PlayFair Educational Toys, Games, and Books

Piano Rules Simplified

2009-06-03T16:25:00.000-07:00

I got a call from the good folks at Toy Directory magazine today announcing that they have simplified the rules for the great piano giveaway. You may now submit your applications via email, and no video is required. My own piece in this has not changed! I am challenging Colorado kids to enter, and if one wins, there will be a Schoenhut toy grand donated to a school of the winner's choice, another Schoenhut toy grand piano donated to the Rocky Mountain Center for Musical Arts, and a $100 gift certificate good at PlayFair Toys. Wow!

Teaching children the joys of giving and the value of music in our lives and our communities - what a powerful thing to do - what a gift to give - in this day and age. Please let everyone you know who might be interested in participating in this glorious philanthropic opportunity about this contest - http://www.toydirectory.com/MONTHLY/article.asp?id=3710.

Why am I throwing in 2 pianos and $100??? Has the Prof gone mad? Not at all! (I was already slightly eccentric...). You see, my own lifetime love of music started with a toy piano, so I know that sometimes a toy is much more than... just a toy.

Big-Hearted Kid Wanted to Help Give Away 100 Pianos

2009-05-22T08:05:00.001-07:00

Schoenhut Pianos, maker of beautiful toy pianos that look just like the real thing, is looking for a big-hearted, music-loving kid who'd like to help them giveaway 100 My First Pianos to children in need. To be chosen for this prestigious honor, children through age 14 cooperate with their parents to prepare a video wherein they must address 5 specific points:

Why you love music
How music has made your life better
How you helped someone else by sharing music with him or her
How needy children in your neighborhood will benefit by receiving Schoenhut My First Piano II (for children ages 3 to 5)
Why you (or the child you are nominating) should be the one to give away 100 Schoenhut My First Piano IIs.

The contest starts immediately and continues through June 15. Read the complete details and official rules here.

PlayFair Toys is so supportive of this creative, generous idea, that we're offering a "matching challenge". If a Colorado kid wins this challenge, we're going to (1) donate a Schoenhut "Baby Baby Grand Piano" to the Rocky Mountain Center for Musical Arts in Lafayette, a non-profit, community-based music school founded on the principle of making music available to all, regardless of economic status, and (2) donate a second Schoenhut Toy Grand to a local music school in the community of your choice. But that's not all! The winning Colorado kid will also get a $100 gift certificate to spend at PlayFair Toys store in Boulder. We think you deserve a big pat on the back if you win!

So that's 2 extra pianos, the absolute best toy pianos available, and $100 to the winner, if a Colorado kid wins! So go for it, Colorado kids! Show the world how much you care, and help bring us all together through the joy of music. And although it's not required, I'd love it if you emailed me with your youtube video link! I'll be watching for you!

Yours in music,

Professor PlayFair

Extra special offers on Kettlers and Anamalz May 19

2009-05-18T19:10:00.000-07:00

Our Wall-t0-Wall toy sale continues tomorrow, with every single item in the store on sale. We also have special items at an even greater discount every day. See our sale website for complete details and a calendar of upcoming special sale events.

Kettler Tricycles, Bicycles, Scooters and all accessories are 1/3 off their normal price on Tuesday, May 19.

Also on that day only, we are giving away FREE Anamalz collectibles with the purchase of 2 others.

All Children Are Not Created Equal!

2009-05-15T14:42:00.000-07:00

OK, so the title was meant to be provocative, but it's actually something I believe in. It just may not be what you think. I purchased PlayFair Toys in 2004, and at that time they had just shut down their long-time, successful catalog division. On the cover of each catalog, mailed out to hundreds of thousands of US households twice a year, was the tagline, "All Children Are Created Equal."

I began reinventing the business, and we are still working on that reinvention. Hopefully we'll never stop working on it. And here's where we are today - I strongly disagree with that statement. Yes, all children definitely deserve an equal chance. They do not get it, but I know that we all believe strongly that they deserve it. But deserving a fair chance and actually being created equal are different things. What would a world with all equal children look like? Presumably we'd just flip a coin to see who played football this year, because they'd all be about the same. Class valedictorian? We'll draw a name out of a hat.

To be fair, I should explain that this tagline and this company were both developed on a principle that I do hold dearly, so I am picking on semantics a bit when I make the bold statement that I disagree with it! PlayFair Toys was the nation's first toy store founded on the principle that toys should be independent of gender bias or ethnic/racial stereotypes, and that they should be completely non-violent. This was groundbreaking, and it set the tone for the business for decades to come.

We have evolved to meet the extraordinary need for exceptional children to find playthings as special as they are. Whatever age, gender, ethnic or racial background they come from, exceptional children need exceptional playthings. Some of these children are intellectually gifted, even highly or profoundly gifted. Some of them have very special needs. Others have a special talent, a great sensitivity, a strong creative streak, or other way of being different. Some of them are what's called "twice exceptional", with a combination of profound gifts and learning differences that are hard to comprehend. These may be some of the planet's most misunderstood and overlooked kids.

