Educational Toys and Gifts - Buy Online at The Learning Tree http://www.The-Learning-Tree.com The Learning Tree is a place for kids to grow. We are a locally owned, independent toy store in metropolitan Kansas City. Thu, 08 Jul 2010 21:46:08 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en hourly 1 Toy & Game News http://www.The-Learning-Tree.com/toy-game-news/ http://www.The-Learning-Tree.com/toy-game-news/#comments Thu, 08 Jul 2010 21:44:36 +0000 The Learning Tree team http://www.The-Learning-Tree.com/?p=1905 Who really invented Monopoly?

Strong Museum acquires rare early Monopoly Game

ROCHESTER, N.Y. – A rare and unique early version of Monopoly, used as evidence in a controversial, 10-year legal copyright battle over the iconic American game’s true inventor, has been acquired by Strong National Museum of Play – home of the National Toy Hall of Fame.

Playthings Staff — Playthings, 7/1/2010 2:54:58 PM

http://www.playthings.com/article/529849-Who_really_invented_Monopoly_.php

Cooking Toys are all the rave

I just got back from the Housewares Show in Chicago. You may wonder what does that trade show have to do with toys?

Marianne M Szymanski — Playthings, March 16, 2010

http://www.playthings.com/blog/Toy_Tips/37018-Cooking_Toys_are_all_the_rave.php

If only Al Capone had played outdoor games

If only Al Capone had played outdoor games

Outdoor games prevent crime. Yes, you heard me right. Outdoor games are a crime buster. At least that is what an article in The Record tells us.

Richard Gottlieb — Playthings, 7/5/2010

http://www.playthings.com/blog/Out_of_the_Toy_Box/37364-If_only_Al_Capone_had_played_outdoor_games.php

]]> http://www.The-Learning-Tree.com/toy-game-news/feed/ 0 Flying Turtles 20% Off This Week http://www.The-Learning-Tree.com/flying-turtles-20-off-this-week/ http://www.The-Learning-Tree.com/flying-turtles-20-off-this-week/#comments Thu, 17 Jun 2010 18:30:36 +0000 The Learning Tree team http://www.The-Learning-Tree.com/?p=1869 Flying Turtles are Toy Of The Week! AND they are all 20% Off.

Flying Turtles take off for summer!

One of our most popular toys year after year, the Flying Turtle gets kids outside and moving for summer!

Totally kid-powered,  just steer from side to side with your hands and feet and off you go.

Manufactured by Mason Corporation for ages 3 to 12, The Learning Tree carries the Flying Turtle in 3 colors.

Teal, Green, and Purple.

Click here or on the photo for more info or to get a Flying Turtle for yourself!

Flying Turtle ride-on toy in teal

Flying Turtle in GreenPurple Flying Turtle scooter

]]> http://www.The-Learning-Tree.com/flying-turtles-20-off-this-week/feed/ 0 Toy News http://www.The-Learning-Tree.com/toy-news/ http://www.The-Learning-Tree.com/toy-news/#comments Wed, 16 Jun 2010 23:52:15 +0000 The Learning Tree team http://www.The-Learning-Tree.com/?p=1871 Bananagrams co-creator dies | WPRI.com

Abraham Nathanson, a Rhode Island graphic designer, photographer, children’s book author and illustrator who invented the popular word game Bananagrams, has died. He was 80.,

Publish Date: 06/09/2010 8:32

http://www.wpri.com/dpp/entertainment/bananagrams-co-creator-dies

Eco-Friendly Toys — How to Go Green

The world we live in is going through dramatic ecological and environmental changes. The toy industry is growing more aware of the issues and is becoming more responsive to the changes in a wide variety of ways.

Publish Date: 6/15/2010 1:10:48 PM

http://www.playthings.com/article/529545-Eco_Friendly_Toys_How_to_Go_Green.php?nid=2022&mid=230373141

Library Of Special Needs Toys, Equipment Offers Families Flexibility

Toys and equipment for kids with special needs can carry a high cost and incur quick turnover, oftentimes making such devices prohibitive for families. Now, a St. Louis group is offering specialized items on loan for no charge.

