Town Square Toys Blog

Lego Play Day 2 - The Sequel

2011-06-25T09:26:00.001-05:00

Today is the repeat of our first Lego Play Day. Read about it here: http://townsquaretoys.blogspot.com/2011/06/lego-play-date.html

It is going to be so much fun! I hope you can come by.

Cars 2 Opens Tomorrow

2011-06-23T21:52:00.000-05:00

In honor of the release of Cars 2 by Disney and Pixar, I wanted to post a quick note that we have the cutest new plush cars by Gund. We have Lightning McQueen, Tow Mater, and Finn McMissile. They are about 6 inches long and are super cool. Gund always does a great job with plush toys and stuffed animals and these automotive wonders are no exceptions. I am afraid that they won't last too long. Cars 2 looks to be a smash hit and so do these!

Working in the Yard

2011-06-22T21:36:00.001-05:00

I was working in the yard tonight, while my son was mowing the lawn. I was pulling one of those troublesome weeds and, as I looked over at my son, I remembered how differently he viewed yard work when he was younger. Back in the day, it was fun! Everything was fun! Digging in the garden, pulling weeds, watering the flowers - all of that was a blast for our kids when they were small. You have probably experienced the same thing with your little ones. What we consider "work" is just another thing of wonder to be experienced. Which brings me to the point of this little post.

We have some of the cutest gardening toys at Town Square Toys. We have little rakes and shovels, diggers and trowels, buckets and watering cans. You and your kids will have a great time in the yard with some of these bright and colorful tools. Pick some up today at our store in Mansfield, or order some online. Happy Gardening!

Lego Play Date

2011-06-21T21:53:00.001-05:00

We had our first Lego Play Day today. We have had Play Days before; we had a Thomas the Tank Engine Play Day once and a Princess Play Day, too. But, this was our first Lego Play Day, and it was awesome! I was not able to be there, but Stephanie says that is was a rousting success. Some reflections:

Lego brings a lot of people out to play.
It was different to have lots of Dads coming to a play day, especially in the middle of the week.
There were no "instructions," just three big buckets of Legos. Kids let their imaginations run wild and they built amazing creations.
Justin was a great guide and builder/mentor. He would help with any construction questions and building designs.
Some of the little girls, who came to the Play Day, were less interested in Legos. They had a fabulous time playing in small groups, with several dozen stuffed animals.
Overheard more than once, "when can we come back and play with Legos?"

Please follow us on facebook, if you don't already, to find out when our next Play Days will be.

Toy Review - Spot It by Blue Orange

2011-06-20T21:14:00.001-05:00

This game is awesome. It is easy to learn and fun to play. The game rules say that it is for ages 6 and up and I have found that to be true. I have played it with kids as well as adults and it really is a blast!

There are several different ways to play, but they all center around matching your card with another card. Now, each card has several images on it. Any two cards will have one, and only one, matching image. The image may be a different size, but otherwise it will be the exact same image. It seems like it is not possible, but the brainiacs at Blue Orange games have figured out how to do it. The games are fun and intense. They are also, at times, hilarious; you know you just have to match two images and you know that you are staring right at them, and yet you can't see them. It is funny.

I highly recommend this game. If you need a great game for a game night, this is the one you want. It is also a good travel game since it comes in its own portable tin. Try it out today!

Toy Review - Sticky Mosaics by Orb Factory

2011-06-18T23:33:00.000-05:00

We had a great time today at the Mansfield Unplugged Arts and Music Festival. Sure, it was over a hundred degrees, but that just makes you appreciate air conditioning more. We met lots of neat folks from in and around Mansfield and were able to tell them all about our store. Some people had not heard of our store, some had heard but had not yet visited and some had enjoyed the awesomeness of Town Square Toys. We had a plethora of arts and crafts toys on display. It was just a tiny smattering of what we have in the store, but it gave people an idea of what they could expect if they visited.

One thing that we had to show people, were some Sticky Mosaics by Orb Factory. I think these are so cool! There are several different kinds to choose from and they come in single and multiple packs. You are given a design template to go by. On the template are various outlines of shapes such as triangles, squares, or circles. They can be in all kinds of different colors. In addition to the template, you will have several sheets of soft, foam shapes, corresponding to the types designated on the templates. All you have to do is match the shapes and colors and build your mosaic. The foam shapes are all pre-cut and sticky on one side. No messy glue to worry about.

Since these are mosaics made of tiny bits of foam, they are not designed for kids under three. That being said, if your little one is not prone to putting things in his or her mouth, this would be fun craft project for them to do. It would definitely be a great little thing to do together.

Mansfield Unplugged Arts and Music Festival

2011-06-17T23:05:00.002-05:00

Come see us Saturday from 10-6 at our booth at Steven's Garden & Grill @ the Mansfield Unplugged Art and Music Festival!! Yes, it will be hot; it is Texas in the Summer, after all. But, we would love to see you if you have a chance to stop by.

The Festival is Saturday, June 18 · 10:00am - 10:00pm at Main and Depot Street in Mansfield Texas. From 10 am - 6 pm - Art and Music throughout Downtown Mansfield and from 6 pm - 10 pm - Live Music Continues at Steven's Garden & Grill.

Check out the website for more information on the Festival.

Toy Review - Praying Mantis Finger Puppet by Folkmanis

2011-06-15T21:55:00.000-05:00

I have always been fascinated by the praying mantis. Their swiveling heads, spiked forelegs, and big, bulbous eyes seemed cool to me as a kid. Even as a grown up, I would have to list them high on the list of cool insects. A lot of people don't think that insects are cool. Some people don't like "bugs" at all. Can you believe that? As much as I like insects in general, and the praying mantis specifically, I never really thought about a praying mantis finger puppet.

Fortunately, the imaginative people over at Folkmanis didn't wait on me to come up with puppet ideas. The Praying Mantis Finger Puppet is only one of many finger puppets by Folkmanis. They are all totally cool, but I really like the Praying Mantis. You wear the Mantis by slipping a finger into what would be the insect's thorax. The eyes are not exactly where they should be, on a real mantis, but I think that the eyes seem more "approachable" in this configuration; it is almost like it is a friendly, cartoon-like mantis. The legs are kind of stiff and yet made of soft material, so it won't scratch you like a real mantis would. It is a full seven inches long - a pretty big finger puppet, if you ask me. If you like insects at all, or if you know someone who does, pick up a little finger puppet friend today.

For more information about the Praying Mantis, check out the wikipedia entry.

Toys for Dad

2011-06-14T20:01:00.000-05:00

Steph asked me what toys I thought would be cool for Father's Day; what would be a cool toy for a kid to get his or her Dad? It seems like a simple question. It should be easy to find a few awesome toys. The problem is that there are so many great toys at Town Square Toys, it is difficult to narrow the list down. But, I tried my best and came up with 5 great toy ideas for Dad.

Number One on my list would have to be a Lego set. Few things are more fun that building a cool airplane or robot out of Legos. I am a huge fan and have been since I was a kid. I am fond of the creator sets; they remind me of when I was younger and you used your imagination to come up with the next great idea. In particular, I would choose the LEGO® Creator Transport Truck 3 in 1 Building Set 5765.

Number Two on my list is a Sky Rocket Mini Banshee. Actually any of the Sky Rockets would be a good number two choice. These things really fly. I think it would be fun to get the kids out in a park and shoot these back and forth.

Number three for me would be a 300 piece puzzle by Thomas Kinkade. I am a fan of his work, to be sure. We have some beautiful puzzles featuring his gorgeous paintings. At 300 pieces, it would not be too taxing of an afternoon to work on a puzzle of this size, alone or together. I bet if the whole family pitched in, it could be done in no time.

Number Four is something that any science loving Dad would want to have: A glow in the dark Solar System. The Great Explorations Glow-In-The-Dark 3-D Solar System Kit by University Games is just the Solar System to get. I know, I know, it is not to scale, but it GLOWS! I am a fan of all things Glow in the Dark. It is a solid top 5 contender.

Number Five may seem silly to many, but a lot of Dad's would appreciate something like this. I choose a Safari Toob, specifically the Pirates Toob. Why would I pick a tube of little toys? Well, for several reasons. They would be fun to play with, alone or with the kids. They give anyone an opportunity to talk like a pirate. They are small and easily transportable in their little "toob." They are pirates! And, I work in a cubicle, on a computer, and they make awesome cubicle decor. You can help Dad make his coworkers jealous!

So, that is my Top 5 Toys for Dad. I could have easily made it a top 20 or top 50, but, alas, I don't have the time. Better than my list, come by the store or browse our website and find that one special gift that you think your Dad will love.http://www.townsquaretoys.com/LEGO_Creator_Transport_Truck_3_in_1_Building_Set_p/lg4610937.htm

The Pre-Grades Rewards Program

2011-06-13T22:53:00.001-05:00

Our Great Grades Rewards Program has been a fantastic success for these past few months. We have been having a great time watching students bring in their report cards and trade their "A's" for toy bucks. But we didn't have a program for our youngest students; kids in Kindergarten and 1st grade, often did not get letter grades on their report cards - what could we do?

The Pre-Grades Rewards Program is here!!! If your child has just completed Kindergarten or 1st grade, you can come in and pick up packets for them to work on. They can bring completed packets back to the store and earn $2 in Town Square Toy bucks. The first packet is math worksheets. Your child has until June 18th to fill them out and earn their $2 in Town Square Toy bucks. New rewards can be earned every 2 weeks through the summer. Keep checking Facebook for details and please help us spread the word.

If You Build It...They Will Play

2011-06-06T11:10:00.002-05:00

So, I never had any Erector sets when I was growing up. I don't know why. I had a plethora of toys, so I am definitely not complaining. But, when I was grown up, I looked back on occasion and wondered, "why no Erector in my life?" Maybe my parents didn't like small nuts and bolts around the house. Maybe they were not a bit fan of metallic toys in general. Maybe they never really gave it this much thought. Regardless, no Erector.

Now, though, through the magic and wonder of Town Square Toys, we have Erector sets aplenty! We have more Erector sets than you can shake a stick at! We have sets that they never dreamed of when I was a wee lad. There are motorized Erector sets. There are Erector sets that allow you to build all kinds of different models. There are even Erector sets that are made of plastic! That's right, now you don't have to worry about little nuts and bolts getting sucked up into the vacuum cleaner; you will see the slightly larger, plastic bolts before your vacuum gets too close!

