Yes, it's expensive. All the learning tower/kitchen helpers are.... But still it's the best money I've spent on my son. He's 17 months and this thing has made him so happy. He's been aching to be more involved while we cook and I'm so tired of saying no and being anxious about what he can grab off the counters from his height (knives!). This thing is awesome. I can put a bunch of stuff in front of it and he can get in and out. Only trouble is that now he's pulling it across the kitchen to wherever he wants. Either way we love love love it! I plan to use it for years to come!