Terrific Toys

Tricia McCain of Homewood Toy & Hobby and George Jones of Snoozy’s Kids fill us in on the season’s top toys!

By Barry Wise Smith

Homewood Toy & Hobby

• Bucket Golf—As seen on Shark Tank, the perfect game for the golfer in your life by easy enough that anyone can play, $139.99.
• Calico Critters Red Roof Country Home Gift Set—popular toy set including adorable critters and all the accessories, $179.99.
• Smart Bot—remote control robot for kids from five and up, $39.99.
• Teaching Cash Register—electronic cash register—complete with money—that teaches money and math skills, $79.99.
• Fashion Plates—channel your inner fashion designer with this retro fashion design set, $29.99.
• Le Toy Van Sensory Activity Table—this colorful activity table is crafted to engage children 18 months and up by stimulating curiosity with hands-on, fun learning experiences that encourage toddlers to explore and develop through play, $129.99.
• Madame Alexander Sweet Baby Nursery playset—baby’s first baby doll with all the accessories, $62.99.
• Meowdy Partner game—a cooperative game for family fun, $19.99.
• Fart Monster—fun plush toy with a self-inflating whoopee cushion that lets out a silly sound (and gourmet scent) when you sit, squeeze, or squish ’em, $29.99.

Pic cap: Julie Marix and owner Tricia McCain holding throwback toys Flippin’ Rings and Spirograph 

75 years of Homewood Toy & Hobby

Clarence and Kathryne Busenlehner, the grandparents of current owner Tricia McCain, opened Homewood Cycle and Hobby (now Homewood Toy & Hobby) in 1950, selling bicycles, lawnmowers and toys and hobbies. After Clarence’s death in 1965, Kathryne sold the business to her son (McCain’s father) Walter Busenlehner in 1968. Walter decided to focus the business solely on toys and hobbies. McCain and her two sisters grew up working in the store during high school and college. “I took over the store after my parents retired and have owned and operated it ever since,” McCain says. “My son Tripp grew up going to toy shows with me to help pick out toys and games. He is now at Auburn and helps out occasionally when he is home. My sister Margaret Ann still helps out a couple of days a week.”  

Despite the many changes in toys over time, Homewood Toy & Hobby sticks with the tried-and-true toys that people love. “Toys have changed over the years, and trends come and go, but we try to stay with toys that have good play value and hold a child’s attention,” McCain says. Some of the classic brands that Homewood Toy & Hobby has carried for years are Madame Alexander dolls, Brio trains, Lionel trains, Ravensburger puzzles, Estes rockets and Traxxas remote controlled vehicles. 
And after being in the toy business for most of her life, McCain still loves the business. “My favorite thing is meeting and helping new customers,” McCain says. “We treasure our customers and enjoy watching their children grow up and come back with their children and grandchildren. Our store has always been a family business; our customers and their families feel like family to us. The future looks bright for Homewood Toy & Hobby—we hope to continue to serve our community and our family of customers for many years to come!”

Snoozy’s Kids  

• Rail Cube—five interchangeable magnetic cubes allow kids to design and build dynamic three-dimensional courses for a mini train to navigate, $100/$200.
• Jellycats—Find your favorite soft plush collectible that are all the rage, various prices.
• Magic Light—have fun with this enchanting magic wand remote control system with fun lights and sounds, $49.99.
• 30 Second Dance Party—Get the party started with five dynamic dance music tracks that play for 30 seconds at a time, $24.99.
• DK Virtual Reality ESPN set—Get inside your favorite sports with your favorite athletes, $59.99.
• Cows in Space game—Interactive board game that is fun for the whole family, $28.99.
• Silent Basketball–Crafted from polyurethane foam, this ball is remarkably hushed when dribbled. Its high-density foam construction makes it a stellar option for indoor training sessions, ensuring minimal noise disturbance. You can enjoy it by dribbling indoors, perfect for maintaining peace in your surroundings, $26.99. (soccer ball and baseball also available.)
• Tonies starter set—Play your child’s favorite stories and songs on their very own tonies player, $79.99 and Grinch character, $19.99.
• TrendTech Mystic Ball and Glitter Ball speakers–Add a touch of enchantment to your space with the Mystic Ball, a glowing orb that doubles as a powerful Bluetooth speaker..Ambient light with wireless sound are perfect for kids’ bedrooms, $44.99.

  Pic cap: Snoozy’s owner George Jones displaying his artistic talents from the Create Coloring Book

Fun with George and Snoozy’s Kids

In 1988, George Jones, who owned Snoozy’s Bookstore on campus at UAB, opened Snoozy’s Kids, a specialty toy store in Crestline Village. Originally a children’s bookstore, Snoozy’s Kids featured a small section of toys amid the books. While the store still features a selection of children’s books, the toys are the star of the show. “We always know that we have to have the coolest and the latest,” Jones says.
Jones sticks with classic brands of toys, with Hot Wheels cars and Barbies as two of the brands that Snoozy’s has sold since the first day in 1988. And while some things have stayed the same in the toy business, there have been changes as well—one of the biggest being an increase in online shopping. Jones appreciates that many customers want to buy online, and he has a healthy—and joyful online presence—to keep customers engaged and informed even if they don’t come into the store in person.
Snoozy’s Kids is a Crestline staple, but it has grown up in the past 37 years as well. George’s daughter, Lillian, who started helping in the store when she was 12, now works alongside her dad in running the store. There is also a section in the front of the store dedicated to customers who have moved past toys. That section is called “George,” and it carries everything from jewelry to picture frames to coffee table books to purses.
In addition to selling a wide variety of toys for every age, Snoozy’s also offers free gift wrapping and free returns on any product, which is not common with most stores today. “Our goal is that everybody’s got to be happy,” Jones says.