Today, November 12, show your neighborhood toy store some love by starting off your holiday shopping there. The American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA), founded in 1992, has named the second Saturday in November as Neighborhood Toy Store Day.
“When you shop at an independent toy store, you are entering a universe of play possibilities,” explains Kathleen McHugh, President of the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA). “Neighborhood Toy Store Day is about celebrating the role the local store plays in the community. We are highlighting the expertise your local store has in selecting just the right toy to help your child grow and learn through play.”
Baristaville has some great independent toy stores to choose from. I try to shop in as many as I can. They carry many of the toys that made 2010′s Best Toys For Kids list.
Participating stores may also have special events on Neighborhood Toy Store Day, Saturday, November 12:
Aunt Jean’s Toys & Treats
12 North Willow St
Montclair, 07042, NJ
Special event: face painting (10 am – 1 pm) , puppet shows (12:30 pm – 1:30 pm), Bey Blades intro and challenges (1:30 pm – 3 pm), jewelry designing (3:30 pm – 5 pm)
Just Kidding Around
507 Bloomfield Ave
Montclair, NJ, 07042.
Special event: Free face painting, glitter tattoos and other goodies! (1 pm – 3 pm)
Sparkhouse Kids
15 Scotland Rd
South Orange, NJ.
ChildsPlayspot
The Mall at Short Hills
1200 Morris Turnpike
Short Hills, NJ.
Special event: Meet author and creator Mary Beth Minton of “The Adventures of Zylie the Bear” who will read and share the adventures of Zylie with our store visitors. Zylie was launched last year and has already won nearly every major toy industry award, including the prestigious Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award for Best Toy. Come meet the author, Zylie the Bear and her friend Shen the Panda.