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April 28, 2016 by: Melanie

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.

 

The Step2 KidAlert and Pup AD

 

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!

 

Our Step2 Ambassador Trip AD

 

Our Step2 Ambassador Trip AD

 

Our Step2 Ambassador Trip AD

 

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!

 

Our Step2 Ambassador Trip AD

 

 

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.

 

The Step2 KidAlert and Pup AD

 

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

 

The Step2 KidAlert and Pup AD

 

Our Step2 Ambassador Trip AD

 

 

Making a Step2 KidAlert AD

 

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.

Making a Step2 KidAlert AD

 

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.

 

The Step2 KidAlert and Pup AD

 

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!

Making a Step2 KidAlert AD

 

My blogger friend Christie and I were pumped!

Making a Step2 KidAlert AD

 

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

Step2 KidAlert & Pup custom AD

 

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.

 

Step2 KidAlert & Pup custom AD

 

 

 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.

 

Step2 Factory Tour AD

 

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

 

Step2 Hot Wheels Bed

Step2 Hot Wheels Bed AD

 

 

Step2 Push Around Buggy

Step2 Push Around Buggy AD

 

Step2 Easygoing Wagon

Step2 EasyGoing Wagon AD

 

 

Step2 Thomas the Tank Engine Up and Down Coaster

Step2 Thomas the Tank Engine Up and Down Coaster AD

 

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!

Hot Wheels Push Around Buggy by Step2 AD

 

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

Step2 Valhalla Play Kitchen AD

 

Step2 Valhalla Play Kitchen AD

 

 

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!

 

Big Bow Baby Headband
Sculpey Clay Princess Wand Bookmark

Comments

  1. Lucy says

    April 28, 2016 at 6:15 pm

    What a neat experience!! I love seeing how things are made and all the work that goes into them!

    Reply
  2. Justine Howell says

    April 28, 2016 at 7:17 pm

    What a fun tour that would be, We have loved their toys for years.

    Reply
  3. Diane Roark says

    April 28, 2016 at 8:12 pm

    This looks like a lot of fun. I love going behind the scenes to find out how companies make products. These Step2 products look so much fun.
    Thanks for sharing!
    Diane Roark

    Reply
  4. Rachel Rockwell says

    April 28, 2016 at 8:36 pm

    What a fun experience! I love the Step 2 Products!

    Reply
  5. RandiG at FrugElegance says

    April 28, 2016 at 9:12 pm

    Thats so interesting!

    Reply
  6. Mary H says

    April 29, 2016 at 8:24 am

    What a cool experience and how awesome that you got you make your own product! I laughed at the kids naming him muffin man, though he kinda looks like Gingy 🙂

    Reply
    • Melanie says

      April 29, 2016 at 3:53 pm

      What can I say- too much Shrek!! 🙂

      Reply
  7. Reesa says

    April 29, 2016 at 9:36 am

    What a great tour! I love Step2’s products!

    Reply
  8. Charbel says

    April 29, 2016 at 9:50 pm

    That looks like it was a really fun experience! Thanks for sharing 🙂

    Reply
  9. jamie says

    May 2, 2016 at 10:34 am

    how interesting! I always love a good behind the scenes peek!

    Reply
  10. Danita says

    May 2, 2016 at 6:52 pm

    How FUN! I love seeing how things are made. What a great experience and you look great in the hard hat…I think you’re starting a trend.

    Reply
  11. Kathleen says

    May 2, 2016 at 7:26 pm

    What a fun fun time you had! So neat to get to make your own Muffin Man. Step 2 has great products.

    Reply

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