October 13, 2024: Support Your Local Toy Store

My grandmother used to take me to toy stores when I was little, but I haven't set foot in one since I worked at KB Toys back in high school. (Note that I'm not talking about my Friendly Local Game Store – I'm in there more often than I care to admit.) While my purpose for going was to pick up a gift for a young relative, I think I may need to return at some point soon to make a purchase and do my part to keep my local store alive. Why? Because toy stores spark joy.

 

No, really. During my trip to my friendly local toy store, I was amazed to find how excited I was for . . . well, for everything. Keep in mind that I'm not a toy collector, nor do I possess the spatial reasoning skills necessary for toys like model kits or Legos. (I have trouble assembling the stuff I bring home from Ikea.) And yet, I found myself wandering the aisles, my head full of fond memories about Barbie, kid-friendly craft kits, science toys, and Calico Critters. (Does anyone remember those besides me?) It was a homecoming of sorts, remembering the toys I'd play with at home or when out with friends. I walked out of the place with both my spirits and my purse a bit lighter. 

 

It's been great to see more and more game stores popping up across the country, but toy stores are still relatively rare in my neck of the woods. It's my hope that the ones that do open stick around for a while so kids and adults alike can enjoy browsing the shelves and falling in love with a new interest or hobby. That all depends on us, of course. The next time you need to pick up a toy for yourself or someone else, take a minute to search for a toy store near you. You may be surprised by how much fun you have.

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