Story By Anne Ruisi * Photos by Jordan Wald
Santa isn’t the only one making a list and checking it twice. Over the Mountain shoppers seeking great gift ideas for the young ones should look at these suggestions from our friends at Homewood Toy & Hobby and Snoozy’s/george in Mountain Brook. Please note that toy selections and prices may vary from store to store.
Tricia McCain, Homewood Toy & Hobby
Do you have any tips for shoppers who are navigating the 2023 holiday shopping season?
Every year, I tell shoppers to shop as early as possible for any must-have items. Shipping with most of our distributors is running on schedule but, the closer it gets to December, they will slow down and items will become unavailable. Also, in-store gift wrapping will have a much (shorter) wait time if you aren’t shopping at the last minute.
What new toys today look like they will be classics and around for another 25 years or 50 years?
A couple of my favorite toys that I can see becoming classics are Magformer brand Magnetic Blocks and the Spin Again from Fat Brain Toys. Both have been huge sellers in our store since their introductions and don’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon. They both encourage imaginative play and are great for both boys and girls.
Tricia’s picks
Smart Max My First Dinosaurs, $27.99, extra-large size for small hands, magnetic pieces to match by color to form a dinosaur, or mix and match the colors for your own dinosaur creation. Farm animals, cars, general block shapes also available and compatible. Ages 1 and up.
Fat Brain Toys Spill Again, $44.99, collect the balls and fill the top of the tower, set timer and wait for the balls to crash and roll, then race to scoop them all up again! Ages 2 and up.
Hape Store and Go Easel, $29.99, is a travel-size wooden easel with dry erase board and chalkboard that includes all necessary accessories stored inside of the easel when folded closed. Ages 3 and up.
JC Toys Lil’ Cutesies, $34.99, are twin fairy dolls with accessories for them to have a tea party. Ages 2 and up.
Creativity for Kids Sensory Bin, $24.99, offers imaginative play with water beads, play sand or dough, and plenty of accessories and various themed play sets for boys and girls. The sets come in a storage bin for easy pick up and mess-free play. Ages 3 and up.
Tangle Nightbat & Ball, $29.99, comes with an LED bat and baseball to take your baseball game into the night with this addition to the Nightball line of toys. Ages 6 and up.
Ring Ring Phone Bag by BeWaltz, $39.99, is the cutest and coolest purse that actually works as a phone when your cell phone is plugged into the cord hidden inside. It’s great as that unique gift that everyone will love. Ages 10 and up.
Blinger Kids by Blinger, $29.99, load, click and bling out your hair in seconds with sticker jewels. You can also bling your clothes and accessories. Multiple sets and refill packs are available. Ages 6 and up.
Tapple by USAopoly, $19.99, brings you fast word fun and is a great game for a family gift or college-aged kids who love to have game night. Ages 8 and up.
Puzzle by Number Map of the USA, $49.99, lets kids assemble a map of the United States using the color-coded pattern sheet and pieces in various colors, over 1,400 in all. It’s great for older kids and adults as well and includes a fact sheet with important information for each state. It can be hung after it is built. Ages 5 and up.
Atmospheric Inferno Turbo Racer, $29.99, is the latest engineering kit from Play Steam. Build an air-powered race car from scratch and then watch it go using the included air pump. No batteries are needed. Ages 8 and up.
Granite Grom 4WD Remote Control Car by Arrma, $129.99, is a hobby grade RC car that is great for beginners, with everything included in the box. This truck goes upwards of 30 mph and would be perfect for entry into the hobby for kids and adults. Upgrade parts are available for the true hobbyist. Ages 14 and up.
George Jones, Snoozy’s/george
George Jones says the Santa’s Kindness Ornament is intended to hang on a holiday tree with a QR code that “unlocks” a special video message from Santa.Do you have any tips for shoppers who are navigating the 2023 holiday shopping season?
My tip for holiday shopping is to shop locally. Often you will find items that are not available for purchase online. Why not have your gift items wrapped (for free) and have the comfort of knowing that you have your gifts in your hands and are not waiting to get a “backorder” or “shipping delay” notification? Plus, the fact that you are supporting a local merchant ensures that local businesses will be here in the future!
What new toys today look like they will be classics and around for another 25 years or 50 years?
Classic toys that defy time typically include our wooden toys. From activity blocks, push/pull toys and wooden puzzles to prams and beautiful doll houses, their classic, well-built designs are truly meant to be handed down to the next generations. Stuffed animals have also gained a spot as a classic toy. Many times we hear stories of young adults or adults rediscovering their favorite stuffed animal tucked away in a closet or attic and immediately bringing back warm, loving, imaginative thoughts of their childhood.
Homewood Toy & Hobby is at 2830 18th St. S. in downtown Homewood. For more information, call 205-879-3986 or visit homewoodtoy-hobby.com or the store’s Facebook or Instagram page.
Snoozy’s Kids is at 228 Country Club Park in Mountain Brook’s Crestline Village. For more information, call 205-871-2662 or visit the store’s Facebook or Instagram page.
