Anytime you can get a deal on LEGO kits is a parent’s dream come true.
While LEGO stores don’t tend to share their deals in advance, there are a few sneak peeks the brick maker is sharing, in addition to other retailers who are already marking down towns of products. Keep reading to get some early sale picks!
––Karly Wood
All photos: Courtesy of LEGO
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If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation.
Got a huge list of family and friends to shop for this year? If you’re looking to not break the bank this holiday season, our list of gifts for $25 and under is here to save the day. From soothing bath bombs for moms to LEGO kits for kids, our list of gift ideas has a little something for everyone—on the cheap.
Always a popular choice for holiday gift-giving, this LEGO set is a 3-in-1, which means your master builder can make a T-Rex, a Pterodactyl or a Triceratops.
Bring back printed photos with this fun string of clip lights that can set the mood in your kids’ space.
Kids love Bluey! This four-pack includes the title character and her family: Bingo, Bandit and Chilli.
It’s like Connect Four with an edge—literally. Drop your tokens into the different sides of the tower, using the corners to trick other players. The first one to create a line of four wins!
This kit has 10 tools and molds, two pounds of Kinetic Sand (including rare black sand) and will entertain kids of all ages for hours.
These unique bath toys glow when they're wet and turn off when the water is all gone!
This 3D building kit comes with 40 pieces and a set of 20 LED lights. The design possibilities are endless!
This illustrated book features 50 female artists your kids should know about.
A sweet little game for Pre-K kids that'll have them working on numbers and matching skills.
Be the hero of the page with the Comic Attack Happy Pack, including 12 2 comic themed graphite pencils, 3 ninja erasers and a Mighty Sharpener too.
A hot toy for the 2021 holiday season! There are over 25 sounds and reactions in one of these friends.
These cheerful tumblers come in four colors and can be used for everything from your morning coffee to happy hour drinks.
You can pick from five different gemstones: Moonstone, Amazonite, Rose Quartz and Turquoise.
Give your home organization a personal touch with this handmade leather wrap.
These cool planters attach to a window so your herbs or plants will get plenty of sun.
Not only are each of these made with essential oils and Epsom salts, but when you buy from Thistle Farms, you are helping to support healing for women who are victims of addiction, prostitution and trafficking.
Get six of the iconic cookies in this tin that is perfect for holiday gifts.
––Gabby Cullen with Karly Wood
Featured image: Freestocks.org via Unsplash
Editor’s Note: Prices and availability reflect the time of publication. Images courtesy of retailers.
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I have a theory that cupcakes are a form of feminine oppression. No joke. Allow me to explain.
Your cupcakes for the second grade class are due to the teacher Monday at 8 a.m. sharp. You remember on Sunday around 5 p.m.. You freeze — and then visions from Pinterest begin to dance in your head. You know what I mean: the perfect cupcakes, the ones with the frosting piped on and the delicately drizzled decorations…
For those of you who spark joy from Pinterest-perfect cupcakes and can pull it off, I applaud you. I know you are out there. But for those of us mere mortal moms, I say… free yourselves! You see, to my way of thinking, Pinterest-perfect cupcakes lack an essential ingredient. They’re missing the OOPS.
Oops cupcakes have uneven, spattered batter and frosting that was smooshed on with a dinner knife and probably have a few finger pokes around the outside edges. Maybe a few even landed on the floor (frosting side down, naturally). Oops cupcakes are a form of freedom—freedom from a world where the image of perfection doesn’t allow for the beauty that is a mistake. Beauty that comes naturally and unintentionally. Beauty that comes from an oops.
In my work as the founder of Bay Area Children’s Theatre and mom of three (2, 6 and 9), I have found that creativity thrives when kids (and parents) are allowed the freedom to learn and discover on their own. Yes, they need adult guidance, but they also deserve an opportunity to make a mess and make a giant mistake.
“Living in the Oops” is accepting that if our job as parents is to train these small people to one day leap into life as fully formed adults, we must not only allow for mistakes, we must model mistakes and CELEBRATE mistakes.
In a theatre class, kids are asked to embark on a rehearsal experience where mistakes are a natural part of the process. No child will remember every dance step, every word of the song and the blocking all at the same moment. They have to learn each of those elements incrementally and as they are learning, mistakes are expected. What a powerful learning tool!
The permission to make repeated mistakes allows them to move towards proficiency.
