TIPS ON FINDING THE BEST KIDS TOYS FOR YOUR CHILD

by Emily Lloyd

Finding the right kinds of toys for your child, whether it's his or her birthday or some other special occasion, can be tricky. There are so many toys and hobbies available today that choosing one can sometimes feel like hit and miss. Kids' talents and hobbies are diverse, but a few simple observations can help you find the perfect toy for your son or daughter. Keep reading for tips on finding the best kids' toy for your child.

Choosing the Best Kids' Toys:

1. Take a look at what your child already plays with. Take a quick peek into your child's bedroom or playroom to find out if your son or daughter has a favorite type of toy, hobby, game or sport. Does she prefer stuffed animals or building blocks? Does he prefer toys that are easily collectible like trading cards or action figures? Consider buying items that are similar to his or her favorite toy. Buy a couple of additional action figures that will complete an already existing set. If your son or daughter enjoys building blocks, then look for an expansion pack that would complement the blocks they already own.
2. Take your child's age into consideration. Age plays a huge role when choosing the right kids' toy or hobby. Older children can handle toys and hobbies with small or removable pieces, but those same pieces might be a danger for younger children. A sophisticated electronic game might be perfect for your older children but cause frustration for younger players. An older child might not like to play with soft and cuddly stuffed animals anymore while his or her younger siblings love them. Make sure the toy you buy for your son or daughter is age appropriate.
3. Think about what your child likes to do. Considering what your sons and daughters like to do in their spare time will help you narrow down the type of toys they might like to own. When given a choice, does your son or daughter enjoy playing indoors or outdoors? If your son or daughter enjoys playing outdoor sports, then outdoor game equipment like basketballs, baseballs or bikes would be the best choice. Some examples of indoor toys would include electronic games, board games, puzzles and models.
4. Ask them. Sometimes just asking them is the best way of finding out the best toy to buy them. Your children may be ready to try something new.

LEAP YEAR EVENT

Enjoy FREE SHIPPING all day February 29, 2012!!!!!  PinocchiosBooksAndToys.com has lots of great toys for all the events coming up this spring, so why not take advantage of this free shipping event!!!

Fun and Games

We have lots of new and exciting games here at Pinocchio's for children and adults of all ages.  Check out a few of my favorites!  What are your favorite games?

Just Arrived  Mermaid Beach by Gamewright  ($10.99)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e31WSoqeT20

Also from Gamewright.....Rory's Story Cubes  ($7.99)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gkv_nhKXuy0

Rush Hour by Think Fun  ($19.99)

Set up the traffic challenge and battle the gridlock as you slide the blocking vehicles out of your way to find a path for your red car to exit! This classic ThinkFun logic puzzle game features four levels of difficulty, allowing players to progress at their own pace. And with 40 new challenges, it’s even more bumper-to-bumper fun for all ages!

Quiddler   by Set Enterprises  ($13.99)

Quiddler®, The Short Word Game®, is a breakthrough in word games. Because short words like 'at', 'is', 'of', 'ax','ow' and 'zoo' can lead to winning,. Readers of all ages can play and win. There are bonuses for both short and long words. You simply combine all the cards in your hand into words. The words don't have to be related and you don't play off other players' words. In the first round players get three cards, in the second round four cards, on up to 10 cards in the last round. Just words. Just fun.

Small Business Saturday

Saturday, November 26th is officially Small Business Saturday in Downtown Morgantown.  Pinocchio's Books & Toys will be open that day from 10:00 - 4:00 with refreshments, special sales and a drawing for free Pinocchio gift cards!  

Main Street Morgantown will also have a drawing for an Apple® iPAD® and customers who make purchases totaling $20 or more at any business in the downtown or Wharf District will become eligible for the drawing to win the Apple® iPAD®. 

Registration will be at Arts Monongahela (201 High Street beside Huntington Bank) from 12-5 on Saturday, November 26, 2011.

We will also be having a Santa Claus for parents to take pictures of their kids with.

So please join us Saturday and show your support for small businesses!  SHOP IT, DINE IT, LOVE IT, LOCAL!

WELCOME

I would like to welcome you all to our new website!!!!  

www.PinocchiosBooksAndToys  

Pinocchio's Books & Toys has been in business since 1977 - well before the internet, online shopping and blogging!!!! 


 In many cases our business began before many of you were born.  For 32 years we have been providing the children of Morgantown with the quality toys and books.  We now wish to spread this service to a wider audience. 


 While we hope that our Morgantown customers will still shop in person, we feel that is website will help you see the vast variety of items that we have in the store and other items that will be available online only (such as some of our larger items) . 


 We also hope that our customers who can not travel to our store can shop online!!!!!!  I hope to make this experience as easy as possible.  New products will be added daily!!!!!


Since this website is so new, there will be many changes over the next few weeks.  I  welcome all your suggestions!

Must Have Books

  Children's books should be an important part of your young child's life.  Your child's room should have a shelf or book box where he or she can reach for a book any time.  Books should be found in other places in the house (as well as the car) such as the kitchen, tv room and living room.   I also suggest you always have a book or two with you when you are out and about for those "waiting" times such as the line in the grocery store or the wait in the doctor's office.   Here is a suggested list of books that are favorites for the first three years

1.  Swimmy  by Leo Lionni
2   The Carrot Seed  by Ruth Krauss
3.  Goodnight Moon  by Margaret Brown
4.  Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?  By Bill Martin
5.  The Kissing Hand  by Audrey Penn
6.  Caps for Sale  by Esphyr Slobodkina
7.  The Napping House  by Audrey Wood
8.  Papa, Please Get the Moon For Me  by Eric Carle
9.  The Snowy Day  by Ezra Keats
10. Good Night Gorilla  by Peggy Rathmann
11. Freight Train  by Donald Crews
12.  We're Going on a Bear Hunt  by Michael Rosen

VISIT US TODAY!