Toys for Holiday Fun

A day many anticipate is finally tomorrow: the Vernal Equinox, better known as the first day of Spring! We look forward to the picnics, playtime and overall fun that the season provides.

Another occasion that stimulates spring-like thoughts is of course, Easter! Bunnies and chicks, eggs and food coloring, and like it or not, chocolates and candy help bring out the fun of this festive holiday. Set for an April 4th celebration this year, it’s time to think about what to place in those Easter baskets!

With that in mind, we’ve built a section of special Easter Basket Toys, all at the perfect size AND perfect price (less than $15!) Find crafts, fun for the outdoors and more. Rest easy knowing your Easter shopping is almost complete while a special child in your life will have fun and learn from their new educational toy!

Of course, we want your holiday surprises to arrive on time! Please order by March 24th for standard delivery, or by the 31st for expedited delivery.

So, Happy Weekend, Happy Easter and Happy Spring from all of us at Growing Tree Toys!

It’s 2010 and TGIF! Nothing kicks off a new year quite like spending a fun weekend with family, friends, and all of your great holiday toys – some of which I hope we provided!

We loved playing Santa’s elves in our warehouse workshop this past holiday season, and as our toys flew from our shelves (and some so quickly that they never made it to a shelf), we were excited to see which products you chose as your favorites!

And, to show you that we’ve been paying attention to what you want in your toys, we’ve comprised a list of old favorites and new surprises that you made popular this past holiday season.

Without further ado, here are your Top Ten Selling Toys of 2009:

1. Playmobil Christmas in the Forest Advent Calendar: A playful Playmobil spin on a holiday favorite, this Advent Calendar helps kids count down the days until Santa comes to town! This calendar includes a Santa figurine, a different animal for each day, and a traditional advent calendar.

2. Playmobil Pyramid: Hidden treasures, mummies, mysteries … this exciting Pyramid play set has everything inquisitive and imaginative minds could want! Little archeologists loved this new addition to the Playmobil family.

3. Metal Grocery Cart Toy: The perfect kid-size toy shopping cart takes “just like mom and dad” pretend play to a whole level of realism as kids load and unload groceries at whatever “market” they decide to visit.

4. Playmobil Sphinx with Mummy: Explore the secrets of the ancient world and discover the secrets held deep within this majestic sphinx – the tomb of an ancient pharaoh and his precious treasures!

5. Friends 4 Ever Bracelet Toy: A craft kit that celebrates friendship, kids will love to make colorful bracelets to wear and share with friends.

6. Elf on the Shelf: This holiday kit provides kids with one of Santa’s adorable elves to watch over them during the day; and at night, he travels to the North Pole to report to Santa about whether they are naughty or nice. Plus, when he returns in the morning, he hides in a different spot so kids can find him!

7. My First Lab Duo-Scope: The multi-purpose microscope that combines a basic biological scope and a traditional dissecting scope to view the small, indescribable features of the world as well as larger specimens.

8. Calico Critters Play Table: A great gift for the Calico Critters enthusiast, this sturdy play table features a flat top with a printed floor plan for endless imaginative possibilities, and a raised edge to keep all your Critters in one place.

9. Legends of Magic Kit: Houdini will be history once kids master the over 250 tricks and illusions in this jam packed magic kit! Can you escape from chains and produce silk scarves from nothing? Don’t worry, you’ll learn.

10. Red Sing a Long Microphone Toy: Become the next American Idol with this kid-size introduction to the world of singing and bellow out the best music has to offer. Choose a song because your fans are waiting!

Which of our 2009 Top 10 Toys do you think will make the list this year? Now, with only 330 more days to prepare for the start of the holiday season, we have a lot of work to do to make this year even better than the last! Check back often for the latest educational toys, the best art kits, and the everyday great deals of 2010. Happy New Year!

Christmas Eve has finally arrived and the elves of Growing Tree Toys want only one thing: to hang up their pointed elf shoes for a night of relaxation! After all, it was a very busy season.