Check out some of the variety below:

Toy Review - Gobblet Gobblers by Blue Orange Games

2011-06-04T21:05:00.005-05:00

The following is a special review by toy tester, Micah, age 13:

Now, there is a very popular game that most people know about called tic-tac-toe. Tic-tac-toe was easy to learn and quick to play. Now it’s been redone and made even better in the great new game, Gobblet
Gobblers.

Now the rules of Gobblet Gobblers are very simple and easy to learn, but first: setting up the game. The game involves two people which choose colors and set up their pieces. Each player starts with six pieces. The pieces are divided into the sizes large, medium, and small; two for each size. The pieces are designed to slip over the pieces smaller than itself.

Now, to play the game. The board and goal are exactly like tic-tac-toe. The board is four pieces that you can put together to make nine squares. The goal is to get three of your pieces lined up. To start, the person who is going first, places any sized piece of his anywhere on the board. Now, the second person can either place on of his pieces on the board, or place another piece on his opponent’s piece, if his is a bigger size. Then, the first player, if his piece has not been eater, can either place a new piece, or move an existing piece to a different spot. This continues until one person gets three in a row.

The reason I like this game so much is you’re learning great tactics and having fun all the time, in less than five minutes per game.

Toy Review - LEGO® Star Wars V-19 Torrent 7674

2011-06-03T20:56:00.014-05:00

The following is a special review by toy tester, Caleb, age 12:

The Lego V-19 Torrent is a cool set with cool features. It comes with a clone minifigure and a ship. The ship has foldable winds and automatic landing gear. The cockpit can open up and hold a minifigure. The minifigure is a clone pilot. He looks like a normal clone with yellow markings on his helmet. I think that this is a really cool set for kids my age.

Spread the Word Campaign

2011-06-02T19:44:00.001-05:00

Would you like to earn FREE toys? PARTICIPATE IN THE SPREAD THE WORD CAMPAIGN
Step 1) Come to the store and get a packet of 10 business cards.
Step 2) Write your name and phone # on the back of the cards.
Step 3) Pass them out to friends and family that have never been to our store and ask them to turn it in for you when they come shop with us (min $10 purchase).
Step 4) Wait until we call you and tell you that you have earned store credit :) You will earn $10 for every business card turned in with your name on it.

That's up to $100 in FREE toys!

Lego Minifigures Series 4

2011-06-01T23:40:00.000-05:00

I don’t think I need to spend a lot of time telling you how awesome the Lego Minifigs are. They are totally cool. We have the new series 4 minifigs, but they are going fast. Here is a quick rundown of the characters:

The Monster – This one is very much like Frankenstein. He is not Frankenstein though, nor is he Frankenstein’s Monster. He is just The Monster.

Surfer Girl – She is stylin’ in her cool wet suit which matches her pink surf board.

Sailor – He is a regular Navy type enlisted man, but he comes with a cool telescope.

Kimono Girl – I have to say that the fan is pretty cool to have as an accessory.

Punk Rocker – Possibly one of the coolest hairpieces on a Lego minifig. That electric guitar is also out of this world! Rock on!

Viking – I think that this is my favorite minifig from series 4. He has the awesome Viking helmet, the sweet battle axe, and a cool, round shield with Celtic knots on it. What more could that bearded, berserker ask for?

Ice Skater – She is an ice rink diva with flowing blonde hair and a dazzling blue outfit. Silver skates complete the ensemble.

Hockey Player – This fellow means business. Complete with helmet, hockey stick and skates, he has his game face on at all times.

Street Skater – He seems to be a nice fellow, with his cute, knit cap and his bespectacled face. He comes with a cool skateboard, too.

Hazmat Guy – This character is fairly easy to find, when squishing minifig bags. I don’t know why he has such a look of terror on his face, he is the one who is safe in his hazmat suit!

Musketeer – I love the hat and the goatee that this fellow is sporting. But, which Musketeer is he? I guess you will have to keep collecting until you get all three; four if you count d’Artagnan.

Werewolf – This guy is fierce. He has a bone to pick with you, literally!

Artist – He’s kinda sloppy, just check out the paint on his trousers. But, he is a dedicated artist with a French beret and a somewhat limited color palette.

Crazy Scientist – This dude has hair that is a close second to that of the Punk Rocker. His wild goggles and stereotypical Erlenmeyer flask get points as well.

Soccer Player – His team won the championship, obviously, because he has a totally awesome mini statue of a Lego minifig! He plays for Octan, but I don’t follow that team too closely.

Lawn Gnome – Apparently this little Lawn Gnome likes to spend his free time fishing. He comes with a nice rod and reel. I love his green hat and Santa like beard.

Toy Review - Crepe Rubber Puzzles

2011-05-31T21:21:00.002-05:00

Crepe Rubber Puzzles are great for little hands that are learning how to solve puzzles. The rubber material is soft and flexible and easily manipulated. Bright colors make these puzzles especially attractive. The designs for the puzzles are also enticing to small children; a wide selection of crepe puzzles are there for the choosing, such as a train, a plane, cats, ballerinas, a helicopter, a race car, flowers, and much more. The puzzles are all designed so that the pieces all fit together snugly within the one, large, border piece. Once the puzzle is together, it will stay together rather well. When you are ready to try the puzzle again, just a small amount of pressure will knock the pieces out so that it can be tried again. A classic toy to be sure, it is more than likely a happy memory for kids of all ages.

I have written about some of the Lauri Toys, but it has been a long time. You can see a couple of reviews here: http://townsquaretoys.blogspot.com/search/label/Lauri

Toy Review - Luck of the Draw by Game

2011-05-28T23:26:00.000-05:00

So, we brought this game home last Friday night and played it with the kids. I have to say that it was a lot of fun. It was more fun than I thought it would be, actually. It is like Pictionary, but with a several key differences; and, therein lies the extra dose of fun.

You see, in Luck of the Draw, you don't take turns drawing. Everyone draws together! It is crazy. And, you don't get the chance to take your time either. The timer is set for about 45 seconds!

Each round, you take turns rolling the die and picking a card. Based on the number on the die, everyone draws whatever subject corresponds to that number on the card picked. So, if the die rolls to a "3," everyone will draw the 3rd thing listed on the card picked.

After everyone feverishly draws for 45 seconds, when the time runs out, you all place your drawings, face down, in the middle of the table. They are mixed up, so no one knows whose is whose. A colored chip is placed on each one. Now, the die is rolled again and between one and three descriptive cards are drawn. Everyone votes, using cool color wheels, on which drawing best matches the descriptive card(s).

That is the beauty of the game. It doesn't matter how good of an artist you are, or how bad of an artist you think you are. You may be voting for the "neatest" or "cleanest" drawing, or you may be voting for the drawing that "most looks like it was drawn with the wrong hand" or "cutest." Anyone can win. It's the Luck of the Draw! Get it?

Just to put it all in perspective: the game says it is for 10 and up. We played with our two teenage boys and our six year old daughter. The six year old won. But, we all had a blast. You will too; try it out today.

Toy Review - Grocery Store and Lemonade Stand Play Center by Melissa and Doug

2011-05-26T22:02:00.001-05:00

This toy review is also a bit of a construction review for the Grocery Store and Lemonade Stand Play Center by Melissa and Doug. You see, toys don't just make themselves. Every once in a while, I get the Elf like task of building toys at Town Square Toys. Don't get me wrong, I love it; especially since I don't have Ming Ming asking me how many Etch A Sketches I made. So, since I have this inside scoop, I thought I would share it with you.

Building the Grocery Store and Lemonade Stand Play Center is fairly easy and not terribly time consuming. I was able to complete construction in under an hour, easily. I didn't try to rush. The bolts that you need are all included in a sealed plastic container and clearly labeled. The only tool you really need is a small hex wrench that is also included. Instructions are clear and easy to follow. Melissa and Doug includes extra nuts and bolts just in case you lose some.

The Play Center is held together with the type of hidden nuts that fit into pre drilled holes. The bolts connect themselves through other predrilled holes. I found that the holes and nuts and bolts all lined up very well. I have built a fair amount of Melissa and Doug toys and find that they do a great job of having parts pre drilled accurately. The only part of construction that really slowed me down was sinking the nuts in the holes that are pre drilled into the dowels, which serve as the bucket holders and the primary support of the Play Center. The nuts have to be pushed deep into the holes and it takes a little bit of extra effort. Once sunk in to the correct depth, they hold just fine.

The Play Center itself is very nice and sturdy once it is all put together. The surfaces are nice and smooth and the joints are tight. I would recommend waiting until the whole thing is put together before snugging all the bolts down. The awning is reversable by the way; the picture shows the Grocery Store side, but the Lemonade Stand sign is on the other side. The bins are bright and fit well in the Play Center. You can fit all kinds of stuff in those bins. One slick idea, I think, is the addition of small, chalkboard signs that fit on little hooks that are built into each bin. You can change and rearrange them however you want. Kids can totally customize their stand.

Overall the stand is a great addition to the line of Melissa and Doug pretend play toys. I enjoyed putting it together. You may too. If you have no desire whatsoever to build one of these, but think your little one would thoroughly enjoy having one, come by Town Square Toys and get this one, or let me know and I will build you one. See you soon!

Toy Review - The Magician's Apprentice Card Tricks Unshuffled by Melissa and Doug

2011-05-25T21:40:00.001-05:00

The following is a special review by toy tester, Micah, age 13:

The Magician's Apprentice Card Tricks Unshuffled by Melissa and Doug is filled with very cool magic tricks all containing cards. It comes with four different card decks, an x-ray deck, secret code deck, duplicate deck, and a stripper deck. I can’t tell you too much about them because your friends might be watching. This product also includes trick cards and a very detailed book of tricks. With a little practice and patience you’ll be tricking people in no time. So have fun and go fool someone.

Toy Review – Zyclone by Zing Toys

2011-05-24T21:08:00.000-05:00

When I was younger, I remember folding up a piece of notebook paper and fashioning it into a ring like shape. If thrown just right, with a little spin from the wrist, you could make this paper ring fly, rather erratically, across the room. It took more patience and know how than a paper airplane and so it didn’t get a lot of airplay. Yet, I never forgot the “neato” factor of its odd aerodynamics.

