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!
Custom Cabin Fever Packages
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
Tabletop Pinball Machine by Brio
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.)
Giant 2-in-1 Pull and Push Stacking Wooden Train
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
Bow and Arrow by Two Bros Bows
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.
Maileg Baby Mice Twins in a Box
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
Gravitrax Starter Set
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.)
Razzle Dazzle DIY Gem Art Kit
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
“Would You Rather?” and “Let’s Talk!” Card Games by Open the Joy
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.
Boox Picture Book Subscription from Powell’s Books
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
Garden Patch Seed Paper
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
Olli Ella Holdie House Wooden Dollhouse
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
Woven Wall Hanging Kit by Kid Made Modern
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
Mini Deluxe Micro Kickboard
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
Duck Duck Dance Game by Peaceable Kingdom
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
Build a Grabber Bot Curious Engineer Kit
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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