Now that Halloween is officially over it’s time to start planning for the upcoming holiday shopping season. Every year I like to start shopping early, that way I don’t feel rushed when December rolls around and I can actually stop and enjoy the lights and sounds of the season. We live in a small town about 15 minutes or so from the largest city. There are many benefits to living in a small town and one of them is all of the small mom and pop shops around town. These neighborhood stores that are independently owned, are special in so many ways and you can tell that many of these owners feel pride in their shops by their hospitality. A lot of these stores struggle in today’s economy and it can be hard for some of them to compete with some of the major retailers, that’s why it’s so important that we all do our part to support these neighborhood stores. On November 10th, toy stores around the country will be celebrating the 3rd annual Neighborhood Toy Store Day. This is the perfect day to get up and head to your local toy store and start shopping local.
There are many benefits to shopping locally. For instance, did you know that according to the 3/50 project, for every $100 you spend in your local and independently owned stores, $68 returns to the community in the form of taxes, salaries, charitable contributions and more. But it’s not just the financial benefits that come from shopping at your local stores, shopping locally fosters a sense of community and in many cases provides better customer service than you would get at larger store. In addition, independent toy stores tend to carry many high-quality, boutique and specialty products that wouldn’t typically be found at big box stores.
To help celebrate National Toy Store Day I was sent several toys to get an example of the types of quality toys that are available at local neighborhood toy stores. These toys were so much fun and very unique from what I would typically see at a major retailer or toy store.
Puppet-on-a-Stick:
These puppet on a stick made by Educational Insights is the winner of the ASTRA’S Best Toys for Kids 2012 award. These adorable puppets feature a large oversized head that has wacky, googly eyes and a movable mouth with handle. I am always looking for toys that spark my children’s imagination. This puppet is great because they can use it for puppet shows, pretend play, story time or just goofing around. It’s amazing how much fun kids can have with a puppet and a stick! This toy retails for around $9.99 and is available at independent toy stores nationwide.
Kidoozie Deluxe Build-A-Road with Elevator by International Playthings:
Both of my kids have always loved to build things, especially my son. Even from an early age I was on the lookout for toys that would promote open-ended and creative play. This toy does that and so much more! It allows kids to create their own roadways with over 240 pieces including an elevator lift and turn a-round ramp. Also included is the 12 feet of interchangeable and flexible track and two batter operated cars. The best part for parents is that this set requires NO TOOLS!! That’s always awesome on Christmas morning when you kids get toys that don’t require hours of putting together. The Kidoozie Deluxe Build-a-Road with Elevator is recommended for kids ages 3 and up. You can purchase this toy at your independant toy store for around $49.99.
Feed the Woozle by Peaceable Kingdom:
My family and I LOVE to play games together. We actually try and have a game night at least once a week or whenever we are in the game playing mood. Feed the Woozle is a fantastic game and the winner of the ASTRA’s Best Toys for Kids 2012 (Game Play Category). It’s a game that incorporates team work, counting, fine motor skills and even teaches body awareness. It’s the perfect family game to play with kids who are preschoolers. Feed the Woozle can be found nationwide at your local independent toy store and retails for around $19.99.
Neighborhood Toy Store Day is an annual event that is coordinated by the non-profit organization ASTRA, the American Specialty Toy Store Association. It was created as a way to introduce families to the fun of shopping locally and celebrates each store’s commitment to the community. Yourneighborhoodtoystore.org is an online resource for parents interested in learning more about the best toys on the market and where to find them. The website also features articles with expert advice on toys and play for children of all ages, a local toy store locator and much more. For more information on Neighborhood Toy store Day and to find a local toy store near you be sure to visit http://www.yourneighborhoodtoystore.org/ for more information. You can also follow them on Facebook at TheWooHooFactor and Twitter @TheWhohooFactor
*I received sample toys in exchange for my post. All opinions expressed are 100% honest and my own.