Get ready for the Fourth of July, Landis' Labyrinth-style!

We're pretty excited for Independence Day.  Can you tell?  Barbeques, watching fireworks, hanging out with friends... what's not to love?  To make your day even more enjoyable, we'd like to suggest a few fun items that everyone in your group will enjoy.  The Sauce Gun makes the otherwise uninteresting task of putting ketchup and mustard on your food exciting.  Just don't mix it up with a water gun or else you'll have soggy food and an upset friend.  Rubiks Cube and High Heeled Shoes speakers add a bit of intelligence/class to your music, and a Magic Solar Butterfly to watch should conversation lag.  Should your party get out of control, consider having some Spam Bandages on hand, and in case someone does use their Sauce Gun as a water gun, some Emergency Outfits will come in handy. 

And make sure to let loose with your fashion choices.  Red, white and blue are all excellent choices, but to really liven things up, go neon!  The fireworks shouldn't be the only bright sight at your shindig.  We have neon scarves, bracelets, Shwings, and glasses.  So come on by before next Thursday (we will be closed on July 4th) and check out what we've got to make your day even better!

Shape your toddler's mind with Edushape!

We always love it when we can add a tried-and-true brand to our offerings, and we are very happy to announce that we are now carrying Edushape at both our Manhattan Beach and Larchmont shops! With a list of awards to back them up, this company promises be a winner in your home as well.  They specialize in development-boosting toys for babies and toddlers, and their designs are quite unique in color and shapes.  The Sensory Balls have gotten the most attention so far (not a surprise... kids love throwing them around!), but the Melody Snaily is possibly our favorite.  Unroll his tail into a soft keyboard/xylophone, and with the assistance of a some handy music cards color-coded to make learning songs simple, your toddler will be jamming away in no time (this is also a great way to help them learn colors as well).  They definitely strive to make their toys as multisensory as possible, so one of their products on its own is enough to intrigue and delight your youngster for hours on end.  Yay Edushape!

You should escargot down to 140 N. Larchmont and join in our spectacular snail scavenger hunt!

Test your national flag knowledge with our first ever window scavenger hunt!  In our windows at 140 N. Larchmont, we have 14 snails proudly toting around 14 different flags from around the world.  Not to mention some pretty great puns to give you a hint about the flag's country.  If you can find all of the snails, and correctly identify the 14 countries they're representing, then you win a 'sweet' prize.  One prize will be awarded per entrant, on a one-time only basis (we want to give as many people a chance at glory as possible) for as long as supplies last, so stop by soon and have fun learning about the world! 

OMG! It's Hello Kitty, and she's out of control!!!

Hello Kitty, you're so pretty,
you're the most popular cat
in this whole city.

With two small eyes and a bow on your head,
you never have a mouth
but nothing needs to be said.

You're Hello Kitty, star of the show!
Neon lights now proclaim it,
truly it is so.

You're on everything from pencils to journals,
wallets and purses,
and nightlights for us nocturnals.

Hello Kitty, you're such a huge draw,
it's hard to avoid you,
your head's even on a straw.

What we're trying to say is that we adore you,
poetry seems the best route,
but now we think that we've bored you.

Oh Hello Kitty, just tell us to stop.
You know how much we all love you,
here at Landis' Labyrinth Toy Shop!

[We have new Hello Kitty in.  You should come in and check it out.]

We think you'll really 'dig' these kits!

We're so lucky here in Los Angeles that there are tons of great hands-on science centers for kids to explore and learn from.  The downside is that now you have a child keen on discovering more and you can't go to the museum everyday (nor would it be advisable to dig up the backyard in search of dinosaurs or treasure).  Thankfully, companies like GeoCentral are here to help!  They have a huge line of excavation kits in which you can unearth everything from dinosaur models and actual fossils to pirate's treasure.  Kids can't get enough of these wonderful little kits, and it seems that we can barely keep up with keeping them in stock as a result.  We just a shipment in, but we anticipate them being gone within a few weeks, so stock up now.

