Neighborhood Toy Store Day is Tomorrow!

Tomorrow, November 10, 2012 is Neighborhood Toy Store Day! As we're about to commence on the biggest time of year for retailers, please don't forget about your local neighborhood toy stores. Sure, the big box stores may have big aisles, tons of products, and deep discounts, but your local toy shop owner is sure to be a lot more knowledgeable about his or her products, and you'll be feeding your local economy by shopping there.

You can find your local Neighborhood Toy Store Day event at http://www.yourneighborhoodtoystore.org.

Local toy stores have GREAT products that you may or may not find elsewhere. I recently received a selection of toys that can be found in independent toy stores, and both Angelica and I were super excited about them.

We received the My First Super Science Kit, Puppet on a Stick set, and Brio Classic Figure 8 Train set. Here was Angelica's reaction to these new toys!

The Brio Classic Figure 8 Train set was by far her favorite. She played with it for about an hour! The great thing about the Brio train sets, I found after doing some searching around for Christmas ideas, is that it's actually compatible with some other train sets too (Imaginarium, for example), so you can really mix and match for a creative experience.

We really enjoyed the Puppet on a Stick set too. We had been playing a game I invented called "Sock Puppet Theater" for awhile, but now we can play them with these stick puppets, and they've introduced even more creativity to our game!

She was not quite as interested in the My First Science Kit, but she did like the stick that lights up when  you touch both ends that was included in the package.

Here are the specs on the three toys we received:

BRIO Classic Figure 8 Train Set by Schylling Toys

• Winner of ASTRA's Best Toys for Kids 2012 award (Category: Classic Play/0-7).
• The classic wooden railway set includes 15 track pieces, a sleek engine, two railway cars plus accessories to build the perfect "figure 8" train track.
• For children 2+.
• Suggested retail price: $49.99.
• Can be found at independent toy stores nationwide.

Puppet-on-a-Stick by Educational Insights

• Winner of ASTRA's Best Toys for Kids 2012 award (Category: Pretend/Doll Play).
• These adorable puppets on sticks can be used for puppet shows, pretend play, story time, YouTube theater and more!
• Each puppet has an oversized head with wacky googly eyes, a movable mouth and a handle.
• For kids 4+ years.
• Suggested retail price: $9.99.
• Can be found at independent toy stores nationwide.

My First Super Science Kit by Be Amazing Toy Company

• Winner of ASTRA's Best Toys for Kids 2012 award (Category: Science Play).
• Junior scientists can explore, experiment and discover with the My First Super Science Kit. It includes materials for over 70 exciting science experiments.
• For children 4+.
• Suggested retail price: $39.99.
• Can be found at independent toy stores nationwide.

Disclaimer: I received these toys free of charge to facilitate this review, but was not otherwise compensated. Receipt of review items has not influenced this review and the above expressed is my opinion only.

By: Andrea Caruso

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