Imaginations' Toylady

2009-12-19T08:47:00.000-08:00

Our giant pile of snow at the bottom of the parking lot. Good spot for our chalkboard!

Super Snowy Saturday!

2009-12-19T07:09:00.001-08:00

Well, so much for one of the busiest shopping days of the year. We have about a foot of snow in Blacksburg, and the roads are a mess! We made it in, and I'm here if you want to call... we'll chat you can shop over the phone, and I'll hold things for you. Keith is offering to deliver next week too!

Fun & Games Friday!

2009-11-25T10:13:00.001-08:00

After you've feasted tomorrow, join us, starting at 8:00am for Fun & Games Friday! No mobs, no 4:00am alarms, just smiling faces...oh, and our delicious organic coffee & juice, goodies made fresh by our friends at Our Daily Bread, a super sale table, and of course, games (obviously with prizes involved!).

New Games Arriving Each Week!

2009-11-20T16:47:00.000-08:00

New Arrival at Imaginations: Patchwork will appeal to people who like fast paced games that call for a smidgen of strategy and a lot of luck. Each player draws seven cards (if you’re playing with only two players) and puts them on the arc-shaped wooden holders. The cards have fun graphic designs (if you have a friend into design, this is a game for them) that are printed sometimes on both sides of the same card–or two different patterns on one card. You can only look at the front of your cards and the back of your opponents cards. In other words you don’t get to see both sides of either set of cards…and that’s where the fun begins.

On each move you get two actions — with the goal of collecting four, five or six cards from either your own cards or your opponents. You do this by getting at least four cards in a row with the same pattern. Since you can see things that your opponent can’t (and vice versa), the opportunities to score look and are different for each player. There’s something very cool about that aspect of play.

Apart from really enjoying the game play, I love the wooden card holders–which would come in handy for younger children who often have difficulty holding cards. Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award winner!

Working towards the future children's museum!

2009-11-13T06:10:00.000-08:00

We had a fantastic time at the Children's Museum fundraiser! Thanks to Janine for staying with us the whole time. She talked with customers while Tess & I rang and wrapped! The money we raised will purchase the museum's membership in the national organization of children's museums! All things are looking good for us to have a wonderful children's museum in our area!

2009-10-28T05:20:00.000-07:00

Important (and fun) Announcement from the Blacksburg Children's Museum:

Imaginations toy Store is hosting a fundraiser for the museum on Saturday, November 7th during extended store hours 5-8pm.

Imaginations is located at 1531 South Main Street, across the street from the new First and Main shopping center and right next door to Annie Kay's health food store. It is an amazing toy store, full of unique toys and furniture that you won't find anywhere else!

Take care of some early holiday shopping and support the Children's Museum!!

For more information about the museum, or if you'd like to get involved, please email blacksburgchildrensmuseum@gmail.com or visit www.blacksburgchildrensmuseum.org (more info on the website is coming soon!)

Thank you all for your support!

Fun, soft chairs, made in America.

2009-10-19T06:14:00.000-07:00

Imaginations is proud to present Southeastern Kids! One of the new lines we found at the High Point Market. They have 'bean bag' chairs, blanket chests, gliders, and much more. You can choose from lots of fabrics AND have them personalized. We ordered several maroon & orange pieces! (We'll have them in a few weeks. But, you can come by before then and check out their catalog and fabric swatches.) They're perfect Christmas presents!! And, the best part...they're manufactured in High Point!

2009-10-14T13:35:00.000-07:00

THINK GLOBALLY, SHOP LOCALLY

FOR THE BEST TOYS FOR KIDS

PARENTS FIND ENGAGING AND SMART TOYS AT THEIR NEIGHBORHOOD STORES, WHILE SAVING MONEY AND THE ENVIRONMENT THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

Blacksburg, VA - October 14, 2009 – Gift-shoppers searching for quality and value this holiday season will not have to look far--they can find the best toys for kids right around the corner at their neighborhood toy store.

