As a new dad, I've learned that a toy box is a necessary piece of furniture in a child's room. The one I designed for my own son soon after he was born is not only a great place for toys, but also an attractive piece of fine furniture that doubles as a bench seat. The sturdy construction ensures this small chest will be passed down for generations. As the child grows, the chest can become a souvenir or keepsake chest, a hope chest or even a blanket chest.
The first thing I considered in my design was the potential for small fingers to get pinched. The lid rests on a ledge on the interior side walls and a 1" gap below the lid allows for its safe operation.
Another safety feature I added is a weight-rated lid support that prevents the lid from slamming down. I also wanted handles on the sides to make the box easy to move. Routed finger pulls fit the bill, and they can never break off.