Publish Date: March 18, 2010

http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2010/03/18/toy-exchange/7367/


]]> http://www.The-Learning-Tree.com/toy-news/feed/ 0 Science Classes at The Learning Tree http://www.The-Learning-Tree.com/science-classes-at-the-learning-tree/ http://www.The-Learning-Tree.com/science-classes-at-the-learning-tree/#comments Wed, 26 May 2010 16:59:54 +0000 The Learning Tree team http://www.The-Learning-Tree.com/?p=1848 It will be Science Wednesday for kids this summer at The Learning Tree!

Wednesdays in June and July, we are offering science classes at our Corinth store.

Fossil Dig:

Become a paleontologist! Dig for real fossils that are millions of years old. Children will dig for a real fossilized shark tooth, brachiopod shell, gastropod shell and squid shell. These real “millions of year old” fossils are embedded in a brick and are revealed by using the supplied scraping and brush tools similar to those used by paleontologists.

Volcano Kit:

Kids will construct and decorate their own paper mache volcanoes. They’ll then “erupt” them and learn about real volcanoes. Kids can take home their volcanoes and repeat the activity again and again.

Test Tube Science:

Get ready to experience REALLY COOL science and discover lots of fun things about the world around us! Activities will include some of the following activities as time permits: growing insta-snow, magic sand, making a lava-lamp, making a color changing bracelet, making ghost crystals, disappearing water, making a bloody handprint, making instant worms and jiggly fish eggs. This is an on-the-premises activity, without anything substantial to take home.

Fossil Dig – Wednesday, June 2 – 10:30am      $10
Build and erupt a volcano – Wednesday, June 16 – 10:30am      $15
Test Tube Science – Wednesday, June 30 – 10:30am      $10
Fossil Dig – Wednesday, July 7 – 10:30am      $10
Build and Erupt A Volcano – Wednesday, July 14 – 10:30am      $10
Test Tube Science – Wednesday, July 21 – 10:30am      $10

Call us at 913-385-1234 to register!

Here’s a PDF file with all the details…

summerScienceActivities

]]> http://www.The-Learning-Tree.com/science-classes-at-the-learning-tree/feed/ 1 Educational Toy News http://www.The-Learning-Tree.com/educational-toy-news/ http://www.The-Learning-Tree.com/educational-toy-news/#comments Tue, 25 May 2010 19:21:18 +0000 The Learning Tree team http://www.The-Learning-Tree.com/?p=1835 Kids Riding Toys for Outdoors | Travel Guide

It can be tough to find good educational toys nowadays, and it’s actually tougher to find educational toys that aren’t hooked to a computer screen. We have selected three toys below that will encourage your child’s creativity, …

Publish Date: 05/25/2010 7:08

http://www.e-travel-guide.com/bicycle-tour/kids-riding-toys-for-outdoors/


Hobbies, Toys and Games article – Tips for choosing a Toy for a child

II usually like to purchase educational toys when buying toys for children. Kids like to pretend to be adults so I find telephones, computers and other electronic equipment that look much like the items that parents use are more …

Publish Date: 05/24/2010 11:59

http://sharedreviews.com/articles/hobbies-toys-and-games/tips-for-choosing-a-toy-for-a-child


Smart inventor sets sights on business success – University of …

iFactor Award winner Roman Latypov is looking forward to a bright future as a successful inventor and entrepreneur after winning top prize in the contest organised by the University’s Knowledge Hub. … Roman, who is a third-year Business Studies student at the University, said the award has offered an outstanding platform to develop his idea for a range of educational toys and products called Smart Wares. It has also given him the chance to meet potential investors who …

