How to buy a toy

Before you go to the store:

1. Find out about the child
   
   
   • What do they like to do in their spare time (any interests or hobbies)?
   • What do they love (horses, dogs, etc.)?
   • Are they active or do they like to do quiet activities?
   • Do they have a toy they love that they would love to add additional pieces? e.g. Thomas, Calico Critters, Groovy Girls, etc.
   • Do they have a wish list?
   • Is there a specific age toy you prefer? Does it matter? Does it affect other siblings (don't want smaller pieces in the house)?
   
   Keep in mind that a few ideas from the family or child would be helpful. If they only give out the same thing to everyone they will get duplicates and that is not always fun.
   
   
2. What is your budget? Have a budget in mind and stick to it. It is not a competition to be the best and it is not worth the anguish and financial strain. Not to mention added stress. We sell items from 50 cents and up so we can fit into all budgets.

When shopping:

1. What type of toy do you want (e.g. construction, bath, puzzles, imagination, crafts, indoor or outdoor toy, science, games, etc. )? If in store ask for our professional advise.
   
   
2. What do you want the toy to do? Is it for learning or for fun? Active play?
   
   
3. Look at the play factor - can the toy do more than one thing? Is that important to you?
   
   
4. Is the toy okay for the age intended? Most important is the under 3 crowd for their safety. Some toys do have a older age on them but younger kids can do them or vice versa (again beware of the choking hazard for whom the gift is intended for)? Keep in mind every child is gifted in different areas and having older siblings changes things too. Also for special needs a child may require a different age toy depending on their skills. Know the parents if you can as some parents only want gifts for their targeted age group and we must respect their wishes so everyone is happy.
   
   
5. Price, price, price! Don't always assume that the cheapest toy is the best toy to buy. You may spend a little more but the toy will last years instead of days and can be handed down to younger children - look at the overall value.
   
   
6. Does the toy use batteries? Save some tears and send batteries with the toy if needed because they will not be able to play with it if they don't have them.
   
   
7. Use your imagination. Some people get lists of toys that their children or grandchildren want and it is all TV advertised. That is fine but if everyone got the products from that list they would end up with all of the same things. Plus at holiday time you can avoid the blood, sweat and tears with finding something else. There are alot of other great toys out there and your choice may turn out to be the hot gift that nobody hadn't even thought about before. They would have something not everyone had and that would make it that much more special!
   
   
8. Are you still sticking with your budget? Keep in check!
   
   
9. Can't make up your mind. That is fine. Take a breather! Come back another day! Go for a treat - clear your head! Nobody likes doing returns - the customer or the store! Takes up time and costs money for both of us!
   
   
10. Give from the heart!
    
    

Finally... Don't really know what to get for a gift or don't really know the recipient? Rely on our product knowledge and come pick our brains - we will be glad to help! Or we do offer gift certificates that will take the fear out of gift buying or ask for a gift receipt with your purchase before you leave! Happy shopping!