Parents are discovering that shopping at neighborhood and independent retailers is not only the most convenient choice, it is also an economically and socially responsible one, as well. Thrifty shoppers avoid high shipping costs by shopping locally.

Those dollars stay in the community, providing jobs and preserving the local character of neighborhoods. According to the 3/50 Project, for every $100 spent in local, independently-owned stores, $68 returns to the community--in contrast with only $43 dollars when consumers shop at a national chain. Resident business owners pour more money and energy back into the community in the form of everything from tax dollars to charity donations to participating in local initiatives through civic associations and area chambers of commerce.

"When you shop at an independent toy store, you are entering a universe of play possibilities," explains Kathleen McHugh, President of the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA). "Our members are part of your community and they will take the time to help you select just the right toy to help your child grow and learn through play."

Local shoppers can skip unnecessary waste and find plenty of value and quality at local and independent toy retailers. These store owners and managers have spent countless hours selecting and stocking their shelves with only the most innovative, unique, and engaging toys for children. With their expert understanding of how kids play, specialty toy retailers will guide shoppers in their quest for the perfect gift for the special children on their lists. Shopping at an independent retailer is like having your own personal shopping consultant..

Paula Bolte, owner of Imaginations Toy & Furniture Co., a member of ASTRA, reinforces those points. “We have celebrated holidays, birthdays and new babies with the families of the New River Valley, and beyond, for almost 13 years. Our passion is creating a family-friendly atmosphere where children of all ages enjoy playing and experiencing the fun playthings in our store. We will guide customers through the store, helping them choose the best toys for the children in their lives, and then gift wrap them at no charge!”

And shopping locally saves another kind of green, reducing the use of fuel and packaging for shipping. Goods bought from an independent store have a smaller carbon footprint than those stored and then shipped across the country. The environmental benefits extend beyond the single purchase, building more eco-friendly communities.

McHugh urges shoppers to think of their local stores first, "Consumers have a choice this season and by shopping locally, they will find great toys and support vibrant communities and sustainable economic development. Visit your neighborhood toy store and you may bring home more than just the perfect gift, you'll share the spirit of the season."

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.

They are right around the corner...

2009-09-17T06:08:00.000-07:00

143. We received 143 boxes yesterday. Two UPS trucks backed up to the garage door and started the process of unloading their trucks. Wow. That means 143 boxes of toys were priced and put on shelves (well, they all haven't been put away yet...still some work to do).

The holiday season is upon us, whether we are ready for it or not. The economy, homework, sports, weather, cooking dinner, swine flu, or crying baby can't stop them from coming. Halloween costumes will be made or purchased, the Thanksgiving turkeys will be carved, and then the trees will be decorated and the menorahs lit. Hopefully the perfect presents will be wrapped, then unwrapped, and excitement will occur and the fun will begin!

We don't need to buy a lot of presents for kids, just good ones. I am spending hours studying catalogs, talking to sales reps, asking customers questions, and attempting to stick with a strict budget, to offer the 'perfect' selection at our store this holiday season. There's no way it will be perfect, but I sure can try! There are wonderful choices of toys everywhere you look. You can sit down and order everything you need on line, I know that. But, what I hope is, people will feel the desire to visit a small, locally owned toy store this year. Our (the small mom & pop owners') passion is providing the knowledge, of our years in the business, to help select the perfect toys for children of all ages. We know our products, (and the companies that make them), we open our boxes, we touch each toy, we are concerned about safety, we work day and night to create a fun, kid friendly environment for families to visit.

ASTRA, the American Specialty Toy Retailers Association, has compiled a list of the 'Best Toys for Kids', 2009. Store owners, manufacturers, and sales reps, all had the opportunity to nominate items, then vote on them as a group. It wasn't determined by one or two people, but dozens. We took our years of experience and voted. There are no Tickle Me Elmos on the list. No Dora, Sponge Bob or remote control cars. The list does include toys to actually play with, to create with, to learn from and to really spark a child's imagination. That's what we all should strive for. To allow the children in our lives the opportunity to open their minds, and have the freedom in their toys to use their imagination to create their 'perfect' world...even for a little while.