As we scatter across the country to enjoy the holidays with our families, we (the busy elves of Growing Tree Toys) wanted to share some of our Christmas Eve traditions that have made our holidays extra special as we grew up, as well as those traditions that we enjoy today.

“When I was younger, Santa would stop by our house early, while we were at Church, and deliver brand new Christmas pajamas. Then, before bed, my mom would read The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg to my brothers and me.”      Kim – Managing Partner

“My sister and I would always exchange gifts on Christmas Eve after we hung our stockings. We also put out cookies for Santa before we went to sleep!”     Jon – Managing Partner

“My whole family goes to my Aunt’s house, after church, for some delicious food, outrageous laughs, and some holiday beverages.”     Sarah – Warehouse Manager

“Every year, my mom and I bake some fresh gingerbread cookies for Santa before we settled in for the night to watch 24 hours of A Christmas Story.”     Kendra – Copywriter

Christmas is just around the corner and while parents are busy “decking the halls,” baking delicious cookies for Santa, and “helping” Santa shop for loved ones, how will young ones celebrate the holiday season?

When I was younger, counting down to Christmas Eve was always a little frustrating because I couldn’t reach our family calendar and I wasn’t allowed to cross off the days either. Thankfully, my elementary school art teacher helped me create my very first interlocking paper link paper chain. Making a paper chain was easy – all you have to do was ask your parents to help you cut the number of paper strips you needed (ex. If you make your chain on the 7^th of December, you need 15 strips to count down until Christmas Eve), and then use a glue stick to hold your links together in a chain. I couldn’t wait to take a link off each morning!

While the chains I used to make were colorful, but simple, kids today have a whole new way to make super silly chains for this holiday season!

The next generation of crazy colorful paper links, the Paper Chains Kit from Alex Toys features 180 double-sided paper links in a variety of colors and designs to make over 75 feet of paper chains! From stripes to polka dots and swirls to checks, these double-sided paper links create colorful holiday decorations both inside and out. This colorful kit also includes the all important glue stick to complete this loop-de-loop, countdown fun!

Let’s face it, kids are crafty! What better way to help them express their inner artist than to create their very own tree ornaments and sparkly decorations?

I’ll never forget the first Christmas that my grandmother showed me how to make a Moravian star – a 3D paper star popular in Germany. (At the time, I’ll admit I was convinced she was showing me a family secret, and even though I know better now, the memory is still precious to me). We made them in every color and color combination we could think of and hung them from our tree and our ceiling.

To make a Moravian star, you need 4 strips of long paper and some patience because this star is made in an origami style. Check out these easy, step-by-step instructions to create your very own stars: http://highhopes.com/3dstar.html

When it comes to this seasons greetings holiday, it doesn’t matter if you celebrate with decorations, with gifts, or with family (or all three like I do), as long as you celebrate! Create some new traditions with your young ones that will last a lifetime!

Ah, if only all of your Christmas shopping could be as easy as buying a set of batteries! For the rest of us who tend to buy the toy as well as the batteries, it’s that time of year where super sales sweep across the nation prompting us to flood store after store in search of the perfect present.

In my household, we thrive on the challenge of giving the most creative presents (which we make and not buy) and make certain to stock up on the artsy necessities months in advance: colorful construction paper, holiday cards and tags, ribbon, paint, and tons of crafty imagination! But, sometimes the most creative gift is a classic game or toy that brings back those unforgettable holiday memories.

So, in the tradition of sharing what one loves with others, I’ve put together some holiday classics and crazy cool craft kits that all kids (and adults) can appreciate!

