After my once-per-year trip to Ikea a few weeks ago, I've been considering getting a drawing easel for our playroom. I'm still not convinced that either of my two kids would actually stand for more than a minute or two at an easel and draw, but there has to be something to them, right? An easel is a classic playroom fixture, and with easels that look as cool as the one from Ecotots (pictured on the right), maybe I should reconsider.

The surfboard-shaped Ecotots Surfer Easel is made of just three pieces of formaldehyde-free environmentally friendly wood, and stands 39.5" tall. It comes in four colors and will undoubtedly look very cool in your playroom. It will cost you of course - $140.

There is also another, much more traditional (and much more affordable) option over at Ikea. The Mala easel is 46" high, folds flat when it's not in use and will set you back $19.99.

Both are simple, modern and seem to be functional. The Surfer Easel easily wins on style and beauty, but in this battle the winner is the Ikea Mala. Did I mention it was $120 cheaper?

Check out the Ecotots Surfer Easel at Modernseed.com. And the Ikea Mala easel at Ikea.com