At my house, we don’t usually have anything that resembles perfect. My boys like to cook dinner on their own occasionally. I assure you, these dinners are not pinned by anyone on Pinterest, but nonetheless, those two serve their scrambled eggs and over-steamed broccoli beaming with pride. My toddler is pretty sure that frosting is actually a versatile art supply.
And, right now, the infamous California missions school project has taken over an entire room of my house with LEGOs. My nine-year old has no idea how to build a LEGO model of a mission, but he’s going to try, and I applaud his can-do approach. There will be mistakes, there will be frustration, but he will persevere and I’m not going to tell him to clean up the LEGOS—even if I step on them with bare feet in the middle of the night.
1. Celebrate mistakes . Make a silly dance, turn on music, throw confetti every time a mistake is made.
2. Tolerate a level of chaos that’s right for you. When kids create, they make messes, and messes allow for the “Oops” to thrive.
3. Remember small eyes are watching . If you make a mistake, respond with laughter and positivity.
4. Create with what you have, not with what you think you need. If your kids want to build, leftover cardboard and masking tape are just as exciting as the fancy building kit
5. Share your own “Oops” stories with your kids. The best bedtime story is a true story from your childhood. Last night, I told my gang about the time that I ignored my mom, jumped on the bed anyway, and it fell through the floor. OOPS! Trust me, that story got some good laughs! (And I will never, ever have to tell my kids not to jump on the bed.)
So, back to those cupcakes. Sure, I like beautiful, perfect cupcakes. I struggle because I sometimes think of my whole life as an analogy around The Perfect Cupcake. I’m supposed to be the perfect mom, the perfect artist, the perfect boss.
The reality is, the more I strive for perfection, the more I struggle.
So, let’s revel in the sprinkles that end up on the floor, relish the blob-like sugar decorations that are supposed to be snowflakes and release ourselves from Pinterest-perfect cupcake oppression.
When we let in the Oops and celebrate the mistakes, that’s when we leap.
Nina Meehan is CEO and Founder Bay Area Children's Theatre and the host of the Creative Parenting Podcast. An internationally recognized expert in youth development through the arts, Nina nurtures innovation by fostering creative thinking. She is mom to Toby (13), Robby (10) and Meadow (5).
If you own tons of LEGO building kits, but still can’t get enough, then the newest online experience is coming. For the first time ever, you can attend LEGO CON!
Hosted and live-streamed from the LEGO House in Denmark, fans will be treated to a two-hour event on Jun. 26 starting at 9 a.m. PST. Keep reading to see all the deets!
photo: Courtesy of LEGO
Attendees will be the first to see new products, live building demonstrations with special guests and one of a kind opportunities to interact with LEGO designers. Not only that, guests will be able to leave their personal mark inside the LEGO House!
Nearly all the LEGO product lines will have a spot in LEGO CON, including LEGO Ideas, DOTS, Friends, Star Wars, Super Mario, City, Harry Potter, VIDIYO and more.
The event is free and open to everyone. Head to LEGO.com/legocon on Jun. 26 or catch the recorded version after LEGO CON concludes.
––Karly Wood
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LEGO has launched a fan-fave set! For the first time ever Sesame Street will appear in LEGO form in the new building kit, 123 Sesame Street.
The set was conceptualized and voted on through the LEGO Idea program, which gives fans the opportunity to submit their own ideas that can be brought to life with a LEGO master designer. Sesame Street 123 was a product of Sesame Street fan and LEGO enthusiast, Ivan Guerrero.
The new set brings together the details of the famed New York City neighborhood and includes Bert and Ernie’s apartment, Big Bird’s nest, Hooper’s Store and Oscar the Grouch’s trash can. The set comes with minifigures such as Cookie Monster, Elmo, Big Bird, Bert Ernie and of course, Oscar the Grouch.
Sesame Street 123 retails for $119.99 and is available exclusively at LEGO retail stores and LEGO.com.
––Karly Wood
All photos: Courtesy of LEGO
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Amazon Prime Day has come and gone and this year, the two day event was the biggest ever for small and medium businesses who sell through Amazon with over $3.5 billion in sales. So what did people buy on Amazon Prime Day this year?
Prime Members saved more than $1.4 million and earned tens of millions of credits through promotions while shopping this year. Here are the top sellers.
The Amazon Echo Dot was the number one purchased product globally this year. All in all, customers millions of Alexa-enabled devices, and more Fire TVs than last year's Prime Day.
