L.H.
We have the Crabbie sandbox (http://www.step2.com/product.cfm?product_id=1113) and it is ideal as it's large enough to accomodate our tall 3 year old *and* a friend or two! You can also sit on the claws if you want to join in on the fun but not get too dirty :)
I bought mine off of Craig's List last year but I JUST saw them 3 weeks ago, in stock, at Toys 'R Us in Auburn. I know that's a bit of a hike from Chelmsford, but they were $59.95 and there were a whole bunch. That's a great price for the sandbox, too, since the web site suggests 70-80 dollars! The cover fits really well, has never blown off, and keeps even a drop of rain from entering. Bonus, for a few weeks before we fill it with sand we use it as a pool :)
L.
p.s. I would also recommend the Toys 'R Us sand. I cheaped out and bought sandbox sand at the local hardware store: NEVER AGAIN. While it looked like regular sand, she always came out covered in a dark dust that required an immediate tub. My mother bought the Toys 'R Us sand and it's white, super fine, and very clean. That's what I'm getting this year for sure!