We are not an ordinary toy store! Our customers are truly extraordinary people looking for extraordinary things. Our toys, books, and games are an exceptional mix from around the world, designed to stimulate, educate, challenge, and be enjoyed. Our sales staff is exceptional - they understand these thousands of products and can explain their features and benefits to you, and how these features will benefit your exceptional child. They won't let you leave with the wrong item. Even our silly owner, the writer of this piece, is not an ordinary toy store owner. How many toy store owners have published dozens of scientific articles on global change and ecosystems, or have had a species named after them? How many toy store owners have explored the far reaches of northern Siberia during the Gorbachev era of the USSR? How many toy store owners have chapters in books on High IQ children?

If you have an ordinary child, grandchild, niece, nephew, or young friend, I think you'll greatly enjoy shopping at PlayFair Toys. Our incredibly well-trained sales staff will be there to help you pick out some things that will be enjoyed for months or years. But if you have an extraordinary child in your life, then you will love PlayFair Toys. You will feel believed here. You will feel that finally, someone understands you, understands that your needs and your child are beyond the ordinary.

PlayFair Toys is the store where all the babies are strong, all the grandparents are fabulously good-looking, and all the children are anything but average!

Here's to a world where all children get an equal chance. While we're waiting for that world, let's raise the next generation of leaders to be the best they can be, so they can help us meet this essential goal.

Wall to Wall Sale Extended to May 31st

2009-05-15T11:36:00.000-07:00

Because so many of our Preferred Customers were not able to attend the early days of our sale, we have elected to extend it to the end of May. Details at our special sale website - www.playfairtoys.com/sale.html. Every single toy, game, book, baby gift, and more is on sale!

Come see us at PlayFair Toys!

Haiku Challenge Ends

2009-05-05T20:03:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who participated in our National Poetry Month haiku contest.

The winning entry is Kathy Tompkin's class at the Rocky Mountain School for the Gifted and Creative. They took the challenge seriously and turned it into a fun class project. Here are their wonderful creations:

by David:

Andre is awesome
he is a very cool cat
it's fun when we play

by Sofia:
The wind gently blows
to the south in the winter
Winter comes to Spring

by Katherine
Doodlebug - my dog:
Underneath my chair
getting out from under there
running around here

by Eli:
The rain was pouring
it soon turned to sleet and hail
it turned into snow

by Kiernan:
It flies in the air
you hold the string as it flies
rain makes it fall down

by Gwyn:
A very cute one
it's very fun to have her
a nice little rat

by Samar:
The ocean is cool
everyone loves the ocean
it is very cold

by Grace:
Green, red, blue feathers
my four birds eat their almonds
Scooby is so big

by Kaleena:
Foxes eat bunnies
red foxes run very fast
fur flies in the wind

by Sophia:
Mozart is a dog
Simba is my favorite one
Sasha is fun fun

by Claire:
The wolf is pretty
she has grace in every stride
she is powerful

Congratulations and thank you for taking the challenge! A $30 gift certificate is on the way to your class!

More Haiku

2009-05-05T20:00:00.000-07:00

I apologize for getting behind on the daily haiku postings. Here are more haiku sent in by our readers and customers.

Vera Schulte contributed these, and they all made me laugh:

Midnight baby wail.
In the dark, a spiny toy
crunches underfoot.

Mac and cheese - well, fine.
What my toddler really likes:
Gorgonzola cubes.

Papa out of town.
Baby calls the Great White North
"Ca-na-na-na-da".

Global warming's here.
Burning extra gas to make
Boulder beachfront house.

Inefficient work:
Two weeks of vacation is
plain uncivilized.

Office facetime rules!
Why not work from home though, while
boss reads fishing blogs?

Pearl Street fish tacos?
Bastardized to yuppie dish
At five times the price.

Haiku sent in by you!

2009-04-15T20:04:00.000-07:00

Here are the Haiku sent in by my kind newsletter readers today, April 15:

Haiku? Like roping
funny steer: Just one silly
bull at a time works.

--Jamie VanEaton

And 3 by Terzah Becker:

Mom of twins, age two:
My work is never over
My fun, too, endures.

Today my daughter
Took Miss Duck to the doctor:
Pretend play arrives!

Evening with my son:
Eyes rise, looking for the moon
Pale in springtime skies.

Haiku Challenge for April 15th

2009-04-15T11:12:00.000-07:00

Uh-oh! Missed a few days! But don't worry. I've made up for it. Today is a 4 haiku day. :-)

Four days no haiku!
Where has the professor been?
Everyone needs rest

Glorious Boulder
City of dreams and visions
So glad I am here

Lunch at City Club
Safe place to share ideas
Smart people goodwill

People want to know
What age my toy store is for
No age police here!