Zing Toys, takes that simple aerodynamic concept to the next, more awesome level, with the Zyclone! The Zyclone launches a large, foam ring through the air, spinning it rapidly as it goes. That spinning launch allows the aptly named “zing ring” to fly up to 100 feet. We have tested this toy a great deal and I can attest to the fact that it will go a long, long way. It is very interesting to watch the zing ring fly, too. It doesn’t lob, like a thrown ball. Instead, it seems to fly almost completely horizontally.

With a couple of Zyclones, you could have a great time, shooting the zing ring back and forth. But, even with one Zyclone you can have fun, taking turns. Since the ring is made of a soft foam, you don’t have to worry about catching it bare handed. In fact, you can try and catch it by threading it on your hand or arm. It takes a little bit of practice, but is not too hard to do. Go get yourself a Zyclone today!

Toy Review – Veggie Tales Find It

2011-05-23T21:10:00.001-05:00

I have to be honest: We at Town Square Toys absolutely LOVE Veggie Tales. They have been popular with us ever since they first came out. We have so many Veggie Tales VHS tapes, it is not even funny. I know, I said VHS tapes! I just wanted you to understand that there may be bias in this review.

That being said, the new Veggie Tales Find It is a great find. The Find It games are a definite favorite here in our store. The concept of the Find It Game is straightforward, for those unfamiliar; you look for a list of small things that are in a sealed cylinder filled with colorful plastic pellets. Turning and rotating and shaking the cylinder will reveal different objects. There is a list included in every Find It Game for what you are to look for. With the Veggie Tales Find It, you are of course looking for Bob the Tomato, Larry the Cucumber, Madame Blueberry and other characters. Other items, such as the rubber ducky, slushy cup, and Viking helmet are also hidden inside. The Find It Game will provide hours of play and replay for any youngster. If they like Veggie Tales, as we do, then this may be a perfect find.

Whimsy

2011-05-21T21:09:00.002-05:00

What is whimsy? The dictionary defines it as capricious humor or disposition; extravagant, fanciful, or excessively playful expression. Here at Town Square Toys we hope that you always feel a bit of whimsy when you come to visit. Why are there clouds painted on the walls? Why are there tiny Army men on patrol throughout the store? Why does a pig have fairy wings? Why does our stuffed cheetah (I have named Walter) sometimes wear a crown made of Zoobs? The answer to these questions is whimsy.

When kids come to our store, we want them to play and explore. See how high that ball bounces. Shoot those foam darts. Try out that flashlight. Play on our Thomas the Tank Engine train table. Play house on our Calico Critters table. Read a book to a giant stuffed Panda. Try on a tiara. Have fun! Be whimsical! Kids are only kids once. Bring them by our store for a whimsical day sometime.

Toy Review – Smencils

2011-05-20T21:05:00.005-05:00

If you are looking for the most environmentally friendly pencil out there, look no further than Smencils. Smencils are scented pencils made from 100% recycled material. Smencils are not wood, they are made of recycled paper. Sheets of newspaper are rolled tightly around the writing cores until pencils of typical thickness are formed. Then, each one is put into its own corn-based biodegradable Freshness Tube.

Now beyond the environmental soundness of the Smencil and the recycling wonder that is the Smencil, there is the coolness that is the Smencil. They truly do smell great! And, the smell lasts for 2 years! Do I have my favorite smell? No, I have several. I am a big fan of the Cinnamon, Orange and Root Beer. I also adore the Christmas scents that we carry – they remind me of family and the holidays. I think Sugar Plum really does smell like a sugar plum, but I don’t know if I have ever smelled a sugar plum and so I will have to take their word for it. Maybe that is something I should try and figure out this Christmas.

Smencils come in regular #2 graphite or in various colors. I find that they work just as well, if not better than a “real” pencil. They sharpen just fine. But, instead of your hand smelling like a Ticonderoga, it smells like Cotton Candy or Grape or Bubble Gum. Fun!

Toy Review – Squap by Diggin

2011-05-19T21:03:00.005-05:00

What in the world is Squap? It is a really cool throwing and catching game from Diggin. At first I wasn’t so sure when I saw it; it didn’t seem to me to have a lot of playability. Why not just throw a ball? But, I got sucked in quickly.

The beauty of Squap, as I see it, is that almost anyone can play with it. I have played with it, my teenage boys have played with it, my six year old daughter has played with it, and dozens of customers have played with it. The mitts come with velro adjustable straps that fit any sized hand. Once the mitt is on, the hinge corresponds to the natural hinge of you hand. When you open your hand the mitt pops open and when you close your hand the mitt snaps shut.

The mitt does all the work. You are tempted to help the mitt toss the ball. You try to help it along by pushing it out of the mitt, and you look very silly doing it. What you have to do is let the popping open of the mitt throw the ball for you. It goes pretty far on its own. To catch the ball, you just have to snap quickly. The mitt is pretty big and it doesn’t take long to master the catch.

The design of the toy is very smart. When you are not playing, there is a slide tab with keeps the mitt locked closed. The ball is very much like a ping pong ball but brightly colored so that you can find it if it falls into grass or behind a table or chair. And, beings that they are light weight, table tennis type balls, they won’t break a lamp or knock anything over. Squap comes with four balls. Each mitt has a place to store two of the balls. You never have to worry about losing the balls when not in play. It is all self contained. Very smart. If you want a fun toy for kids ages 6 and up, indoor or outdoor, pick up Squap.

Sale - Active Toys

2011-05-18T21:03:00.001-05:00

This month, all of our Active Toys, at Town Square Toys, are on sale for 15% off! That's right, 15%! And we have tons of active toys to choose from. When I say “tons,” I mean literally tons. There are so many toys to choose from. But, don’t let that dissuade you from coming by and checking them out. You can come by our Mansfield store or visit us online.

I am really amazed by the variety and scope of Active Toys that we carry at Town Square Toys. Most people think of Active Toys as just sports type toys, things such as bats and balls, footballs, Frisbees, and the like. But Active Toys involves so many more toys and types of toys. We have toys that encourage kids to explore the outside world around them while they are playing in it.

We have a whole spectrum of gardening toys, rakes and broom, shovels and trowels. We have butterfly nets and bug collecting toys. We have all sorts of bubble makers. We have those classic balsa wood airplanes that you build yourself and then discover the mystery of flight with. We have jump ropes and stilts, water toys and sand buckets, hopscotch pads and water balloon pumping stations. The list goes on and on.

Our goal with Active Toys is for kids to play; to turn off the TV and the computer and use their brains and bodies for fun. Figure out how to shoot that target with a marshmallow shooter. Help mom or dad in the garden. Play catch with your brother or sister. Get some fresh air during this beautiful Spring weather. Hopefully our Active Toys will encourage your kids to do the same.

Great Grades Reward Program

2011-04-02T14:54:00.000-05:00

For those of you who are local to Mansfield, Texas, and have kids in school:

Introducing the

Town Square Toys

Great Grades Reward Program

As a teacher and a parent, you know that it takes a lot of hard work to get great grades. Rewarding that hard work just got a little easier! Introducing a FREE program that allows you to reward a child’s hard work!

Teachers: Send this to the parents of your students in email or print it out and send it home with your students. Say thank you to your students for their efforts and let Town Square Toys take care of the rest!!

Parents: Bring your child and his or her report card in to Town Square Toys within 30 days and that student will get ONE Town Square Toy Buck for every A they received on that six week report card. That can add up to a lot of toys! And not just any toys either - Town Square Toys carries educational games, puzzles, books, dress ups, arts and crafts and a plethora of other quality toys (that’s right, a plethora!) that will inspire fun, imagination and creativity. It’s the kind of toy store you can be proud to support as a parent and as a teacher.

Horsin' Around

2011-03-03T19:45:00.000-06:00

Check out our facebook post about our little playtable. It is pretty cool. http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/album.php?aid=289968&id=375039168727

Moving Stuff Around

2011-01-25T21:11:00.000-06:00

Well, the Huge Clearance Sale is still going on. You can visit our website at http://www.townsquaretoys.com/ to find out more about it. If you are more interested in deals of the day or deals of the week, you can become our friend on facebook. That would be cool.

The Clearance Sale and the post Christmas aftermath finds us moving stuff around at the toy store. It is fun. We moved the science stuff to the back and some of the cute backpacks and lunch boxes to the front. Our giant Stephen Joseph display is in the front area now. All of our Schleich animals and knights are in the back; right next to the Thomas the Tank Engine train table. So much new stuff will be coming soon from Market. I am sure we are going to be rearranging stuff all year! Come check it out.

When you do come by the store, tell us what you think? Do you like where some stuff is and not where other things are? Do you want to see more stuffed animals? Do you want to see more legos? Drop us a line or just tell us. Thanks!

Huge January Sale!

2011-01-18T18:24:00.000-06:00

We are having a HUGE CLEARANCE SALE at Town Square Toys! The sale is going on both online and in our Mansfield toy store. Go to http://www.townsquaretoys.com/CLEARANCE_s/106.htm and check out some of the deals. If you are local, please come by and see even more amazing toys and deals.

While we are on the subject - and you are on the internet - go to our facebook page! You will find all kinds of deals being announced there. Be our friend! Like our page! Please? Thanks. Here is the link to our facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/townsquaretoys.

Post Christmas Sale

2010-12-30T14:32:00.000-06:00

Well, Christmas is over, which is kind of sad. They stopped playing non-stop Christmas music on the radio. *sigh* Anyway, the good news is that all of our Christmas toys and goodies are on sale at 40% off! You should check it out! Seriously.

We are going to be all busy, getting ready for the new year. If you are local, you can come by and check out our Clearance section. If you are online, you can see what new stuff pops up in our online Clearance Section. Cool; it is like paralled universes.

Christmas Sale

2010-12-15T10:17:00.001-06:00

All of our Christmas Themed toys and items are now 20% off! We announced it on facebook and at our store. Hurry and get something before it is too late!

Holiday Hours

2010-12-09T22:10:00.001-06:00

This is posted on our Facebook page: for the Christmas season, we are open late on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. We are open until 6 on Monday and Tuesday and we are open until 8 on the rest of the days. We are open online 24 hours a day! Woo Hoo!

Cyber Monday at Town Square Toys

2010-12-06T22:59:00.000-06:00

Okay, I thought that Cyber Monday followed Black Friday! Maybe this year is different. It seems to have skipped a week. The Mansfield store is closed today, but the online store is open. Consequently, we are shipping toys to all parts of the United States! (I actually shipped and cool, giant United States puzzle today.)