Visit a locally owned toy store this holiday season. We will thank you and the children in your life will thank you.

2009-08-20T06:11:00.000-07:00

Our favorite game inventor, Dan Levy (mastermind behind Ruckus), has finally given us our new favorite game...Simpatico! Easy to learn, fun to play and a nice challenge for all ages. Luck of the cards and a little planning, will give you the highest number of cards at the end. Come by and we'll show you how to play!

One Happy Little Girl!

2009-05-14T06:17:00.000-07:00

I had to take a picture of this little doll (and her sweet brother who saw the camera, and posed). She had earned all her stickers, and been a very good girl and was lucky enough to get that Playmobil Circus she's been wanting for sooooo long! Her brother asked if he could play with it, and she said 'Yeah, you can play with me.' Now, that's a good big sister!! She totally earned that Big Top, she'll be a great ring leader.

Spring Playmobil Has Arrived!

2009-05-01T06:24:00.000-07:00

The brides, whales and submarines are here! Glisyn & I had so much fun checking out the new Dream Wedding display and the giant whale! Come in and see our 'wall' of Playmobil!!

2009-04-16T06:18:00.001-07:00

Wednesday, the 22nd is Earth Day. Come celebrate at Imaginations! We have goody bags for the first 50 families, healthy snacks, and other eco-friendly fun planned! Annie Kay's will also have special sales on reusable bags, bottles and bulk items! Stop by next Wednesday to GO GREEN with Imaginations & Annie Kay's!!

2009-04-10T06:30:00.000-07:00

New Spring Arrivals are here!

Gardening Gloves & Tools

Rain Boots, Umbrellas, Sunglasses & Hats

Our Newest Customer

2009-03-30T12:06:00.000-07:00

Elan came to Imaginations for the 1st time on Saturday. He loved looking at all the fun things, and then he saw the pink tunnel! He sat at the end of it for a long time, not quite sure what he was supposed to do with it. Then, we put the dragon in, and Elan came right in after it! He sat in there and played for the longest time. His parents, Ricky & Tara sat on one side, and Glisyn & I sat on the other talking and playing with him. After a while, he got tired, and crawled back out to Mom & Dad. Needless to say, Elan is getting a new tunnel for home! :) It's times like this that make me love my wonderful job even more!

Spring is here...really, it is!

2009-03-25T13:54:00.000-07:00

I know it's cold and rainy outside (at least in SW Virginia), but it's Spring inside Imaginations! The bunnies are hopping, the baskets are filled, the Playmobil guys and gals have been set up in the window, and we've made a bunch of really cute tissue paper flowers!

Come on in and see all our new, fun playthings.
Kites. Puppets. Playmobil. Playmais. Melissa & Doug. Bobux. Little MissMatched Socks. Etc. Etc. Etc.

2009-03-06T06:21:00.000-08:00

New Playmobil has arrived! There are animals, construction crews, pirates and add-ons everywhere! Come by and check out our window display, featuring some of the new sets, AND the tissue paper flowers we all made this week. We're ready for SPRING!!! And, by the way, Easter is next month. The bunnies should be arriving next week. :)

2009-02-27T05:34:00.001-08:00

Don't forget about our big 'ole furniture sale this weekend! It started yesterday with lots of customers filling their trucks, vans & cars with sale items. There's plenty left, so come by today and tomorrow anytime between 10am-6pm. It's upstairs of the toy store, so come in the front door and we'll direct you up!

2008-12-04T05:49:00.000-08:00

Imaginations Toy & Furniture Co. will be having a release party for Sesame Street Playground,

Putumayo Kids’ newest CD/DVD!
Families may join us for activities, coloring,
a fun sing along session and more!

Where: Imaginations @ 1531 South Main Street, Blacksburg, VA. Ph: 540-951-8515

When: Sunday, December 7, 2008, starting at 12:30pm
Listen to a few songs from the CD on the e-card link below:

Launch the e-card now!

