Behind the Scenes at The Step2 Company

If you follow along on Instagram or Twitter, then you know that earlier this month I headed to the Step2 Headquarters in Streetsboro, Ohio as a part of their Step2 Brand Ambassador team. Before I went, I asked you on Facebook if you had any questions for me before I went. There were several comments, but the main question by far was:

Can we get a sneak peek at an upcoming product/the fall line?

Yes! 

During this trip, not only did we get a sneak peek at the fall line, but we also received an amazing behind-the-scenes Create A KidAlert Experience! I’m a visual learner, and being able to help make a KidAlert from start to finish allowed me to fully comprehend the amount of work that goes into crafting each toy at Step2. I’m excited to share this experience with you, and stay tuned for a sneak peek from the fall line at the end!

The Step2 KidAlert and Pup is a cute way to warn passersby that there are children playing nearby and to slow down. We also use ours as a marker for parking when we have a party. The pup is just a cute addition. We dress the pup up for parties. The KidAlert and Pup is typically neon green/yellow and comes with reflective pieces and a flag.

 

 

We started with a quick tour. I always find the safety tests that the toys have to pass interesting. Step2 definitely goes the full lengths to make sure our kiddos are safe while playing with their products!

 

 

 

 

Once we reached the actual factory, we all had to don hard hats and safety glasses. Is this a new look for me? I’m not so sure! My fellow Step2 Ambassadors Lindsey, Christie, Brandy, and Jess were definitely rocking the hard hats, though!

 

 

 

The first step in the KidAlert making process was choosing a powder color. Although Step2 makes toys in tons of colors, we had the selection below from which to choose.

 

 

I then had to head to the full powder bins and use these plastic buckets to measure out the powder.

 

 

 

 

 

While I eyeballed the amount of powder in the bucket, it had to read a certain amount on the scale. We added or took away powder until it reached the correct amount.

 

I’m not really sure what I’m doing in the below photo here at Machine #5. I think I was excited that I had gotten one of the weights correct on the first try.

 

 

Step2 employees poured the powder into the mold. The mold ran through a series of heating and cooling. Once it came out the other side, I helped take the chains off of the mold so that I could free my KidAlert and his pal!

 

My blogger friend Christie and I were pumped!

 

Here’s my one of a kind KidAlert and Pup!

 

He was shipped to our house, and the boys have named him Muffin Man. I have NO idea why, other than the fact that they have watched Shrek too many times.

 

 

 

 More trip highlights:

 

 

This is the shrink wrapper for the KidAlerts. If you see a KidAlert in your local store, it will not be in a box but rather wrapped in plastic. It’s one of the ways that Step2 is trying to cut down on packaging material.

 

 

Recognize any of these Step2 products? They look even more awesome in their showroom!

 

Step2 Hot Wheels Bed

 

 

Step2 Push Around Buggy

 

Step2 Easygoing Wagon

 

 

Step2 Thomas the Tank Engine Up and Down Coaster

 

Now, what you’ve all been waiting for- a Fall Line Sneak Peek of not one, but TWO products!

 

The PushAround Buggy has been given a Hot Wheels face lift! Put this on your Hot Wheels’ lovers Christmas list!

 

Step2 is also debuting the pinnacle of all play kitchens! With lights and upscale play food, this kitchen rivals my own!

 

 

 

A huge Thank You to Step2 for allowing me behind the scenes of how they make toys and a sneak peek at their fall line!

 

Do you have any questions about Step2 or Step2 products? I’m happy to answer any that you may have! If I don’t know the answer, then I will definitely find out for you!