More into chemistry than archaeology?  Why not check out the growing pet or magic volcano kits... simply add water and watch your new friends go from tiny to titanic.  These guys are staples of most peoples' childhoods, and they still entrance kids today.

More into biology than chemisty?  Well, we've got a doozy of a kit for you.  Triops!  These little buggers date back to the time of the Tyrannosaurus rex, and are basically like owning Sea Monkeys but way, way weirder.  I've personally done one of these kits, and even without following the directions regarding keeping a lamp on over the bowl while the eggs are hatching (I didn't, I just kept the bowl in a warm kitchen), my triops did indeed hatch, and were everything the package claims.  They're pretty odd, but a neat way to get your kids into understanding an animal's life cycle and care.

More into geology than biology?  The ever-popular 'break-your-own' geodes are back!  What is a geode, you ask?  Wikipedia has a very long explanation, but we like to say, "It's a rock with crystals inside.".  Because that's basically what it is.  You put the geode into an old sock (or just something soft wrapped around it so that bits of rock don't hit you in the face when you crack it open), and then firmly tap it with a hammer.  You don't want to smash it, otherwise you'll just be left with a pile of smashed up rock and crystal, so just tap it until it cracks open and then marvel at the crystals. 

And if you're more into glowing dino stuff over geology?  Yup, we've got it!  We have a decorative dinosaur meant to go on a wall with a glowing skeleton on it, as well as an excavation kit with a glowing dino within.  We're not certain that dinosaurs did ever glow, but it's fun to think they might have!

School's out, camp is in!

And that means CARE PACKAGES!  Already, we've had parents coming in to start compiling care packages for their children off at camp.  It's the same story every summer... what to get that's small, fun, not food-related (many camps don't allow food to be sent from home), and something to remind them of home but to also encourage them to make new friends.  Many of the ideas already put forth in our Travel-Friendly Toys Guide post earlier work perfectly for these important presents from home, but here are a few others that we'd like to suggest.

Classic Toys: These range from good ole fashioned jacks to marbles to jump ropes.  This is one of our biggest-selling categories during the summer simply because they are so portable, they're tried and true, and they really do promote communal play for many ages.  The classic number slide puzzle, paddle ball, and pick up sticks are also great options as well.  Magic kits and gag gifts will keep them entertained and entertaining at camp, and it's hard to wrong with a play ball!

Personal Care Items: While you're at camp, personal space and time are far more limited than at home, so it's nice to include some items that can be shared, but are more meant to be used by your actual child (we hope they don't need an entire box of adhesive bandages to themselves!).  Bracelets, like the Spikelets and Shwings shoe accessories are great for both boys and girls, not to mention something fun to show to their new friends and possibly trade with.  Temporary tattoos are another popular care package item, and of course, it never hurts to have a new pen/pencil to jot down notes on your experience at camp.  Another great idea for camp: sunglasses!  You can never have too many when there are so many opportunities to break or lose a pair.

We'll miss seeing your kids while they're away, but we're happy that we can help you all out by offering awesome goodies for them to receive during their time at camp.  And it's always fun to hear all about their summer when they do get back into town :)

Be a Hero: We only have about a week left for your votes!

We would absolutely love it if you could take the time to visit https://surveyanyplace.com/app/s/exec/qid/lcsbretail/  and nominate us as your favorite Kids Store for the South Bay Locals' Choice Awards.  (you don't have to give them your email unless you want to).  In addition to bringing a smile to our faces, you can also enter to win for a $2000 shopping spree at Manhattan Village.  You have nothing to lose and everything to win by voting!  And even if you're a patron of our Larchmont shops, remember, what helps one shop helps the other so we would love your votes as well :)  You can vote until June 28th.  The more votes, the merrier!

Thanks as always for your support!

Step on into Landis' Labyrinth for your Shwings today!

And by today, we mean sometime soon 'cause they really do fly out of here!  We just got some pretty major reorders in at all three shops for these guys, and we are really digging the new designs out this year.  The original wing style is still a favorite, but the lightening bolts and flames are really standouts.  Oh, and they have moustaches for your shoes now as well, so if you desire having gentlemanly shoes, you can.  These also make for great camp care-package items (nice and lightweight and flat), so keep that in mind when you come in for some goodies to send away. 

