[ lifestyle ]
child utopia
by Chelle Decker
• photo by Lydi a B ar n har t
I
t’s hard to miss the Toy Store. Kids’ eyes are drawn to the bright colors and fun toys always on display in the window. You’ve probably stopped in to marvel at the fun games, adorable stuffed animals and challenging science toys. But did you realize you were standing the middle of the largest independently owned specialty toy store in the United States?
Toy Store 5300 SW 21st St # A Topeka, KS 66604 785.273.0561 thetoystoreonline.com
The Toy Store, which has been in business for 34 years, has grown from a booth as part of the Palace Plaza shops in downtown Topeka, to a large toy store with an amazing selection, hands-on play areas for kids, and regularly scheduled Saturday “kidtivities.” Manager Dennis Elder knows his toys. In fact, he’s sure to have employees play with the toys they have in stock so they not only know everything about them, but also so they can offer customized customer service to kids and adults who visit the store. “We even get paid for it,” Elder said with a gleam in his eye. Elder excitedly showed off some of his favorite toys in the large selection. According to Elder, “We try to carry toys you don’t find anywhere else like educational and play oriented toys.” The arts and craft section features sticky mosaics for kids to put together. Not only do they have the fun of doing the project, but they also end up with an art piece that they can proudly display. Science toys feature alternative energy sources like wind turbines. Elder added, “We try to carry as many green, eco-
friendly products as we can. One of the number one selling products for ages eight and up are Snap Circuits. Elder explained they are a perfect introduction into electronics with circuits that snap together. The Toy Store offers games for all ages including Diggity Dog which is popular for kids ages three and up. Puppies are color coded and teach kids memory, counting, and more as they try to match magnetic bones with their puppy. Spring is a great time at the toy store with a large outdoor play section including a wide variety of kites and the popular Stomp Rocket with a demonstration model in the store letting kids of all ages send “rockets’ up into the air. After a fun time shopping, you can use the self-serve gift wrap area. A large variety of gift wraps and supplies are supplied free of charge to allow customers to wrap up a perfect day of shopping. XYZ TOPEKA