Prime Members love streaming and the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K with remote control was one of the top sellers globally this year. The $50 purchase also comes with a remote.
iRobot Roomba Vacuums were one of millions of smart home devices purchased on Prime Day. Not only did this little sucker take home the prize for top seller in the U.S., but globally, too.
Prime members proved they want their deliveries safe and sound in the garage, and that's why the MyQ Smart Garage Door Opener was a best seller again this year. Link to your key app and control where, when and who opens your garage door––no matter your location.
LifeStraw is a personal water filtration system that is ideal for hiking, camping, backpacking or doing anything where freshwater isn't always available. Shoppers stocked up on this environment-friendly gadget that also gives the gift of clean water for a year for a child in need for every purchase.
The force is not strong with this one! The LEGO Star Wars Storm Trooper Helmet building kit was a super popular buy this year, coming in as a top seller globally.
—Karly Wood
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Summer camp is canceled: now what? Luckily, plenty of tech-savvy camps have taken their programs online to help us all keep the summer boredom at bay. Whether your kids are into art, robotics or cooking, there’s something for everyone on the internet. Read on to check out our must-try virtual summer camps for kids.
Save this entire list on Pinterest by clicking here.
Kids will get to Zoom with a real-live space expert from the Kennedy Space Center when you sign up for this exclusive summer camp. There are two, three-day, three-hour live sessions (10 a.m - 1 p.m. EST) available, and each one includes NASA-inspired science experiments, fun facts about rockets, space exploration, interplanetary travel and much more.
Dates: Jul. 28-Aug. 6
Ages: 7-10
Cost: $65 per session
Online: kennedyspacecenter.com/camps
Summer camp is for everyone! This camp—hosted by the Muscular Dystrophy Association—has activities and programs for all kids—even those with special needs. There are a ton of accessibly-designed camp activities like cooking and music classes, fashion design, crafting, and virtual scavenger hunts and escape rooms. Camps will be offered in one-week sessions (Mon.-Thurs.). The best part? Campers and parents can participate when it best fits their schedule.
Cost: Free
Ages: 8-17
Online: mda.org/virtual-camp
Your kids' favorite podcast is now in session! A super-cool collab between the Story Pirates and Random House Children's Books, this virtual summer camp offers plenty of opportunities for personalized interactive activities through July, including virtual "cabins." Plenty of well-known authors will be in on the action, too. Think Mary Pope Osborne (The Magic Tree House series), Nic Stone (Dear Martin, Clean Getaway), Danica McKellar (Goodnight, Numbers), Lincoln Peirce (Max & the Midknights, Big Nate), Vanessa Brantley-Newton (Grandma’s Purse, Just Like Me), and Judd Winick (Hilo). Livestreamed programming will be hosted on Mon., Wed., and Frid. from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. EST / 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. PST.
Dates: Jul. 6-Jul.31
Ages: 5-12
Online: storypirates.com/camp
We love the options that Blue Sky Kids offers. Choose from one-on-one sessions or small hour-long sessions (four or fewer kids), Monday-Friday. Parents can custom design a virtual program that works for their schedule, and the choices are endless! Think cooking, magic, yoga, calligraphy, sports, visual storytelling, dance, chess and more.
Ages: 5-15
Online: blue-sky-kids.com/camp
Sawyer, an online and in-person child educational resource has launched the "Summer of Sawyer." Each week will feature a different theme.
Week 1 (7/6 - 7/10): Arts and Culture, in partnership with the Brooklyn Public Library
Week 2 (7/13 - 7/17): Farm to Table, in partnership with Hungryroot
Week 3 (7/20 - 7/24): STEM/STEAM learning
Week 4 (7/27 - 7/31): Music Festival, in partnership with Lavender Blues
Week 5 (8/3 - 8/7): Spirit Week, in partnership with Nike Adventure Club
Ages: 2-18
Cost: Varies depending on courses
Online: hisawyer.com/camp
This 100% virtual camp offers three to six hours a day of live instruction per day, depending on which course you choose. There is a wide variety of options to choose from, including coding, app design, virtual reality and more. Plus, students can also virtually socialize with kids across the globe during live eSports competitions at 4 p.m. EST every day for free–even without course enrollment!
Ages: 8-14
Cost: $149-159, depending on enrollment.
Online: blackrocket.com
Bring the camp experience home by signing up for Happy Camper Live. Their website and app are filled with hundreds of hands-on activities, live daily broadcasts, an original video series and more. You can check out their free activities of the day (think making slime or learning new dance moves) or sign up for a monthly subscription.