1. Elf on the Shelf – Have you ever wondered how Santa kept a watch on little boys and girls? The Elf on the Shelf provides kids with one of Santa’s adorable elves that watches over them during the day; and at night, he goes back to the North Pole to report to Santa about whether they are naughty or nice. Plus, when he returns in the morning he hides in a different spot so kids can find him!
2. Make Your Own Holiday Cards – Create your own brand of holiday cheer with the Make Your Own Holiday Cards from Made by Hands! Nothing says holiday spirit like one-of-a-kind cards crafted from over 250 die-cut Pop-Outs, a glue stick, and other supplies. Kit makes 10 colorful holiday cards and includes 10 multi-colored envelopes.
3. Paper Factory – Add that extra special touch to your holiday projects and gifts with the creative Paper Factory Kit from Alex Toys! To craft their creations, kids must shred paper, blend it with colorful paints and cool objects, and press it with the included supplies for one-of-a-kind paper, cards, gift tags, photo frames and more! Kit includes a papermaking tray, 2 screens, 2 boards, construction paper, 6 poster paints, wooden beads, ribbons, and more!
4. Two Glass Bowls Kit – Let your artistic side shine as you master the art of reverse glass painting with the Two Glass Bowls Kit from Creativity for Kids to create a dish that’s as delectable on the outside as what you put inside! This kit includes 2-8” glass bowls, paint, and paintbrush. Are you ready to craft a masterpiece for enjoying holiday snacks?
5. Two Square Glass Plates Kit – If you’re a bigger fan of square than of round, check out the Two Square Glass Plates Kit also from Creativity for Kids to create a palatable plate of artistic wonder! This kit includes 2-8”x8” glass plates, acrylic paint, and a paintbrush. Perfect for making cookie plates for a special holiday visitor!
6. Playmobil Christmas in the Forest Advent Calendar – A playful Playmobil spin on a holiday favorite, the Christmas in the Forest Advent Calendar helps kids count down the days until Santa comes to town! This calendar includes a Santa figurine, a different animal for each day, and a traditional advent calendar.

NOTE: We’re temporarily out of stock with this item – everyone wanted in on the fun!

At the end of the day, whether you’re in the mood to make a one-of-a-kind creation to share with family and friends – or countdown to the holiday with a favorite toy, we hope that you’ll find a new way to express your holiday cheer!

Source Citations:
“Funny Christmas Quotes.” Poemofquotes.com. November 10, 2009. http://www.poemofquotes.com/funny-quotes/christmas-quotes.php

Thanksgiving is right around the corner. It’s the season of family, of food, and of football, and not necessarily in that order, what with three anticipated NFL games scheduled for the infamous turkey day. But, this year, instead of parting ways when the table’s been cleared, why not beat boredom and fight fatigue with an interactive family game?

So, in the tradition of sharing what one loves with others, I’ve put together some silly, informative, and puzzling games that the whole family can appreciate!

Colors and shapes – oh my! A quick and quirky game that promotes strategic reasoning and color and shape recognition, Qwirkle from Mindware is like a tile version of UNO with the layout of Scrabble. A great game for young children because no reading is required, but just as exciting for older kids and adults, Qwirkle challenges players to combine quick thinking and strategy to win. For 2 to 4 players.

Explore the globe from the comfort of your own home, all while learning fun, educational facts about our planet and the animals that inhabit it. An interactive game that will puzzle and excite players, the Planet Earth DVD Game from Imagination Games brings the popular television series down to size to show how much you really know about the planet. For 2 to 6 players.

Meeting in the middle has never been such a challenge. The Blokus Game from Mattel challenges players to start a color train and keep that train going despite the other players’ colors quickly closing in on you. Be the first player to get all of your pieces on the board while blocking your opponents – sounds easy right? Maybe not so easy, but tons of fun! I block you, you block me, he Blokus – what a game! For 2 to 4 players.

Roll, count, and shut – the Double Shutter Game from Blue Orange Games is that simple! Or is it? Play is easy – players roll 2 die, add the numbers, and strategically “shut” the numbered tiles. Players continue to roll and “shut” number tiles until there are no moves left. Do you have what it takes to clear the board? For 1 to 6 players.

A fun-filled cross between poker and Yahtzee, the Yamslam Game from Blue Orange Games promotes calculated risk and smart strategy. In this game, it’s all about the luck of the dice roll because players score points based on what combinations (or attempted combinations) they roll. Score high and score often to claim victory! For 1 to 4 players.

At the end of the day, Thanksgiving is about so much more than food. It’s about spending time with family and friends – and scrounging for points, taking the lead and landing in the winners circle with everyone’s favorite family games. Gobble Gobble!