If you ask your kids what they want for the holidays I’m sure a TOY or two are on the list. Then we have a great event for you. This Saturday is the 3rd annual Neighborhood Toy Store Day. This is a day when you are encourage to shop at your local stores, stores in your area that make unique and fun toys! Your participating local stores will be making this day fun for you and your child with things like activities, craft projects, live performances, and special discounts. (Yes I said the magic word DISCOUNTS!)
This annual event is coordinated by the non-profit organization ASTRA, the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association. You can find a local store near you that is participating by visiting www.yourneighborhoodtoystore.org. This website is more then just a local toy store finder. They have a ton of resources for you as a parent. Learn what the best toys on the market are and where to find them. It also gives you a great guideline for age appropriate toys.
The great part is when you shop local you are helping your own community. According to the 3/50 Project for every $100 you spend locally $68 returns to the community in the form of taxes, salaries, charitable contributions and more.
Another great thing is the toys. You can usually find the most popular toy anywhere at any large chain but what about the unique high quality toys? The one where you know when your child receives it that no one else bought the same thing. We had a chance to try out some of these types of toys like…
Loopdedoo
Loopdedoo is a winner of the ASTRA’s Best Toys for Kids 2012 award. It is a spinning tool that allows kids to make twisted accessories like bracelets and belts in minutes. Definitely a toy for my daughter who is driven by creativity and loves to make jewelry.
Tenzi
Another ASTRA’s Best Toys for Kids 2012 award Tenzi is the world’s fastest game! This exciting dice game challenges players to get all 10 of their dice to land on the same number. This is a crazy game and one that creates laughter and bonding in the family (and a little competition)
I encourage you to shop this weekend at a participating local toy store. By doing so you will be giving back to your own community. Some benefits of shopping locally are:
- Economic stability
- Community development
- Reduced environmental impact
- A diverse product selection
- Better customer service
Do you have a local store that you just would hate to see shut down? A restaurant? Toy store? Salon? etc.
Social Media
www.yourneighborhoodtoystore.org
www.facebook.com/thewoohoofactor
www.twitter.com/TheWoohooFactor
Disclaimer: I received the above product(s) at no cost to me by the company or representing PR agency. All opinions are my own. You may read more of my disclosure here.
Jo-Ann Brightman says
I didn’t know about this “holiday”..and since a lot of local stores were just recovering form the power outages it would have really v=benefited them to shop there – maybe net year
Louetta Carpenter says
My favorite toy store to shop at around here was called John Toy and Hobby shop but about 6 months it closed it’s doors. It is sad knowing that I will no longer be able to purchase any new toys from there.
Debra Mahadeo says
I love Educational Wonderland, which has school supplies for public, private, & homeschooled students.