Best Toys for Kids 2011 – American Specialty Toy Retail Association list of best toys carried in local store
On the way to NYC International Toy Fair to find the newest and the best!
The Children’s Gift Shop in Northfield Carries 2010 Award Winning Toy List
Northfield Illinois, October 21, 2011–The 2011 American Specialty Toy Retail Association (ASTRA) Best Toys for Kids Award list is created by neighborhood toy stores and store owners across the country like Children’s Gift Shop. The award-winning list is available in the store .
Markie Carlson, owner of Children’s Gift Shop explained, “The 2011 Best Toys for Kids Award list features toys that deliver exceptional value by encouraging a child’s imagination and inviting discovery and exploration. There are toys that get kids moving, toys that build creativity, toys that fascinate babies, and even toys that delight hard-to-shop-for pre-teens. Most of the toys are not advertised on television. They are made by small manufacturers and most are only available at independent toy stores. ”
The ASTRA list is unique in that it draws upon the expertise of local toy store owners across the country who understand how kids play. “We like to make sure we can help to broaden a child’s imagination through play. We’d like parents to consider the products’ play value and focus on what the child can do with the toy, rather than what the toy does,” said Markie Carlson, Children’s Gift Shop owner and former teacher.
“Quality play facilitates learning and growth–helping kids practice social skills, build logic and spatial skills, create new understandings, and explore imaginative thinking,” said Kathleen McHugh, President of the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA).
Markie further explained, “We look for toys that motivate kids to unplug and get moving, build and design, investigate and discover…toys that fuel imagination and creativity, that let kids create the play themselves, those are the toys kids will play with over and over again. We believe that parents on a quest for toy value this holiday season want to choose quality over novelty, selecting classic and innovative toys that stretch their gift budget, provide endless opportunities for creative fun, and last for years, even generations, of playtime.”
The store specializes in educational toys, games, puzzles, arts & crafts, science, construction, creative play, and multimedia for all ages. Independent and locally owned, Children’s Gift Shop opened in March 1992. and is often noted for its classic to trendy selection for babies-tweens, and a super kid-friendly atmosphere. TOYS SELECTED FOR BEST TOYS FOR KIDS AWARD LIST 2011.
The store hours are M-Sat 9-5 and Sun 12-5. For additional information, please contact Markie Carlson
Children’s Gift Shop
310 Happ Rd, Northfield Village Center (behind the SUBWAY)
Northfield,Illinois 60093
847-441-5975
The Children’s Gift Shop is a locally owned, private, independent educational toy store specializing in toys, games, puzzles, arts & crafts, science, pretend play, construction, outdoor fun, books, for children of all ages and the entire family.
About the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA)
With more than 1000 members, the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA) is the largest association for companies in the toy and children’s products arenas. ASTRA and its member companies promote the growth of the toy industry by delivering products that serve children’s best interests. For more information, visit www.astratoy.org.
Themocracy