After the scare with toys in China last year and the continuing recall of toys that seem to pass quality control and yet have high levels of lead paint, the demand for solid wooden toys has sky-rocketed. This has helped local toy stores (see below) as well as European toy manufacturers such as Brio bring in customers not only with discriminating taste for solid quality but for also for educational and wholesome toys for their children. Many of us realized that the cheap toys that we knew would break after a few "play sessions" are not only inexpensive due to the materials but at times also the lack of stringent regulations. We now expect more and will pay more for our toys even if it means buying fewer toys. I know I would love to get rid of many of my daughter's knick knacks that she gathers from birthday goody bags, giveaways and carnival prizes. These local toy stores help to get us back on track with the idea of solid, educational toys that need not be in abundance to be impactful to our children. I have personally visited The Play Store and enjoyed wandering through even though I didn't have a big purchase. They have lots of wooden toys, puzzles, books, some crafts and of course, the larger play kitchen and doll house. What a nice contrast to the commercialized toys of Toys R'Us and Target!The Play Store in Palo Alto - http://www.playstoretoys.com/ - 508 University Ave. Phone: 650-326-9070
The Wooden Horse in Los Gatos - http://www.woodenhorsetoys.com/ - 796 Blossom Hill Rd. Phone: 408-356-8821
Talbots Toyland Inc. in San Mateo - http://www.talbotstoyland.com/ - 445 S. B St. Phone: 650-931-8100
Check out their google reviews too!