Cost: $4.99/month
Online: happycamperlive.com
Choose from fun classes like Kitchen Chemistry, Intro to Drumming, Elementary Intro to MBA for Girls and much more. Classes are led by teachers from all over the country.
Dates: Session 1 is from Jun. 15-July 10. Session 2 TBD
Price: varies from $100 - $200 for a 4-week session
Online: monicaandandy.com/summercamp
Keep your kids learning this summer with an online course from American Heritage School. They have courses geared towards helping kids succeed in the new school year, along with specific areas like speech and debate and 2D animation.
Dates: June 1-July 31
Cost: $1000+ for 3-week course
Online: online.ahschool.com
This summer, kids can learn all about robotics with UBTECH’s cool new camp. The instruction is all virtual through interactive video, and campers will receive hands-on building kits with all the motors, parts, and sensors needed to make their own robots and solve challenges.
Dates: June 15-August 28
Cost: $400/week
These six-week courses for kids grades K-5 offer engaging, hands-on live learning. Designed by OSMO, and taught by some of the best elementary educators in the country, kids will immerse themselves in fun lessons that range from coding to art. Campers will get one-on-one interactions with instructors, both online and offline activities and personal feedback. Each weekly session lasts for one hour, and campers will receive an additional three hours of extended learning activities.
Dates: Classes begin Jun. 21
Cost: $149 per camp; parents signing up for more than one class will receive a $25 discount.
Online: live.playosmo.com
Let your kiddo’s creativity shine with this genius virtual camp. Sign up and you’ll receive a box filled with all the art supplies and instructions needed to create 10 art projects at home. You’ll also have access to daily live Zoom calls and a virtual art show at the end of the week. Their June dates have already filled up, so be sure to sign up ASAP.
Dates: July 13-17, August 3-7
Cost: $160/week
Online: artclassesforkids.com
Get your kids coding with this fun camp-in-a-box from Smart Buddies. When you sign up, you’ll receive a Smart Buddies robot to help them learn fundamental coding concepts. Kids will meet with their fellow campers twice a day to participate in activities and practice problem solving.
Dates: June 15-August 14
Cost: $179/2 weeks
Hello Future, a nonprofit organization that works with teens living in refugee camps, is putting on a virtual summer camp for teens 14-17. American teens will gain a deeper understanding of the global refugee crisis as they learn from and share with teenage Syrian refugees. 60% of the tuition fee will go towards the next session of Hello Future programming for refugee teens.
Dates: July 6-August 28
Cost: $2000/month
Online: hellofuture.io/summer-camp
For a flexible option that won’t tie you down to a set schedule, check out Camp KiwiCo. Their “summer camp in a crate” can be done on five consecutive days, or you can mix and match the activities at your own pace. You can sign up to be notified when camp is open. All of the online content and printables will be available for free, but you can also purchase the crates to enhance the experience.
Cost: $24.95/crate
Online: kiwico.com/camp
Get dancing with this sweet camp by the Peachtree City School of Dance. Taught by American Ballet Theatre certified teachers, kids will learn princess dances in different forms of dance (including ballet, jazz and hip hop) and receive daily craft kits.
Dates: June 8-July 10
Cost: $50/week
Online: ptcschoolofdance.com/PTCSchoolOfDanceVirtualCamps.htm
Join chef, farmer and homesteader Cooper Boone for a one-of-a-kind virtual camp. Little ones will learn “homesteader hacks” to get back to basics in the kitchen, outside and at a makers table. You’ll receive a list of materials and ingredients you’ll need before each Zoom course.
Dates: June 8-August 20
Cost: $50/week
Online: f42home.com/summercamp
Start a new hobby this summer with Chess NYC. They’re offering online group lessons and camps for every skill level; they even offer a personal evaluation to make sure you get started with the right program.
Cost: $236/week or $54/day; financial assistance is available
Online: chessnyc.com
Got a budding entrepreneur in your family? Camp WIT gives tweens and teens a chance to connect with entrepreneurs from different fields and industries. Each day includes live workout activities, cooking classes and lots of opportunities for personal development.
Dates: June 1-26
Cost: $1750/4 weeks or $1000/2 weeks
Online: doingwit.org/camp-wit-1
Camp Cloud is bringing the quintessential summer camp experience home. Offering seven different themes to choose from, there’s something for every kid. Explore shelter building and outdoor skills in Camp Adventure or imagine yourself stranded on a deserted island in Humanity Island.
