Abacus Anyone?

We got some abacuses in the store yesterday. Yes, I know, some of you are saying "abacuses, I was always taught to say abaci." Well, there is some measure of debate as to whether the plural of abacus is abacuses or abaci. Check out a fascinating article in Wikipedia here. But, I digress.

We got some abacuses in the store yesterday to replace our depleted supply. Always been a fan of the abacus, myself. I have not often had the opportunity or necessity to use one, but like them just the same. I saw a show on TV once about these kids who would practice with abacuses so much, multiplying enormous sums, that they were eventually using abacuses that weren't there; moving their fingers in the air or on the table, tabulating. Wild.

Well, don't just sit there, check out an abacus here. We don't care if you order 2 abacuses or 3 abaci, you will always be welcome in our store!

If You Build It...They Will Play

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. Little hands make fast work of creating fantastical things with these new plastic Erector sets. I only wish they had been around when I was a kid. Sigh. Actually, I wish Town Square Toys had been around when I was a kid. Build away!

Crayons of the Future...Now!

So Steph brought home some of the Melissa and Doug crayons that we sell over at Town Square Toys. At first I was a bit skeptical. I, myself, was raised on Crayola crayons and have always been a big fan of the wonderful smell, texture and sight of the classic crayon of years gone by. I think anyone in my age bracket will recall the wonder and majesty of that old box of 96 crayons with the built in sharpener. You think I am joking? Here is a fellow crayon lover: http://dailyapple.blogspot.com/2008/02/apple-300-crayons.html

But I digress. The Melissa and Doug crayon set that we had on our hands was the 24 piece crayon set. We also have a 12 piece set and a big ol' 10 piece set to boot. But back to the 24 piece set. The first thing I noticed was the cool case to keep them in. Gone is the cardboard box of yore. There is instead a snappy, red plastic case with a clear front so you can easily see the crayons you have. The next thing I noticed, once I popped the top as it were, was that the crayons were triangular. Nice trick on the part of Melissa and Doug - no more crayons rolling off the table. I have three kids; I have spent months of my life picking up crayons off the floor or crawling under a table or chair to get one. Plus, Steph says it is better and easier for the kids to grip them. The third thing I noticed was the lack of paper. At first I thought this might have been a bad idea, but Steph brought up the fact, and it is certainly true in our family, that the kids love to peel the labels of the old Crayola crayons, first chance they get; now that problem is solved as well.
Overall, I think Melissa and Doug did a fab job on coming up with these groovy new crayons. The color variety in the 24 pack is great; a lot of interesting choices in there. I did have to give the old smell test a whilst they are not exactly the same as the classic I grew up with, they definitely could be the classic for my kids and yours. Try them out today!

A Mug By Any Other Name...

Well, we have these cool mugs here at Town Square Toys. They are bright and colorful and come in dozens of different names. You should check them out. They are hard plastic, durable, and dishwasher safe; perfect for your little one or for you. Be honest: haven't you always wanted your name on a mug? And not some boring old coffee mug, but a groovy, knock around the house kind of mug! Here is your chance!

The Bucket List: A Pail Rider? (ha ha ha)

Just wanted to drop a quick note about our little tin pails over at Town Square Toys. These are the classic type of metal pails or buckets with wooden handles. They are not too large and not too small; perfect for little hands to carry. Children can tote toys from room to room or place to place with ease. They also are metal so magnets stick to them. I don't know if that is relevant to your world, but I love magnets and so I thought I would bring it up. They also make neat little party gifts or take aways. Fill them with candy at your child's next birthday party. We currently have three to choose from:


Why if it isn't Curious George? Who doesn't love that little mischievous monkey? All those fantastic tales with George and the man with the yellow hat - don't get me started.

Here is your chance to have a little reminder of that monkey in your very own house. I know, I know, it is for the kids. But, you love George too! Now you can enjoy looking at scenes that take you back to the books you know and love from your own childhood. Bright yellow and vibrant red accents make this pail pop!

By the way, if you need any other Curious George stuff, we have it at Town Square Toys.


