Lego Mini Figures Series 7, $2.99

They’re back!  Lego Mini Figures Series 7 are here and going fast!  Blind box packaging adds a layer of surprise – will you end up with the bagpiper?  Maybe the bunny?  Or maybe the robot warrior?!  We do have a small selection of figures we have deciphered by feeling the packages.  So, if your heart is really set on a particular figure, let us know and we can help you out!

Also, we will be open our regular hours on Memorial Day!  Stop by to pick up any last minute activities – outdoor games, art kits, board games and more!!

And now for some things from around town:

Eco-Roof Tour at the Central Library  Unfortunately, the eco-roof isn’t accessible to the public. But, this backstage tours lets you see the roof from overlooking windows. And, it’s only 20 minutes long.  Saturday at 11am. Registration required.  Free!  Details here.

Textured Stencils by Melissa & Doug, Ages 5+ $9.99

Available in Dinosaur, Insect and Sealife these textured stencils are an all-in-one craft kit.  Trace the image, then lay your paper on top and use crayons to rub texture and shading into your drawing.  Awesome!  The texture really makes T. Rex pop!

Scrapbook Shadowbox, Ages 7+ $24.99

For those a little bit older, pick up this Scrapbook Shadowbox kit!  Add your own photos, then use the frames, papers, stickers and embellishments to make a personalized work of art!  The kit even has glue and scissors included.  When it’s all finished, hanging hooks are included on all four corners, so no matter how you position your collage it’ll be easy to hang!  This is totally perfect for a tween girl!

Faber Castell Duo Tip Markers, Ages 4+ 12 Markers $4.99/ 24 Markers $9.99

And sometimes you just need pen and paper.  We love these Faber Castell Duo Tip Markers.  Fine and broad widths, and double the colors as a standard pack!  Plus, the quality is so great!  Although, since they’ve been in business since 1761 you can kind of expect great things!

Hope you have a day full of flashes of brilliance and creative genius!

-Child’s Play

Chatter Phone, Ages 12mos+ $19.99

Recognize this guy?  Fisher Prices’s chatter telephone has been around since 1962, and was one of their top selling toys for nearly 20 years!  Go Chatter Box!  For a brief period the rotary dial was replaced with push buttons, but due to outrage from the toy loving public the retro look is back!

And, speaking of classic toys, here’s a few more we got in:

Change a Tune, Ages 12mos.+ $29.99

Turn the dial on the side and play along with “Pop!  Goes the Weasel,” “This Old Man,” or “The Muffin Man”.  And, the aqua trim is so right now!

Xylophone Pull-A-Tune, Ages 18 mos.+ $29.99

You never know when you might need to join a band or serenade a new friend, so you should always keep your xylophone handy!  Pull your xylophone along at all times, then plop down and use the mallet to strike up a tune!

Something about these toys brings up happy images of Beverly Cleary characters having parades and play dates in the park.  There’s something warm and happy about these toys, nostalgic but not in a sticky saccharine way.

Hope you have a groovy day!

-Child’s Play

Lives of the Pirates: Swashbucklers, Scoundrels (Neighbors Beware!) Written by Kathleen Krull and illustrated by Kathryn Hewitt

So you think you know your pirates, do you?…

Have you ever heard of Madame Cheng, the notorious female pirate in command of the largest pirate gang in history? Did you know that the famous pirate, Captain Henry Morgan, went from being the “terror of the Spanish Main” to the governor of Jamaica, or that vicious pirate, Mary Read, had a sea captain father who insisted on raising her as a boy and even calling her Mark?! What?! These are things that a true pirate enthusiast must know!

Inside the pages of this book, you will find entertaining biographies of the world’s pirate captains, some legendary and some largely unknown. You’ll find accounts of the captains’ terrifying brutality, peculiar quirks, marvelous treasure and sometimes comical blunders. Sure to entertain from beginning to end, with hilarious, caricature-like illustrations, this is an essential part of any pirate-lover’s library.

Recommended for all daring swashbucklers, ages 10 and up.

Thanks for sharing Sarah! Also, the new movie The Pirates: Band of Misfits, created by Aardman Studios (the people who brought us Wallace & Gromit and Chicken Run) is fantastic!  Highly recommended by the Child’s Play Staff!  Great for young and old pirates!

Have a swashbuckling day!  Hope you find some gold doubloons!

-Child’s Play

Here’s a few of our NEW favorites!