Happy Father's Day!

We just want to thank our fathers for always picking us up when we fall, teaching us new and interesting things everyday, remembering the goofy things we say when we're little (and repeating them years later at the most opportune moments for hilarity/embarrassment), and for lifting us up when we couldn't see what was on the top shelf.  It's great fun watching the dads that come into our shops carrying on these traditions, and we're thankful that you do!  So have a happy father's day, and if you need for us to get something down from the top shelf, we are more than happy to delay your visit to the chiropractor :)

Want another great reason to vote for Landis' Labyrinth as your favorite kids store?

We just restocked our Plan Toys selection!  One our our customers' favorite lines (and ours, too), this eco-conscious line of wooden toys makes everything from musical instruments to classic toys to play food.  This is a line that flies out our doors, so be sure to stop by soon and snag yours before it's gone!

Aaaaand if you're interested, don't forget we're still in the running for the South Bay Locals' Choice Award for best Kids Store.  We would absolutely love it if you could take the time to visit https://surveyanyplace.com/app/s/exec/qid/lcsbretail/  and nominate us as your favorite (you don't have to give them your email unless you want to).  In addition to bringing a smile to our faces, you can also enter to win for a $2000 shopping spree at Manhattan Village.  You have nothing to lose and everything to win by voting!  And even if you're a patron of our Larchmont shops, remember, what helps one shop helps the other so we would love your votes as well :)  You can vote daily until June 28th.

Thanks as always for your support!

New Games from Blue Orange Games and ThinkFun

If you've read this blog or been in the shop, you are probably aware by now that these two game companies, Blue Orange and ThinkFun, are two of our most beloved game companies.  Both are great at conceiving games that are both challenging and fun, and they make games for all ages.

Up first is Ooga Booga.  As you can surmise, this game is quite silly!  Done in the same round card format as their bestselling Spot It! games, the purpose of this game is to work on memorization.  It's also pretty giggle-inducing.  Each card has a picture on it with a nonsensical word on top.  Place the first card down, repeat the word (for example, Moki), and then add '-ha' to the end.  Moki-ha.  Then place the next card over it so that it covers that first word.  Let's say the second word is Ooga.  You have to remember what the previous word is, then add the new word, and add -ha at the end.  So this would now be Moki-Ooga-ha.  You keep going around the group adding words until someone makes a mistake and then start over again.  There are also action cards such as pounding your fist, so if you were to add that card onto our example, you would say Moki-Ooga, then pound your first, then say -ha.  Written out, it doesn't sound nearly as much fun as it is when played.  This game is recommended for 7+, for 3-6 players, though we did play using only 2 people and it seemed to work just fine.

For the more mathematically-inclined, we have the brand new 20 Express game.  All of us here have been having a blast testing our statistics skills and trying our luck at building the longest sequences of numbers ever! Well, that's an overstatement, but we've had some pretty tense games here already.  This game is simple: Each player gets a card with 20 empty train cars on it.  You have a bag of tiles with numbers on them.  Pull out one tile, and whatever that number is, you have to place in one of the 'trains' on your paper.  The goal is to have the longest sequence of numbers (ex. 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 7, 8).  As you can see from the example, you can skip numbers, but they must go from the smallest number to largest.  If you must (and realistically, probably will) start a new 'train', you can.  Check out the photo of the score card up top to get a better idea.  Whoever has the longest trains will win the game, and while it does sound like chance plays a big part in this, a lot does depend upon devising a strategy based upon what numbers are left in the bag and what the odds are that you'll get a particular number. This game can also conveniently be played by 1 to 100 people, so whether alone or with a convention, you can all play!

For all of you ThinkFun enthusiasts, we have two new games, WordARound and Visual Brain Storms, to challenge you.  WordARound is a card game with round cards that have a word wrapped around the edge of the card.  There is no indication as to where the word begins and ends, so the goal is to be the first to figure out what the word is.  Visual Brain Storms is a set of cards with different mind game challenges to solve.  They have them sectioned by difficulty level, and they do get tricky!

