A few years ago we wrote about Toys for Makers.  We started looking for toys that inspired kids to explore, to construct and deconstruct.  Many toys, and most video games tend to celebrate someone else's creativity.  They allow you to immerse yourself in a toy or game that may have play value, but doesn't encourage any creative input.  Kids need to explore their creativity, and we need to find them toys that let that happen.  We're updating our Toys for Makers section of our online catalog with some of our latest finds.  We'll also be using this space to introduce you to some of the best.  Today's toy is for the youngest Makers.  It's not just for building, it's for observing and critical thinking.  The toy is called Bunny Peek a Boo , but don't let the cute name fool you.  BPB is a challenge for 2 year olds, and we've been dragooning every little customer we see into playing (2 year olds are very enthusiastic game players!)  They understand the challenge and love solving the "puzzle", then flipping the card to see what's next.

Neighborhood Toy Store Day is November 9th

We're getting ready for our big toy event - Neighborhood Toy Store Day!  It's a national event, and toy stores all over North America, and the world are celebrating.  The Golden Apple is hosting two of our favorite local companies:  Just Jump It and Blue Orange Games and we'll be having contests and games of skill, along with a visit by Froggy.  The event starts at 11am and activities go on until 3pm.

A New Way to Shop

We've created a SquareUp Store to make things easier for you this holiday season.  It's a slimmed down version of our web site, with quick and easy shopping and payment via Square.  Follow this link to Snap Circuits Sound to see how it works:

Snap Circuits SOUND on Square Market

The Best Toys for Kids 2013 have arrived at the Golden Apple - and we are ready to tell you why they rock!  Check them out on our web store - or even better - come play with them at the Golden Apple

Win a Classroom Decorator Package from CTP and the Golden Apple!

Would you like to have the freshest, brightest classroom at your school?

Enter our Classroom Dazzle Contest.

One lucky teacher will win a deluxe classroom dazzle package - a starter package for the 1^st month of school and two more make-overs during the school year!

Contest info is here

Our summer classes are shaping up - we have a schedule here.  Classes are 3 hours, and the cost is $65 each session.  There's a discount for a 4 session block.  We're doing them for kids 6-8 and 9-11.  It gets a little complicated, but we're trying to have something for everyone!  Check them out and tell your friends!

Our friend Mary from Kazoodles in Vancouver, WA went on a family trip to Disneyland.  What does a toy store owner think about when visiting the Magic Kingdom?

I couldn’t help wondering, as we Yo-hoed through Pirates of the Caribbean and screamed through Space Mountain, what childhood was like for the Imagineers who took Disney’s dream and made it happen. What did they play with?

Read Mary's whole post on the Kazoodle's blog!