Jan 312013
 

We have a sneak peek of this year’s new items from Green Toys!  Green Toys creates environmentally friendly toys right here in the USA.  All their products are made out of a highly durable plastic made from recycled milk jugs.  And, they’re nice people too.  To find out more about their mission, their company and their toys, visit their site www.greentoys.com.  To see the new toys that will be arriving in March, look below!

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Tractor and Rocket

This is the perfect first tractor.  Especially if you’re a Oregon State Beaver fan!  And, do you see that rocket on the card in the background?  We didn’t get to see the rocket yet, but we’re super excited.  It looks like it comes with spacemen!

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Shape Sorter

This shape sorter reminds us of the Tupperware brand one that was popular in the 80s!  Bright colors, fun shapes, and the top lifts off for easy removal.  Your little one will be sorting shapes all day long!

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Rattle Keys

Another new infant toy!  These keys are big, bright and walk that fine line between being stiff enough to make a good rattle sound but soft enough to teeth on.  Score!

We can’t wait to get these on the shelf!  We’ll let you know when they come in!

Have a wonderful, whimsical day!

-Child’s Play

Jan 302013
 

Does anyone else have cabin fever?  Anyone else longing for sunny evenings?  Dry walks in the park?  Spring?  Well, this book might be just the slice of nature you need to hold you over another month or two.  Thanks to Chrissy for writing the review!

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Swirl by Swirl: Spirals in Nature written by Joyce Sidman, illus. by Beth Krommes

“A spiral is a snuggling shape.
It fits neatly
in small places.
Coiled tight, warm and safe, it waits…
…for a chance to expand.”

Why does the spiral shape occur in nature over and over again?  This book gently explores the spirals in nature all around us with the help of gorgeous, bold illustrations by Beth Krommes (Caldecott Honor Winner for The House in the Night).  Not only is the book beautiful, it also includes accurate labeling of plants and wildlife with informative information in the back.  A great addition to any child’s bookshelf!  Ideal for Pre-K.

Have a nature-filled day!

-Child’s Play

Jan 292013
 

Today we’re celebrating all things puzzles – jigsaw, block, peg, slide, logic, word, and everything else!  Here’s a few of our favorite puzzles, all in stock, of course!

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Metal Works Ferris Wheel, Ages 14+ $9.99

Pop out the pieces.  Put them together.  Show off your steel model.  Oh yeah!  These 3D laser cut models are a fantastic challenge for any future or current engineers out there.  Great for older kids and parents!  Lots of models available:  bridges, buildings, cars, planes, trains, space shuttles, even the Titanic!

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Sound Puzzles by Melissa & Doug, Ages 2+ $12.99

This first puzzle includes easy to grab pegs and fun sounds when the piece gets put in correctly!  Available in lots of varieties:  animals, trains, fire trucks, musical instruments, and shapes.  These are a perennial favorite!  Try out the one on our play table!

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Charley Harper Puzzle by Pomegranate $18.95

Pomegranate brand puzzles are new to us, and we are in love!  Super high quality, great images, well-fitting pieces – there’s nothing not to like.  These have been flying off our shelves though, so stop by soon!

Have a day in which you are able to solve any and all puzzles that present themselves!

-Child’s Play

Jan 282013
 

ThinkFun games are back in stock!  We’ve got lots of new and old games, single player and whole family games.  Awesome games like these:

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Shape by Shape, 1 Player, Ages 8+ $14.99

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Block by Block, 1 Player, Ages 8+ $14.99

These single player, mind-building games are intense!  Look at the photo of the 3-d structure (Block by Block) or pattern (Shape by Shape) and recreate with the pieces given.  Much trickier than it appears.  Hours of fun for your little genius!

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Rush Hour, 1 Player, Ages 8+ $19.99

Also for the logic puzzle crowd, Rush Hour is a perennial best seller and award winner.  If you don’t have this game, get it!  To play, select a challenge card and arrange the board as so.  Then slide the blocking cars to free your red car.  Great for car trips and quiet play.  Fun for desks and offices too!

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Cartoon It!, 2-6 Players, Ages 6+ $19.99

And, now for a family game!  This hilarious memory game makes improving your memory more fun than ever!  Draw a cartoon card, memorize the features, then draw what you remember.  You don’t need to be an artist to play and you’ll probably surprise yourself with hidden drawing talents!  Fun for all ages!

Anyone planning a family game night now?

Have a fun day!

-Child’s Play

Jan 252013
 

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And, these fun things are also happening this weekend.  You could have a pretty grand adventure!  Starting with a stop at the toy store, of course!

Mochitsuki – Celebrate the coming new year at this Japanese-American celebration.  Enjoy calligraphy, origami, bento box lunch lessons, a traditional tea ceremony, and wish making!  Sunday 11am-4pm at the Scottish Rite Center.  Details here.

World Sounds at the Children’s Museum – Celebrate music, dance and storytelling at this multi-day event. A different performer is scheduled from 11am-11:30am each day.  The show is free with admission.  Check the museum’s website for performer details. 

