Just in time for the holiday season, iSpark Toy Store in Orenco station is open and ready for business. With lots of S.T.E.M. and DIY maker toys for crafty kids of all ages—from babies to high schoolers—plus plenty of fun and education play things, this hot new toy shop is sure to make your holiday gift buying easier. Read on to find out why we’re such huge fans.
photo: Courtesy of iSpark Toy Store
Brains at Play
Designed by a a mom with a passion for S.T.E.M., every item, shelf and table has been thoughtfully arranged. You’ll find lots of construction and engineering toys, including an entire section dedicated to Goldiblox, logic games like Robot Turtles, and even the coveted Dash and Dot which you can try out in-store.
Other highlights include the huge section of maker projects (ask about Makey Makey, which involves playing music with a banana) and science kits including the Yellow Scope Chemistry Kit, which was invented by two local moms from right here in Portland.
Need a gift recommendation? Store owner, Hande Buyuksahin, is knowledgeable and passionate about her products. You’ll often find her playing with her youngest patrons, and she’ll be able to help you find a gift for even your toughest present unwrapper. She also has a passion for supporting local inventors and brand new up-and-comers, so ask her what’s new and she’ll likely be able to dazzle you with something you’ve never heard of. And to top it off, prices are comparable to those listed at bigger stores and online sites, so you can shop easy knowing you’re paying a good price and supporting an innovative local merchant.
photo: Stacy Coplin
Tinkerers Welcome
With three different table spaces set up with testers, as well as many display pieces on shelves throughout the store for all age ranges, visitors are welcome to explore and investigate a large selection of games and toys. Keep an eye on smaller fingers as some of the examples are for older inventors, but the iSpark staff is generous and encouraging of play in the store. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for upcoming events including a Teacher’s Night, Minecraft and maker-themed workshops and more. You can sign up now for several game programming workshops.
photo: Courtesy of iSpark Toy Store
Insider Info
The store is small but expertly designed to pack in a wide variety while still leaving space to maneuver a stroller between the rows. Double strollers might be better suited to being parked out front, but even a single jog stroller could work its way through just fine. Bonus! There is also a bathroom with a changing table in the store for customer use.
photo: Courtesy of iSpark Toy Store
Coming in for a Landing
In this brand new area of Orenco Station while construction continues, parking can at first appear tricky. But if you continue straight on NE Orenco Station Parkway it will become Orenco Station Loop and bring you around to a parking garage entrance just past the iSpark toys storefront, where the entire first level is open for patrons of nearby businesses. You can also enter this garage from NE Cherry Drive, or park along the street nearby and walk. For public transit users, the Orenco/NW 231st Ave MAX stop is practically on their doorstep, making travel a breeze.
Ready to Refuel
Expand your time in this up-and-coming neighborhood by grabbing a slice at Schmizza Public House (998 NE Orenco Station Loop, Hillsboro) or head north a few blocks and grab some coffee and hot chocolate at Starbucks (6221 NE Cornell Rd., Hillsboro). In the near future there will be a La Provence Bakery and an Ava Roasteria opening up really close to iSpark, along with a brand new 4-acre park just a few blocks away. If you come on a Sunday in summer or fall, you could make a morning out of it by hitting up the Orenco Farmer’s Market, a quaint version of its Hillsboro sibling.
iSpark Toys
Hours: Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Closed Mon.
925 NW Orenco Station Loop
Hillsboro
503-207-6570
Online: isparktoys.com
Have you been to iSpark Toys? Tell us about your experience in the comments!
— Stacy Coplin
