What is Neighborhood Toy Store Day?
It is a fabulous day that happens once a year when independently owned toy stores from all around the country celebrate the power of play. It is the second Saturday in November so this year will be on November 9th. I love it because it shines lights on things that matter to me so much including PLAY, community, shopping local and connection. I am lucky enough to work closely with the team at Beyond the Blackboard in Denver, Colorado and attended a blogger holiday kickoff event to get the word out about this amazing day. I am excited to share some of my favorite toys with you, toys that were at the event being shared by awesome sales reps. This group of bloggers and families really know how to have a great time.
We had a special guest in from Ohio, Alexandra from The Hedgehog Hollow! She sure know how to turn a Sunday into a Fun Day. Check out her YouTube LIVE video from the event.
I love this testimonial from my friend Angela. She blogs at blueistyle.
Here are a few of my favorite art and crafty toys for kids.
The Chocolate Studio from Mindware Toys is such a great way to get kiddos creating with food! It is easy to set up (and clean). It melts candy for dipping and works great with fruit to create a better alternative to processed snacks. Plus, it is super fun!
Ann Williams has this awesome Loopdeloo that makes friendship bracelets. It comes with a variety of colors of threads and directions. I love it because I love crafting, friends and creating connection.
ooly makes Chunkies and I LOVE THEM!!! They are awesome paint sticks that dry crazy fast so work great to make ALL THE THINGS. The kids at the event had so much fun with them.
Here are a few links to projects I have created using ooly products.
- Pin the Scar on the Wizard with Chunkies
- DIY Kindness Cards with Pixie Paste
- DIY Scratch Art with Poster Paint Pods
- FREE Girl Power Coloring Printables with Smooth Hues
- Leaves of Gratitude and Kindness with Smooth Hues
Check out all of these amazing toys, games and puzzles!
ASTRA (American Specialty Toy Retail Association) leads the way when it comes to Neighborhood Toy Store Day.
Here is how they explain it on their website.
“ASTRA retailers all over the country kick off the holiday season by hosting Neighborhood Toy Store Day to celebrate their community, the shop local message, and the joy of play. The event delivers focused messaging to consumers on the value local businesses have in keeping communities unique and vital. As a result, ASTRA retailers who have participated in Neighborhood Toy Store Days have reported increase in sales and visibility in the community.
This is an opportunity for ASTRA retail members to come together to showcase their expertise and the important role they play in the community. Celebrate Neighborhood Toy Store Day to bring customers into your store.”
Beyond the Blackboard is a proud member of ASTRA with Jacqueline Killian (a BtB owner) serving on the ASTRA board.
I mostly loved how excited the men got about toys. They were practically giddy when they picked items for themselves. It was such a reminder that WE ARE NEVER TO OLD TO PLAY!
So really, what is Neighborhood Toy Store Day? It is the chance for YOU to be a difference maker. If you are in the Denver area, be sure to support local by shopping for your holiday (and year round) toys at Beyond the Blackboard. If you are not in Denver, you can order from them on the web OR shop at your nearest LOCALLY owned stores.
Cheers to Neighborhood Communities, Toys and Shopping Local,
Laura