2008-11-24T06:40:00.000-08:00

Wonderful Weekends

at Imaginations

Sat., Dec. 6th- Noon- 4pm Book Signing by Local Author Angel Valiant

Sun., Dec. 14th - Noon- 6pm

Playmobil Play Day

-Lots of Playmobil out to play with!

Sun., Dec. 21st - Noon - 6pm

Christmas Crafts

-let the kids make a present while you finish up your shopping!

2008-11-06T06:38:00.000-08:00

Get a jump start on your holiday shopping and help out the Down Syndrome Association of the NRV!

On Monday, November 10^th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Imaginations Toy and Furniture Company will be open to assist families with their holiday shopping. There will be light refreshments and personnel on hand to help with gift giving ideas. Plus, special catalog ordering is available for items that may be of interest for those with special needs. There are gift ideas for every age from birth to adult. And, 10% of all purchases from the evening will be donated to the Down Syndrome Association of the NRV.

So you can bring your children or leave them at home, but come out to Imaginations Toy & Furniture Co. at 1531 South Main Street in Blacksburg. Enjoy stress free shopping and support your local down syndrome organization.

For additional information, you may contact the DSNRV organization at 961-5001 or sduncan@duncanauto.net or Imaginations Toy and Furniture Company at 540-951-8515 or toylady@imaginationsofva.com.

The employees can't find anything!

2008-10-08T13:46:00.000-07:00

I spent all day Sunday rearranging the toy store...planning for the upcoming holidays. There are still a few things that haven't found a new home yet, and more new toys are arriving daily, but the fun has certainly begun! AND, we're wrapping and doing layaways for the holidays already! Come visit soon!

BC Erasers

2008-09-16T06:20:00.000-07:00

Ice Cream and Frogs and Hamsters! Oh my!

We just received a new shipment of BC Erasers, the fun little erasers (that I'm not sure anyone actually erases with). Children of all ages (and several adults) like to collect & trade these fun little fellows. They're only $1.00 each, so stop by and start your own collection!

Let's sing and dance!

2008-08-27T13:28:00.000-07:00

We just received this new display from Tune A Fish Recordings.

It is so much fun! You can push a button on the play system and

browse through all the songs on a CD. I think my favorite one is

Dan Zanes and Friends', "Catch That Train". Come by and

hear some new songs!

2008-08-09T14:06:00.000-07:00

We now sell individual

wooden blocks!

BEKA blocks-

Made in

St. Paul, MN

from solid maple.

Gentle on the planet.

Gentle on the children.

Sales Reps...our 'behind the scenes' heroes!

2008-08-09T12:59:00.000-07:00

This is me & Don Carswell, one of my favorite reps. He has been selling toys to us, and lots of other stores and toy catalog groups, for over 12 years! (Are we really that old, Don?). Three to four times a year, Don drives down from Richmond, where he lives with his wife and 2 beautiful daughters, and spends most of the day with us.

He represents 24 different toy companies, so we have a lot of catalogs to look through. Believe it or not, it is exhausting! I think it is easier, sometimes, to unload boxes and be on my feet all day. Sitting, looking at catalogs and trying to decide which toys to buy (spending all that money) is hard work, but I LOVE it. It is so much fun trying to find the perfect toys that the children will play with for a long, long time. I do worry about picking things kids won't like, or choosing something that won't sell, and then we're stuck with it. (No sending it back to the company!) It's a challenge buying just the right playthings that our customers will love, that also are safe, fun and educational.

There are many, many choices to make, and all of our wonderful sales representatives help so much. They can give us advice about what they have seen other stores order, and let us know when something is not selling well. They inform us about toy safety, company specials, shipping issues and new toys that we MUST have. So, the next time you come in and see me sitting at the front table with someone, it's probably a rep.- just have a seat and help me pick out a few things!

I want to say 'Thanks, Don' and thank you to all my other fantastic sales reps., it would be much harder without you!!

2008-07-24T05:34:00.000-07:00

Hello from southwest Virginia!

