The News Spot

Childsplayspot welcomes autumn and prepares for the upcoming holidays.

 

Unbelievably. . . we have had some snow already and it's not even Thanksgiving! Childsplayspot is still thinking autumn and continuing to plan for the upcoming holiday season. You will find our Best Toys list and information on planning a successful family game night in this issue.

Childsplayspot

In The Spotlight

   
 

In This Issue...

In The Spotlight

Childsplayspot Events

Trends

New Arrivals

   

Banagrams is an ASTRA Best Toy for Kids 2009 Winner.

Thames and Kosmos Power House Science Award Winner

ASTRA Best Toys for Kids Award 2009 Winners

Automoblox Vehicle by Manhattan Toy

As Childsplayspot celebrates its first anniversary at The Mall at Short Hills, we would like to share our best selling toy list with you. The following list is based on ten toy categories sold in our toy store during 2009:

  • Active -- PlasmaCar (Plasmart)
  • Arts and Crafts -- Art Easel (Melissa & Doug)
  • Baby -- Swap 'N Go Musical Snail (Yokidoo)
  • Books -- Goldilicious (Harper Collins)
  • Construction -- Crazy Forts (Everest Wholesale)
  • Dolls -- Les Beedibies (Corolle)
  • Games -- Bananagrams (Bananagrams International)
  • Plush -- UGLYDOLL OX (Pretty Ugly)
  • Pretend Play -- Prairie Kitchen (Kidkraft)
  • Vehicles -- Johnny Jungle Plane (WOW Toys)

The American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA) is also excited to share its Best Toys for Kids Award 2009 Winners. Each year your favorite independent and neighborhood toy retailers nominate and highlight The Best Toys for Kids. The toys that make this list are the most engaging, unique, open-ended, safe and fun toys. Each of these toys have made The Best Toys for Kids list and can be found at Childsplayspot:

  • Natural Skwish by Manhattan Toy
  • Twilight Ladybug by Cloud B
  • Shopping Cart by Melissa and Doug
  • Egyptian Pyramid by Playmobil
  • Automoblox Vehicles by Manhattan Toy
  • Mini Collectible Erasers by BC Office
  • Create Your Own Pop-Up Books by Creativity for Kids
  • Sticky Mosaic Twinkle Tiaras by The Orb Factory
  • Power House Green by Thames and Kosmos
  • Original Djubi by Moonracer
  • Chicky Boom by Blue Orange Games
  • Bananagrams by Bananagrams International
  • Doinkit Darts by Marky Sparky
Childsplayspot Events

The Elf on the Shelf Book Signing

Join us on Tuesday, November 24, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to meet Chanda Bell, co-author of The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition. Chanda Bell will be available to personally sign books at Childsplayspot.

This beautifully illustrated children’s book includes a commemorative certificate and comes packaged in a keepsake box which includes the family’s new scout elf direct from the North Pole. Additionally, elfontheshelf.com has an award winning interactive website where kids and adults alike will find games to play, can ask the elf questions, and register their elf’s name to receive a special response from Santa.

No registration is required for the book signing event. Lineup is on a first-come, first-serve basis. The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition book will be available for purchase on the day of the event. If you pre-purchase your book, you must show proof of purchase.

The Elf on the Shelf Book Signing

The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition

Trends

 

Apples to Apples by Mattel


 


 

Holding a fun family game night these days can bring your family closer, teach social and life skills, and provide hours of fun for all age levels. Family game night is a ritual that many adults today look back on with fond memories. The secret to the success of family game night is to involve everyone in the planning. Let the kids decide what food will be served and where to play. Both adults and kids should have a chance to pick what games will be played. Mark the calendar and remind everyone that they're expected to be there. Build the anticipation for the event so everyone looks forward to the time together.

Games teach different skills and are designed for children of various age levels. Families with children ranging in age from preschoolers to tweens/teens may have challenges in game selection. Play a range of games that reward a variety of skills so that each child has a chance to excel. Play one game that requires a good memory, one that uses math, and one game of chance for example. The time for game play depends on the age of the children involved. There are many 20-30 minute games available to suit your needs.

Our sales associate, Jeff, is our in-house expert on many of the games. Here is a list of game possibilities for your first family game night: Uno, Apples to Apples, Othello, Super Why, Hiss, Zingo, Zimbos, Bananagrams, and Blokus. All suggested games are available at Childsplayspot. Have fun!

New Arrivals
New Personalization for Kidkraft Step 'N Store.

New Arrivals
Wait till you see...

  • Personalized Step 'N Store by Kidkraft
  • Sew Fun by Alex
  • Discovery House by Yokidoo
  • Deluxe Village House by Calico Critters
  • Smencils
  • Musical Tea Set by Schylling
  • Cupcake Soaps by Creativity for Kids
 
  • Where the Wild Things Are--Book, Puzzles, and Plush
  • Ecotronic Toys by International Playthings
  • Pop-up Activity Ball by Kids Preferred
  • The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition
  • Maxi Scooter

...and more

Childsplayspot, The Mall at Short Hills, 1200 Morris Turnpike, Short Hills, NJ  07078