Where to Shop Toys this Christmas Now that the Big Giraffe is Gone

It suddenly hit me the other day, the biggest toy store in town is out of business. No more big toy catalog for kids to circle with their Christmas wants. What is this world coming to? Where will we shop for toys?!

Okay really, I'm not serious. I'm not worried about a Toypocalypse. And I'm definitely not worried about where my kids will get ideas for their Christmas list. In fact, I'm kind of happy to see less suggestive advertising and persuasive displays.

Will people turn to small businesses this Christmas? I hope so. I think deep down we are all a bit Meg Ryan in You've Got Mail. I mean sure, we're still going to order the "oops I forgot"s on Amazon Prime December 22nd. But I bet we'll see more people in those adorable mom & pop toy stores come the holidays. Admit it, one just popped up in your mind and you thought about how much you love that store.

It's also an opportunity to support friends with home based businesses. Grab a "Buddy" from your Scentsy buddy, some bath bombs from your Perfectly Posh girl, a little Tupperware Mini Pitcher Set from your neighbor, some cute little Matilda Jane accessories from your friend of a friend.

I'm thinking this Christmas for my own kids I'll do "Something they want, something they need, something to wear, something to read!"

Something all kids need is kid-powered toys. Not that junk they'll play with on Christmas day and forget about the next day, next summer's garage sale stuff (Had a Toy Story moment there). Real toys. Maybe a toy that'll teach them a thing or two.

I can't say enough good things about Discovery Toys. In fact, I love them so much I joined them. I got to looking around my house and realized I have 15+ DT toys, games, books and puzzles, most of which I've had over 8 years! This toys were built to last. They've got something for every type of learner, every age and stage.

Have a youngin? Start with the Measure Up Cups. There are endless ways to use these from color sorting to play doh pressing.

    

From there you're going to need Playful Patterns. These are like puzzles on steroids. Sure, you can buy your kids the traditional rack of wooden puzzles and those have their place. But if you want to save some space and get the most for your money, this thoughtfully made toy will grow with your child and provide layers of learning.

This little guy started playing with Playful Patterns at 2, and big brother who's 7 still enjoys it.

These two also enjoy Motor Works, a set of 4 vehicles you can build and take apart with a power tool! Don't worry mom & dad, they aren't real tools.

Marbleworks is another great toy that's great for big families across all ages. We even games for old folks like you and me! Check out my website for the full line up: http://www.discoverytoys.com/ModernToys

Want to see more? We're going to share lots of videos as we grow our collection. You can follow us on Youtube here. Check out George's first video demonstration, how to play Word Flip solo.

If you're not quite ready to shop for Christmas but you want to be able to find my shop again, please like my Facebook Page Discovery Toys with Melanie. You can click the "Shop Now" button anytime to view and purchase toys on my website.

I also have toy catalogs if your kids love to get mail. Send me an email if you'd like one at moderntypography@aol.com

Christmas isn't looking so bleak after all!

Christmas Gift List #1: Children's Books & Etsy Finds

Henry & I may fight all day, but we always end up snuggled up like best friends at the end of the day reading our favorite books. I thought I'd put together a list for those of you out there looking for something wonder-full to give away this holiday season.

I also thought I'd show you some fun Etsy finds with our favorite characters or similar things you could buy to go along with them :) These favorite's aren't in any particular order, except that I may have the books I last read on my mind.

#1 Where does Maisy Live?

This is a hard cover, lift-the-flap book, perfect for those rough little guys.

This reminds me, if you are looking for gender neutral books, Maisy is perfect. Henry and I had a good arguement awhile back about whether or not Maisy is a girl or a boy, despite the fact that Maisy was wearing a dress in the picture (another Maisy book). 

When I read it to Henry when he was 2 I would ask "Does Maisy live in the pigpen?" to which 

Henry would reply "Nooooooo". Super cute. These days we are reading the actual words.

I found this super cute smock on Etsy that would pair perfectly with a Maisy book:

Buy it here from pinkiepetunia

#2 Toes, Ears, & Nose

"Peek-a-boo" books are perfect for toddlers.

This book is great for babies when they are learning new words and more mature toddlers

who can repeat a few lines on their own. 

It cracks me up every time Henry says "keeps my belly button out of the breeze".

Inside joke? No, it really says that in the book.

For some reason the toy that came to mind for this one is an I Spy bean bag.

My sister-in-law made these for the kids one Christmas.

Buy it here from kidbiz2010

This book and this toy are great for kids who like to point, find, and talk about anything
and everything, which is pretty much all of mine.

#3 Is Your Mama a Llama?

Of course not, silly.

This is one of those rhymey books that kids love to listen to.

I like the use of unusual animals such as bats and seals.

And it's one of those - kids finish the sentence - type of books.

I couldn't resist this Etsy find.

It's a pattern, yet another reason to learn how to sew.
Who knew Llamas were so popular on Etsy.

Buy it from bitofwhimsyprims

#4 Disney Classics Story Readers, Me Reader

What can I say, my kids love electronics.

We have both of these sets of Disney books, each with 8 of our favorite Disney Tales.

Henry and I take turns either pushing the buttons or turning the pages.

I am seriuosly amazed at how well they can condense these stories into 10 pages.

Not impressed? Consider this:

The pages and buttons are color and shape coordinated. When we got the first set

at the beginning of the year he didn't know what pink or a triangle were. 

Now HE tells me what colors and shapes to push.

And if I've got to hear a story over and over, it had better be a good one, which the Disney tales are.

I think it'd be cute to get one of these bags to go along with it:

Buy it from imperfectprincess

#5 Press Here

This is a very interactive and silly book.

As you read along with your child, they are asked to press the "buttons" and shake the book. 

As they follow the instructions the circles change.

Henry received this one for Christmas last year and I didn't think it looked all that interesting.

I should've known, since it came from the famous Aunt Debbie, that it would be great.

Love this art print to gift along with it:

Buy it from papermoth

I look forward to bringing you more great gift ideas and Etsy finds.

I'd love to hear yours, too!