Can you find great toys in a local neighborhood store? Yes, you can! We actually have a small “neighborhood” toy store near us that specializes in Legos- I don’t know of any other place that has the selection this store does.
ASTRA (the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association) wants you to remember your local neighborhood toy stores for your Christmas shopping this year where you can find high quality toys. We are celebrating this “shop local” event November 10th!
“Participating stores will host local in-store events for families (such as activities, craft projects, live performances and/or special discounts) to help kick off the holiday shopping season and celebrate the joy of shopping for toys! …
Neighborhood Toy Store Day introduces families to the fun of shopping locally and celebrates each toy store’s commitment to the community. The annual event is coordinated by the non-profit organization ASTRA. To find a local Neighborhood Toy Store Day event near you visit the new website yourneighborhoodtoystore.org .”
Toys you might find in your Neighborhood Toy Store
Pictured below are some examples of the high quality toys you might find in your local neighborhood stores. We received the Playmobile Future Planet set (SRP $129.99). Since we are Lego fans and have been to the aforementioned “Lego” neighborhood store and I follow them on Facebook I can attest that Playmobile is sold there too! In fact they are just setting up a Playmobile section.
We also received the game Mindshift by Mindware which my boys have played with their dad and the Nanoblock Electric Guitar (SRP $12.99) featuring super small building blocks (similar to Legos). The kit includes over 160 tiny pieces and comprehensive instructions so kids can build a 3D electric guitar in great detail. You’ll see my 8 year old working on it in the pictures above.
About yourneighborhoodtoystore.org & the Benefits of Shopping Local
#1- This is an online resource for parents interested in learning more about the best toys on the market and where to find them. Its mission is to help parents discover the ‘woohoo factor’ – the delight of finding and playing with today’s best toys!
#2- The website features expert advice on toys and play for children of all ages as well as a local toy store locator, toy buying guidelines and more.
#3- “Did you know that according to the 3/50 Project, for every $100 spent in local, independently-owned stores, $68 returns to the community in the form of taxes, salaries, charitable contributions and more – in contrast with only $43 when consumers spend their money at a national chain?”
Shopping locally also fosters a sense of community and provides for the following :
- economic stability
- community development
- reduced environmental impact
- a diverse product selection
- better customer service
Visit yourneighborhoodtoystore.org to find a participating local store near you.
Follow The Woohoo Factor on Facebook and Twitter.
*We received our “thank you” toys for participating in this campaign via Child’s Play.