And for the younger ThinkFun fans (that's right you 18 month-olds), we have Hello Sunshine and Roll & Play.  Hello Sunshine teaches your children about different, common prepositions, such as 'in', 'on top', etc.  Roll & Play is all about identification and performing actions.  You roll the giant colorful cube, have the child identify the color, and then they take a card of the same color and are prompted to 'sing a song', 'find something blue', etc.  Both of these games a perfect for teaching your child various skills and encouraging them to complete tasks.

So come on in and check these new games out.  We even have demos of Ooga Booga and 20 Express on hand, so if you want to try before you buy, you can!

Our guide to travel-friendly toys!

We know this is the post you're really been waiting for!  And why not?  It's summer, and for many of us it means that it's the time to take a break from work and enjoy spending time with our families.  And for those of you lucky enough to get out of town for a bit, we know it means figuring out how to entertain the kids on those pesky car and airplane rides.  We can't promise that they won't ask, "Are we there yet?", but we can offer some suggestions to make their trip, and therefore yours, a more pleasant and enjoyable experience.

First up are the toughest of groups to entertain: babies and young toddlers.  They should be simple, right?  Everything entertains them, right?  Well, not so much in a confined space where you have a limited amount of options with which to entertain them.  You could hope for them to sleep, but in case that for some reason doesn't work out, here are some of our ideas.

-Books: This one is obvious.  It's small, easy to pack, nothing to roll away, and it's both fun AND educational.  We just received a great shipment in of our ever-popular Green Start Books, which are made of recycled cardboard and printed using soy-based inks.  Good for the environment+ good for you= happy baby!

-Puppets:  I can personally attest to the power of the puppet to entertain a small child on an airplane.  After sitting in front of one who spent hours entranced by her mommy's puppeteering skills, I'm convinced it's one of the best ideas out there for keeping kids calm and focused on a flight.  Also, easy to pack, and cuddly in most instances.

-Flash/Learning Cards:  Again, another obvious choice.  We love these ones from Alex that have different textures and designs to help facilitate learning and increase the amount of skills learned from them.

-Stickers:  We like the re-useable ones from Melissa & Doug because you won't have to spend half the flight scraping them off of the seats, but for the older toddlers who are restrained in their decorating, regular sticker books and packs are great for keeping them happy and busy. 

Segueing into older toddlers and up, we have tons of travel books to keep them occupied.  These are great for children of multiple ages as they are flat and lightweight (so ideal for carry-ons), and they really can last for hours.

-Scratch 'n Sketch Books: Nearly mess-free, all you need is the book, the wooden stylus it comes with, and your imagination!  Copy the image you see on the right of the blank page, or create your own if you wish.  Also available in a trace-along format for beginning sketchers!

-Activity Books: Magnetic scenes, magic pens, all the good stuff that we remember on trips as kids.  We have branded ones (like The Avengers, Disney Princesses), and non-branded so there's something for everyone here.

-Sticker Books/ Coloring Books: We have tons of new stickers and coloring books in from Dover Publications and Mrs. Grossman's Stickers.  

Notebooks: Sometimes a simple notebook is all you need!  Fill in the pages with your own musings, diary-style or as a story.  This is a great way to encourage your kids to document their trip and really put their minds to use.

 

It's important to keep your mind stimulated while passing the time.  Melissa & Doug understand this, and have come out with some travel-friendly challenges this year.

-SmartyPants: Sectioned by grade level, these brainy boxes are filled with questions designed to inform and challenge kids on all sorts of trivia.  We tested one of them out, and believe that the ages they are intended for are pretty spot on, and we're not ashamed to admit there were a few questions that even we weren't 100% sure of the answer.  It's fun for parents as well as kids, so everyone can get involved!

On-the-Go: This is a series of various activity books for the 4-6 year old set.  They include both art and thinking puzzles, so for your younger travelers, this is a winner.  They come with everything you need to have fun and keep your minds and hands occupied.

