The hunt for that exact Toy

Many things happen at a Toy Store during Christmas...lots of holiday shoppers looking for the perfect present. People looking for ideas and suggestions and parents listening to what their kids want. In that hope.. of finding your child the perfect gift, I get a lot of very specific questions.. which truth be told - occasionally gives us a laugh. This year is no exception.. here are just a few

It always starts with "I am calling to see if you have.."
- the reindeer that poops jelly beans
- a Darth Vadar alarm clock
- a talking squirrel doll
- you know that red thing that talks and walks
And of course people just popping their head in the door with a quick "Zhu Zhus?"
No.. not till Jan I have to tell them.
Even as a toy seller.. I cannot always find what I want for the kids in my life.

Another question that made me pause this year was from a lady shopping who kept asking "What does it Do? What does it Do?" on things like a doll or a car that had no batteries, sounds or actions. I was a bit befuddled as to how to answer... "well.. the kids play with it..they make it do something." Later I came up with lots of clever answers for her in my mind.. but at the time... I just did not know what to say. Some love toys that make noise, etc.. others are looking for the exact opposite. It is all good.. kids will play with a piece of cardboard or the latest hot toy. Each is an educational toy in it's own way.

So happy shopping to everyone and best of luck with your searches. Keep the questions coming.. you never know who will say YES I've Got it!

Christmas Parade on Saturday!

Hi everyone.. I am happy to be getting ready for the Lake Shore Christmas Parade!
I have always wanted to live on a parade route (I used to live on Bloor by Spadina) so now I get to go to the parade while being at work.
What I love about the Lake Shore Parade is:
- it starts at 10 .. so arrive at 10 (no waiting)
- everyone gets a front seat
- it is a reasonable length of time not 3 hrs!
- it's big enough with lots of fun floats for everyone
So I highly recommend you come on out this Sat. and if you do.. stop by.
We will be giving out free Santa rings to all the kids Sat. morning.

We Won Gold for Best Toy Store!

On this dreary day.. I got a real boost when I heard that we had won Gold in the Readers Choice Bloor West Villager Awards for Best Toy Store. Thanks for your votes.. it made my day.

Today is a day of unpacking..no the new webkinz are not here yet. (They will arrive Tues. next week.. they promised me.) I have been ordering like mad for Christmas from Lego to In the Night Garden, but is was the new Melissa and Doug Toys that came.

We have all kinds of wood toys now.. in all budgets. Puzzles, dress up dolls, build a fire engine - we got it. I really want to unpack them and play with them myself to be honest. Luckily.. there is family coming this weekend and it may be the excuse I was looking for. It is a big birthday month for our family. Alexander my nephew turns 11, Owen my step grandson is turning 5 and his mom is turning.. well. She may not want me to say.

Lots to celebrate.. lots to be thankful for. So Happy Thanksgiving everyone and thanks again for voting for us. Carol aka the loot lady