It is so beautiful this morning, I wanted to stay at home and play in my yard. But, I remembered I had one of our wonderful sales reps. coming today and the thoughts of working in the yard were left behind. I was excited to come and play with Don instead! He should have some new toys to show us, and we'll be planning a lot of the Christmas ordering. I know! It seems too early (and hot) to think about the holidays, but, in retail we have to start working on our 'Hot Toy' list now.

I also thought I would start sharing some pictures of our staff with you. Our 'Toy Experts' are so much fun! I hope you'll come in and meet them soon!!

This is Glisyn. She is our resident entertainer. She had visions of moving to NYC and being famous, but instead she's wearing a hula skirt and putting on performances for our customers daily! She started out running our property management office, then was quickly drawn in to the toys. She still rents our apartments to many of the VT Hokies, but she can't resist trying out all the new games and dress up clothes!

The Winners. The Losers. and The Ruckus Man.

2008-07-10T07:47:00.000-07:00

Happy July! I hope you had a wonderful 4th of July, loaded with family, friends, fun and fireworks!

I wanted to tell you about a wonderful trip we just returned from.

We traveled to the ASTRA (American Specialty Toy Retailers Association) Conference several weeks ago, at Foxwoods, CT. Besides attending informative, educational classes, visiting with representatives of the great companies we carry, and meeting lots of other toy store owners, we had the privilege of spending time with Tom and Marlene England. (pictured on the right, above, that's Keith and I on the left). Tom and Marlene own Dancing Bear Toys & Gifts in Fredrick, MD. We met them last year at the same convention, and hit it off right away.

Before we went our separate ways last year, we had come up with a friendly competition. One of our favorite games, in both of our stores, is 'Ruckus', a great card game that's easy and fun to play. Dan Levy (pictured in the center, above) is the creator, and he had just come out with a new card game, called 'Pile It'. We decided we would see who could sell more of his new game during the holiday season of 2007.

Well, before I tell you the results, I should say tell you something else. Imaginations, in Blacksburg, has sold more of the 'Ruckus' game than any other store in the world. Over 3,000! So, not to brag too much, but, we won...by a few boxes (okay a few cases!). Tom and Marlene are great sports, and have vowed to pay their debt; which is a visit to Blacksburg, BEARing the gift of Maryland crabs. Of course, we just want them to come see us, so crabs or not, we can't wait for your trip to southwest VA, England family!! Check out their wonderful store if you're passing through Fredrick sometime.

If you haven't played 'Ruckus' or 'Pile It' before, come on in. We'd love to teach you how!

Keep checking here, because I'll post more details about the awesome ASTRA conference soon!

Sidewalk Sale This Weekend!

2008-07-10T07:35:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again- our annual Summer Sidewalk Sale! Starting tomorrow, Friday, July 11th & Saturday, July 12th. 10am-6pm both days. There will be tables outside and inside, full of lots of discounts! 25-70% off!! PLUS, Annie Kay's (our favorite health food store, located next door), will have $1, $2, and $3 shopping carts full of great deals. Don't miss it!!

P.S- if you're going to be in Roanoke, Friday or Saturday, visit Imagination Station at 2126 Colonial Avenue. We have set up the 'Bargain Basement', with lots of discounted toys!

It's time to get some good deals, and go ahead...start thinking about Christmas shopping this weekend!

2008-06-13T15:28:00.000-07:00

2008-06-13T15:16:00.000-07:00

It's Summer Time!! Yeah!

The kids are out of school and mom's are already looking for things to do...and with gas at $4.00 a gallon, you have to look close to home!

So, we're trying to help! Next Friday, June 20th, bring the gang to Imaginations for Zany Zoo Day! We'll have the store set up like a zoo, where you can learn about all kinds of different animals. Plus, we're going to have REAL baby goats! One of our employees' family has a goat farm, and she's going to bring 3 of their new babies here to play! We're very excited!! There will be snacks, goodie bags, animal info cards, and lots of new toys for you to see. We hope you can join in the fun...

Mark your calendars now!

Zany Zoo Day at Imaginations!