Dates: June 1-July 31
Cost: $275/week (sibling discounts available)
Online: thecampcloud.com
Based in Westchester, New York, Challenge Camp is taking its unique experience online for kids across the country. Kids can pick from over 100 elective STEM and art enrichment classes ranging from escape rooms and cooking to fencing and photography.
Dates: June 29-August 14
Cost: $750+/3 weeks
Online: challengecamps.com
If your kid’s missing the playground, then this camp from LA-based Got Game will put a smile on their face. Each session includes sports, games, crafts, science experiments and more.
Dates: June 15-August 14
Cost: $95/week ($75/week before June 3)
Online: gotgamecamp.com/program/53/
During Virtual Conservation Camp, Lincoln Park Zoo educators will lead campers through a variety of activities that explore the fun and fascinating world of animals. They’ll get to see animals at the zoo, meet zoo scientists doing important conservation work, and interact with their peers in breakout sessions.
Dates: June 15-July 31
Cost: $60/week
If you’re still stumped on how to fill up your little one’s time this summer, KidPass might come in handy. You can use the search function to find even more virtual camps for every age and interest.
Online: kidpass.com
—Susie Foresman
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Now you can bring the pixels to life. The LEGO Group and Nintendo are continuing to build on their LEGO Super Mario partnership. The new LEGO Nintendo Entertainment System and 1980s-style TV that let adult fans recreate Super Mario Bros. game play and rekindle nostalgic NES memories.
The LEGO Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) Building Kit for adults lets fans create their own NES console out of LEGO bricks. The new kit offers a brick built NES model packed with realistic details, including the accompanying 1980’s style LEGO television set. Now gamers can get nostalgic recreating their favorite Super Mario Bros. experiences from their childhood.
Take a trip down memory lane when your build a mechanically functional version of the console using LEGO bricks. The new NES Building Kit will include a controller with connecting cable, plug and even an opening slot for the Game Pak with a locking feature. The console also comes with a buildable retro TV, featuring a flat 8-bit Mario figure on the scrolling screen. Fans can scan an included action brick with LEGO® Mario from the LEGO Super Mario Starter Course, so he reacts to on-screen enemies, obstacles and power-ups just as he would have in the iconic Super Mario Bros. game.
“Super Mario has been a cherished figure in the gaming world for over thirty years now,” said Maarten Simons, Creative Lead on LEGO Nintendo Entertainment System™, the LEGO Group. “Many adults still fondly remember that first time they saw Mario leap across the small screen, even if the graphics were a lot simpler than they are today. With the LEGO Nintendo Entertainment System, we’re letting them truly indulge in that nostalgia, recreating one of the most-loved consoles of all time so they can see the Super Mario from their childhoods once again – and even to share the experience of gaming in the 1980s with their own children.”
The LEGO Group and Nintendo announced their partnership earlier this year, bringing a fun-packed LEGO Super Mario universe to life through a Super Mario Starter Course set that exclusively features a LEGO Mario figure who displays a wide variety of instant reactions to movement, color and various action bricks.
The LEGO NES will be available exclusively from LEGO Retail Stores and LEGO.com on Aug. 1. Beginning 2021 it will be available at other leading retailers around the world.
The full LEGO Super Mario product line also launches Aug. 1 and will be available directly from LEGO Stores and http://www.LEGO.com as well as at leading retailers around the world.
—Jennifer Swartvagher
All photos courtesy of LEGO
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Looking for a way to make a kid smile and support a local NYC business? Get some toys delivered from your neighborhood NYC toy store. Whether the kids could use some new toys to play with, there’s a big birthday coming up or you need a LEGO kit delivered, stat, we found several NYC toy stores (and some in the Hamptons) that are delivering and offering curbside pickup. Just browse, click (or call) and wait for the fun to arrive—and if you can’t wait, go pick it up yourself!
Chelsea's go-to toy store is delivering to families within an eight-block radius, and also offers curbside pickup. This is a great spot for sustainable and wooden toys from companies like Plan, Haba and Hape, as well as cute and cuddly stuffies, PLAYMOBIL, creative kits, STEM toys and more. You can also shop by age, category and collection.
