Move over, Barbie and Elmo. Make room for Mythmorphs, Zoobies and Automoblox.
Parents looking to break away from mainstream toys this holiday season will find plenty of choices at local toy shops. Specialty stores such as Teri’s Toybox in Edmonds or Rowdy Rascals Toy Store in Snohomish feature educational and “green” toys that you won’t find at big-box stores. Both shops offer a variety of children’s books, games and crafts and science kits.
Whether it’s retro toys such as pick up sticks or gifts free of harmful chemicals and dyes, you’ll find toys for all ages at these two local shops.
Call or visit Teri’s and Rowdy Rascals for toy availability and prices.
Rowdy Rascals Toy Store, 1020 First St., No. 102, Snohomish; 360-568-1777; www.myrowdyrascals.com
Teri’s Toybox, 420 Main St., Edmonds; 425-774-3190
Zoobies: Each stuffed animal is a three-in-one plush toy, pillow and blanket. Zoobies come in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes including Ping the panda, Ellema the elephant, and Tama the turtle. Price: $32.99.
Castles: Papo castles are popular among children older than 6. This toy maker also offers sets in pirate, Wild West or jungle themes. Knights, dragons and princesses sold separately. Castle price: $56.99.
Automoblox: Children can mix and match pieces of Automoblox cars from a variety of makes and models. These sturdy, wood-based cars sell for $9.99 to $35.99.
Helicopter: WOW Toys has items for children from 18 months to 5 years. All items are friction-powered, not battery-operated. There’s Harry Copter’s Animal Rescue with a magnetic lift for saving jungle animals and Katie Camper’s holiday van for camping excursions. Bath and baby products are also made by Wow Toys. Prices: $17.99 to $55.99.
Zoomorphs Mythmorphs: Children can build their own creatures with interchangeable body pieces that easily snap together. Each set contains four to 10 animals, dinosaurs or insects. Price: $17.99 to $27.99.
Game: Blokus is a popular game of strategy the whole family can enjoy. It essentially has only two rules, making it easy for anyone to play. Price: $32.99.
Plan Toys: Plan makes its products out of Thailand rubber trees and doesn’t use chemicals or paints. The company makes train and city sets with moveable pieces. It also offers doll houses, kitchen sets as well as blocks and infant toys. Car repair and service station price: $30.
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