So what have we been up to, and what’s going on this summer? Well, we’re a relatively small company, but in a way we are “Growing” with two babies arriving in the span of about three months! Looks like we have a couple new in-house product reviewers.

So thanks to everyone for reading, and we’ll be back soon! In the meantime don’t forget to visit our website, and say hello on Twitter and/or Facebook. Best wishes for a wonderful summer from all of us at Growing Tree Toys!

To get started, simply find a toy on our site that you are familiar with, and review away! The chances you have to win grow with how many reviews you write!

- Write up to 5 approved reviews – get 5 contest entries per review!
- Write 6-10 approved reviews – get 10 contest entries per review!
- Write 11+ approved reviews – get 25 contest entries per review!

In addition, each day this month, one reviewer will automatically receive a $10 voucher towards any merchandise on our website! Each daily winner will be selected from all current entries.

On top of the entries into the contests, you’ll also receive the regular benefits of our Rewards program! You’ll get 25 points for a standard text-based review that is at least 50 words. Add a photo for 50 points or a video for 75 points. Not in Rewards yet? You’ll also earn points just for signing up!

Thank you – and good luck! Click here to get started!

While we all would love to be there, thanks to the internet, there are tons of ways to “virtually” attend.

The Toy Fair website has all the information leading up to the show, but is also being updated with photos and more. You can also take a look back at Toy Fair 2010!

Are you on Twitter? (Even if you’re not, you don’t have to be to follow along!) Check out the official Toy Fair Twitter at @ToyFairNY, or keep an eye on the hashtag #TF11 to see what anyone is saying about the event. (Don’t forget to follow us, @growingtreetoys!)

You can also visit the Toy Industry Association’s Facebook page for stories and more, posted by TIA directly and other Toy Fair attendees and fans. (If you don’t “like” Growing Tree Toys already, what are you waiting for?)

Take a look at the Toy Fair Flickr group for photos and videos from the show.

Finally, the official Toy Fair Blog has updates rolling in straight from New York City.

Keep an eye on the news, too, online and on your television, to see more demos and displays from the show.

Stay tuned, and keep an eye on our New Arrivals in the coming months for more from Toy Fair!

You still have time to get your gifts for the holidays – order by this Thursday, December 16th for guaranteed ground shipping by Christmas Eve! Refer to our holiday shipping deadlines to be sure that your gifts arrive in time.

Now – to the deals!

Twilight Sea Turtle Toy $33.95 $28.95 Save 15%

Metal Grocery Cart Toy $48.95 $39.95 Save 18%

Legends of Magic Kit $69.95 $43.95 Save 37%

Pink Sing A Long Microphone $43.95 $36.95 Save 16%

Tickle Monster Laughter Kit $34.95 $27.95 Save 20%

Make Your Own Lip Balm $19.95 $15.95 Save 20%

Mozart Magic Cube $33.95 $27.95 Save 18%

Lift Off Rocket Play Set $49.95 $39.95 Save 20%

Lady Bug Tent & Tunnel Set $69.95 $54.95 Save 21%

Bubble Gum Factory Kit $19.95 $14.95 Save 25%

If you have not already, (and if you have, thank you!) please head to our Facebook page. Simply “like” it (formerly known as becoming a fan). For every new like we get through Tuesday, we will donate $1 in toys to Toys for Tots!

For more information, you can read our blog post from earlier this month. If you don’t “Like” us already on Facebook, you can right here:

If you would like to help us share this with others you can use this simple link: http://bit.ly/gtt-toys-for-tots

Thank you for your support of Toys for Tots, and Growing Tree Toys!

We have supported our local Toys for Tots for years, but this program is the first that we are incorporating Facebook to help the cause.

“We agree that it’s important for all kids to feel included during the holidays. The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation has been making kids feel special at Christmastime for over 60 years. We’re proud to be a part of that tradition,” says Managing Partner Kim Emigh.

For more about this special promotion, please read today’s press release. If you don’t “Like” us already on Facebook, you can right here:

If you would like to help us share this with others (thank you!) you can use this simple link: http://bit.ly/gtt-toys-for-tots

Thank you for your support of Toys for Tots, and Growing Tree Toys!

Has it already been a month? Not quite, but close! Our Win Your Wish List contest comes to a close on Halloween – Sunday, October 31st.

Best of all – entering is easy. If you have not created a wish list with us before, create one in minutes and add your favorite toys. Mark your child’s favorites with their name to make gift giving a breeze for family and friends!

If you already have a Growing Tree Toys Wish List, all you need to do is add to or modify it, or simply log into it before Sunday the 31st. That will count as your entry!

So happy wishing, and best of luck to all!

We hope that our online storefront shows the same care and expertise that our customers experience when shopping with us in our store. We have been a part of our local community for over 30 years, and we want to thank our State College customers for their continued support. A big reason behind the start of Neighborhood Toy Store Day is the idea of supporting local business, which ASTRA elaborates upon when explaining the value of your hometown toy store, as well as any local retailers that choose your home as the place to do business!

ASTRA highlights the importance of supporting your hometown stores:

By shopping locally, consumers will find great toys while supporting vibrant communities and sustainable economic development. Shopping at neighborhood and independent retailers not only increases consumer choice, it also preserves jobs and local character. According to the 3/50 Project, for every $100 spent in local, independently-owned stores, $68 returns to the community in the form of taxes, salaries, charitable contributions and more–in contrast with only $43 dollars when consumers spend their money at a national chain.

And, not only are we celebrating Neighborhood Toy Store Day, but it’s a great opportunity to stop by our store (or any toy store) and see the newest toy items and get great ideas for gifts for the upcoming holidays! Check out ASTRA’s Toy Store Finder to find your local toy store, mark your calendar for Saturday, November 13th, and join the celebration! Be sure to visit us at 202 South Allen Street if you are here in State College!

We’re very pleased to announce the second annual Win Your Wish List Contest at Growing Tree Toys! If you use our site’s wish list feature anytime during October, you will be entered to win the entire contents of your wish list, up to $1,000! The contest ends on October 31, 2010 and the winner will be randomly selected and notified in early November.

Our wish list feature is free and AWESOME. Use it to store toy information by child and track purchases made from your list by friends and family. You can also email your wish list and search for wish lists made by friends and family. But the coolest part is that using your wish this month gives you a chance to win it all for the holidays!

Mine includes the Make Your Own Cardboard Dollhouse Kit, Magic Garden Science Kit and the Meowsic Toy Piano! I love that thing. You can search for “Ellen Yates” and send gifts to the office if you want. ; )

To enter the contest, simply create your own wish list or add some toys to an existing one. Go crazy–you could win up to $1,000 in specialty learning toys!

For the past few weeks, it has been an honor for us to be part of Shout’s Go Play Sweepstakes! Each week, one lucky person has won a $200 gift card to Growing Tree Toys. The sweepstakes culminates with a very playful grand prize – a Super Sunshine Castle Playset from Rainbow Play Systems! One lucky family is going to be geared up for years of fun play with a playset like that.

Want to enter? Well, why wouldn’t you? And don’t worry, there’s still time! Visit Shout on Facebook to enter. The entry period for the third gift card ends tomorrow (Sept. 7) and the fourth and final week to enter follows. Be sure to enter by Tuesday, Sept. 14!

Go Play! Also visit our Facebook page for an easy $10 off your next order with us. Hurry, the deal will be available for a limited time!