Blocks: Not just for toddlers

 Toys  No Responses »
Feb 292012
 

Hello.

Was there snow at your house this morning?  One of our staff had just enough at her house to make a mini snow mammoth.  Anyone else make a snow creature?

Well, since we’re talking about building things, let’s talk about blocks.  Blocks are an excellent toy.  Cloth and soft rubber blocks start as early as 6 mos.  Alphabet and number blocks are great for 2 years & up.

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Uncle Goose Uppercase, Lowercase and Number Blocks, $19.99 each

There’s also magnetic blocks, plank-style Citiblocks and even “whimsy blocks”.  Aren’t these farm blocks from Melissa & Doug adorable?  There’s a castle set too!

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Melissa & Doug Farm Blocks, $29.99

And, the other awesome thing about blocks?  They can be a cool gift for adults too!  How awesome would these Elemental Blocks look in an office?

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Elemental Blocks, $33.99

Have a warm and toasty day!

-Child’s Play

Tuesday Tomes: We love Richard Scarry!

 Books, Events  No Responses »
Feb 282012
 

Hey there!

We’ve got some extra excitement brewing in the store!  On Saturday, March 10 (less than two weeks from now!) we will be celebrating Richard Scarry Day!  The author will not be present, but characters from Northwest Childrens Theater’s Busytown production will be here!  There will be story time, coloring pages and free photos!  So, mark your calendars now and don’t miss all the fun!  Click here for more event details.  And here for details on NW Childrens Theater’s Busytown production.

In preparation for the big event, we’ve been re-reading all of our favorite Richard Scarry stories.  Today, Megan is here to share her all-time favorite Richard Scarry book with you.  Enjoy!

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Richard Scarry's Best Word Book Ever, $15.99

When I was growing up, one of my favorite books was Richard Scarry’s Best Word Book Ever.  I still have my original copy and it is well loved, to say the least.  The corners are non-existent, a few pages are missing and the binding is held together with half a roll of packing tape.  I love this book!

Each 1 or 2-page spread is themed, ranging from the standard alphabet and numbers, to useful info like “how to get dressed” and “parts of the body.”  There’s also pages of trucks and vehicles, things inside a house, career options, doctor visits, and even “little things”, just illustrations of random small things you come across during the day.

The illustrations are simple and sweet.  The vocab is useful, and clever, with enough wit to entertain mom and dad.  There isn’t a “story”, but questions are included on every page, prompting kids to think about and really look at what’s included in the drawings and around them.  The best part is that this is a highly educational book, disguised with fun and whimsy.  A must for every library collection!

Have a fantastic day!

-Child’s Play

 

All Aboard!

 Sale, Toys  No Responses »
Feb 272012
 

Hello to everyone, and a special hello to all the little train engineers out there!

When I got to work today I saw someone wearing some striped pants that were made out of the same fabric of an engineer’s cap.  And, that got me thinking about how awesome trains are!  No matter if it’s wooden, miniature, Amtrak or the zoo train (my personal favorite) – Trains are awesome!

We have a wide selection of wooden railway tracks and accessories, great for anyone ages 2+.  We carry several brands including Melissa & Doug, Thomas the Tank Engine, Chuggington and Nuchi.  Track is available as individual pieces or in sets.

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Wooden Railway Set by Melissa & Doug, $129.99

One of our favorite sets is the Melissa & Doug Wooden Railway Set (pictured above).  It’s a great bang for your buck, with over 130 pieces, including 13 Trains, a Suspension Bridge, 2 Cranes and a Roundhouse with an Engine Shed!  Plus, everything else shown in the photo above!

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Chuggington Friends!

We also have all your favorite Thomas and Chuggington friends in stock!  And, a selection of Nuchi brand train cars and track packs are now on sale for 40% off!

And, if you’re not sure if your little one is into trains yet, stop by to test out our train table!

Have a bright, sun-shiny day!

-Child’s Play

 

Weekend Happenings: Feb. 24-26

 Events, Local  No Responses »
Feb 242012
 

Hello!

Welcome to the start of the weekend!

Have you ever been into Ellington, our nearby handbag shop neighbors on NW 24th & Raleigh?  For one, it smells amazing (“It’s Leather-iffic” according to Kris, the store manager).  Two, next week they’re moving to NW 23rd & Northup.  Even closer!  And, if you drop by our store you can pick up a 20% off card good at the new location.  Only available while supplies last.