Publish Date: 05/13/2010 6:59

http://www.beds.ac.uk/news/2010/may/100513-iFactor


Top-10 Most-Wanted Infant and Toddler Toys

Items like the Fill & Spill Mailbox from Melissa & Doug represent classic play patterns for young children, according to a nationwide survey of 39 specialty retailers discussing best-selling playthings for babies. For simple infant essentials, storeowners turn to brands trusted for safety…

Publish Date: 05/2010

http://www.toydirectory.com/monthly/article.asp?id=4122


Thames & Kosmos kits scheduled to arrive in stores in September

– Playthings, 5/21/2010

PROVIDENCE, R.I.—Thames & Kosmos has introduced its 2010 Construction Series, a new line of seven science and building kits designed to cultivate a challenging and participatory learning experience in and out of the classroom. Developed to engage young scientists through both individual study and creative collaboration, this new collection is currently available for pre-order and is scheduled to arrive in stores this September….

http://www.playthings.com/article/CA6728941.html?desc=topstory

]]> http://www.The-Learning-Tree.com/educational-toy-news/feed/ 1 Kids Flea Market June 5th – Sign Up Now for a Space! http://www.The-Learning-Tree.com/kids-flea-market-june-5th-sign-up-now-for-a-space/ http://www.The-Learning-Tree.com/kids-flea-market-june-5th-sign-up-now-for-a-space/#comments Wed, 19 May 2010 16:08:48 +0000 The Learning Tree team http://www.The-Learning-Tree.com/?p=1817
3 girls selling toys at the learning tree kids flea market

Ready to get rid of those unused and outgrown toys cluttering up the house? Here’s your chance!

It’s our 2nd Annual Learning Tree Corinth Square Kid’s Flea Market!

The Learning Tree is sponsoring (and marketing!) a flea market for your kids to re-sell their gently used toys, books and games. And what kid doesn’t have toys they haven’t out-grown or just gotten tired of?

The Learning Tree will provide a space for children to sell their used items at whatever price they decide. We will market the event to make sure that other kids looking to buy quality toys at a discount, will know what’s happening when.
Best of all? The cost per booth is only $5!

Here’s what you get for $5:
• One space (approx. 8′ x 8′)
• A $5 ticket you can apply as a $5 coupon on any item in The Learning Tree on that Saturday.
• A chance to get rid of all the unused toys, games and books in your house that are way too good to throw away.
• Your child gets the opportunity to run his or her own business for a few hours. From set-up to sale, they will have a great experience merchandising, selling, making change, make new friends, AND possibly learn how to negotiate and bargain.
• Your child will have extra money to spend on themselves, for a charity, or save for a rainy day.
Details:
• SIGN UP EARLY, SHOW UP EARLY! Call us to sign-up or if you have questions: (913) 385-1234
• Space is limited and will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis on Saturday morning.
• Set-up time starts at 9am. Bring your own tables, signs, chairs and blankets – everything you need to display and sell your items.
• All items must be clearly priced.
• All items must be in good condition and complete.
• Bring cash box with lots of small bills and change to make a sale.
• Bring water, hats, sunscreen, etc. to keep your kids and you comfortable from set-up to tear-down.
• After the flea market, any items not sold will be donated to a local children’s charity.

Note: The Learning Tree is the facilitator of the flea market and not responsible for any of the individual transactions taking place, nor the quality of the merchandise being sold.

June 5th 10am to 1pm
Set-up 9am to 10am
Cost: $5 for 1 booth

Any Questions?

Call us at 913-385-1234

or email us at info@the-learning-tree.com!

]]> http://www.The-Learning-Tree.com/kids-flea-market-june-5th-sign-up-now-for-a-space/feed/ 0 Kidtivities Are Back http://www.The-Learning-Tree.com/kidtivities-are-back/ http://www.The-Learning-Tree.com/kidtivities-are-back/#comments Wed, 12 May 2010 21:27:58 +0000 The Learning Tree team http://www.The-Learning-Tree.com/?p=1801 Here’s our new Kidtivities schedule for Summer 2010.