Kidding Around
60 W. 15th St.
212-645-6337
Online: kiddingaroundtoys.com
Offering same-day delivery in Brooklyn and Manhattan ($5 flat fee), as well as curbside pickup (2:30-3:30, daily), Toy Space is another Seventh Avenue toy store ready to spread some joy to NYC households. Current hot sellers include arts and crafts supplies, sidewalk chalk, The Two Bros Bows and Arrows, giant glitter beach balls and indoor stomp launchers. The business also offers a subscription box for kids with specific needs, through which you get four to six curated items picked just for your kid. Toy Space is also offering private shopping to birthday kids and their parents, keeping with all social distancing protocol and mask-wearing guidelines.
426 Seventh Ave.
Park Slope
718-369-9096
Online: toyspaceny.com
Downtown Manhattan's Boomerang Toys, in business since 2002, is delivering! Just peruse the Tribeca toy store's website, which features everything from puzzles to scooters to LEGO and building kits to lots of trains and toys that go. (Plus a lot more!) the website has pictures of the actual stocked shelves so you can browse virtually. Delivery below 14th Street is free; call to inquire about areas above. Call 212-226-7650 to place an order!
119 W. Broadway
Tribeca
212-226-7650
Online: boomerangtoys.com
That photo above is not archival. That's what's in the window of LuLu's Cuts & Toys on Brooklyn's Fifth Avenue right now! The store is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is offering free same-day or next-day local delivery for orders over $50 (zip codes 11217, 11215, 11238, 11206, 11201, 11231); for orders outside of that, it's $10. LuLu's is also offering free curbside pickup, and shipping out of state. Shop online at lulus-cuts-and-toys.myshopify.com and be sure to check out their "social distancing favorites". (Some very fun and cool stuff there.) You can also set up a birthday registry, and you get a free bunch of balloons for using the service! Know and love the LuLu's stylists? Contribute to the Go Fund Me Page benefitting them here!
48 Fifth Ave.
Park Slope
718-832-3732
Online: lulus-cuts-and-toys.myshopify.com
For toys for the tiniest of New Yorkers, check out Piccoliny. The hip downtown store stocked with super hip NYC-centric onesies, T-shirts and baby toys (as well as lots of other cute clothes and gifts) is offering $5 flat-rate shipping, complimentary gift wrap and a 20 percent discount on the entire store. Know someone with a newborn? Here's where to go for the perfect I LOVE NYC baby gifts.
167 Mott St .
212-775-1118
Nolita
Online: piccolinyshop.com
Sheltering in place in the Hamptons? Stevenson's Toys can hook you up! The store is taking order online for shipment, local delivery and curbside pickup at its Southampton location. They are stocked up with puzzles of varying degrees of difficulty, LEGO kits, board games and lots of toys for outdoor fun. (You can even order up a trampoline if you need one!)
69 Jobs Ln.
Southhampton
631-283-2111
Online: stevensonstoys.com
Park Slope stalwart Little Things Toy Store is delivering throughout Brooklyn and offering curbside pickup from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. ( There is a $5 fee for toys below $25 and outside surrounding zip codes, and they'll also ship anywhere in U.S. with customers picking up any USPS shipping charges.) They've got oodles of puzzles, crafting and activity kits, games and Micro Kickboard scooters. The store also carries a wide range of LEGO—FYI, Little Things is a LEGO Gold Standard Store.)
Call or text 917-816-8210 or e-mail littlethingstoystore@gmail.com.
159 Seventh Ave.
Park Slope
917-816-8210
Online: littlethingstoystore.com
Yet another Park Slope-area toy store (hey, there are a lot of kids there), Norman & Jules is not delivering, but they are offering curbside pickup Monday through Thursday from Noon - 4 p.m. This place specializes in chic and modern-looking toys, STEM activities and sets and wooden toys from brands like Grimm and Grapat.
158 Seventh Ave.
Park Slope
347-987-3328
Online: normanandjules.com
If you're in Hoboken, Big Fun Toys will deliver to you for free! The New Jersey shop is stocked with everything from PLAN toys to LEGO to stuffies and gear for outdoor fun.
602 Washington St.
Hoboken
201-714-9575
Online: bigfuntoys.com
feature photo: Cottonbro via Pexels
—Mimi O’Connor
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With schools closed, Portland families under Oregon’s new shelter-in-place order are looking for ways to keep kids engaged, active, and happy at home. There’s never been a greater need for good-quality toys and games! But why give all your money to Jeff Bezos when you can support Portland’s small businesses during the crisis? Many local toy-stores are offering their lovingly-curated stock for purchase online, often with free shipping or home delivery. And don’t forget to stock up on gift certificates to support your favorite shops! Most retailers are offering 11% off all gift certificates purchased during the pandemic. Here are our top picks from the Rose City’s fave shops!