I like to think that we are making Christmas dreams come true. It is as if we are happy little elves, working in Santa's toy shop, shipping out great toys for boys and girls everywhere. Maybe I should get an elf costume? Nah!

We will be open, in Mansfield, tomorrow. Can't wait! Oh, not sure if you checked us out on Facebook or not, but we are having Holiday Hours until Christmas. We will be open until 8PM on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Come on by and see us!

Only 20 days until Christmas!

A Truly Grand Opening

2010-12-04T23:19:00.001-06:00

A ginormous "THANKS!" goes out to everyone who came by for our Grand Opening. I know, I know, we have been open for a while - getting our feet wet. But, we had a spectacular time, throwing open our doors and letting everyone know that this was the big day! It was so much fun to see both old and new faces. Our advertising was successful insofar as we had people waiting for us to open; we had a free gift for the first 25 people. I had a lot of fun with that, personally - handing out the gifts to the little kids.

It was a busy, busy day. We had so many new friends come by the store. Children were playing at the Thomas Train Table and the Calico Critters table all day long. We had some wonderful story times. Craft times were a big hit as well. We had a popcorn machine and gave away bags of popcorn, so the whole store smelled like a movie theatre depending on how the wind blew. And, it was a windy day! Our balloons had a hard time surviving all the bluster!

Some roads were closed due to the Annual Mansfield Parade, downtown. We were afraid that we would lose traffic as a result. Actually, our main road wasn't closed and so we were fine, and the post-parade traffic gave us another afternoon rush of customers. Exciting!

We ended the day happily exhausted. We should do this every year! Okay...maybe not.

Only 22 days until Christmas!

Grand Opening for Our Mansfield Toy Store

2010-12-02T22:40:00.000-06:00

I don't know if you get the Mansfield Now magazine, but the current issue has an ad regarding out Grand Opening this Saturday! (Our ad is on page 20.) We also have an event scheduled on Facebook. If you are in town, come on by. We will be open from 10 to 8. We will have giveaways, popcorn, games, crafts, story times and a drawing for a GIANT stuffed animal, including Elmo and Big Bird! See you there!

How Cool Is That? How Cool Indeed!

2010-12-01T22:29:00.002-06:00

Someone came by the store the other day and was enamored by our toys. This is, of course, part of our master plan. Anywhoo...She looked at one of our twirling spaghetti forks and said, "how cool is that?" She continued along this vein for a while. Many different toys provoked the question. How cool is that for us? I love the fact that we are creating a place where cool toys live, where people know that they can find the cool toys of yesterday and today.

Only 25 days until Christmas!

Green Toys are Way Cool!

2010-11-30T22:46:00.004-06:00

When you ship as many packages as we do, you tend to notice the packaging. There are about a billion toys out there and, consequently, a billion packages. Some of the packages are as cool as the toys! Okay, not really. But, I digress.

I was noticing the packaging on the Green Toys that we sell. I like how it is clean, sharp and simple. Here is a bit of info from their website:

Green Toys environmental mission even extends to our packaging. We strive to minimize packaging, and all of our boxes use as little material as possible. All Green Toys products are packaged in recycled corrugated boxes with no plastics, cellophane or twist-ties, and are 100% recyclable. So, not only are they earth-friendly and ready for your recycling bin, they are really easy to open for those little fingers just itching to get at the toys!!

The toys themselves are super earth friendly:

We use recycled milk containers as the main ingredient in creating our toys. Yes, the exact plastic milk jugs that you and your family drink from every day. When you finish your milk and toss the container in the recycling bin, these milk containers are collected at your curb by a local recycling company, who then sorts them from all the other types of plastic. Next, the milk containers are reprocessed into super clean fresh plastic. For you plastic geeks, the plastic material we use is called high-density polyethylene (or HDPE). This material is considered one of the safest, cleanest plastics around.

Go check out their website for more information. They even use the word "plethora!"

Only 26 days until Christmas!

Famous Faces? Anyone?

2010-11-29T22:32:00.000-06:00

Hope you had a wonderful and relaxing Sunday, especially after such a crazy weekend of shopping!

I was thinking about a conversation I had with a lovely lady, who came into the store this weekend. She was telling us how she used to manage a small toy store in Connecticut, some 30 years ago, or so. We had a great time "talking shop." She mentioned that Paul Newman shopped in her store from time to time. I thought that that was both cool and interesting. I wonder if anyone famous will come and shop in our store? I hear Kelly Clarkson sometimes shops locally. That would be neat.

Do you know anyone famous? Are you famous? Come on by!

Only 27 days until Christmas!

Shipping Saturday!

2010-11-27T22:31:00.001-06:00

The "fun" of having an online store, as well as a physical store is the variety of things to be done! Today was a full day of filling orders at the Mansfield Toy store and then a fun filled evening of filling orders from the web store. Boy am I beat!

Only 29 days until Christmas!

Black Friday? Maybe Red and Green!

2010-11-26T21:38:00.000-06:00

Well Black Friday came and went, and it was so much fun. Yes, it was a bit of work, too. But, Black Friday at Town Square Toys wasn't like Black Friday is at other stores - from what I hear. Customers were pleasant and genial all the day long. We heard great stories of shopping experiences that started at midnight and others that started at all hours of the morning. We were, of course, not open until 8AM and so we didn't have any of that insanity.

But, as I sit here and ponder the name, Black Friday, I am thinking that it is not truly apropos, at least for Town Square Toys. I mean, Christmas was in full effect so it could have just as easily been called Red and Green Friday. Watching the sky turn beautiful colors as the sun set might tempt one to call it a Golden Friday or a Pink Friday. Once we plugged in our Christmas lights around the store, it could be called a White Friday. I am sure, if I continued, that I could come up with other colors as well, but I won't. Let's just say it was a very Happy Friday. (I am not sure what color "Happy" is; maybe it is a combination of colors - maybe plaid? Nah!)

Only 30 days until Christmas!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-25T21:37:00.000-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving! We have so much to be thankful for! The blessings of God are truly humbling! We hope you had a wonderful day!

In the Virtual News, the Real World News to Follow

2010-11-24T22:40:00.004-06:00

I know that I mentioned last week that Steph and Amy were going to be interviewed in the paper. Well, it happened! Woo Hoo! The Mansfield News-Mirror came by, asked some questions, took some pictures and, voila, we are in the paper. Read a great article about an awesome toys store, right here.

Steph and Amy don't like the limelight, like Russ and I do, but they did a fabulous job. The actual paper is coming out tomorrow, I think. I could be wrong. But, I will definitely get a copy, like I did when they were in the Dallas Morning News last year. Check that out, too, if you want.

Only 32 days until Christmas!

A Giant Giraffe

2010-11-22T22:15:00.001-06:00

Someone bought a giraffe today. "A giraffe," you ask? Why yes, a giraffe. I know that you are thinking two things. 1) Is Town Square Toys doubling as a zoo now? 2) How can you sell a giraffe on Monday? You're closed!

Well, we are not partnering with a zoo, but we have a veritable zoo of animals at Town Square Toys! You should just check out some of the creatures we carry from Melissa and Doug, Folkmanis, Douglas, and Gund! Some of our animals are small and cuddly. Some of our animals are large and cuddly. Some are ginormous! This giraffe is almost 5 feet tall! Crazy.

And, to answer your query about Mondays. Whilst Town Square Toys, in Mansfield, is closed on Monday, Town Square Toys on the web is open 24/7, for all your toys shopping needs!

Only 33 days until Christmas!

Friday is a Fun Day Anyway

2010-11-19T22:48:00.015-06:00

Friday is just a great day. Am I right? Now, add the fact that we get to sell toys and help make Christmas dreams come true. Well, it is hard for Fridays to get much better!

I was able to add some friends to our alligator and shark. If you come by the store, you will see the shark when you first come in. Now he has another, smaller, shark, a sailfish and a whale. The alligator has two smaller alligators to hang out with. One is Jeepers Peepers, by Gund, and the other is Chompers, by Douglas.

Only 36 days until Christmas!

In the News

2010-11-18T21:42:00.000-06:00

The Mansfield paper came by to interview Steph and Amy and do a write up for Town Square Toys! How cool is that? I hope it is a good article. I am sure it will be. Hopefully more people will find out about us, here in Mansfield. Once it comes out, I will send you a link.

We are open later on Thursdays for those who get off work later and need to shop. Also, Holiday hours will soon be upon us and we will be open later more often. We are trying to help everyone make Christmas dreams come true! Come by and see us!

Only 37 days until Christmas!

Frosted Pink end to the day

2010-11-17T22:32:00.002-06:00

Steph went by and got some cupcakes from Frosted Pink yesterday. They were a great ending to the day. I know I have mentioned Frosted Pink before, but I would like to do so again. Their cupcakes are awesome!

We had some chocolate and red velvet and pumpkin and some sort of cappuccino chocolate chip. Amy says that the cappuccino chocolate chip is the best one they make. I am not so sure.

So, if you are local to Mansfield, come by and see us and then go get some cupcakes at Frosted Pink on Main street. You can also follow them on facebook!

Only 38 days until Christmas!

Facebook Fan Drive Winner!

2010-11-16T22:26:00.001-06:00

Forgot to mention yesterday that we had a winner in our Facebook Fan drive. Go to our Facebook page and find out who it was! Thank you to everyone who suggested our page! We have over 300 fans now. Let's go for 400!

Only 39 days until Christmas!

Christmas Music

2010-11-15T22:12:00.003-06:00

I have to say that I look forward to this day every year; our local radio station, 103.7 KVIL begins playing Christmas music during the holiday season - it began today. Now people have strong opinions as to when Christmas music needs to begin. Some say now is too soon and others say it is never too soon. Personally, my Pandora station has been cranking out the old Yuletide tunes for the last few months.

I love Christmas for so many reasons. The main reason, of course, is the birth of Christ, the Lord and Saviour of the world. But, I also love Christmas for all of the memories and happy times in recalls to me. I love the thoughts of snow filled lanes, branches glazed with ice, warm fireplaces, hot cocoa, warm cider, ribbon candy, candy canes, bundled up children playing until their cheeks are red, coffee brewing and Grandma and Grandpa's house, etc. You get the idea. The whole time of year is wonderful.