Knight Light, Ages 6-12 $14.99

Create your own Night Light!  Build the castle, then add stickers and jewels!  And, the stickers are reusable!  And, the light changes colors!  Score!

Stick N Style Sparkle Bands, Ages 5+ $16.99

It’s got headbands!  It’s got bracelets!  It’s got a fancy ponytail holder!  And, there are over 500 sparkles and gems to decorate with!  Most Awesome 5 Year Old Girl Birthday Present EVER!

SparkleUps Dinos, Ages 5+ $9.99

Dinosaur stickers that you can decorate with stick on jewels.  Sparkly Dinos!  AWESOME!

Hope your day has some sparkle!

-Child’s Play

Spark Shark Toss & Catch! Play catch in the pool or on land! By Melissa & Doug! Ages 4+ $14.99

Pirate Beach Kit (flag not included), Available in Flower Power too! $6.99

And here are a few weekend happenings:

Family Music Circle! Sing along to some of your favorite songs with Ted Kaye, Friendly House music circle leader extraordinaire.  Pizza while it lasts, following circle time.  All Ages.  Friday 5:30 – 6:30pm.  Friendly House, NW 26th & Thurman. 

Dozer Day!  According to their website, it’s just like a fair but the rides are big yellow heavy construction vehicles!  Awesome!  Kids get to hop in and actually drive dozers and diggers (with a trained operator at their side, of course).  Plus, there are tire crawls, a Dig for Diamonds activity, and stickers to collect for your hard hat!  Sat & Sun 11-4, Tickets from $5 – $10.  Happening at the Cemex/Fisher Quarry in Vancouver.  Details here.

How About Orange's Paper Heart Garland Tutorial

Origami is one of our favorite crafts.  It can be simple or involved, depending on your mood.  Little Hands and adult hands get the same enjoyment out of it.  There are some gorgeous papers available (some right here in the store).  And the possibilities really are endless.  Just look below!

We just started carrying Aitoh brand Origami paper, and it is so wonderful!  Available in packs or kits, flowered or foil embossed.  Here’s just a snippet of what’s available:

The Ancient Art of Origami, Ages 8+ $12.99

Origami Paper Doll Making Kit, Ages 8+ $13.99

Origami Paper - patterns vary, $2.99 and up

Have an absolutely fantastic day!

-Child’s Play

And if you can’t make it today, Karl will be at Duck Duck Goose (just down the block from us) on Friday!  Details on their facebook page here.

And, now for a few new things in the store!

Zibits Lightning Arena, Ages 6+ $29.99

Zibits are back in stock!  And, this arena is brand new!  Challenge a friend in head-2-head action!  Score the most goals and win!  Lightning ball included!

My First Creative Collage, Ages 3+ $9.99

Orb Factory Sticky Mosaics are one of the most popular craft kits for the under 6 set, and now you can expand your artistic pursuits with these awesome Creative Collage Kits!  Peel away sections to expose the colored sticker then apply the fun color-match materials!  Add pom-poms, glitter and foam dots, then press down the frame and hang it up!  Kit includes three pictures and all supplies.  Great for when grandma needs something for everyone to do!

Sew Your Own Sock Squid, Ages 9+ $17.99

Already made a sock monkey?  What about a sock squid?!  Yes, that’s right, Sock Squid.  Use the kit’s organic cotton socks, button eyes, recycled poly stuffing and simple, illustrated instructions to make your own squid!  Even more sock squid coolness – it’s made in the US, and packaged not too far away in Washington state!

Have an outstanding day!

-Child’s Play

Fortunately by Remy Charlip, Ages 3 - 7

Fortunately, by Remy Charlip, is a colorful book about opportunities and obstacles. “Fortunately one day, Ned got a letter that said, ‘Please come to a Surprise Party.’ But unfortunately the party was in Florida and he was in New York.” Throughout the book, we see how Ned’s problems are solved one by one. Even though some of the solutions create further trouble, a combination of fate and Ned’s talents should get him to the party in one piece! Fun for ages 3-7.

And, there’s still time to sign up for a Silhouette Portrait appointment!

Have a sunny day!

-Child’s Play

Here’s the event details!  Due to popular demand we have extended the event hours to 12pm – 6pm!

Be sure to call and schedule your 5 minute appointment!  Spots going fast!

And, here is just one sale spot in the store!

Sale! Sale! Sale!

Each section has a variety of toys on sale, anywhere from 25% to 50% off!  Look for the sale signs and price tags with red slashes!

Have an outstanding day!

-Child’s Play