Made You Look toys is offering this sweet solution to Portland parents’ predicament: they will hand pick a selection of toys and activities just for your child! Place an order online and enter your child’s age and interests, and the best way to reach you. They will respond with a few ideas before finalizing your order and packaging it up for contact-free porch delivery (Portland only.) Or pay flat-rate delivery for shipping elsewhere in the U.S. How awesome is that?! (And P.S! They also offer a custom Easter basket option, plus gift guides for each age group.)
All ages
$40
Order online: madeyoulookpdx.com
Delivery notes: Use code FREEDELIVERY for delivery in Portland; free shipping for orders over $100; $9 flat-rate for orders under $100
This super sturdy wooden pinball game is compact enough to fit on any kitchen table, but engaging enough for hours of play. This is a best-seller at local favorite Finnegan’s Toys, where they’re in the process of updating their online commerce site. If you don’t see what you want online, call or email to make a request or get a recommendation. You can call to order this affordable pinball machine, or check out the Electronic Air Hockey set ($30) for more makeshift-arcade magic.
Ages 6 and up
$48
View products online: finneganstoys.com
Order by phone or email
503- 221-0306
orders@finneganstoys.com
Delivery notes: Shipping: $7-10 within Portland, $15 outside of Portland, depending on product weight. (Inquire about no-contact porch delivery, available to limited local areas for a limited time.)
Help your early walker with this colorful multi-functional toy. Stack the rainbow-colored blocks and help the wooden duck, bunny, and rooster passengers take a ride by either pushing or pulling the train along. Develops balance and motor skills, and encourages creative play– your little one can build towers with the blocks or sort them by shape and color. With quiet wheels made of non-slip rubber, it will entertain your child without driving you nuts.
Ages 12 months and up
$42
Online: blackwagon.com
Delivery notes: Free shipping
Photo courtesy of Hammer + Jacks
The perfect toy to complement a home screening of Brave, this kid-safe bow and arrow set is affordable but still sturdy enough to provide many hours of (outdoor!) fun for your beginning archer. Developed by two brothers when they were 7 and 10 (!), the bows are made in the US and third-party tested for safety. Choose from a range of cool colors and designs!
Ages 6 and up
$18
Order online: hammerandjacks.com
Delivery notes: Use code FREEDELIVERY for no-contact porch deliveries in Portland, or leave the discount field blank to make a donation toward the expense of gas; orders outside Portland, call or email to request drop-off; no shipping at this time.
Got your Easter baskets ready? Pop in a pair of these adorable stitched stuffed mice from Danish brand Maileg, made in the US and packaged in their own whimsical matchbox-turned-bed. These twin babies are just over 3” tall and come dressed in striped and floral onesies. Or choose from a range of other mousie characters, from baby brother mice to tooth fairies, nurses, even a camping mouse in a sleeping bag. Too cute.
Ages 3 and up
$30
Online: yoportland.com
Delivery notes: Free shipping; delivery in Portland
Photo courtesy of Finnegan’s Toys
Boost your kids’ STEM skills and give them hours of fun! This open-ended building kit is geared toward older kids, and designed as a high-quality engineering toy. Use the components in the starter pack to build your own marble run, with pieces to make towers and runners to make marble tracks. Add to your collection as you go with additional Gravitrax kits.
Ages 8 and up
$60
View products online: finneganstoys.com
Order by phone or email
503- 221-0306
orders@finneganstoys.com
Delivery notes: Shipping: $7-10 within Portland, $15 outside of Portland, depending on product weight. (Inquire about no-contact porch delivery, available to limited local areas for a limited time.)
For the sparkly-everything kid in your house, set up a maker space with this handy gem-art kit. Use a stylus to set each gem into place in the “Friendly Fox” pattern (included), then slide your finished work of art into the white wooden frame for displaying. An adorable way to work on fine motor skills and boost creativity!
Ages 8 and up
$14
Order online: blackwagon.com
Delivery notes: Free shipping
These affordable kid-oriented conversation cards can help open the lines of communication with a sad kid missing their friends during shelter-in-place. Get them thinking, laughing, and talking with a set of these colorful cards from inspiring company Open the Joy. Plus check out the other boxes in the series, from a magic set to origami, clay, and more!
