to date and the memories that go along with it.

Being a Step2 Ambassador is such an honor and privilege with every experience. And this year’s trip was just icing on the cake. You can check out my first Step2 Trip for more behind the scenes look at my favorite toy company. My Behind the Scenes at The Step2 Company, including a once in a lifetime toy making opportunity was a memory I will treasure for years especially every time I see my kids play with their KidAlert. Safety, Love, Creativity and Play, The Step2 Company keeps providing families with so many opportunities to grow together. And every memory is priceless.

Looking for more Step2 fun?

What do you think about The Step2 Company toy making process?

I am honored to a 2016 Step2 Ambassador. I received compensation and travel in exchange for this post on my Behind the Scenes at The Step2 Company. But my love and opinions of this company is 100% my own. Be sure to follow Raising Whasians for more fun, travel and family moments.