Older kids need to be kept occupied as well.  And giving them a coloring book and some stickers just doesn't do the trick as well at that age.  Games and laughter are the best medicines for boredom:)

-Mad Libs: Finally back in stock; always hilarious.  We here at Landis' Labyrinth still laugh 'til we cry when we play with them, and frankly, they just get better with age (the more words you know, the better)!  They're also great for reinforcing useful lessons in adjectives, adverbs, and nouns.  

Card and Board Games: Now this really is fun for the whole family!  We have a great selection of card games based on classic board games, like Mad Gab, Battleship, and Monopoly (I'm personally a huge fan of the Monopoly and Battleship ones), plus Top Trumps which is a variation of the classic card game War.  ThinkFun & Blue Orange also come through for us with some awesome non-card games.  We just got a restock of some of our favorite single player games like Rush Hour, Chocolate Fix, and Tilt from ThinkFun, which are great because they'll all puzzles that you have to solve and the challenges start out being quite simple, and then proceed to get extremely difficult.  They also have a few new card games like WordARound and Visual Brainstorms that we'll be doing a separate blog post about in the near future.  Blue Orange is always a great travel game company because their games are designed to be full games that just so happen to work well when traveling.  Yamslam, Double Shutter, and Spell It! are all self-contained dice games so you don't have to worry about your dice flying all over the place, and Spot It! and Tell Tale are great card games with various play methods to keep you entertained for a while.

Okay, these aren't toys, but they are fun for some of us!  Travel-friendly perfumes are a must-have on any trip, and we have a wide array of options to choose from.  Royal Apothic and Pacifica are both fantastic scent companies that people of all ages have loved (I have the Pacifica Blood Orange one myself), and after a day of fun activities running about, freshening up will make both you and your fellow travelers quite happy!

And last but not least, the only downside to traveling is leaving your friends behind.  So bring an inanimate one along with you to keep you company!  Never underestimate the power of an understanding plush toy to calm a nervous or scared child.  This way, they can have a good time, you can have a good time, and your fellow passengers will also have a good time.  Now that's what you want in a vacation!  So have fun, pack well, and as another tip, pack a few small 'surprises' in your luggage to give to your children every half-hour or hour while traveling to your destination.  It gives them something to look forward to, and it's a nice way of marking the time 'til you reach your destination.

If you have any other suggestions for travel toys, please let us know!  We always like to spread the word about great ideas:)

Another reminder to vote :)

Don't forget we're still in the running for the South Bay Locals' Choice Award for best Kids Store.  We would absolutely love it if you could take the time to visit https://surveyanyplace.com/app/s/exec/qid/lcsbretail/  and nominate us as your favorite (you don't have to give them your email unless you want to).  Times are tough for new and small businesses; Winning this award would mean a great deal to us.  In addition to bringing a smile to our faces, you can also enter to win for a $2000 shopping spree at Manhattan Village.  You have nothing to lose and everything to win by voting!  And even if you're a patron of our Larchmont shops, remember, what helps one shop helps the other so we would love your votes as well :)  You can vote daily until June 28th.

Thanks as always for your support!

Wining: More productive and less annoying than whining.

 
We generally don't have a lot to do in the world of wine, but for a great cause like this, we can't resist joining in!  If you're going to the Manhattan Wine Auction, be sure to look out for our gift basket auction while you're there.  Remember, the proceeds go towards the education of Manhattan Beach's children, so enjoy the event, and have fun helping out the community by possibly winning our basket!

And now for some info about the wine auction via their website: 

The Manhattan Wine Auction is the largest charity wine auction in Southern California. This year’s event on June 15, 2013, will mark our 19th year.  Graciously hosted by the Manhattan Country Club, and a sold out gala each year with 1600 paid attendees, this year’s event will feature:

• Samples from 80 world class vintners and 30 of the finest local restaurants.
• Live music and dancing outdoors to the John Brown Band.
• Live and Silent auction lots featuring the finest in collectible wines, exotic trips, one-of-a-kind dinners
• A VIP package for two to the Masters Golf Tournament in Augusta 2014
• Staples boxes for One Direction and Taylor Swift and more

Proceeds from the annual Manhattan Wine Auction benefit the Manhattan Beach Education Foundation (MBEF).  MBEF is a non-profit organization which provides grants to the seven public schools of Manhattan Beach in order to maintain the core curriculum necessary for our children’s education.