Ages
$10
Order Online: hammerandjacks.com
Delivery notes: Use code FREEDELIVERY for no-contact porch deliveries in Portland, or leave the discount field blank to make a donation toward the expense of gas; orders outside Portland, call or email to request drop-off; no shipping at this time.
Missing the library? Sign up for a regular infusion of great literature, with a delivery of hand-selected hardcover picture books from beloved indie bookseller Powell’s Books. Every eight weeks, a cheerful blue box will arrive on your doorstep filled with one new featured book, a staff favorite, an info card/coloring sheet, and one extra surprise. Now that’s one subscription box you can open again and again!
Ages
$35.95 per box
Order online: powells.com/boox
Delivery notes: Free shipping within the U.S.
Photo courtesy of Hammer + Jacks
Okay, so this is technically not a toy, but these seed paper patches pack hours of wonder into one gorgeously-illustrated package. Lay each of the five patches directly on top of soil in your garden or patio container, cover with a sprinkling of soil, and add water. Then watch your garden come to life with wildflowers, basil, chives, coriander, mint, and parsley. Your tiny gardeners will love watching the seeds grow while contributing beauty and flavor to your home. Grow a little hope together!
$9
Order online: hammerandjacks.com
Delivery notes: Use code FREEDELIVERY for no-contact porch deliveries in Portland, or leave the discount field blank to make a donation toward the expense of gas; orders outside Portland, call or email to request drop-off; no shipping at this time.
Photo of Holdie House courtesy of the Yo! Store
This lightweight and beautifully simple wooden doll house is designed for on-the-go play, so your child can take their imaginative play from room to room and even outdoors for a backyard picnic. At just over 2 pounds, the compact house swings open on sturdy hinges and latches shut with a pretty clasp. Made from pinewood with a vegan leather handle for toting. Choose from a small selection of handcrafted furniture and dolls to complete the house, or let your child’s own dolls move in.
$75
Order Online: yoportland.com
Delivery notes: Free shipping; delivery within Portland
Photo courtesy of Grasshopper Toys
Make your own cheery wall hanging with this brightly colored weaving kit. The wooden loom and durable pipe cleaners come with easy-to-follow instructions, so your little weaver can make new designs over and over. Give your kids a hands-on lesson in fiber arts!
Ages 6 and up
$18
1816 NE Alberta
503-335-3131 (daily 10 a.m.-3 p.m.)
hello@grasshopperstore.com
Insta @Grasshopperstore
Online: grasshopperstore.com
Order online, by phone, email, or through Instagram.
Delivery notes: Free shipping; curb pickup or home delivery in Portland (usually same day.)
Photo courtesy of Hammer + Jacks
Take a spin around the block, the yard, or even the hallway if you have enough space indoors. This is the mini version of the popular lightweight scooter, sized for 2-5 year-olds who can’t wait to ride just like the big kids. With an adjustable bar to let the scooter grow with your kid, three wheeled design for greater stability, and a quiet ride, this is a purchase your child can enjoy for years and hand down to younger children once they’ve outgrown it. Why not add on a pair of rainbow-colored handlebar streamers ($15) for maximum effect?
Up to 75 lbs
$90
Order online: hammerandjacks.com
Delivery notes: Use code FREEDELIVERY for no-contact porch deliveries in Portland, or leave the discount field blank to make a donation toward the expense of gas; orders outside Portland, call or email to request drop-off; no shipping at this time.
Photo courtesy of Grasshopper Toys
For active toddlers and preschoolers, this cooperative game encourages players to roll the dice and dance! Get your little ones giggling and dancing on a rainy day, and develop motor skills while you play.
Ages 2 and up
$18
1816 NE Alberta
503-335-3131 (daily 10 a.m.-3 p.m.)
hello@grasshopperstore.com
Insta @Grasshopperstore
Online: grasshopperstore.com
Order online, by phone, email, or through Instagram.
Delivery notes: Free shipping; curb pickup or home delivery in Portland (usually same day.)
Photo courtesy of Black Wagon Toys
What could be cooler than building a robot? Your budding engineer can follow this 2-hour kit’s clear instructions to build a grabbing device from wood and string. Then they can use it to pick up lightweight items around the home. Empower your kid to make his own fun while developing concentration and motor skills.
Ages 12 and up
$38
Online: blackwagon.com
Delivery notes: Free shipping
-Melissa Poulin
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