Page 7 - 2015 Small Shops of Sonoma County Holiday Guide

TOYS cont’d from page 6
Toy stores have a mission. Their owners know children and know what’s good for them. I was in The Toy Chest in Healdsburg that used to be called Toy-B-Ville and was entertained as much by the customers as by watching
my granddaughter Destiny decide what she likes. It still has the flavor of the original store, so I went to Plaza North shopping center in Petaluma where Toy-B-Ville now lives - same owner. It’s HUGE in comparison to their old store! Their selection is amazing and they have this great space where parents get together with each other and their kids. Play areas are all over the store! It’s
a wonderland for kids and parents! If you can’t find what you are looking for here, it doesn’t exist!
Toy Stores & Stores that Sell Toys
Little Luma excels in quality - everything child
Kaleidoscope is in this category of toy store with enough toys to choose from that you are bound to find what your child will enjoy. They carry the most intricate and lovely mermaids and fairies that make you know they must have been inspired by real fairies. While I was there kids were wheeling around the store
on all kinds of kid vehicles and one kid was immersed in playing the piano by the front door. This
is what we treasure. What do KIDS want & need?
At Little Luma in Petaluma you’ll find science kits that show kids how
butterflies lay eggs, that grow into caterpillars, that create a chrysalis that hatches a butterfly in the cycle of life. Right next to those you’ll find beautiful dragons and dinosaurs in remarkable detail. Wooden blocks for building sit near books and tiny fabric animals that are full of personality. There’s also a clothing section with rain coats, shoes, dresses, teething mittens and the softest baby clothes you have every touched. This is a very impressive store!
And the children’s store that captures my heart is Circle of Hands in Sebastopol. It brings peace and hope to the idea that you can raise children in a gentle world without violence and war toys. The Knight in Shining Armor dress-up is just not the same as GI Joe in battle fatigues. Their dragons are breathing wishes and dreams instead of fire and fury. Toys are made of wood, fabric and natural materials that feel good in your hands. It’s peaceful in here. Come breathe the restful air while you shop.
My absolute favorite close to where I live is Guerneville 5 & 10. I take the kids there for entertainment - mine as much as theirs. I choose from silly to very old-fashioned, science to fantasy...and get a bag of candy, a sparkly bracelet - whatever our heat’s desire is at the time. It’s fun in there!
And I don’t want to leave out making your own gifts because that’s about spending time with your kids working on projects together. The Annex at Art & Soul, Sebastopol has coloring books to art stamps...they even have a kit to make your own calendar...a lovely gift idea.
So take a look at the list on the next page to find a toy store near you - or one that requires a little journey because getting around Sonoma County is fun. And remember stores that sell a lot more than just toys also stock quality toys because all good stores that are about home are about being at home with our families. Have FUN shopping!
A broad selection of Radio Flyers at Rex Hardware, Downtown Petaluma
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