Reminder to vote for us as your favorite Toy Shop!

Don't forget we're still in the running for the South Bay Locals' Choice Award for best Kids Store.  We would absolutely love it if you could take the time to visit https://surveyanyplace.com/app/s/exec/qid/lcsbretail/  and nominate us as your favorite (you don't have to give them your email unless you want to).  Times are tough for new and small businesses; Winning this award would mean a great deal to us.  In addition to bringing a smile to our faces, you can also enter to win for a $2000 shopping spree at Manhattan Village.  You have nothing to lose and everything to win by voting!  And even if you're a patron of our Larchmont shops, remember, what helps one shop helps the other so we would love your votes as well :)  You can vote daily until June 28th.

Thanks as always for your support!

Mad Libs are back!

We are super psyched that we have tons of Mad Libs back just in time for travel, camp, and summer sleepovers!  But don't forget, these babies go quickly, so stock up now and have a blast coming up with the best nouns, adjectives, and adverbs (honestly, Mad Libs are the reason why I still remember what an adverb is) for your silly stories.

You've done it again, Blue Orange Games...

You've given us yet another awesome game.  And for the 3 years and up set to boot (it's tough out there for a boardgaming toddler).  KeeKee the Rocking Monkey is fantastic way to have fun while improving upon your dexterity and fine motor skills.  This nutty monkey want to carry all of the balls across the jungle, and is relying upon you, his good friends, to place them in his arms (and feet, and head) without him tipping over.  But even if he does, it's okay, he'll bounce right back ready to try again. 

Also, we have Zimbbos! back in stock from Blue Orange as well.  This one is a balancing game as well, but there's more stacking involved, so it's a bit easier to see if your plan isn't working out compared to KeeKee.  Either way, if you're looking for some great games for toddlers, definitely check these games out :)

Don't let the June Gloom get you down...

 

We know you're all ready for some fun in the sun, but don't forget, you can have fun indoors as well on your summer break.  And there's no better way to spend your free time than by trying something new and having a laugh!  For the science-minded, Magic Rocks and the Solar X-Racer are a great option.  Most of us adults remember having Magic Rocks at some point.  You simply put the magic rocks into the solution, and watch as they grow into out-of-this-world crystal formations.  And if you're not interested in waiting around to see progress, then check out the Solar X-Racer.  Not only do you get to assemble the car yourself, but it runs completely on solar power.  So when the sun finally does come out in Los Angeles, you'll have hours of fun watching a car you assembled yourself drive around.

Not interested in science so much, but love to be hands-on with your activities?  Why not take up juggling?  Or learn some crazy new yo-yo tricks.  It's simple with this kit from the Guinness World Records.  They provide a yo-yo plus a booklet of tricks that'll have you competing to be in their book in no time.  And who hasn't wanted to master juggling (I wish I could say that I have this skill, but alas, do not)?  This set of juggling balls from Schylling is perfect for learning the ropes of juggling.  Just make sure you stop by the shop after you've mastered it and show off your new-found skills!

And what would be a good summer without playing a few practical jokes?  The Box of Jokes, which promises 'Fun Time Fun' on the box, is the ultimate in gag toys.  You get the classic fake vomit, the infamous hand buzzer, and the positively diabolical squirt ring, plus more, inside this package.  And if you can't bring yourself to commit to all of this, we do sell most of these items individually as well.

Bring on the fun!

Celebrate the Queen's 60 years on the throne with Bottle Opening Cap Launcher...

It IS Prince Philip-approved.  Well, that's not strictly true.  But Spinning Hat, the maker behind this very device is a London-based company, and like most UK-based toy/novelty companies, this line ensures that you will have even more fun than Prince Andrew on holiday.

