The holidays are just around the corner and today is Black Friday!!! Before you head out in search of the best deals, be sure to review The American Specialty Toy Retailing Association’s (ASTRA) 2011 Best Toys for Kids and our Top Picks (see below).
Sassy Moms in the City was invited to Building Blocks Toy Store for an inside preview of ASTRA’s 2011 picks and to meet toy inventors Chicago Toy & Game and Mary Kay Russell-Director of Marketing at Chicago Toy & Game answered our questions and explained the importance of supporting local shops and toy inventors.
My sassy kids had a blast exploring the store while I mingled with the experts and shopped for upcoming birthday presents. Leaving that evening was challenging. My girls love books and babies and were very happy with the area they claimed for themselves.
This was my first visit to Building Blocks Toy Store but it will definitely not be my last. The knowledgeable staff, enormous inventory and access to unique toys is invaluable. Shopping for 3 birthday gifts, all I had to say was boy, girl, age and budget. I was immediately provided two options for each. So easy and such a time saver.
Get 20%* back by shopping at Building Blocks Toy Store Thanksgiving weekend
SASSY MOMS TOP PICKS FROM ASTRA’S 2011 WINNERS
Active Play
Freestyle Spooner Board
by Spooner Inc.
For ages 3+
Using the Spooner Board, riders of all abilities can pretend they are catching a wave, riding the slopes, or burning up the asphalt without leaving the comfort of the family room. Designed for beginners, kids 3 can simulate spins, twists, slides, and wobbles, while getting a workout, stabilizing their core and improving their balance and coordination.
Classic Play (0-7 Yrs)
Teaching Cash Register
by Learning Resources
For ages 3+
Cha-ching!! Playing store comes to life with this talking, interactive cash register that rewards transactions with lights, sounds and voice messages. Holds actual-size money and includes a built-in scanner, scale, coin slot and volume control. Engaging play helps kids practice basic math skills and recognition of coins and bills. Requires 3 C batteries, not included.
Perplexus Rookie
by Plasmart
For ages 4+
6.5 Inches in diameter, the Perplexus Rookie by Plasmart is filled with layers of detailed maze structures. It’s a brainteaser puzzle with facets kids and adults find both fascinating and mind-bending. Flip, twist and turn the sphere to solve the puzzle. Easy to play but challenging to complete. Great for improving eye-hand coordination and spatial relationships.
Scientific Play
Big Bag of Science
by Be Amazing
For ages 8+
This giant kit by Be Amazing whets the appetites of budding young scientists. With more than 70 hands-on science activities, it guarantees hours and hours of science fun. Make water disappear or flow uphill! Create a soda geyser or grow fake snow! Science is fun with activities using chemistry, physic, magnetism, weather, biology, geology, and flight.
For the complete list of 2011 Winner visit http://www.astrabesttoysforkids.com/2011-winners.asp.
Sassy Moms in the City was not paid for this post. We were given a gift bag at this event.
A great store to get amazing toys for kids is at http://www.oildropper.com/shop/shop.php Not only because they have the most unique items, but also for their unbeatable prices!