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The Simone Tote, our toy expert Megan's personal favorite! Bags available in leather or kid friendly nylon.

 

If your Friday evening is still free, head out to Tualatin Hills Nature Park in Beaverton for Kids Nature Night: Frog Chorus.  Learn about Pacific chorus frogs and sing a few songs.  Then head into the park to search for frogs and other amphibians.  Fri. 6:00 pm and 9:00 pm. Tualatin Hills Nature Park. Beaverton. $25 (in district, additional fee for out of district).   More details here.

Or, hang out at the Mt. Scott Community Center Family Sock Hop!  Rock n roll 50s style!  Put on your poodle skirt, slick back your hair and join us for an evening of fun, family, and dance.  Enjoy live music, root beer floats, and great family fun.  Friday from 6pm-8pm. $3 admission or $10 family.  More details here.

See the Harlem Globetrotters at the Rose Garden!  See one of the most extraordinary rookie classes in team history.  Saturday at 2pm.  Tickets $15 and up.   More details here.

Have a weekend so great it makes you want to jump and down and wave your hands back and forth like Wallce & Gromit do!

-Child’s Play

 

Let’s Draw!

 Crafts, Toys  No Responses »
Feb 232012
 

Hello there.

The weatherman is predicting the need for rainy day activities this afternoon, and lucky for you we just got new Eeboo Learn to Draw Books!

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Eeboo Learn to Draw Books - Levels 1,2,3, $6.99 each

Great instructions, with lots of room to practice, ages 5+.  And, since it’s Eeboo, the books are full of gorgeous illustrations and silly prompts to get your imagination running wild!

Just need paper and pencils?  We’ve got those too.  Lots of new art products have been popping up on the shelves lately.  Don’t miss out on ever popular Glitter Glue, Friendship Bracelet kits and new Duct Tape Bangle and Tote kits.

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Alex Duct Tape Bangles and Tote Kits, starting at $14.99

Happy Crafting!

-Child’s Play

P.S. – Check out our Pinterest boards for even more ideas!

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Attention Space Cadets!

 Toys  2 Responses »
Feb 222012
 

Hello from Star Command!

We have a brand new Space section in our Transportation department!  And, our science section is not lacking for space themed fun!  If you’re a future Space Ranger, we’ve got all your needs covered.

Want to eat like an astronaut?  Check out Astronaut Ice Cream.

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Astronaut Ice Cream, $4.49

Need to brush up on your space knowledge?  We’ve got books, puzzles, star projecting flashlights and more!  Check out these great “Reach for the Stars” Space Flashcards.

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Space Flashcards by Flash of Brilliance, $12.99

Room decor?  Pick up some Glow in the Dark Stars, Moons and Supernovas (starting at $4.99).  Or make your own Solar System Mobile ($19.99).  If your ceiling is still lacking after all of that, hang up a Self-Orbiting Space Shuttle!  Turn it off, give it a push and watch it go!

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Orbiting Space Shuttle, $9.99

After studying, decorating and snacking, you’ll definitely need some toys to have fun with!  We’ve got awesome play sets, including Shuttle Launch and Space Exploration.  If you just need one rocket or figurine, we’ve got that too.   Space Blasters, Rockets and Aliens are all on hand, as well.  And, coming soon, Educo’s Discovery Spaceship!  It’s like a dollhouse for space rangers!

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Discovery Spaceship, $129.99

To infinity and beyond!

-Child’s Play

 

Tuesday Tomes: Roald Dahl Tribute

 Books  No Responses »
Feb 212012
 

Hiya!

This month the Royal Mail released a fantastic set of Roald Dahl stamps.  Check them out here.

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Roald Dahl stamps available from Great Britain's Royal Mail

Chrissy is one of our resident Book Experts and today she wanted to share her love of Roald Dahl’s The BFG with you.

In honor of the release of the official “grumptiously collectible” Roald Dahl stamp and current movie that is in production, Child’s Play’s book pick of the week is… THE BFG!

