Storytime and a Snack!

 

Story Time, Snacks & More

Monday Mornings

10:30am

Ages 3 - 5

Master story teller, Vanessa Camp, will present Storytime, Snacks & More every Monday morning at 10:30am.

This free activity is a combination of stories, songs, movement and fingerplays. It's designed to keep children involved and active as they enjoy the different activities. Builds listening and social skills in a fun environment.

 

From puppies to kites to cars and beyond, Vanessa has a way of interacting and engaging children into her world of imagination & adventure.

 

Wrap up from 2012 International Toy Fair

The International Toy Fair was chock full of great new toys and games for all ages, a select few of which you can expect to see on our shelves in the future. Here are just a few pics that sum up this year's event.

Waldo popped up everywhere at Toy Fair

Angry Birds game from K'Nex was a hit ay Toy Fair!

Laser Pegs added Lego to their new line for this fall. What a great combination!

Toys, toys, and more toys - Reporting from International Toy Fair

Some of you may already know, but this is my 22^nd year in business. I won’t go into the detailed history here, but suffice it to say, it’s been quite a ride.

You see, I’m someone that can’t ever do something half way. I always end up right in the middle of the fray. It’s all or nothing.

Joining the American Specialty Toy Retailer Association or ASTRA, was a no brainer. Serving two years on the board of directors and four years heading the national convention, well, it just fit the way I do things.

My newest involvement is with the Good Toy Group. I’ve started my 2^nd year on the board and boy, what an education! This is the group that plans and implements our outstanding toy catalogs. The company is set up so that when you become a member, you actually take part ownership. Perfect fit!

You never know what or who you might see
at the International Toy Fair. This year
it's Waldo.

This year I have volunteered to be part of the Product Selection Committee.

So fast forward to this week…I’m here in New York City for my 15th International Toy Fair. This morning they asked me to coordinate our “plan of attack.” You have to try to visualize the enormity of the task. We’re talking miles and miles and hundreds of thousands of toys to sort and sift through to get to the 100 or so that we deem the cream of the crop. It’s truly stimulus overload.

So stay tuned and look for the Facebook posts throughout the next few days as I post pictures of new and wonderful “finds.” I’ll be looking for your thoughts and input. You see, always in the back of my head is the question, “What is my wonderful customer looking for?” It is ultimately for you.

The perfect Valentine's Day gift for your child

To parents, Valentine's Day has an extra special meaning. While husband and wife can celebrate the Hallmark holiday together with a nice meal and exchanging of gifts, it's also an opportunity to give gifts to those special youngsters in your life to show how much you love them as well.

Traditionally, kids have received the same type of gifts on Valentine's Day; plush stuffed animals being one of the most popular. And while cute plush can be a big hit with the kiddos, we'd like to offer you something different. Not only will both parents and children love it, it's extremely powerful in the development of the parent-child relationship.

It's called the "I Like Book."

This handy book is designed so each child has their own. It's okay NOT to share this time! Daily, weekly or when ever the thought comes, parents write things they "like" about the child. It's easy to do and it's super effective in communicating to the children just how special and loved they are.

"Parenting is hard. This little book helps us as parents remember why we had children in the first place," said Terry Myers, owner of Kaleidoscope Toys.

We highly recommend this book for Valentine's and for any other day when you might give your child a gift "just because."

You and your child won't be disappointed!