Now, it is taking on a whole new meaning with our toy store. I joke about helping to make Christmas dreams come true, with Town Square Toys, but we get to see it when the little kids wander around our store in wonderment, finding the toys that they just "have to have" for Christmas. I love hearing parents say, "I'll be back, alone," to get this or that. It is great. We have always had a hand in Christmas wishes online, but it is a true joy to see the little faces and happy smiles.

Only 40 days until Christmas!

The Pink Room

2010-11-11T21:49:00.002-06:00

I thought I would show you a couple of pictures of the Pink Room.

If you go down the book hallway, you will see it shimmering there at the end of the hall.

Once you actually get in the room, you are overwhelmed by the sheer amount of pinkness and girly stuff. This is a fraction of the awesomeness.

More ridiculously wonderful cuteness.

Only 44 day until Christmas!

Scratch and Sniff

2010-11-10T21:57:00.004-06:00

Someone bought some Grape Scratch and Sniff stickers today. Boy, those sure bring back memories; both of Scratch and Sniff stickers and stickers in general. I remember as a kid when stickers would be all the rage and then fall out of vogue, and then come back again with a vengeance. Of course, we have all kinds of stickers at Town Square Toys. You can come by and find your very own favorite Scratch and Sniff scent. Or, get some really cool stickers to give to someone you love.

Don't forget the facebook friend drive! Get a latch on to that $50 gift certificate!

Only 45 days until Christmas!

Tuesday and Facebook Friend Drive

2010-11-09T23:50:00.000-06:00

Tuesday was a good day! We had customers online and in the store. Shipping toys out is a lot of work, but it is worth it; helping Christmas dreams come true.

Maybe I am a bit idealistic? I'm okay with that. But, on to other things.

A big thing we are doing, you can read about on our facebook page, namely it is a facebook friend drive:

$50 GIFT CERTIFICATE GIVE AWAY!! Suggest our page to 20 or more friends, then enter your name (along with the number of people you referred us to) in the comments section under this post and your name will be entered into a drawing for a $50 gift certificate to our store. *Submissions accepted from now until Monday, November 15th at 5pm.

Be a part of this fun way to tell everyone about Town Square Toys, and win a gift certificate to boot! Fun!

Only 46 days until Christmas!

Reflections on the Soft Opening of Town Square Toys

2010-11-08T23:20:00.002-06:00

What a fun filled day of wonderment! So many people; so many toys; so little time. It was a great opening day. Saturday dawned bright and clear, all full of excitement for the new toy store in town. We took a lot of pictures. I will get some posted soon.

Many friends came to browse and shop. Thank you to all who were able to come by! Customers trickled in all day. There were busy times and slow times, but the busy times outweighed the slow times. We have a dance studion nearby and when class let out, we were very busy for a bit.

Girls, as a rule, adored the pink room. Little girls loved to play on the Calico Critters Table. Little Boys loved to play on the Thomas the Tank Engine Table. Bigger kids liked to try out the Ezy Roller and the Plasmacar in the front. Everyone seemed to want to make the paratrooper fly.

Tonja, from Frosted Pink, stopped by after we closed and brought us some cupcakes! She is the best, and so are her cupcakes!

I think we were all pleasantly exhausted by the end of the day. So much still to do. Can't wait until tomorrow.

Only 47 days until Christmas!

Town Square Toys in Mansfield, Texas

2010-11-06T10:40:00.000-05:00

There is a new toy store in town! That's right, Town Square Toys has gone local. (Not: Loco!) We are officially opening our toy store in Mansfield, Texas. Our location in 215 N. Walnut Creek, Mansfield, Tx 76063. Swing by if you have a moment to check out the coolest toy store in Mansfield!

I know you may be wondering if this means the end of townsquaretoys.com. Let me put your fears to rest! We are synergizing our two stores! We will have both the online toy store and the brick and mortar store open this holiday season. This allows us to offer you, the consumer, some great options; you can order online and pick up in store, you can find the toy you love and have it shipped to wherever you want, or you can just use the online store like an online store and the physical store like a physical store. It is up to you!

So, come by and see us! And, have a great day! By the way, only 49 days until Christmas!

Rebooting the Blog

2010-11-05T20:45:00.000-05:00

Well, we recently opened a brick and mortar toy store in Mansfield, Texas (more on that later). So, the blog is going to get something of a reboot. Rather than just focus on the toys that we sell, it will also talk a great deal about our new store. I hope everyone is okay with this. I mean, if they can reboot the Incredible Hulk, why not?

Ugly Doll - Ugly Monday Feature: Gato Deluxe

2010-04-05T05:47:00.000-05:00

Welcome to your Ugly Monday Feature, where you are introduced to the Ugly Dolls. Each Monday, you will get the joy of discovering a little piece of ugly on the ugliest day of the week. Have an Ugly Day!

Gato Deluxe is all that! He’s got it going on big time! Just look at him! He’s got a nose, some hands and enough confidence to make you think he’s up to something fantastic! Or at least that’s Gato Deluxe on the outside. On the inside, Gato Deluxe is a real sweetheart who knows he’s all that, big time. Wait, that’s the same. That’s right baby! Gato Deluxe is walking down the street! Like I had to tell you! Try not to stare! Meow!

Where did UglyDolls come from? Sun-Min Kim and David Horvath met in art school in 1996 and fell in love. After Sun-Min went back to Korea in 2001, they kept in touch by writing letters. David would include a drawing of a little guy named Wage in all of his letters to his love. Sun-Min decided to make a plush version of this little doll for David. He loved the doll and so she made 5 more. He sold the additional 4 to a store owner and they sold out almost immediately. For the next 18 months, David would design and Sun-Min would sew dolls, all while still apart. They met again at Toy Fair 2003 where they got a booth at the bottom level. From that point on, the dolls have been a hit!

Facebook Contest $25 in Free Toys!

2010-03-30T20:37:00.003-05:00

Hey, check out our Facebook page and enter the contest. You can get $25 in free toys. Here is how it works:

Suggest that your friends become fans of Town Square Toys by following this link:

http://www.facebook.com/townsquaretoys

Have them post YOUR NAME on the wall of our page. Whoever has their name posted the most times- WINS!

The fine print:

Your name has to be posted by a fan.

Each fan can only post one name.

You may post your own name, but only once!

Multiple name posts by the same fan will be ignored.

Contest runs from now until April 23rd.

Scenario 1: You send a message to your friend Mary with the link in it. She visits the Town Square Toys page and becomes a fan. She posts your name. You are on your way to winning. It is that easy!

Scenario 2: You change you facebook status, telling everyone to become a fan and post your name. John visits the Town Square Toys page and becomes a fan. He posts your name. Susan wants to win the contest and sends a message to John, asking him to post her name. Too Late! John already posted your name. Susan better get busy or you are going to win!

Scenario 3: You email all of your cousins to become fans and post your name. 7 out of 10 post your name but 3 out of 10 post the name of your aunt Murl. You got 7 and aunt Murl got 3. At least you are in the lead!

Ready, Set....GO!

Ugly Doll - Ugly Monday Feature: Babo

2010-03-29T05:47:00.000-05:00

Babo will protect you. Having a bad day? Someone giving you a hard time? Babo's got your back. What Babo lacks in mind power, he makes up for in love. He's everybody's best friend. He will stick with you to the end and when something scary happens, he will send you a nice greeting card from wherever it is he runs away to. A very curious, mischievous creature, Babo may need some guidance and parenting, so make sure to bring him with you to as many places as possible. Leaving him at home is fine, but please put all cookies and money on the highest shelf.

Town Square Toys on Facebook

2010-03-26T18:41:00.002-05:00

Just wanted to let everyone know about the goings on in Facebook land. You can stop by and become a fan of our page at http://www.facebook.com/townsquaretoys. So much to see. You don't want to miss out!

Ugly Doll - Ugly Monday Feature: Abima

2010-03-22T05:47:00.000-05:00

Abima is out of control! He’s got his hand in the cookie jar, and his mind on the next adventure, which is probably going to involve bouncing off the walls and knocking over expensive stuff. He only knocks over the expensive stuff. Not to worry though. Abima is very protective and would always watch out for you. Are you scared of the dark? So is Abima! Oh. Anyway, Abima loves to visit his favorite cousin Wage. They look like they could be related, right? Maybe he’s your cousin too.

Boomwhackers by Whacky Music

2010-03-19T22:06:00.000-05:00

I am not a musician by any stretch of the imagination. Still, I appreciate the inherent coolness of the Boomwhackers. Smack these tubes against something and they will each produce a specific tone. It sounds a little crazy but it is rather neat! Since the tubes are of varying height, or length, depending on how you look at it, you can easily put the notes in order. They are also clearly labeled and brightly colored.

The biggest seller at Town Square Toys is the one shown, the C Major Diatonic Scale. That is also the one listed in the Parents' Choice list of the 25 greatest toys of the last 25 years. These Boomwhackers are a Gold Award winner. You might be interested in some of the other Boomwhacker toys as well. We have a whole section on them. To me, the coolest is the Octavator! No, it is not a robot or super villain. It is a bunch of caps that you can put on your Boomwhackers to lower them a full octave! It instantly increases your Boomwhackers' tonal range. Come on by and check them out and start whacking something musically near you!

The Classic Skwish by Manhattan Toy

2010-03-16T21:02:00.002-05:00

Skwish is a classic toy; you have probably seen it before and didn't know what to call it. It seems both odd and simple at the same time. The bright colored sticks and beads all strung together in a springy, flexible, somehow orderly mess. It is really a great example of tensegrity. What is that? Check out this link from Wikipedia. Whoever thought this toy up was ingenious to say the least.

This toy is hypnotic and fun for little ones. It can easily be grabbed and held on to. There are multiple sliding beads that move up and down the rods, to keep hands and fingers busy. Bright, shiny, and non-toxic, this toy has been around for years and promises to be around for years to come. Pick one up today at Town Square Toys.

I also want to let you know that this is a Parents' Choice winning toy. They had a list made up of 25 Classic Toys from the last 25 years. The Skwish made the list! How great is that?