Next is the unforgettable little engine that seems to be able to do almost anything! That's right, it's Thomas the Tank Engine! Straight from Sodor island, Thomas is "toot, toot, tooting along" right to your front door. Or, actually, he will toot to your mailbox, but let us not pick nits.

Bright blue with shiny pictures of Thomas and some of his best friends, this pail with remind you and yours of the fun of being a kid, using your imagination and the hours and hours of fun with trains.

And, again, if you need more Thomas the Tank Engine toys, don't hesitate to come to Town Square Toys and get some.


Last, but certainly not least is the Rocket Robot pail. Kids love robots! I know I always did when I was younger. C-3PO, R2-D2, and Twiki from Buck Rogers were always favorites of mine. It wasn't until Terminator that I had second thoughts about robots. But hey, technically the Terminator is a cyborg and we don't carry a Terminator pail. No sir. Instead we carry a classic Rocket Robot pail. Friend to all!

Look at that face! He is just excited to be here. Bright red and blue colors show off this pail. With background images of stars and space, how can you go wrong? Take one of these wonderful pails home.

Town Square Toys also carries other Rocket Robot stuff that you might be interested in. Find out now!

Bubbles, Bubbles, a Gazillion Bubbles!

Last week we took the family to the park with some friends. We were going to play on the playground, throw the ball around, do a little geocaching and play with bubbles. The weather was phenomenal, the company was fabulous and the geocaching went swimmingly. So, as we wound down the afternoon, we kicked off the Gazillion Bubbles bubble machine.
Now, let me set the stage for you:
There was a large, multi-story play area - you know, with swings and tunnels and monkey bars and slides - just brimming to the top with kids and parents and grandparents. We were about twenty or so feet away, upwind. A gentle breeze was blowing. The sun was shining. The birds were singing. The children were playing and laughing. Then we turned on the bubble machine.
Oh, the happiness and unbridled joy that erupted forth from all around. Kids slowly started noticing the bubbles and going crazy! Life is great, but life with bubbles is indeed grand! Parents and Grandparents began to smile even more as their children and grandchildren squealed with glee. The wind carried the bubbles up and over to the play area. Bubbles were everywhere! Somewhere, Lawrence Welk was smiling.
We ran the bubble machine for a half hour or so and then our schedule necessitated our departure. Alas, our trip, just like the life of a bubble, was short lived. But, for that moment in time, the world was a brighter place, children were happier, and a Gazillion Bubbles flew home at last.
Wow - got a little poetic there at the end. Honestly, it was a total blast. I want to go and do it again. Maybe sneak into a mall and shoot bubbles over the balcony or something. You should seriously score one of these awesome Gazillion Bubbles bubble machines. And, don't forget to stock up on bubbles! You can power through this stuff quickly and you don't want to run out! I have blown a lot of bubbles in my life and this is possibly the best bubble mix out there. Grab some today. Also - you will need 6 AA batteries for the machine - don't forget!

Classic Toys Are Back

Did you ever see that movie Toys? Not Toy Story by Pixar. Or Toy Story 2. But, did you ever see Toys, starring Robin Williams? No? Well go and rent it. It is a great movie. This blog isn't about movies though, is it? So what is my point?

There is a scene towards the end of the movie when the characters pull out all of these old toys that kids don't play with any more; classic toys that you played with yourself as a child, or that your parents or grandparents played with. They use these toys to help defeat the common enemy.

Well, we have some of those toys. Schylling makes some awesome toys that harken back to a simpler time. Classic toys that you remember, or have seen or read about, that never go out of style. We carry a lot of those great toys. You should come and check it out. Take a walk down memory lane and hang out for a while on nostalgia avenue. We'll be waiting for you here at Town Square Toys.

Let the Kids Make Some Music! (or at least some noise)

One of the best things about kids is their unabashed love of making noise. Whether they are running around yelling and laughing, singing, or just banging pots and pans together; kids love to make some noise. If you are like most parents, you think that maybe they will actually pick up an instrument later in life. Maybe they will be good at playing this one or that one? Maybe they will be a virtuoso? Who knows? Well, here at Town Square Toys, we can help you get started. We have all kinds of things to throw in front of your little performer. Both Melissa and Doug and Schylling offer up excellent choices.

