Shopping for the toy for your little learner or a special birthday reveler can be daunting and time consuming, especially if you start your search online with “kids toys.” So. Many. Options! But fear not, Seattle parents. Your search for the perfect toy or gift just got a whole lot easier thanks to The Landing’s new toy store, Learning Express Toys.
photo: Jennifer B. Davis
Easy In & Out Access
Replacing a previous toy store, Learning Express Toys is located next to the theater and conveniently backs onto the northern parking garage, for easy pop-in-pop-out access. The brightly lit, nicely organized store is big enough to provide a good selection, yet small enough to offer help and suggestions. And, while it’s locally owned and operated, it’s a franchise (the first one in Washington), so you’ll find the prices to be quite reasonable.
photo: Jennifer B. Davis
Special Appearances
Co-owners Cody Perino and Danica Cowden, practically kids themselves, opened the store mid-May with a grand opening party complete with character visits and door-buster prices. But fear not, the special events (and good pricing!) will continue. Reoccurring story time is in the works, along with appearances from real-life heroes like Wyatt Bray, world champion of Kendama (a Japanese cup and ball game, taking the world by storm), along with local pro, Luke Ford, who plans to stop by to offer tips and tricks to aspiring Kendama-ers.
photo: Jennifer B. Davis
Gifts for Every Age & Stage
According to Perino, “Learning Express Toys is all about learning, fun and playing games – not providing an impersonal store or experience.” And that it’s not. From books and science kits, to classic and newly-popular games, scooters, stuffed animals, LEGOS and Calico Critters, Learning Express Toys provides unique toys, gifts and teaching supplies—all of which inspire imagination, creativity and intellectual and physical development—for a range of ages and interests. An assortment of play areas and tables are also a huge hit among kids and parents alike, especially when the ‘rents need a bit more browsing time.
Store Extras!
Learning Express Toys offers FREE personalization of its items like plastic headlamp hats, clipboards, storage boxes and buckets. And not only that, you can get your gift wrapped for FREE. Plus, teachers and those in the armed services receive 10% off at checkout. What’s not to love about that?
photo: Jennifer B. Davis
While You’re at The Landing
If you haven’t visited The Landing lately (or ever) it’s a great spot for a day out with the fam or an afternoon with your mini-me. Catch a matinee at the Regal Cinemas Stadium 14 theater, grab a burger at Five Guys Burgers & Fries and indulge your sweet tooth at Sweet Decadence. Or try one of the many restaurants at The Landing that are kid-friendly, then run off the crazies at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park, just a few minutes away. Just be sure to pop into Learning Express Toys for an exciting, educational toy or gift that won’t break the bank (or your spirit).
photo: Jennifer B. Davis
Learning Express Toys
840 N. 10th Pl., Suite A
Renton, Wa 98057
425-264-3606
Online: learningexpress.com and on Facebook
Hours: Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Have you visited Learning Express Toys? What do you like most about the store? Tell us in the Comments below.
— Jennifer B. Davis
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