Amazing Baby Sound Plush Play Balls by Kids Preferred

2010-03-15T19:43:00.002-05:00

It is no secret that handy carrying cases are cool. The old adage "a place for everything, and everything in its place" comes to mind. Especially when you have a million toys around the house, it can be a relief to have a place to put them. It is also nice to have them easily packed up and ready to be thrown in a diaper bag or suitcase for a trip. Consequently, I like the Amazing Baby Sound Plush Play Balls by Kids Preferred, right off the bat.

You will most likely like them for different reasons. Perhaps you will like the fact that the balls are wildly different in color and design. Maybe you will enjoy watching your child discover that each ball has a different sound - one chimes, one jingles and one crinkles. Maybe you will have fun watching your little one try to pick up all three of these plush balls at the same time; dropping them and chasing them over and over. Who knows why you will like them? But, I bet you will like them, and I bet your little one will love them.

Winner of the 2007 Oppenheim Platinum Award and SNAP award. Just one more reason that we have them at Town Square Toys.

Ugly Doll - Ugly Monday Feature: Wedgehead

2010-03-15T05:47:00.000-05:00

Wedgehead has his eye on you and he likes what he sees! Finally, someone who understands him! He is very handsome too...can't you tell? What do you mean he looks pitiful? Look at that charismatic posture! Wedgehead understands you too. He sees things the way you see them...OK, so he has to stand on his head to do so, but still! He understands exactly what you mean. Wedgehead and his best buddy OX are on a mission to prove that humans really do exist, and he would like you to help them on their quest. The proof can be found in the snacks! Have any?

Busy Ball by Alex Toys

2010-03-10T22:36:00.002-06:00

There is a lot going on with the Busy Ball! The bright colors and wildly different patterns captures your attention right away. It is not a very large ball, only about 5 inches in diameter, not counting the loops and knots. Speaking of the knots and loops, they are great for little hands and fingers to grab on to. The soft velour surface is pleasant to the touch. There is also a little rattle that increases interest and encourages more play. This toy is not only an Oppenheim Gold Seal award winner for 2008, but it is a SNAP Award winner as well. SNAP stands for Special Needs Adaptable Product, and is given to products that can be used by or easily adapted for children with special needs. Check it out over at Town Square Toys!

Toys of the Last 100 Years

2010-03-09T22:26:00.001-06:00

I read an interesting article from Forbes today about toys. I know, right? Forbes doesn't exactly exude "toy." Anyway, it was about the top toys of the last 100 years. It was a pretty nice article with interesting tidbits in it, such as:

There are 43,252,003,274,489,856,000 different possible configurations for a Rubik's Cube.

Lincoln Logs were invented by John Lloyd Wright, the son of architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

Mr. Potato Head was originally sold without a potato.

In the article is says that Madame Alexander Dolls were introduced in 1929. There is a little picture of some of the dolls. I just have to say that they have come a long way since then. Check out the picture of the classic dolls and then check them out over at Town Square Toys.

Press 'n Go Inchworm by International Playthings

2010-03-08T23:56:00.000-06:00

The Press 'n Go Inchworm by International Playthings is, to me, a great all around toy for little babies and crawlers. It has a very bright and colorful exterior that captures the attention of kids. It is very durable and has a unique shape that makes it great for grasping and carrying.

The real fun comes in the Press 'n Go aspect of the toy. Little ones will find that they can push down on the arched back and, once they let go, the toy will zoom away. The rubber "tires" grip the floor very well and the wheels have domes sides with beads inside that rattle around and add another dimension of color and noise. Even if your little one cannot master the pushing right away, they will have hours of fun rolling the Inchworm back and forth.

The toy does not have batteries or lights or sound effects. It is a solid, classic, high quality toy that will live in your child's toybox for a long, long time. It won the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Toy Award back in 2006. It is still as popular today as it was back then. Check it out over at Town Square Toys. You will be glad you did.

Oppenheim Toy Awards

2010-03-08T22:46:00.001-06:00

The Oppenheims started reviewing toys back in 1989. Unlike other groups, they don't charge to review, nor do they accept ads from toy manufacturers. Consequently, they give out some of the most unbiased toy reviews and awards. You can find out more about them at their site. I thought that I would include some of our toys that are Oppenheim award winners. Watch for upcoming reviews.

Ugly Doll - Ugly Monday Feature: Jeero

2010-03-08T05:47:00.000-06:00

Jeero wants to hang out with you. Why? He needs you. Jeero thinks life is so complicated, so he needs you to comfort him. Wage and Babo ask him so many questions, and he isn't sure what makes them think he has any of the answers. Maybe they think his red nose means he's Jeero the wise. Well he's not! What time is it? Jeero has no idea. How do you get from here to there? Don't ask…Jeero doesn't know! Jeero just wants to sit on the couch with you and eat some snacks. Is that too much to ask? Jeero doesn't know, but he does know that it's time for you to cancel your plans and hang out with the Uglydolls.

Ugly Doll - Ugly Monday Feature: Deer Ugly

2010-03-01T05:47:00.000-06:00

Deer Ugly lives in the forest where it’s nice and quiet. Yeah but deep down, he’s thinking: “Please take me home with you!” The nice quiet forest is great, but Deer Ugly wants to see the world...YOUR world! He wants to explore the fantastic places you frequent. Like that room with the desk and computer? What is THAT for? Not much I guess. Please write letters to Deer Ugly. No, not emails. Real letters with real paper! But how would you begin such a letter? Deer Ugly!

Ugly Doll - Ugly Monday Feature: OX

2010-02-22T05:47:00.000-06:00

No, not like the animal OX, as in HUG and KISS! How can he hug you with such short arms? OX uses his ears! He's not a very good listener, but he puts his ears to good use in many other ways! OX is great at magic, and his best trick is turning your stuff into his stuff. His best buddy Wedgehead calls that stealing, but OX just wants to borrow things from you for a few hundred years. He promises to put everything back when he's done. What he wants to steal most are kisses, whether they're in the chocolate variety or just plain, and he promises to be your friend if you would lend him a hand, or an ear...or like Two Dollars!

Ugly Doll - Ugly Monday Feature: Ice Bat

2010-02-15T05:47:00.000-06:00

Ice Bat, comes from an Ice Cave and loves hiding inside Ice Chests. Everything he touches turns to Ice, yet profoundly he warms your heart. Ice Bat thinks you are cool and he wants to chill with you. He wants to hang out with you...or just hang upside-down, if that's OK with you! Ice Bat is there for you when you feel like you may be loosing your cool, or feeling like a fool. Don't panic! Don't stress! Grab Ice Bat and put him to the test.

Customize Your Shopping with Town Square Toys!!!

2010-02-14T12:26:00.004-06:00

We started Town Square Toys to provide not only products but a service to our customers. We are still here after all these years doing the same thing. Because we are a 2 family business, we provide personal and specialized service that you won't find in other online toy stores.

Customers can find:

specific toy suggestions for customers by email

recommendations based on age, interests and personalities by email

access to all specialty toy catalogs and inventory by special order

special ordering to meet high volume orders

discounts to homeschool groups, church groups, preschools, schools and day care centers by request

reviews of toys tested by our expert toy testers (our 7 kids)

personalized customer service

expedited shipping by request

suggestions for birthday party or school party favors

budget minded Moms that will help you stick to your bottom line

special sales for discontinued and clearance items

volume discounts for large orders

All you need to do is email me at orders@townsquaretoys and I will be happy to discuss your specialty toy needs in depth. Tell me what you need and we will do everything we can to help make it happen.

Thanks! Steph with Town Square Toys LLC (I'm the one in the back row wearing brown :)

Taggies Plush Telephone

2010-02-14T12:13:00.003-06:00

Taggies keeps the line fresh with a new cell phone. This plush little cell phone is great for pretend play and for entertainment in the car seat or stroller. It has buttons that when pushed play 4 different ring tones. The phone has a mirror on the other side so baby can see themselves. The bright colours taggies are great for tactile exploration. Taggies does it again with this adorable up to date colorful take along toy! And, priced at a very affordable $15.99, it's the perfect baby gift!

My First Painting Set by Alex Toys

2010-02-10T22:51:00.000-06:00

I never thought that I would get excited about paint cups and paint brushes. But, Alex did a great job in creating this paint set. Several things stand out which make this a favorite around our house.

First, the brushes are an appealing color and shape. They are easy for little hands to grab, hold, and paint with. I have cleaned them several times, after several painting episodes, and they clean easily. The best part about their design is that they have a fat, heavy end that is flattened. If your artist needs to set the brush down for a moment, he or she can just balance the brush on the end. When you are cleaning the brushes, you can also leave them on the end to dry; they dry faster standing up, I have found.

Second, the cups are just swell. The design is such that if you put a modest amount of paint in a cup, and snap the lid on tight, you will not have to worry too much at all about spills. The funnel shaped lids not only hold the paint in, but they help to guide the brush in for more paint and make sure that there is not too much paint on the brush. The cups and lids clean up easier than the brushes.

Third, I like the colors. You have your basic primary colors; you can make any color you want from here. Yes, I know, most little artists eventually come up with their own magical color of brown by mixing all the paints together, but you can pre mix for them if you want. Anyway, I really like the fact that you have each primary color in paint, brush and cup lid.

Throw in a handy carry case that also is great for storage and you have an awesome first painting set indeed. Be sure that the cups and brushes are dry before you put them away. And while you are in the artisting mood, check out a few more bits of information regarding the My First Painting Set, as well as tons of other art and craft items, over at Town Square Toys.

Ugly Doll - Ugly Monday Feature: Uglydog

2010-02-08T05:47:00.000-06:00

Uglydog likes to help. He helps Jeero operate the rope tow and helps OX help himself to different types of snack foods. He thinks you could use some help. Isn't that sweet? Bowow? Uglydog is the ultimate pet too. He won't fetch the paper for you, but he'll make your day feel like a front-page story! Uglydog doesn't really like to sit or fetch or roll over and all that stuff. Beg? No thanks. What he really likes to do is stand on his tail and live out his big dream…to be just like you!!! Except for the waking up early part.

Ugly Doll - Ugly Monday Feature: Puglee

2010-02-01T05:47:00.001-06:00

Puglee is super smart. How can you tell? You know how they say if you get really good grades, you’ll have a better shot at getting a really great job? Well Puglee figured out that a great way to avoid getting a job was to get the worst possible grades ever! Only an F- would do. But here’s the problem... Puglee LOVES to read, write, and count. So she gets all A’s no matter how hard she tries! Puglee is also smart enough to know that life isn’t about getting a grade. It’s about the special bond she now has with you.