Sophie’s an orphan who is kidnapped from her bed one night by a giant after witnessing him blowing dreams into children’s minds with a long thin trumpet through their bedroom windows. It turns out Sophie need not fear because said giant goes by the moniker “BFG” short for “Big Friendly Giant.” As big as he is, he is small by comparison to the other giants, and is constantly being bullied by them for not ever eating “human beans” as the other giants do. He is not without defense however and fights back against them using nightmares!

Roald Dahl wrote books that kid’s love; funny, fantastic and strange. He didn’t talk down to children, he understood them. In Dahl’s world, his protagonists are often neglected & misunderstood children. Dahl sees their value and turns them into heroes. His stories often have the weak, pitted against the strong but the clever, virtuous & kind always win at the end.

His books make great read alouds & early chapter books for middle readers. Recommended for ages 7 through adult! FYI: 10% of Dahl’s author royalties go to The Roald Dahl Foundation, a charity which benefits sick children!

Read the book before you watch the movie!

Have a scrumdiddlyumptious day!

-Child’s Play

Music Monday!

 Uncategorized  No Responses »
Feb 202012
 

Hello!

New tunes are a great way to get your week going.  And, what’s more fun than making your own tunes?  We just got the new Woofer Guitar.  It’s adorable!  And, it has 3 play modes – acoustic, electric and hound dog!  Hound dog!  It sings “rawr” right in tune with any of the pre-recorded songs, or just signing it’s own tune.  And, make sure to try out the Whammy Bone for special effects.  20 pre-programmed sing-alongs (lyrics booklet included), volume knob, chord buttons and strings to strum, auto off after 2 minutes.

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Woofer Guitar by Just B - B You, $54.99

For the more ambitious, check out the My First Music Science Kit.  Not only do you get to make your own tunes, but you make your own instruments too!  Create 6 musical instruments, learn how sounds are created, then put on your own concert!  Score!

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My First Music Science Kit by Scientific Explorer, $20.00

Have a Zip-A-Dee-Do-Dah Day!

-Child’s Play

Weekend Happenings – Feb. 17-20

 Events, Toys  No Responses »
Feb 172012
 

Hello there!

Did you have a long week?  Need a hug?  Come visit our giant stuffed panda Lin Lin.

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Lin Lin with Anne, our Executive Plush Hugger

Then once your hug has refueled you, check out some of these great weekend events:

If bike riding is your thing, check out this weekend’s Kidical Mass happening.  Meet at 6334 N Williams Ave.  for coffee & tea, then ride over to SCRAP for Milk Carton Bird Feeder Making (BYOMC).  Saturday 12pm-4pm.  Details here.

If you’d rather stay indoors, Saturday is Family Day at the Oregon Historical Society.  This month’s family day celebrates Latino Culture.  Don’t miss the new bilingual exhibit created by the Smithsonian, and the pinata at noon!  Details here.

And, if you’re up for a trip, head to McMinnville’s Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum to see John Collins, the Paper Airplane Guy.  At the age of 9, John invented his own plane that flew 150 yards to the other side of a pasture across from his house. From that moment on, he knew that he would be an airplane inventor. Shows on Saturday 11:00 am and 2:30 pm, RSVP suggested. Free with admission. All ages. Event details.

Have an absolutely fantastic weekend!

-Child’s Play

Craft Projects via Pinterest

 Crafts, Toys  No Responses »
Feb 162012
 

 

Hey there!

Did you know we’re on Pinterest?  Search people for Child’s Play, then follow our boards.  Or, click the handy follow me on pinterest button, right here Follow Me on Pinterest

We’ve been pinning new favorite toys, craft projects, activity ideas and anything else kid, toy and fun related.  Here’s a few of the craft projects we’ve seen.  Click the links provided for tutorials.  Then check out Pinterest for more!

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Make Your Own Jellyfish in a Bottle

Make Your Own Jellyfish in a Bottle from Bhoomplay’s Blog

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Make a Bird Feeder out of a Slinky!

Make a Bird Feeder out of a Slinky from Apartment Therapy

Or pick up a craft kit from us.  Check out these new Eye Can Art kits.  Available in Layered Wax Drawing, Sumi-e Ink Painting, Amate Cut Paper and Collage Print Making, these kits include everything needed to make one of a kind art.  We’re excited to get these in some little hands.  They’re not quite like anything else we carry, and are sure to create one-of-a-kind art!

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Eye Can Art Kits, $21.99 and up

Have a day full of creativity and possibility!

-Child’s Play

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