If you have any questions, call our store at 913-385-1234.

Kidtivities Schedule Summer 2010

Summer 2010 Kidtivities Schedule at The Learning Tree

Download the 2010 Kidtivity flyer PDF

]]> http://www.The-Learning-Tree.com/kidtivities-are-back/feed/ 0 Rody is 20% Off http://www.The-Learning-Tree.com/rody-is-20-off/ http://www.The-Learning-Tree.com/rody-is-20-off/#comments Wed, 28 Apr 2010 21:05:01 +0000 The Learning Tree team http://www.The-Learning-Tree.com/?p=1793 Toddlers love to ride on a Rody Hopping Horse!

Rody is lovable, inflatable vinyl ride-on toy. Kids love playing on a Rody when they visit our stores. And now it’s our Toy Of The Week and it’s 20% off!

Rody helps kids learn balance and coordination as they rock and bounce away, hanging on to its head and ears. Rody has beautifully painted eyes, spots and a saddle seat. And of course a cute little tail too.  The Rody Horse is made of latex-free vinyl in Italy by Gymnic and is free of banned phthalates so its very safe for kids.

Gymnic also makes a support base if you want to transform Rody into a rocking horse. Rock ‘n’ Rody is a super fun take on a traditional rocking horse toy.

Rody also grows with your child. Just add more air for bigger kids. It works for all toddlers whether they’re 2, 3, or 4 years old.

Get a Rody inflatable horse today for your toddler! He or she will love it.

]]> http://www.The-Learning-Tree.com/rody-is-20-off/feed/ 0 Art Open House At Park Place http://www.The-Learning-Tree.com/art-open-house-at-park-place/ http://www.The-Learning-Tree.com/art-open-house-at-park-place/#comments Wed, 28 Apr 2010 20:07:46 +0000 The Learning Tree team http://www.The-Learning-Tree.com/?p=1785 We had a great time at the Art Opening last Friday at our Park Place store. Some of our little artists came by, along with Julie Flanagan, their Artrageous art teacher.

Art Show at The Learning Tree toy store in Leawood, KS

A young artist and her work.

The artwork looked really nice hanging over the cash wrap area of the store. The weather was perfect for getting out to Park Place  and doing a little shopping. Cupcake A La Mode provided yummy cupcakes for our customers so that was an added treat!

The Rice Gallery had an opening also. They are right across the street from us so everyone got their art fix last Friday.

Thanks to everyone for coming out and seeing us. We have so many tools and kits for artistic kids at The Learning Tree so come see us for all your creative pursuits. Click here to see all our art supplies, kits, and books for sale online.

]]> http://www.The-Learning-Tree.com/art-open-house-at-park-place/feed/ 0 Art Open House April 23rd http://www.The-Learning-Tree.com/art-open-house-april-23rd/ http://www.The-Learning-Tree.com/art-open-house-april-23rd/#comments Tue, 13 Apr 2010 21:03:07 +0000 The Learning Tree team http://www.The-Learning-Tree.com/?p=1773 Kids had a great time creating beautiful art during our Artrageous event last Saturday. Thanks to Julie Flanagan and all her students!

We have the artwork they created all framed up and hanging in our Park Place store. Here’s a small sample from 2 of our artists.

Kids art at The Learning Tree toy store

Come by to see their masterpieces any time during  The Learning Tree store hours and  come out to our Art Open House on Friday, April 23rd from 5 to 8pm to meet our young artists!

For an extra treat, we’ll have cupcakes courtesy of Cupcake A La Mode, our wonderful neighbor here at Park Place. Yum!

So, come see us, our young artists and their creations for our Art Open House!

And of course you can see all the new toys we have to help you and your kids get outside and enjoy the beautiful spring weather.

The Learning Tree Art Open House
when: Friday April 23rd 5pm – 8pm
where: Park Place
11536 Ash St.
Leawood, KS 66211

Questions? (913) 498-1234

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