While it’s almost the night before Christmas, there are two independent toy stores in town that still not only have a wide variety of selection left, but are also running toy drives in support of the Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau right up until Dec. 24.
Kaboodles, which has locations on Granville Island, Cambie Street and in downtown Victoria, is giving a 10 per cent discount towards any purchases for its drive and, on any purchase over $15, will pop your new toy into a Kaboodles gift bag (if it fits) and dress it up with bright tissue and ribbons, which can help save time. If the toy or game is larger than their gift bags, you can purchase gift wrapping paper and staff will wrap it for you — time permitting. Visit kaboodlestoystore.com.
Meanwhile, the Granville Island Toy Company, with a new location on Granville Street at West 71st Avenue, is also gathering toys for kids. The stores, which also have locations at Granville Island and on Main Street, have a large selection of toys left to choose from. Marpole store manager Tanyth Gadon put together this list as her top picks for last-minute shopping. Visit toycompany.com.
Geosphere Puzzle Lamp: It’s a puzzle — and a lamp. This simple, yet challenging puzzle allows you to create dozens of different lampshades. Each set contains 30 puzzle pieces, the Geosphere wireless and waterproof LED Puck Light and a remote control with more than 20 different colour lighting modes. Assembly required.
Speak Out: This super popular new game brings friends and family together for laugh-out-loud fun as players attempt to say different phrases while wearing a mouthpiece that won't let them shut their mouth. Players draw from the deck and read the phrase as best as they can, while wearing the mouthpiece. The game was a top pick for both the Granville Island Toy Store and Kaboodles.
Zoomer the Chimp: This robotic chimp responds to voice commands. He stands, sings, dances and, yes, even farts. Using True Balance Technology, Zoomer Chimp moves just like a real monkey, flipping, standing and rolling all on his own. Through his moving face, light-up eyes and awesome Chimp sounds, he lets you know exactly how he’s feeling. He senses his surroundings and even follows your movements.
Magnetic Dart Set: This Magnetic Dartboard contains darts with no sharp points. This dartboard uses professionally weighted darts with magnetized ends so you can't spear an opponent, which is probably a good thing after the kids have been home from school for a few days. Magnetic darts are a safe way to play at home without making holes in your walls — or your friends.
Shopkins: For young boys and girls seriously into shopping, this product lines has a lot to offer.
Kaboodles staff picks
Stikbot: Create, animate and share. Pose your Stikbot and use the free app to create cinematic movies to share.
Hape Train Sets: Spend a delightful day on the railroad. Encourage imaginative play and creativity with the new Hape train sets. Tracks are compatible with other brands, so grow your railroad and go.
Meiya and Alvin: Babies will fall in love with the sweet and soothing touch of Meiya and Alvin baby toys, made of natural rubber ideal for teething. Voted Best Green Toy by Dr. Toy’s Best Children Products.
Lego Maze: Amaze your family by building a brain-twisting labyrinth using LEGO. Tip and tilt your way to guide the ball out of your maze. Add your own bricks for an extra challenge.
Extra Large Playmobil Figures: Just like regular mini Playmobil figures, these oversized Knight or Princess figurines with movable heads, arms and legs are ready for playtime.
Litehawk Circuit: Ready, set, race! Get ready for slot car racing down the track and through wicked turns. The kit includes fast cars, figure-eight tracks and digital lap counter to start racing right out of the box.
Calico Ballet Theatre: It's a kitty casting call at the Calico Ballet Academy. Teach these little critters to stand en Pointe and dance the day away.
@sthomas10
