The holiday season is fast approaching, and amidst the hustle and bustle of gift shopping, it's crucial to remember the essence of community, support, and the joy that comes from shopping at local stores. That's where ASTRA's Neighborhood Toy Store Month comes into play. This annual celebration, held throughout November, brings to light the significance of local specialty toy stores and encourages you to support these beloved community gems during the holiday season.

What is ASTRA's Neighborhood Toy Store Month? 

ASTRA, the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association, understands the vital role that neighborhood toy stores play in our communities. These stores are more than just places to purchase toys; they are hubs of creativity, imagination, and learning. Neighborhood toy stores are carefully curated wonderlands where kids and parents alike can discover toys that inspire, educate, and bring joy. ASTRA's Neighborhood Toy Store Month celebrates the dedication, passion, and personal touch that local toy shops offer. Kazoodles is a proud, active member of ASTRA and is thrilled to celebrate with the other local toy stores, encompassing over 200 locations nationwide. 

The Significance of Supporting Local Specialty Toy Stores

Local toy shops are an integral part of the community fabric. By choosing to shop at these specialty stores during the holiday season, you are making a positive impact in several ways:

1. Tailored Assistance: In local toy stores, proprietors and their staff frequently possess a deep understanding of their inventory, enabling them to offer customized suggestions. Their dedication to helping you discover the ideal gift is evident. Parents and buyers depend on the specialty toy industry for toys that are loads of fun for kids, and promote healthy, developmentally appropriate play at the same time. Becoming well-versed in the art and science of play is an important business strategy that leads to differentiating your products or your store from the competition and builds trust with your customers.  ASTRA provides Certified Play Expert credentials that deepen staff knowledge about child development and the importance of play – through ALL ages!
   
   At Kazoodles, we're proud to have three of our team members certified by ASTRA as Certified Play Experts

2. Unique and High-Quality Toys: Local specialty toy stores curate unique, high-quality toys that you may not find in larger chain stores. These toys encourage imaginative play and creativity. Come grab a copy of our new Holiday catalog, or shop the digital version here to experience the curation for yourself. 
3. Local Support: Choosing to shop within your community keeps your money circulating locally, which, in turn, bolsters the local economy and job creation. In November, our series of events began with a raffle that raised funds for the YWCA. Throughout the month, we'll offer various opportunities for both our customers and staff to contribute to local toy drives and support community initiatives. Additionally, we work with several corporate partners who shop our selection to assist with their charitable giving efforts.

4. Environmental Impact: Local retailers often prioritize environmental responsibility and frequently stock eco-friendly and sustainable toy choices. At Kazoodles, we are committed to offering a variety of brands that actively work to protect our shared planet, with one of the standout companies being Plan Toys. We take pride in having one of the most extensive selections of Plan Toys products in the Portland metro area. 

How to Celebrate ASTRA's Neighborhood Toy Store Month

1. Visit Your Local Toy Store: Take a trip to your neighborhood toy store and discover the magic within its walls. You'll find exceptional toys, games, and gifts that are perfect for the holiday season.

2. Spread the Word: Share your experiences on social media and encourage your friends and family to shop locally. Use the hashtag #astratoys and #kazoodlestoys to join the conversation and show your support.

3. Attend Special Events: Kazoodles Toys is hosting events and promotions during Neighborhood Toy Store Month each Saturday from 11-4. Participate in these activities and enjoy the festive atmosphere. Check out our social media for details! 

4. Gift with Heart: By shopping at local toy stores, you're not just buying gifts; you're spreading joy, promoting education, and fostering creativity. 

This holiday season, let's celebrate ASTRA's Neighborhood Toy Store Month by supporting the local specialty toy shops that make our communities vibrant and full of wonder. By doing so, we can ensure that these beloved stores continue to be a source of delight and inspiration for generations to come.