Puzzibits are Flexible, Hexagonal Coolness!

2010-01-27T22:33:00.006-06:00

I had never heard of Puzzibits before we got them in the store. The name had a cool ring to it, but the toy is way cooler. I have always been a fan of the building toy and I am definitely becoming a fan of this one.

Puzzibits are little hexagonal pieces of a tough, flexible plastic that interlock to form whatever you can think of. There are three sides on each Puzzibit with loop-like extensions. Alternating with these extending pieces are little pegs that the extensions fit into. The pieces join so that when put together, the connections are hidden on the underside of the creation so that the top just looks like a mat of hexagons. (Check out the bottom of this post to see an image of the pieces up close; see how they fit together.) The pieces come in all kinds of colors, so you can make some really creative patterns and designs.

The way Puzzibits goes to the next level, however, is by being flexible. You can twist and turn the pieces to create three dimensional creations, totally unlike other building toys. The pieces are soft plastic, so you don't have to worry about them breaking or scraping anything. The plastic that they are made of also helps them to hold on to each other so that creations don't fall apart too easy, nor do they shatter if dropped; usually they don't even pop apart and if they do, it is far less tragic than dropping a Lego ship or building. (Anyone else been there?)

Most of the Puzzibits sets are actually three in one sets. Instructions are included on how to make the three designs, but it won't be long before your little one deviates off that path and starts creating stuff from his or her imagination. You might even find yourself sifting through a pile of puzzibits yourself and building something awesome. They can get addictive. The pieces are small and are not for children under 3.

One last thing that I liked is that the box that the Puzzibits come in serves as a pretty good carrying case. It is cardboard, but I found it to be fairly sturdy. It isn't going to last forever, but it does have a little handle on it and it works well. If nothing else, it provides storage, to keep the little Puzzibits from invading every corner of your house!

Wedgits for Girls! ImagAbility Goes Pink!

2010-01-26T22:21:00.000-06:00

Watch out boys. Girls, the wait is over! Wedgits has a cool 15 piece Pink Junior Set. Girls can now build in their favorite color. Now, I am not saying that boys cannot build in pink, I am just saying that pink is the most popular color amongst the little girls in our family.

For a little more information on Wedgits, you can check out our blog post from a while back.

These Wedgits are still as intriguing as original Wedgits and are completely compatible. Check some Wedgits out at Town Square Toys for the boy or girl in your house.

Buzz Balls and Chatter Stones are Magnificent, Magnetic Marvels

2010-01-25T22:53:00.000-06:00

I read somewhere that Einstein was fascinated with magnets. I can honestly say that I share his fascination. There is just something cool about them. Buzz Balls and Chatter Stones are super strong and shiny magnets that are fun to play with. The concept is simple enough: you toss them up separately, and when they collide they make a funny noise. I am not gifted enough to tell you if the Buzz Balls sound like they are "buzzing" or the Chatter Stones sound like they are "chattering," but they both make a cool sound.

The instructions do say that you are supposed to "play above a soft durable surface." I agree. One of our boys dropped one, from a goodly height, and it did break. It was a Chatter Stone, by the way. So, we couldn't really chatter with it, but it still serves as a really powerful magnet. I think the Buzz Ball would survive a higher drop, but I haven't had the urge to do an expirement to see.

Let me just remind you that these magnets are too powerful for the little kids, but you probably already knew that. Check out the magnetic wonderment at Town Square Toys.

Ugly Doll - Ugly Monday Feature: Wage!

2010-01-25T05:47:00.000-06:00

Wage is a hard worker, just like you! He works at the local Super Mart and wears his apron to serve his customers best. Does Super Mart know that Wage works there? Nope. But Wage doesn't mind. He likes to put things in bags, especially snacks. Wage is best friends with Babo, but there is always room for one more (you). The two of them can often be found on the sidewalk trying to make friends with fire hydrants, phone booths, and other lonely creatures. Wage hates for anyone to be lonely! What's with that look? Is Wage happy? Sure he is! He smiles on the inside. The next time you go grocery shopping remember to take Wage along on your adventures.

A Few Items for Your Bike - by Schylling

2010-01-24T22:54:00.011-06:00

This last weekend we bought our daughter her first bicycle. It is a little pink beauty that she loves. I cringe at the thought of her inevitable wrecks and crashes, and yet I smile thinking about how much fun she will have once she masters the two wheeler without her training wheels. Don't worry, she will be all padded and helmeted up. I remember my first bike and how much fun I had on it like it was just yesterday. If you are like me, you can recall when helmets and pads were not even thought of.

Well, the cool part about having a toy store is that we have a few classics that should be a part of any bike. Schylling makes both a bike horn, a bike bell, and handlebar streamers. The bike bell, to me, is the ultimate classic accessory. Just ring the bell around anyone and you will take them back to a memory. The horn may not be as memory inducing, but it is LOUD! It never ceases to amaze me at how loud it is. If you didn't want one for your bike, you could just use it to scare people! The streamers a cute and make me think of summer time.

I know that our daughter wants the bike bell. She may want the streamers too. I am not so sure about the horn. If you have a young boy, though, he will definitely dig it and want one on his bike. Go over to Town Square Toys and check out a bicycle accessory for your bike, or, if you want to, you can get one for your kids too.

Marshmallow Shooters are a Fan Favorite!

2010-01-23T22:51:00.002-06:00

I remember when the concept of marshmallow weapons first made an appearance around these parts. The first one I ran into was fabricated from pvc pipes and made to resemble a machine gun of sorts, with two handles. The barrel had an elbow at the back end that stuck up, a bit like a periscope. What you were supposed to do, was load a little marshmallow in the back and blow, thereby launching the confection projectile across the room or yard. Of course all I could think about was a kid running around the yard while trying to blow on this monstrosity, only to trip and crack a tooth on the pvc pipe. Needless to say, the mechanism did not get a lot of play.

Well, the Marshmallow Shooter, by Marshmallow Fun, found the solution to that problem. By adding a pump action air compressor to the design, little mouths are kept away from the hard plastic. And, the Shooters come with magazines, so you don't have to load the marshmallows one by one. Marshmallow Fun also has little, marshmallow sized, foam pellets that you can use if you don't want to cast sugar all over your house. Save the real marshmallows for when you are outside for the bugs to eat or the rain to melt away.

By the way, there is a Marshmallow Blaster for shooting large marshmallows or mixed shots; somewhat of a marshmallow blunderbuss. That is what is pictured above.

We also found that if you let the marshmallows get a little stale, they shoot a bit better. Fresh and sticky marshmallows tend to hug the barrel and not go as far.

As a side note: my nephew likes to dress up as various super heroes and action figures. He often is a clone trooper from Star Wars. His weapon of choice, even though we are out of marshmallows, is the Camo Series Marshmallow Shooter. Cute.

By the way, I chased a proverbial rabbit earlier and found out a bit more about marshmallows on Wikipedia. Did you know that there is a Marshmallow plant? Sounds like something from Willy Wonka! Read for yourself.

PlasmaCars are Fun for All Ages!

2010-01-22T22:26:00.000-06:00

When I first saw the PlasmaCars, I didn't know quite what to think. I liked their bright colors and the interesting, curious shape. The scientist part of me wanted to understand the physics behind their movement. The kid in me wanted to start riding one right away. But, I was patient and let my kids go first. Which brings up an interesting point: both kids and adults can ride these things. They are a lot of fun to ride.

You will want to be careful if you or your kids decide to ride one. They work great on any hard surface, but I would not ride on hardwood floors or linoleum; the turning back and forth could scrape up the flooring. When you are just casually riding, the gentle, back and forth motion would be fine. When you get the urge to race, though, that is when the scraping may occur. Sidewalks and driveways are perfect. You will be amazed at how proficient you will become in no time, swinging and steering around obstacles.

I also want to let you know that these are incredibly durable toys. Our kids have been racing and crashing their PlasmaCars for years now, literally. Other than some superficial scrapes, they are still in fine working condition. I just rode one the other day. Go on over to Town Square Toys and check one out today!

Alphabet Avalanche by Lauri Toys

2010-01-21T22:15:00.004-06:00

I like the Alphabet Avalanche for a variety of reasons. The letters are bright a colorful, in the primary colors of red, yellow and blue. There is a fantastic selection of letters, both capital and lower case, so you are able to spell almost anything. The letters have an interesting tactile feel, with a smooth back and a bumpy, crepe front. And, finally, and I think most importantly, there are at least 500 letters in this "avalanche."

Having this many letters allows for a wide open amount of play and usability. If I want to spell things in mulitple colors or the same color, mulitple times, I can. If I am playing with my kids, if they are playing together, or if we are learning spelling or sounds - we never run out of letters.

One word of warning; the letters are small and are definitely not for little ones. As the package says, they are not for children under 3.

Head over to Town Square Toys and check them out. There is a lot more information about the avalanche and other Lauri and Smethport toys for you to read up on.

Dripsticks: What a Great Idea!

2010-01-20T22:15:00.000-06:00

If you have kids of any age, you know that when your kids eat ice cream cones and popsicles, a fair majority of the sugary sweetness will end up on the kid, rather than in the kid. We live in Texas and it is often quite entertaining in the summer months to see if the kids can eat their melting ice cream faster than it can drip all over creation. What a mess! If only their was a simple idea that could work towards solving this problem.

These things are awesome. They can hold either a popsicle or an ice cream cone. They are made of plastic, so you can use them over and over. They are even dishwasher safe. They come in six different, bright colors. They have a good solid feel to them; something you and your child can really grab onto - it is much easier to hold a Dripstick than a cone that is turning to mush or a small popsicle stick. I truly think that you will love this product and use it over and over.

Check out a more complete description here. Or, go to Town Square Toys and get some for yourself.

Sea Monkeys: Strange and Amazing!

2009-09-12T17:33:00.003-05:00

When you were a kid, did you ever see the ad on the back of the comic book for Amazing Live Sea Monkeys? I know I did. I always wondered if they were real or what they were. The pictures that illustrated the advertisements were strange to be sure.

Well, it didn't take much exploring, even before the days of the internet, to find out what Sea Monkeys really were. (I won't spoil it for you.) But, while the mystery was gone, the curiousity of discovery and learning was still there. I don't know why I never sent off for any, but now I don't have to. And, you don't have to buy a comic book and send off for them either. Just go on over to Town Square Toys and order some Sea Monkeys of your very own.