Friday, June 20th from Noon - 4pm

Subaru Sustainability Tour Coming to town!

2008-04-25T16:44:00.000-07:00

It's Subaru Sustainability Tour day!

From 10am-5pm today, (Saturday, April 26th), Annie Kay's (our health food store next to the toy store) is hosting a 'leg' of this fun day. The folks at Shelor Motor Mile are bringing over two 2009 Subaru Foresters and letting people test drive them. THEN, after test driving, you will receive a $25.00 gift certificate to Annie Kay's! Everyone that test drives then gets entered into a drawing for a $500.00 gift certificate!We have 3 tents set up in the parking lot, with activities, free goody bags, kids coloring books, and lots and lots of tastings. It's going to be great fun!!Come by and see us today to check out sustainability ideas and test drive the all-new Forester!

2008-04-04T05:33:00.000-07:00

Hello and Happy Spring!

We have had a wonderful few weeks at the store. Everyday new items are arriving! It's like Christmas when we rush back to see what UPS or FedEx brought us. Most of my employees like the process of opening boxes and pricing the new toys. I love finding a new home for them in the store!

So, if you haven't been in the store in a while, you need to come for a visit!

Here's a few of the new items you'll see:

- 'Snap Circuits', 'Electronic Lab', and Solar kits from Elenco!

- Stacking, sorting, spinning, and rolling baby toys from Small World's IQ Baby!

- 'Gertie' Balls,'Stomp Rockets', Kites, and Sand & Water toys for lots of outside fun!

- 'Rush Hour', 'Cover Your Tracks', 'Bananagrams', 'Zingo', 'Wordigo'...all great games!

- Zoomorphs!! You have to see the new sets of animals you can create!

- Chewable Jewells, the fun, safe, adorable jewelry for moms to wear, and babies to teeth on!

- Organic cotton teethers and rattles for babies.

- Organic and Recycled Bean Bags

+ much, much more...you just need to come see for yourself!

The bunny is hopping down the trail next week!

2008-03-12T16:22:00.000-07:00

Happy Wednesday!

Believe it or not, Easter is next weekend! That means the bunny only has a few shopping days left to pick up all the easter basket 'stuffers'.

So, because it's come up on us so quickly, I have decided to stay open late next Saturday evening, (March 22nd). We'll be open 10:00 am-8:00 pm for all the last minute shopping. AND...if you'll plan on coming in between 6pm-8pm that night, I'll give you 15% off any purchase if you print out this post!! I'll also set out some snacks and maybe I'll have a gift bag or two to give away!

It will be lots of fun! Hope to see you then,

Paula

The Toylady's got a new Blog!

2008-03-11T06:19:00.000-07:00

Hello! and welcome to the Toylady's first blog posting!

I'm not too clear on what all I can do on this, or if anyone will be interested, but here we go! It's all about toys and playing, so at least we'll have fun!! :)

First, a little about us...

My name is Paula Bolte. My husband (Keith) & I own Imaginations Toy & Furniture Co. in Blacksburg, VA, and Imagination Station in Roanoke, Va. I've been the Toylady since March, 1997. Back then, there was no internet shopping, no Target close by, only a small Wal-Mart and not much other competition. Now, you can find anything you want online, in a catalog or walking the aisles of most big-box stores. What makes our stores unique? Our customer service, unique selection of toys and furniture, and all the exciting play things we have out for children (and adults) to play with! I work really hard to find wonderful, safe toys that kids can play with for many years.

We also offer fun, fanciful, free gift wrapping, so if you're running late for a party or baby shower, you can run in and out quickly. You can even call us, give us age and price range and we'll have it wrapped and waiting for you when you get here.

Easter is less than 2 weeks away, time has changed and I can hear the birds singing outside my office window! Hopefully, Spring is here and we can all go outside and play! I hope you will come for a visit and see all the great new toys we have received. I'll post a listing soon of some of the new items, and I'll see if I can figure out how to put pictures on this!

Thanks for checking out our blog! Please let me know if you have any suggestions.