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The 3rd Annual Neighborhood Toy Store Day is set for Saturday November 10, 2012!
Coordinated by the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association a non-profit organization known as ASTRA, participating local toy stores will host in-store events for families. These events include activities, craft projects, live performances and/or special discounts. Plus, attendees get to check out high quality, boutique, and specialty products not typically found at big box stores.
The purpose of Neighborhood Toy Store Day is to introduce families to the fun of shopping locally and bring awareness to the local toy stores commitment to the community. 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. Shopping local benefits the community through economic stability, community development, reduced environmental impact, and a diverse product selection.
And thanks to Child’s Play Communications and ASTRA, I was sent 5 unique items that are sold in local toy stores, to review and share details here on Frugal and Fun Mom.
The first thing we opened up was the ZOOB 125 Piece Modeling System by INFINITOY. Both of my kids have enjoyed playing with this product. They have created a crown, a Zoob Dude, an animal, and a spinning top with the Zoob pieces. This toy really keeps them occupied for long periods of time. In fact my husband and I were so impressed with it, we went to our local toy store and bought a set for a birthday present.
The ZOOB 125 Piece Modeling System by INFINITOY is intended for kids 6 and up.
The next item we checked out was Rush Hour by ThinkFun. This is a game that has a player set up traffic jams and then problem solve to get the main car out of the jam (the red car). My kids and I played this, and it really makes you think.
The Rush Hour by ThinkFun is intended for children 8 years and up.
Talk about a challenge, the Perplexus Twist by PlaSmart is definitely meant for an individual with plenty of patience and balance. The player has to twist, turn, and realign the tracks within the sphere. I managed to get to 4 levels so far, and I’m still trying to figure out how to win it.
The Perplexus Twist by PlaSmart is intended for children 6 years and up.
The Rubik’s The Void Puzzle by Winning Moves takes me back to my childhood, when I played with the original Rubik’s Cube. It is basically the same concept as the original, except you have a hole in the middle. My husband took on the Void and managed to get one side back to a solid color.
The Rubik’s The Void Puzzle by Winning Moves is intended for children 8 years and up.
Finally, we checked out the game, puzzle, and brain teaser called Pajaggle! By Pajaggle Inc. My kids love this. I don’t know if it is the contrast of colors or the challenge of fitting the little pieces into the slots, but they were fighting over who got to play with it next. I did manage to get them to play one another as well, and they got pretty competitive.
Pajaggle! By Pajaggle Inc is intended for children 8 years and up.
All of these brands mentioned above happen to be winners of ASTRA’s Best Toys for Kids 2012 Award for their ability to promote open-ended and creative play.
To learn about this year’s Neighborhood Toy Store Day, local toy stores in your area, and the best toys on the market visit yourneighborhoodtoystore.org. You can also check them out on facebook.com/TheWoohooFactor or follow them on Twitter at @TheWoohooFactor for more information.
FFM
Frugal and Fun Mom did not receive compensation for this review but was provided Free Products in honor of Neighborhood Toy Store Day to facilitate this post from Child’s Play Communications and ASTRA. The opinions expressed in this post are that of my own.
