Head to your Local Toy Store to Celebrate Neighborhood Toy Store Day!

Whose kids DON'T like toys??? I know mine do and we have WAY too many (as we found out in our recent move!) I just can't resist getting a really fun toy for them when I see one - I love the smiles that come across their faces as they play with a new toy!

With the holidays coming up, toys are the biggest item on any parent's list and a favorite gift for any child! I know my son is already telling me all the fun toys he wants! :) What better way to support your local community then to buy toys for your children at your local toy store!

The good news is that you have a good excuse to buy some fun toys coming up in about TWO weeks....Neighborhood Toy Store Day! The 3rd annual Neighborhood Toy Store Day is on Saturday, November 10th and this special day helps celebrate the benefits of shopping local!

Make sure you head over to ASTRA’s (the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association) new website to enter your zip code at the top of the page and find participating toy stores near you that will host in-store events and activities for the entire family! Toy stores across the country will be celebrating the joy of play during Neighborhood Toy Store Day on November 10, 2012

The festivities on Neighborhood Toy Store Day will highlight local talent and bring neighbors together in the spirit of giving. Last year's programs included crafts, entertainers, scavenger hunts, and charitable donations. Through Neighborhood Toy Store Day, customers see that specialty toy retailers are more than just stores, they are a central part of a vital community.

While you are on the website, check out the super fun and informative website which is packed with expert advice on toys and play for children of all ages. I really love their article on 5 Play Alternatives to Halloween candy. You can save their teeth and diets this Halloween by switching to fun toys instead!

I received a couple of great toys that can be found at your local toy store and my children LOVE them!

My infant daughter gets such a kick out of watching the Tobbles Neo get stacked, wobble and tumble!

The bright and cheerful colors, the physics of motion, and the unique grippable texture of Tobbles Neo awakens touch and gives her hours of fun everyday!

We also received the Roll and Play which my 3-year old LOVES to play with! It is the first game designed specifically for toddlers. Simply toss the big plush cube and identify which colored side faces up. Choose a matching color card and perform the simple activity shown, such as “Make a happy face” or “Moo like a cow”. Designed for parent and child to play together, Roll and Play strengthens bonds, builds confidence and provides endless learning opportunities, including colors, numbers and language skills. Roll and Play gently introduces play patterns and rules through a loving, joyful experience.

So remember, when you start your holiday shopping this year for your children, head first to your local toy store. When you buy from locally-owned businesses like toy stores that are members of the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA), more of your dollar stays in your community and it creates a multiplier effect in the local economy. For each dollar you spend at independent businesses in your community, three or more times as much typically goes back into the local economy compared to a dollar spent at retailer owned by a chain. Plus, I just find that local toy stores are more friendly, care more about their products and have a passion for finding the perfect gift for your children! :)

If you love this review and my site...

* Thank you to ASTRA for their product for review! Disclosure - This product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*