I will always remember my first trip to the toy store. It was magical, amazing and obviously made an impact. I want to give my kids the same experience. Hopefully, when they are adults, they will look back and remember it fondly.
Right around the corner (and just in time for holiday shopping!) is Neighborhood Toy Store Day 2013. Coordinated by non-profit ASTRA, the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association it’s a fun way to get to know your local stores and celebrating their commitment to the community. Shopping local is so important!
Did you know that independent local businesses put a significantly larger share of revenue back onto the local economy in the form of taxes, salaries and more? They create jobs, preserve neighborhoods and tend to carry high-quality, boutique and specialty products that just aren’t found at the big box stores.
We had the opportunity to try out a couple of toys that made it to ASTRA’s “Best Toys for Kids 2013” list!
Squigz: From Fat Brain Toy Co. encourage hours of creative play using “Suction Construction”. They are colorful and stick to just about anything. Retailing for 24.99, they are recommended for children 3 and up.
Laser Maze: A game of logic from ThinkFun, Inc. it incorporates science and good old brain power to get through the mazes. It’s a mental workout that will keep kiddo’s on their toes. Geared for children 2-5, it retails for $29.99
Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty: Super Magnetic, this putty is something that kids and adults alike will enjoy! It comes with a super strong ceramic magnet and retails for $14.99.
This year, the 4th annual Neighborhood Toy Store Day is set for Saturday, November 9, 2013. Participating stores will host super fun in-store events for the entire family to kick off the holiday shopping season. Visit Your Neighborhood Toy Store to find a location in your area!
To help celebrate, ASTRA has launched the first ever “I Heart My Neighborhood Toy Store” sweepstakes. Enter now through November 8th for a chance to win the following
- A grand prize vacation package to select all inclusive Hard Rock Hotels in Mexico and the Dominican Republic courtesy of Thomas & Friends™
- Featured prizes including gift baskets or gift certificates from Kidoozie, early years, Calico Critters and Playmobil (retail value: $250 per prize)
- A gift basket of assorted Best Toys for Kids winning products from ASTRA (retail value: $250)
Enter before it’s too late!
*Sky received products courtesy of ASTRA for this review; all thoughts and opinions are her own.*
One Response
We’re fortunate to have several small toy stores near us. One is just in downtown {which is only 5 minutes away}. Thanks for the heads up on their givaway, too. I totally entered 😀