Are Small Toy Stores An Endangered Species?
February 26, 2009 by Mary Price
Filed under Toy Stores & Shopping
“Going out of Business” is becoming a common sign in toy stores these days.
At first it was the independent, smaller toy stores which, however disappointing, is not terribly surprising when costs are considered. The bigger stores offer very little in the way of customer service, but have prices that can make that lack forgivable.
Classic Building Toys Still Entertain
February 26, 2009 by Mary Price
Filed under Building Toys
When I think about traditional toys I usually conjure up some vision of grandparents and grandchildren and constructing something either in the yard or in the living room. Sometimes my brain comes up with a big item and other times it’s something little.
Over the Christmas holidays we were able to spend some time with family and I got to witness some of the grandparent/grandchild interaction with traditional toys that I had previously imagined.
Crayola 3D Sidewalk Chalk wins Outdoor Toy of the Year
February 19, 2009 by Mary Price
Filed under Toys
The Toy Industry Association just handed out its annual awards and, since I’m wishing for spring, I’m focusing on outdoor toys today.
The winner of Best Outdoor Toy of the Year is Crayola’s 3D Sidewalk Chalk.
Now, who doesn’t love sidewalk chalk? For me there are memories associated with May parades with huge areas covered in art by all ages (mostly I drew balloons for some reason), face painting, and corn dogs.
Movie Toys and Dolls for 2009
February 18, 2009 by dungan
Filed under Movie and TV Toys
New toys and action figures will not be in short supply as a dozen hot movies for 2009 hit the big screen with many creative figurines and poseable figures.
UPdate: Here’s our review of Pixar’s UP movie toys.
Melissa & Doug Toys: My Top 5 List
February 16, 2009 by Mary Price
Filed under Melissa and Doug
Quality products from Melissa & Doug have my appreciation and that of others, even in a less-than-booming economy. The educational toys are fun and designed to last, the puppets are wonderful, and the imaginary play items keep my daughter occupied for hours.
Ugly Dolls Are Sugar-Free
February 13, 2009 by Mary Price
Filed under Ugly Dolls
PugLee - my daughter's favorite Ugly Doll
I needed a Valentine’s Day gift for my daughter last year, but roses weren’t right and I didn’t want a balloon floating around the house for a week on the floor.
When I found the Ugly Dolls, I found a toy that gives my daughter the giggles and restores my sense of peace at those moments when a gift is expected.
