There are only a few more shopping days left and I know that finding the right holiday toy isn't all fun and games. List in hand, you may find yourself staring in wonder, or horror, at what your kids are pining for. They may have given you a 'wish list' but where’s the roadmap for how and where to find the items on the list? And, do you even want to buy what is on that list?
Independently owned and operated toy stores are a true gem in any city or town lucky enough to have one!
Here are a few ways in which supporting your ‘little’ neighbourhood toy store makes a ‘big’ difference to your community:
Halloween is just around the corner! Pumpkins, costumes, treats and maybe a trick or two are on the minds of families everywhere.
So let’s talk about ‘tricks’ and ‘treats’ that aren’t loaded with sugar! The kids will say ‘boo’ and think we’re quite ‘batty’ but as parents we think you’ll appreciate some alternative thinking.
.jpg)
I have owned my own toy store for 25 years. During those years I have bought and sold thousands of wonderful toys. I was recently asked if I could name one toy manufacturer that has stood out as a step above the rest. My answer came quickly and without hesitation: PlanToys of Thailand.
“MOMMY he hit me!” Familiar words?
Ever wish you could wave a magic wand and -- PRESTO! -- your kids would be expressing their feelings, reasoning and discussing; instead of instantly reacting with tears and hurt feelings? I know I did when my kids were little. As they got older, they did learn to talk more and hit less, but it was a slow learning curve.
A newborn baby?
There cannot be any toys for them.
I have often heard this comment from people. What can a newborn do? Nothing. They just eat and sleep. The couldn't be more wrong!
Newborn babies are just waiting to experience the world. Yes, they can’t see much yet, hold anything or talk. So, what is the answer? Think of the senses they are born with and can use right away, like hearing, seeing and touch.
Where do they get their energy from?
Running, crawling, jumping and other activities which require the larger movement of muscles in their arms, legs, feet, or their entire body, are all part of gross motor skills development. As a parent, encouraging physical activity is an essential part of your child’s development.
Summer may be winding down but there's still plenty of warm days left. Let me tell you about the latest craze in this neck of the woods. It’s great for summer play in lakes and pools and great for the beach on your next, dare I say it, winter (brrr!) vacation.
All summer long we’ve had people come into the store asking about "that ball”, the one that bounces on water!
It’s kind of odd that we at Neighbourhood Toy Stores of Canada (NETS) put out our ‘top ten’ toy list at the beginning of August, but that’s the way we roll!
And our ‘top ten’ list is a little different from other such lists. It’s not so much about the ‘latest and greatest’; it’s more about the ‘tried and true’.
Advertisement
Ever wonder what to buy a 7 year old boy for his birthday or which playmat will stimulate your baby's mind long enough to grab a cup of coffee?
Neighbourhood Toy Stores of Canada is a network of specialty toy retailers and their suppliers working together to provide a superior source of toys within our communities. NETS stores are owned and staffed by people, usually parents themselves, who are passionate about showcasing unique, interesting and quality-made toys.
And now they're here to help you with your toy buying questions! The NETS members from across Canada are going to review toys, provide tips for choosing toys at every age and stage, make buying presents less baffling and give you the inside scoop on what's hot and what's not.
You'll have the tools you need to buy the toys that'll get the most bang for your buck. Happy Shopping!
For all the latest member news go to Neighbourhood Toy Stores Facebook Page.
Advertisement
