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.

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!

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...

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.

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!

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!

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!!