Have a SPECTACULAR weekend!

-Child’s Play

Jan 242013
 

As promised, more New Things!

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Zipper Bracelets

OMG!  These bracelets are the must have accessory!  Great for party favors too!

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Ring Stix Jr.

Ring Stix now come in a smaller, lighter weight version!  The original Ring Stix were a big hit last summer, and we can’t wait to test out the slightly more convenient sized version.  Flick your stick and the ring goes flying off, catch the ring with your stick when your teammate flicks it back!  Super fun!

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Tonka Vintage Steel Trucks

Say hello to the Tonka trucks you remember playing with as a kid.  Made out of steel and built to last, these trucks are a classic we are so happy to have back on our shelves again!  Expect to see them sometime in March!

New toys are arriving daily!  Stop by to let us help you find just the right thing for the child in your life!

Have a day full of smiles, hugs and happy sighs!

-Child’s Play

P.S. Don’t forget about Saturday’s event!

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Jan 232013
 

Last week Pat, Margaret and Megan were lucky enough to visit the Seattle Gift & Toy Show.  They ordered some of the newest, coolest, craziest and most awesome toys you have ever laid eyes upon!  Some of the toys won’t be available until March or April, but here’s a sneak peek!

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OMG Friends!

These adorable, pocket-sized pals are designed right here in town! Sgt. Peepers (the owl), Truffles (the pig) and Butterscotch (the bunny) are just too cute for words.  Check them out on Instagram too!  “They’ll cute your face off!”

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Y’all Ball

These rubber inflated balls will be perfect for spring!  The texture is somewhere between a Gertie ball and a Playground ball.  Perfect for catch or volleyball!  Available in several sizes and colors too!  Note:  All of the colors are shiny!

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Monster High Roller Derby Dolls

Check out these snazzy Roller Derby Queens!  Monster High Dolls are super cool, and we expect these to sell fast!  Just about as fast as those girls skate around the roller derby rink!  Swish (that’s a fast sound effect noise…)  Also, aren’t the helmets rad?

Check back tomorrow for more New Things!

Have an awesome day!

-Child’s Play

Jan 222013
 

Did you know the Cat in the Hat will be in the store on Saturday?!  Hooray!  We’re super excited, and in preparation have been brushing up on all our favorite Seuss classics.  Here’s a sample of what’s in stock:

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And, that’s just a sampling.  There’s also Hop on Pop, Fox in Socks, The Cat in the Hat Comes Back, and more!  Plus, some toys (of course)!

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The Lorax, Ages 3+ $4.99

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Dr. Seuss Stacking Blocks, Ages 2+ $22.99

Have a whimsical day!

-Child’s Play

P.S.  Here’s the event details!

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Jan 212013
 

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Our friend Amy Vining at Amy Vining Photography (AVP) is raising money for The Dougy Center, and you can help!  From February 16th – 24th, Amy is hosting the 2013 Most beguiling Babes contest, with all session fees being donated to the Dougy Center.

Here’s how to be part of the fun and help out a great, local non-profit!

Contact Amy to schedule a $25 mini-photo session for your beguiling babe (ages 1-10).  All $25 will be donated to the Dougy Center and you will save a lot of money on some fantastic photos!  Following your photo session, the five best shots will be displayed on the AVP blog.  Encourage your loved ones to visit the blog and vote for your little one by leaving a comment on their photos.  The child with the most votes at the end of the contest will win a $75 gift certificate to Child’s Play, prizes from AVP and more!

A few more details:

Photo shoots will take place February 16th-24th.
Spots are going quickly, so sign up now!
No additional purchase required.
$25 entry fee per child
Photos may be purchased after your session with special pricing!

For more information, visit Amy Vining Photography here.

The Dougy Center provides support in a safe place where children, teens, young adults, and their families grieving a death can share their experiences.  For more information about The Dougy Center, visit their website here.

Have a beguiling day!

-Child’s Play

Jan 182013
 

One of our favorite things:  EVENTS!

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Meet the Cat in The Hat!

Saturday, January 26

10am-11am

Meet the Cat in the Hat!
Take your photo with him!

This event is in conjunction with NW Children’s Theater.  See their production of Seussical, February 2nd – March 3rd.  For more information and tickets, visit their website www.nwcts.org.

But, that’s next weekend.  You need something fun to do this weekend!  Check out these cool events:

How about ice skating?  Here’s a list of where to skate in the Portland area.

Square Dancing, anyone?  Take part in the Portland Old-Time Music Gathering!  Workshops, jamming, dancing and concerts will be happening all day.  Visit their website here for schedules, tickets and more information. 

Monday gets here and you’re still itching for things to go out and do?  Friendly House has you covered.  Drop in for Family Yoga on Monday from 9am-9:45am.  Kids ages 2-5 and their parent are welcome to take part in this fun class by Little Lotus.  For more info visit Little Lotus’s website here.

Have an absolutely thrilling weekend!

-Child’s Play