Thanksgiving comes before Christmas

.... and we have our inflatable turkey in the window to prove it! I can also promise that we won't play Christmas music in the store until AFTER Thanksgiving.
With that said, there is no reason not to start shopping early. Every year there are items that we run out of and/or can't get back in stock before Christmas. This year is no exception. Because of both the slower economy and the new toy testing laws, we've seen both price increases and product "trickling in" as available. In the coming weeks, I will highlight some of our best sellers, classics and what's new. We want to see each and every customer this season so that on Christmas morning I will know there are thousands of happy kids (of all ages) because we could help you pick the perfect gift for everyone on your giving list.

Do Boys Ever Outgrow Marble Runs?

We have a pretty good supply of Marble Runs in stock for all the guys on your list. I shouldn't be sexist because I remember loving to send marbles down when I was a little girl and I think I might have really enjoyed playing with them again when my boys were young. The cool part about today's marble runs is that you can build them many different ways. They combine engineering with gravity to equal fun. From simple to complex, in price ranges from $20 to $99, we have a marble run for you.

What's New

bilibo




The bilibo is a unique, open-ended toy invented by Swiss designer, Alex Hochstrasser. It immediately won local awards and it's popularity is still expanding. It holds a Dr Toy award here in the States from back in 2002. I hope I am not ahead of the curve introducing this cool toy to my Grand Junction customers. Kids seem to instinctively know what to do with it, but parents often give me the "whaah???" look. Click on the video link above and maybe it will become clear why everyone should have at least one of these.

Product Testing

No, this is not about CPSIA (consumer product safety improvement act). Our products are tested and safe. This is about Efrem, our 3 month old grandson that we visited last week. Of course, we never go anywhere empty handed... The results are pictured here. The clinical results of our product testing; great toys = happy baby!!!

Oktoberfest & Marching Bands Saturday, Oct. 3rd

It's time again for the annual Oktoberfest downtown. Sorry, I have to use the same picture from last year's blog. My computer died this summer, taking random unsaved photos with it. I wanted to show the wiener dog races that were so much fun. SO, you just need to come downtown and see for yourselves. The day begins with the marching band contest starting at 10 a.m. After the parade you can uhmpah till the cows come home, eat brats and, check out the races. We don't have any special activity at the store, but we do have a new shipment of dress-up in time for halloween. We are steadily stocking up for Christmas at this point even though you don't want to think about it yet. Come down and join the fun this weekend...the weather should be back to beautiful by then.

Car Show Saturday, Sept. 26th

This Saturday come down to Main Street for the annual Car Show. The weather is cooler, the cars are the coolest and the stores are open. Shop, dine, play and enjoy downtown at it's best. Several blocks of Main Street will be closed for this event until 4pm, but there is plenty of parking in the parking garage (free on weekends and after 4pm on weekdays). We just got in the new Carrera Go! set from the movie "Cars" in. The Go sets are 1:43 scale and great for kids ages 8+. Come in and see our selection.

Last Farmer's Market

This Thursday at Farmer's Market we will feature Calico Critters, one of our most popular lines. These little animals are just too cute for words. You have to come in and play with them. I found out today that our Critter display area was chosen as second best in the whole country by the company. Our sales rep took a picture in our store last time he was in town as part of a contest I didn't even know about. So.... a pat on the back for our little store out here in western Colorado. The last Farmer's Market is always bittersweet; Thursday is a really long day for us, but also a good one. We love seeing our "regulars" and I hope you keep coming. We are starting to buy for that holiday coming up in December and I will be highlighting new products as we come into the next season. Thanks for a good summer.