Saturday November 10 is Neighborhood Toy Store Day!

Holiday season is officially upon us! After Halloween, magically the holiday music starts to play on the radio, and the official holiday shopping season begins. I am really excited about shopping for toys this year because Hayley is 4, and actually understands the meaning of presents. She is getting to the point where she gives me a list of toys that she wants. It makes it more exciting for me, to see the excitement through her eyes.

One of my most favorite ways to shop for my children, is through some of the local toy stores. My most favorite local toy store is Learn All About It in Warwick, RI. I have been going there since Hayley was born, and not only are the toys incredible, but the owner is so gracious.  Shopping locally also is fantastic for our economy in Rhode Island, that needs our help desperately this day of age. That is why I was so happy when I received the email this past week, that he is participating in the Neighborhood Toy Store Day 2012.

The Non-Profit ASTRA, “American Speciality Toy Retailing Association” has teamed up with local stores to launch “Neighborhood Store Day”, which will be held on Saturday, November 10th. What this means is participating Astra neighborhood toy stores will host in-store events including play, crafts, performances, and more to start the official holiday season. What a better way to spend a Saturday, then to support your local toy store and have some fun!

I recently found out about a site called Your Neighborhood Toy Store which is a website for parents interested in learning more about the best children’s toys on the market and where to find them. They want you to discover that special Woohoo of shopping for the right toys in the right local toy stores! Their site gives you some great ideas for playing, learning, and watching children grow while playing.

You can search for your local stores that will be participating in Neighborhood Toy Store Day right on their site. You will be able to search for high quality toys found at your local to shops. The website will also feature articles with expert advice on toys and play for children of all ages. Best of all, you know that by spending your dollars in the local toy shop, you are helping to improve the economical hardships that are faced by many states today. Did you know that according to the 3/50 project, for every $100 spent in local, independently owned stores, $68 is returned to the community in the form of taxes, salaries, charitable contributions and more- in contrast to only $43 when consumers spend their money at national chains. Just something to think about!

I was recently sent some toys that are typically found at your local toy stores. These toys include Perplexus Twist, Zoob Infinity Toys, Think Fun Rush Hour Traffic Logic Game, The Pajaggle Board Game, Rubik’s Void Puzzzle, and Nanoblocks.

All of these toys promote open ended and creative play and were winners of the ASTRA’s Best Toys for kids! While these toys are fantastic, this is only a small selection of what your local stores will provide for this holiday season!

Be sure to go this November 10 and check out Neighborhood Toy Store Day! I know I will be! To learn more, please check out Your Neighborhood Toy Store on Facebook and Twitter.

 

 

*I was provided products in exchange for this review. As always, all my opinions are my own and not swayed by outside sources.