Isn’t it funny how often that one toy your child wants is the most expensive on the shelf?
Before you turn up your nose and say “NOT going to happen,” here’s something to consider that may cost you less money in the long run.
The most affordable toy is the one your child plays with the longest. Yes, it may cost you a little more up front but if it means they are going to play with it longer, you will have spent less money in the long run.
I am not a jigsaw puzzle person. Whenever someone suggests doing one, I usually start thinking of better things I could be doing: re-organize the basement, iron my underwear, perhaps watch some paint dry? But then January and February roll around, the store is generally quiet, and the customers coming in are asking about games and puzzles, and I start to wonder if I'm being closed-minded, maybe missing out on some fun.
Traveling with kids is exciting, but also exhausting: airports and train stations are huge and chaotic, and children’s legs—and attention spans—are short. To the rescue of frazzled parents everywhere comes ‘Trunki’, the world’s first ‘ride-on’ luggage designed for children!
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?
Ho! Ho! Ho! Gary here! First let me begin by saying that I’m not exactly sure what a ‘stocking’ is. I believe they were used by women in the Queen Victoria era as a way to shave their legs. Either that, or they were invented specifically for my father as a way to collect lint from the dryer vent on the side of the house. Either way, I refer to them as socks (or nylons - in my wife’s case) but we will call them stockings for this blog.
If you’re a parent of kids over the age of four (or, like me, you have fond memories from your own childhood), you probably have a few pieces of Playmobil kicking around. Many parents will come into the store and choose Playmobil as a gift for kids four to six years of age, but did you know that Playmobil is the toy that just...keeps....going?
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.
There is one particular toy I gave to my son when he was just four, and now, at the age of seven (and 3/4s, he will be quick to add) it remains the centrepiece of every epic battle that plays out on his playroom floor. It is his Schleich Castle. This realistic castle is quite simply, one of the most impressive playthings in my son’s toy box.
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.
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.
My son's birthday is one week away and I am once again left pondering what to get him. At seven years-old all he wants are video games. But I think it is important to get him something educational. He is now at the age where he wants to know how things work, so maybe an Elenco Snap Circuit set is the answer.
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!
Everyone loves to take a vacation and Rule #1 when planning the family vacation is “Don’t leave home without travel toys!" Backseat boredom can turn into whining, complaining and bickering faster than you can say "Are we there yet?!" so parents need to be prepared. Here are some of Mrs. Tiggy Winkle’s favorite playthings to help pass the time away whether travelling by plane, train or automobile!
With summer here I'm trying to think of all the fun things I can do with the kids. It can be a challenge to keep an almost 7-year old and a 20 month old busy.
It’s a welcome change when summer allows for a little extra down-time to relax and let the kids have some more freedom deciding how to spend their daylight hours. But already a month into summer vacay means your kids may be singing the "I'm bored" song.
thinking of better things I could be doing: re-organize the basement, iron my underwear, perhaps watch some paint dry? But then January and February roll around, the store is generally quiet, and the customers coming in are asking about games and puzzles, and I start to wonder if I'm being closed-minded, maybe missing out on some fun.
