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Neighborhood Toy Store Day!

Neighborhood Toy Store Day 2012

Did you know that this Saturday is Neighborhood Toy Store Day? I love neighborhood toy stores because, let’s face it, you’re not going to run a small, local toy store unless you really like toys, and that means you probably know how to choose fantastic toys to sell! Local shops are great places to find unique, high quality toys – like those in the photo above, which my kids have been thoroughly enjoying! Did you know that the balls for Kickin’ Putt are made out of real rubber? I think that is awesome – and I love the idea of the game: you throw a disk, and then kick the ball onto it. Sort of like a combination of soccer and frisbee golf. The Brio train set is gorgeous, and we are slowly working our way through the Super Science Kit, but the Puppet-on-a-Stick toy by Educational Insights has been the real hit – check out this video:

Neighborhood toy stores are also awesome places to find specialty items – like Emma’s Girl Scout uniform! Our local toy store has bins that kids can fill with toys they want for their birthday, Christmas, or other celebration – and then family and friends can come in and pick something from the bin that they know the recipient will love. Supporting your local store supports your local community and entrepreneurship.

Neighborhood toy stores across the US are holding special events to celebrate this Saturday (November 10th, 2012)! Visit the official ASTRA (American Specialty Toy Retailing Association) website to learn more about the benefits of unique local stores, and to find events in your area! You can also follow ASTRA on Facebook and twitter.

Do you have a favorite neighborhood toy store? How about a favorite toy?

Disclosure: I received the toys featured to facilitate this post. All opinions are my own.

MaryAnne is a craft loving educator, musician, photographer, and writer who lives in Silicon Valley with her husband Mike and their four children.

14 thoughts on “Neighborhood Toy Store Day!”

  1. jeannine: waddlee-ah-chaa

    We haven’t had a toy store in our small town for a long time. Just last week one opened and I can’t wait to take the kiddos in for a peak. I like how these local stores tend to have more hands-on learning toys! When we do our yearly Christmas toy review and giveaways, these are the type of toys we search for.

    Until now, we occasionally make the trip to the big city to visit Learning Express Toys. These franchise stores are owned by local business owners. They certainly have a neighborhood toy store feel and they are full of learning toys. The kiddos would love to move right in. :)

  2. Thank you for letting me know! I truly believe in small business and I try to support them as often as possible! I also agree…they have the best options!

    1. Exactly why I decided to write this post – Target has its place, but it is all to often the only choice!

  3. Hmmmm…… I remember typing a response to this, apparently I didn’t actually put it in……
    We do, and it has a wonderful area to play in while parents browse. My kids love it.

  4. I love those unexpected treasures you find at small toy stores. I’m especially drawn to any toys made of natural materials…kids love them and they hold up long enough to be passed to younger siblings.

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