By the way, Sea Monkeys have moved up and are living large now. Used to be you could only order the Sea Monkeys and grow them in your own mason jar or tiny aquarium. Now you have several different places to grow, and raise, and enjoy your Sea Monkeys. There is Sea Monkeys on Mars, Sea Monkeys in the City, Sea Monkeys Hang 10, and Sea Monkeys on the Moon. Crazy!

Town Square Toys on Amazon

2009-09-11T07:33:00.000-05:00

Click here and check out out little storefront on Amazon! It is a little Town Square Toys oasis in the middle of Amazon itself.

Toys in the Movies: Another Blog

2009-08-27T07:26:00.003-05:00

We have a second blog about toys in the movies that you can find at Town Square Toys. You should check it out. Leave a suggestion or two if you would like.

Back to School Sale!

2009-07-27T22:23:00.003-05:00

We have a great Back to School sale going on right now. You should check it out! Seriously. http://www.townsquaretoys.com/category_s/261.htm Have fun and thanks for visiting!

Clay Play Tools Playset Toy by Melissa and Doug

2009-07-26T06:23:00.000-05:00

The kid in me loves this toy. So does the artist in me. Melissa and Doug did a fabulous job in designing this toy: there is such a wealth of textures and possible activities that this toy provides. You have a rolling pin, two more textured rolling pins, five textured blocks, a cutter, and four tubs of colored dough. Even the lids of the dough cups have an animal shape that can be imprinted. The set is designed with bright primary colors. And, with a little help and inspiration, your little one can be shown how to make the secondary colors as well so you can have a rainbow of colorful creations. The box is sturdy and wooden, great for carrying everything around. I wish I had had one of these when I was a kid. *sigh*

Knights and Dragons Figure Toob by Safari Ltd

2009-07-25T17:49:00.000-05:00

Okay, earlier I was talking about the Safari LTD Toobs and how cool they were. I thought that I would just get a little more specific about the Knights and Dragons Figure Toob. I know we have talked about knights and such here before; this little tube of fun is just a miniature battle waiting to happen. What you have in this Toob are eight knights, two horses, one catapult and a dragon. Four knights are obviously on one side and four are wearing opposing colors. Most of the knights are bowlegged so that they can take turns riding the horses. That is cool. The plastic that they are made of is pliable enough that they fit well and stay put. The dragon is cute. The catapult arm is flexible so that you can pretend to fling stones in battle. I guess you could put a pea or a rice grain on it and actually flick something, but we haven't yet. I really like the portability and packaging of the Toobs in general and I think they did an excellent job on the characters in this one. Long live the King!

Uglyworm Plush Doll by Ugly Dolls is Quite Ugly

2009-07-24T13:57:00.002-05:00

We have mentioned Ugly Dolls before and mentioned how they came to be. I just was thinking about the ugliness of them today and my mind wandered to the Uglyworm. I am not sure what it is that makes him both ugly and endearing at the same time. I would have to say that the thin and unkempt hair is not doing him any favors. His one huge eye makes me think of Mike from Monsters Inc., and of the mythological Cyclops. So, that sort of makes up for the hair. He has no arms or legs, but a pleasant shape. He is soft and green, more like Kermit the Frog than Oscar the Grouch. And, the two sharp teeth are kinda cool as well. You do have to be careful with him, and the other Ugly Dolls, because once you give them a hug, you won't want to put him down.

Smencils and Snifty Pens - check them out!

2009-07-23T21:03:00.003-05:00

Smencils are scented pencils made from 100% recycled material. Each smencil comes in an individual freshness tube. Sheets of newspaper are rolled tightly around the #2 graphite writing cores until pencils of typical thickness are formed. Each one is put into its own corn-based biodegradable Freshness Tube. Smencils maintain their scent for 2 years! If you are looking for a cool, innovative and environmentally friendly product, then look no further than Smencils.

Snifty writing pens are a colorful and wonderfully scented way to work! The ink of the pen is black and the scent of each pen comes from the tip and clip. They write wonderfully smooth and smell even better! There are 4 scents to choose from, choose your favorite scent from the dropdown menu above or better yet - choose them all! Great for work, school or home use. Made from non-toxic materials and recommended for ages 3+.

Lots of cool smells to choose from!

Toobs are Too Cool! Safari LTD is awesome!

2009-07-22T22:25:00.001-05:00

Okay, some Safari Toobs came home with us the other day and I just have to say that they are the coolest! I already dig Safari and their line of figures. The Toobs are just really neat. You see it's a tube of little animals or people that you, or your kids, can play with. The Toob is a clear, square shaped, tube with a string handle and a cap that features a spinning globe. Actually my niece and nephew liked the lid almost as much as they liked the little creatures from the Toob. There is just a coolness and a cuteness about these Toobs of little guys that your family will love. Come and check them out! - Brian

Toymaker Spotlight: Corolle

2009-06-10T10:52:00.001-05:00

When we decided to pick up the Corolle line of dolls, I was not particularly excited. This was not because I didn't like the brand, but because I am a guy and don't get excited about dolls. But as a father of a little girl, I get to meet a lot of dolls and other little friends. As I spent some time checking out the Corolle catalogue and actually seeing the dolls in person (that sounds weird), I was able to see how amazingly well crafted they are. If you have a little girl, she will find an excellent toy and friend in a Corolle doll.

-Brian

Here is a little bit more about Corolle from their website:

Corolle is located in the Loire Valley , the storybook region of France that is famous for its scenic beauty and magnificent chateaux.

The Corolle design team aims to create dolls that look and feel as real as possible with faces that are often inspired by real children.And just as you would find in a haute couture fashion house, Corolle’s design studio is where a staff of professionals works to develop the Corolle look, sketching their designs and choosing the fabrics that will make them come to life.

Since its founding in 1979, Corolle has won more than 30 international awards for design and play excellence, including two DOTY awards (Doll of the Year) as well as awards from the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio, Dr. Toy and National Parenting Publications (NAPPA), among others.

Today, Corolle dolls are sold in more than 29 countries around the world.

Rubik's Cube Toy by Winning Moves

2009-06-09T18:09:00.001-05:00

If you are a child of the 80's, like myself, you will remember the Rubik's cube. Love it or hate it, it was and is an icon of puzzle toys. I will have to admit that I cannot recall ever solving the cube. I did take one apart with a screwdriver and reassemble it, but I don't think that counts. My brother did solve it. He bought the book that shows you how. I think I may still have that book. I digress.

The Rubik's cube is still one of the world's most popular and recognizable puzzle toys, and for good reason. It is small enough that you can take it with you almost anywhere. It is only one piece, so you can play with it anywhere as well, and not have to worry about missing parts or losing parts. It has tremendous replay value for a person who loves to solve puzzles. Even if you have figured out how to solve it, you can keep practicing and working at it and finding shortcuts to increase your speed.

My nephew acquired a Rubik's cube recently and, of course, figured out how to solve it. My boys spent some time with him and became enamored with the puzzle. Now we have the 4X4 cube in our store, which is just a bit more complex. We got it for my nephew for his birthday. He loved it and solved it frighteningly fast. It was fun to watch all the cousins at a recent family gathering all trying to solve the various Rubik's cubes around the room. Maybe I will pick one up and try to solve it myself. You can do the same at Town Square Toys.

-Brian

Rush Hour Toy by ThinkFun

2009-06-08T22:18:00.000-05:00

I love this game. You have to maneuver your car out of the traffic gridlock. There is only one exit. You can't pick your car up, but must slide it back and forth only. Similarly, you can only slide other cars and trucks out of the way, you can't just remove them. (Many times, on the way home from the office, I wish I could just remove some cars and trucks!) Anyway....

It sounds easy, but it can be mind crunching and complicated. The game has cards which conveniently hide in a little drawer and tell you how to set up the board. Then, you have to figure out and plan your escape. There are dozens of puzzles and varying levels of difficulty.

The best part for me is watching my kids figure out the puzzles. I can almost see the gears turning inside their heads as they try and try again to figure out the solution. I think that this game does a fabulous job of stretching their logical and spatial skills. You should definitely try it out.

-Brian

Toymaker Spotlight: Mellisa and Doug

2009-05-19T07:09:00.005-05:00

One of our favorite Toymakers is Melissa and Doug. We carry a ton of their toys. Actually I think we carry several tons! They have some of the coolest wooden toys and puzzles; the toys you remember as a kid, those all-time, classic toys. They really believe in the toys that they make and produce, and they are a great group of people to work with.

-Brian

Here is a little bit more about Melissa and Doug from their website:

Twenty years ago, we started our company in the garage of the home where Doug grew up — we had to be careful not to disturb Doug's parents who were still living there! Thanks to your support, we've been able to move into a real office down the road, a building that actually has separate ladies and men's bathrooms! Our philosophy has remained the same over the years–to make each and every customer a happy and permanent member of the Melissa & Doug family, while offering products with tremendous value, quality and design. We've always welcomed customer suggestions, and we continually strive to make improvements to our products. We're honored by the faith you place in us and view it as our responsibility to continue to earn your trust in the years to come!

The ABC's of Magnets

2009-05-13T18:41:00.002-05:00

If you are looking for an innovative way to get your kids to practice spelling, then you need some ABC magnets. If you are an educator and you are looking for a new and fun way to get your kids involved in the classroom, then you need some magnetic letters too. Smethport Toys makes a great set of magnetic letters. Each letter is about 1 3/4 inch tall and there are 120 letters included in the reusable storage bucket. Unused letters can simply be placed back in the plastic tub and stored for later use. There are multiples of popular letters so several words can be spelled at once. The bright colors and great larger size makes them easy to use for little hands. The same manufacturer also makes magnetic numbers - so even math can be fun too!

- Steph

Cake Pops!

2009-05-12T15:49:00.004-05:00

I got a call from a customer today saying she had ordered our mini cookie cutters to make cake pops. I didn't even know what cake pops were but after a little googling, I am now educated on the adorable new treat! If you are interested in trying them, then you need some mini cookie cutters. This cute little Bella Bistro set includes 12 stainless steel cutters ranging in size from 1/2" - 2" inches wide. They are perfect for cake pops or for mini cookies!

For more info on cake pops, click here!

They are truly adorable.

- Steph