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SCHOLAR’S CHOICE
Teachers know this chain well – they’ve been catering to educators for more than 70 years, and are the oldest and largest distributor of educational supplies in the country. But there’s more to the 25 stores and awesome website than school stuff – there are toys for newborns to teens and dozens of categories and themes including bugs, fairies, science and more. Kids can use their birthday party registry to make sure they get everything on their wish lists.
WALMART
From decor to the amazing toy section, this is your one-stop shop for all things holiday. It’s full of fun finds at prices that will save you a few extra bucks. They have great riding toys for tots, like the Power Wheels Jeep Wrangler Rubicon for rugged terrain (a.k.a. the backyard), bikes for big kids, a slew of board games, and all of the popular brands that comprise kids’ wish lists (from Barbie to Transformers).
INDIGO
Indigo has been busy bulking up the IndigoKids section of their stores by offering a huge selection of great (and often hard-to-find) board games, lots of play-and-learn toys (like Melissa & Doug puzzles and the LeapPad Learning Tablet), as well as oodles of video games and art kits for all ages. There are also plenty of picks for infants, like plush animals and bath toys. Check out the special birthday section (in most stores) where you’ll find great toy picks for each age group. Since books are what the chain does best, there are thousands for kids, including sticker books, activity books and book- and-toy gift sets.
TOYS “R” US
This store (there are about 70 nationwide) is heaven for kids. (Good luck taking your brood and not coming out with more than you bargained for.) While Babies “R” Us caters to all things newborn, the rest of the store carries pretty much every toy and brand imaginable. They also have quite the collection of “R” exclusive toys you can only find at TRU, such as the Strawberry Shortcake kitchen set and the board game “Guess Who” featuring the Marvel superheroes.
MASTERMIND TOYS
There’s something for everyone at this Canadian- owned mini-chain. Some of Mastermind’s coolest and most unique toys can be found in their science, discovery and exploration department; little scientists will get a kick out of the Scientific Explorer Bubble Gum Factory (who wouldn’t want to make their own chewing gum?) and the 4M Volcano Making Kit. You’ll also find an assortment of musical instruments (drum sets, recorders and even ukuleles), scooters and air hockey tabletop games.
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