Now, if you want to start small and simple, you can always go for the simple percussion of the castanets or even the maracas. For heavy duty percussion, though, you will have to bring in the drums. That's right, the drums. If carrying a tune is not too important right now, pick up a kazoo or even a whistle. If your little one looks like he or she may have the chops, you can always try a harmonica - a perennial favorite to be sure.

That is the first round. Her comes some serious decision making:
You have some great choices for some awesome musical explosions at your house. Start slow with the Beginner Band Set 1 or the Beginner Band Set 2.

• Set 1 comes with a xylophone, kazoo, and castanets.

• Set 2 comes with a jingle stick, harmonica, and recorder.

• Or, you can go a little crazier with the Beginner Band set which has a xylophone with mallet, kazoo, two castanets, harmonica and a jingle stick.

• And just when you thought your head was going to stop spinning and your ears couldn't be tickled enough, you have the penultimate Band in a Box! This magnificent creation has a triangle, a tambourine, cymbals, maracas, a wooden clacker and tone blocks. It is a percussionist's dream!

I know, I know: it is all too much. "Maybe my kid isn't cut out for all of this music," you might be thinking. Well, honestly, that is okay. Fall back on the old tried and true and you can't go wrong.

Small Flocked Animals

Okay, my wife is not a big fan of the flocked Christmas tree. "The what," you say? You know, the tree that is coated, often smothered in fake snow. The wife hates that. So, what was going to be her feeling on the little, flocked creatures now inhabiting our wonderful store?

Personally, I think that the Calico Critters of Cloverleaf County are adorable. They are these ridiculously cute mammals that are flocked with a fuzzy kind of fur all over. Their eyes are always shining at you, asking you to play. Maybe not you personally, but your kids for sure. I am, and always have been, opposed to monkeys and most other animals dressing up like humans; but these sweet little guys pull off the look with style. And there is quite a variety of Calico Critters to choose from:

The Slydale Fox Family, the Cottontail Rabbit Family, the Hawthorne Hamster Family, the Dalmatian Dog Family, the Fisher Cat Family, the Beagle Dog Family and the Marmalade Bear Family.

Just look at some of the cuteness:




Okay, okay. You may not be a fan. But your little ones will love the Calico Critters. But, not too little. Calico Critters are small and some of their accessories are too. Ages 3 and up!

Jack in the Box

Did you ever see that scene in the movie Elf, where Will Ferrell is being tormented by the laughter of the Jack in the Box whilst building toys? It is a great scene and a great movie! I digress. The point is: this is the Jack in the Box from that movie! How cool is that. I was so glad to discover this once we started carrying this toy. Not that it isn't a cool enough toy in its own right. Come on, it's a Jack in the Box. Who didn't spend countless hours as an infant, turning the little crank, listening to "Pop Goes the Weasel," and waiting with breathless anticipation for the Jester to pop out? Who hasn't spent adoring moments with a child, watching them turn the crank and jumping and laughing when the Jester pops out time after time? Who hasn't stopped at a store shelf or by a pile of toys, spied a Jack in the Box, and played "Pop Goes the Weasel" once or twice to recapture the magic?
Hey, I like JACK-IN-THE-BOX as much as the next guy, maybe more. But this Jack in the Box, has far fewer calories and hours and hours of enjoyment for both young and old.

Silly Putty

Okay, what kid hasn't played with Silly Putty? I know that it was an integral part of my childhood. It was amazing stuff from the perspective of a kid. Stretching it slowly and letting it drop on a table. Pulling it quickly and making it break. Copying the Sunday comics and then stretching Hagar the Horrible or Snoopy out of shape. I found my old egg of Silly Putty the other day while moving. I copied so much newsprint as a child that the pink Silly Putty has turned grey. Wild.

Even as an adult it maintains its coolness. If you are interested in science at all, you can learn about Silly Putty.by clicking this link. It is just a piece of America that will always hold a slightly malleable piece of my heart.