Thanks and Happy New Year!

Hard to believe but another year has come and gone. And boy what a year it has been.

While this last month was, as you would expect for a toy store, quite crazy, this year has been great overall as we've seen a steady stream of new customers come in and find out about our little place of happiness. We were so happy to meet so many great new people looking for a variety of products, and we were equally thrilled to see so many from our loyal customer base pay us visits throughout the year as well.

When we reflect back on the year that was 2011, regardless of whether you're a new or existing customer,  we just want to tell each and every one of you how much we appreciate your business and how excited we are looking forward to a great 2012. We hope you and your family have a safe and fun New Year's Eve and a healthy and blessed 2012.

Shopping local – why it's good for everyone

This time of year we know many consumers decide to go online looking for the best deal. We understand. Times have been difficult and every extra penny helps. 

While we appreciate getting a good deal as much as the next guy, we also understand that it's the local economies around this nation that allow the nation's economy to sustain as a whole. As a local business, we are solely dependent on our local customer to come to us for their toy needs and sustain us as a business. Fortunately, local customers have done just that for 22 years now and we are so grateful for having had the opportunity to serve you.

What is the alternative? If you don't shop local (Target, Wal-Mart don't count), those dollars go elsewhere – namely big retailers and places outside of the local area, and in some cases, out of the U.S. altogether.

We ask that when you are considering that next purchase, you pause for a moment and really think about what local business might have that product you need or want. And when making that buying decision, please also be sure and consider not only the product and its costs, but also weigh in the fact that when you buy local, you're doing something positive for your local community.

Remember these numbers too — For every $100 spent at a locally-owned business, $68 stays in the local economy through taxes, payroll, and other expenditures. Compare that to only $43 if you spend at a national chain. With online purchases, ZERO dollars stay local.

If you'd like more information on buying local, there's a great resource called the 3/50 Project. This organization's motto is simple, "Saving the Brick and Mortars Our Nation Is Built On." Notice how it says "is" built on, not was. We need to continue that trend going forward. Thanks for supporting your local businesses!

What is the "hot toy" this year?

We hear this question a lot, but especially during this time of the year as Christmas approaches. When asked this question, we see it as an opportunity—an opportunity to explain the whole “hot toy” phenomenon and what it really means to you, the consumer.

The “hot toy” by its very nature is not necessarily the best toy. It’s the most popular toy at the time, and that means one thing—marketing. In most cases, it has a large marketing budget behind it that allows promotion on TV, radio, newspaper, and the Internet.

It’s easy to go back through the years and think of hot toys—Cabbage Patch, Beanie Babies, Tickle Me Elmo, Zhu Zhu pets and more. I admit, these are all entertaining toys. However, none of them rank high on the play-value scale, which is our guide for recommending toys throughout the year including the Christmas season.

What is the play-value scale?

The play-value scale is actually quite simple and consists of three questions.

1)    Will the child play with the toy well after Christmas?
2)    Will the child outgrow the toy too fast?
3)    Will the child learn from the toy without really knowing that he/she is actually learning?

Questions 1 and 2 appear to be similar. They are indeed different. At Christmas, most children get multiple toys. There’s a time period where they play with all their toys. If a child is likely to play with a specific toy over all the other toys after the initial “play” period is over, then that toy is given a higher play value. 

For question 2, we’re trying to determine if the toy will entertain for more than just a few months such as the Flying Turtle. In this case, a child "sit-skates", zipping along any hard, smooth surface by swinging the handlebars from side to side. Since it holds up to 225 lbs, even adults can ride it and they get a good physical workout, too.

Lastly, if a toy is educational in nature and provides some type of learning while also entertaining without the child realizing it, then the toy receives a high play value.

All three of these components are important in determining play value of a toy and can vary, depending on the toy. We encourage all of our consumers to think about the play-value scale during any toy-buying experience and it will likely result in a child that is content with a toy for a longer period of time.

A Day of Christmas Spirit

A Day of Christmas Spirit

Saturday, Dec 3 

11am and 12pm    

Storytime with Mrs Santa

Children's Craft 

11am - 1pm    

Spirit Radio remote with prizes & giveaways

9am - 5pm    

Fill up the Box for Toys for Toys

We will take 50% off any toy you purchase to donate to Toys for Tots.

Coffee, juice and Round Rock Donuts 'til they're gone.