The bottle launcher is a great gift for our older customers (though you can use it on any metal bottle top, you might not want to entrust a 5 year old with an object that shoots out metal pieces).  Pair it with some Dress-Up Fridge Magnets, test your 80's trivia, and you have a party right there (or at least some great comedic moments).  And who says you can't have fun sitting at a desk?  I don't!  Check out their Rubik's Cube USB Speaker and Pen Holder.  Listen to whatever music you want! Put whatever pens you want in a holder on your desk!  It's the best thing to happen to work-time since 5 o'clock.  And since most people don't really adhere to the 9-5 routine anymore, it's now THE best thing.

And of course, should an emergency arrive, Spinning Hat has you covered with their always handy Emergency Moustache.  Never be without one again. 

Are you ready for summer? Lolo is!

Sometimes, in a world overrun with noise and graphics, a simple design stands out from the crowd.  That's how we feel about Lolo, a new line of bags and small purses that we now have in at Landis' Labyrinth.  The wristlets are a summer must-have for easy portability (gotta keep those hands free for ice cream!), and we love the small pouches that are perfect for carrying your money around in either in your pocket or hanging off of your keys.  And the designs are cheerful, bright, and the simplicity of the design means that it can be worn by people of nearly any age in nearly every situation.  Check them out at either of our shops :)

The Totally Awesome Awards? We totally want to be nominated for that!

We have naturally already nominated ourselves, but the more people that nominate us, the more likely we are to actually be in the running for the Totally Awesome Awards from Red Tricycle!  So if you have a minute, please consider nominating us?  But before you do, we'll let Red Tricycle tell you, in their own words, what is this award all about?

Red Tricycle’s Totally Awesome Awards is the biggest and the most fun reader-driven choice awards where parents nominate and vote for their favorite family products, services and local businesses. Parents nominate their favorite products and businesses during the nomination period, which runs from June 3, 2013 through June 22, 2013. On July 1, 2013 the finalists in each category will be announced and then the real fun begins. Parents will vote for the nominated businesses in each category. Red Tricycle’s Totally Awesome Awards features 31 Local and 62 Baby & Kids Essential (National) categories.

So are you now psyched to nominate us?  If so, just click on this handy link: http://awards.redtri.com/  and fill out the info.  Easy, and since it covers the entire 
Los Angeles area, you don't have to fret over which shop to nominate.  Yay!!!!

South Bay Locals' Choice Awards 2013... We're nominated!

Woo hoo!  Our second nomination in as many years!  Thanks to all of you who nominated us yet again as your favorite kids store in Manhattan Beach, we have another chance at winning the Favorite Kids Store category in the South Bay Local's Choice Awards.  We sadly did not win last year, but our fingers AND toes are crossed for this year, and we need your help!  We would absolutely love it if you could take the time to visit https://surveyanyplace.com/app/s/exec/qid/lcsbretail/  and nominate us as your favorite.  Times are tough for new and small businesses; Winning this award would mean a great deal to us.  In addition to bringing a smile to our faces, you can also enter to win for a $2000 shopping spree at Manhattan Village.  You have nothing to lose and everything to win by voting!  And even if you're a patron of our Larchmont shops, remember, what helps one shop helps the other so we would love your votes as well :)  You can vote daily until June 28th.

Thanks as always for your support!

Gak is Back!

Today is the day kids who remember the earlier 1990's have dreamed of for years.  Gak is indeed back to delight a whole new generation.  This is NOT something that your iPad can replace.  You can stretch it to what should be an impossible length, make it into a disgusting balloon (we all did it at some point, and not always with the tools we were supposed to use), and of course, make rude noises with it.  There have been many imitators since then, but none quite so heartwarming as Gak.  Perhaps it's the shape of the container?  It's obvious connection to a time when Nickelodeon's best-known shows were Rocko's Modern Life, Salute Your Shorts, Aaahh!!! Real Monsters,  Legends of the Hidden Temple, and of course, Guts?  Or is it that it just is truly the best goopy putty of all time?  We don't know, but if you were not fortunate enough to experience Gak back in its earlier years, here's a video to demonstrate what you were missing out on (but no long have to now!).  Enjoy!