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!

Countdown to Christmas: 25 Small Gift Ideas

This change in the weather was the last kick I needed to get moving on my holiday planning. I've listed the last of the Christmas items in my shop:
Set of 25 advent bags

With each set I'll be including this list of ideas for filling them. These are appropriate for children of all ages, 3 to 103 :) (Sorry baby George, no small parts for children under 3)

Since I'm a thrifty kind of gal, you'll find many items on this list can be handmade. I've included a link to tutorials for such. I've also taken into account the size and weight. These would also makes great stocking stuffers, too!

(In photo, top to bottom, left to right)

1. Tooth brushes 

Dollar Tree

2. Scissors

$1.39 at Target

3. Stickers 

Home made with Avery Label Mailing Seals.

4. Handmade mini notebooks

These were made from old book pages. Here's a link to a tutorial similar to my method. I finished the edges with washi tape.

5. Candy Cane Pens

49 cents at Michaels

6. Magic Washclothes

Dollar Tree

7. Modeling Clay

On sale at Michaels, $1.25 each

8. Handmade Jewelry and Accessories

I made these ladybug rings with scrapbooking brads, ring backs and E-6000.

9. Hand Tattoos

Dollar bins at Michaels

(Not Shown)

10. Mini Chalkboard & Chalk

Here's a tutorial for a mini chalkboard. You can use chalkboard vinyl if you don't want to paint.

11. Washi Tape

Michaels has a good assortment, always on sale.

12. Old coins or a$2 bill

Ask for these at the bank, they always have something in their register. I'm putting mine in handmade envelopes, follow the tutorial here.

13. Pinback buttons

14. Pipe cleaners

Here's a link to fun pipe cleaner crafts.

15. Finger puppets

16. Popper fireworks or sparklers

Usually Target sells these for New Years right before Christmas.

17. Popcorn Garland Kit

I'm using a bag of microwave popcorn and red & white baker's twine. For younger children use Froot Loops. This blog has some great examples, as well as other crafty Christmas ideas.

18. A Kazoo

19. Flashilght

Harbor Freight Gives these away.

20. Silly Putty

$1 at Michaels. They even have glow-in-the-dark now!

21. Crazy Straws

My kids never tire of finding new ways to drink the same thing.

22. A Sewing Kit & Fabric Scraps

I'm not going to lie, I wish I was getting these things. Need scraps? Buy these!

23. Magnet Strips

These will keep a crafty or curious kid occupied for hours.

24. Handmade Ornaments

I just bought some clear plastic ornaments, tiny pine trees and fake snow to make "snow globe" ornaments. I'm going to try the same thing with baby food jars. Photos to come!

25. Leather notebook necklace

Because I think the grand finally ought to be awesome. This is from fullmoonn, and the price is ridiculously cheap for what it is.

Hope you find this list helpful!
Don't forget to purchase your gift bags now
to get them in time for December 1st!