28 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2011
Snoozy’s Kids owner George Jones tests out a Spooner board, a popular gift this holiday season.
TOY STORY
Brannon Bruno, owner of A Tiny Kingdom said they have lots of game gear for sports fans.
Homewood Toy and Hobby Shop owner Tricia Busenlehner helps her son Tripp test out some stilts.
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Melissa McCollum, owner of Learning Express, said Air Swimmers, remotecontrolled flying fish, are a fun gift idea.
Toys that Pass the Test
Our toy pros choose the best for your holiday list – and check them twice BY DONNA CORNELIUS
Holiday Help: Need more help finding the perfect toy for the little ones in your life? These toy stores are more than happy to help: ✏ A Tiny Kingdom, 802TINY ✏ Homewood Toy and Hobby, 879-3986 ✏ Learning Express, 970-9710 ✏ Smith’s Variety, 871-0841 ✏ Snoozy’s Kids, 871-2662
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JOURNAL FEATURES WRITER
holidays. That’s not the case this Christmas, said Tricia Busenlehner, owner of Homewood Toy and Hobby. “There’s not a big standout toy this year,” she said. “Outdoor toys are popular – and so are blocks, Legos, dolls, puzzles and kitchen sets.” Like any business, the toy industry has its ups and downs. This year, that’s literally true: Yo-yos are at the top of the list for many children. Several stores are stocking the snazzy Yo2 models, priced from $9.99 to $19.99, with names like Dark Gem, Flexgap and Triple Action. “You can play with these in the traditional way or turn them on and make them do tricks,” said Steve Sudduth of Smith’s Variety. “They have brains.” Brannon Bruno, owner of A Tiny Kingdom, said he has a hard time
isit a large chain store in search of the perfect toy, and it’s likely the most help you’ll get is a “Let’s see – I think that’s on Aisle 6.” Stop by or call one of the Over the Mountain area’s individually-owned toy stores, and you’ll get not only advice but firsthand experience. That’s because the folks at our Fab Five – Homewood Toy and Mother and son Mary Ann and Jim Glasner, owners of Hobby Shop, Learning Express, Smith’s Variety, have some fun with Spin Force. Smith’s Variety, Snoozy’s Kids and A Tiny Kingdom – actually play with the toys before they sell them. They deliberately crash remote-control helicopters to test their endurance, rock the keeping these new yo-yos in stock. “One kid gets one, the others want one and they’ve just taken off,” he baby dolls to check out their cuddliness and challenge their co-workers to said. the newest board games. Sometimes old favorites get a facelift. One example is Tile Lock That’s why, especially at this time of year, they’re the frantic parent Scrabble, available at Homewood Toy and Hobby and Smith’s for $19.99. or clueless aunt’s best friends. They’re experts at recommending gifts The game’s letter tiles actually snap into place. that won’t be whisked away to the Island of Misfit Toys three days after “With the old game, you’d get your word in place and somebody jiggles Christmas. the board and knocks the letters off,” said Tricia with the air of a serious “When people call us for suggestions, we ask about the age of the child, game player who’s had this frustrating experience. “With this one, you don’t about his or her personality and also about their budget,” said George Jones, have to worry.” owner of Snoozy’s Kids in Crestline Village. “We’re very price-conscious.” Sometimes, there’s a “Mom, I Gotta Have It” toy that’s hot for the
See Toys, page 36