Haiku Challenge for April 10th

2009-04-10T14:28:00.001-07:00

End of week draws near
Time to rest, relax, recoup
FAC at 5!

Haiku Challenge for April 9th

2009-04-09T13:12:00.000-07:00

Glorious April
Happy to be alive now
To see spring again

Haiku Challenge for April 8th

2009-04-08T09:09:00.000-07:00

My parakeet Einstein
Cries when he can't see my face
So nice to be loved

Join me in the National Poetry Month 2009 Haiku Challenge and you could win up to a $100 gift certificate at PlayFair Toys! I'm only going to pick a winner if I get at least 10 entries. Come on people - how hard is it?! Share your passions, joys, woes, moods, or silly thoughts as 5-7-5. Email them to me and I'll post them here, with just your name unless you give me permission to otherwise identify you.

Haiku Challenge for April 7th

2009-04-07T13:17:00.000-07:00

Winter is done with
Its last gasp joke on us all
Spring springs eternal

Haiku Challenge for April 5th and 6th

2009-04-06T07:47:00.001-07:00

April 5 haiku:

Magical Sunday
A palette fresh to fill with love
Simplicity rocks

April 6 haiku:

Goals and objectives
Enter not into matters
Strictly of the heart

****************************************
These sent in by Susan Smith:

hazy sky calls me
beckoning towards my Self
who is it i meet

soul cries for freedom
above below inside out
dare I turn it loose

watched a snowflake die
transitioning of seasons
moving forward now

Haiku Challenge for April 4th

2009-04-04T19:24:00.000-07:00

Winter's hand is still
Holding us up against her
Helping us love spring

Haiku Challenge for April 3rd

2009-04-03T08:00:00.000-07:00

A haiku a day
Isn't really very hard
Just seventeen sounds

Haiku challenge for April 2nd

2009-04-02T09:13:00.000-07:00

Bright sun on fresh snow
Flowers peak through white blanket
Springtime in Boulder!

The Haiku Fun Begins

2009-04-01T20:53:00.000-07:00

Are you up to the Haiku Challenge? Find your inner muse and we'll share it with the world!

My Destination Haiku

Business owners must
Run faster and faster now
To be the most best!

Submitted by Jon Schallert, March 31, 2009

My April 1 Haiku:

April fool haiku
A tiny little poem
With a great big heart

Haiku Challenge of 2009

2009-03-31T09:58:00.000-07:00

National Poetry Month is here, and I'm doing something about it!

Haiku is a form of Japanese Poetry that is strongly structured and defined, although the structure and definition do not translate perfectly into English. Haiku has 17 "sounds", divided into 3 parts: 5, 7, and 5. A rough English translation uses syllables for these sounds.

I am challenging myself to write one Haiku a day during the entire month of April. I will be Twittering these as well as posting them here.

Here's my invitation to you: Email me your Haiku, and I will post them on the blog (giving you full credit for authorship, of course). You may send me as many Haiku as you wish during the month. You may send me something every day, or save them up and send them all at once. I promise not be too strict, but you should try for the 5-7-5 pattern. You may have your family or your classroom participate. If I get at least 10 participants, then I will select one of you to win a gift certificate good at PlayFair Toys or at www.playfairtoys.com. The size of the certificate will depend on how many of you participate - but it might be as much as $100!

April Poetry
A month to celebrate words
Join me in my game!

What's New at PlayFair Toys

2009-03-05T11:22:00.000-08:00

I know I know I know - I need to write these more often! But what always happens is that we get all this new stuff in, and then I get busy with the stuff itself and I forget to tell you about it!

Anyway - without further explanation for my silence, here are some of the best.

The artistans at eeBoo have a knack for combining art and education in their unique and distinctive products, and their new Nature Notebook, along with the matching Nature Sketchbook and 24 Pencils in Tin set demonstrates this beautifully. Also from eeBoo, the Thoughtful Girls Paper Dolls series shows girls who have hobbies and professions, in a fun and easy vinyl format. My personal favorite is the Naturalist and Explorer set, but there's something for everyone here.

Also just in are handmade beaded bracelets from Guatemala that are only $7.99 - what a lovely gift for Spring - a fashion statement that supports fair trade.

Drift Cars Street Team gives you 6 die-cast cars that you can decorate up and then play with your friends.

New Crochet Kits from Alex - fun and easy, too.

Just for Little Legs is a fun little guide to hiking the area with - Little Legs! Gee - what a surprise! Kids love it when they can go on their own, but you need to gear it toward their interests and capabilities.

Clone Wars Legos, new castle sets, and lots of basic bricks for the creative types out there! I put Lego squarely in the "family fun" category when the open-ended sets are used. I say this from the number of dads who come to play at the Build-a-Bot Bar over their lunch periods!

Automoblox in a rainbow of colors and sizes for every budget. These magnetic cars have wooden bodies and plastic tops, and the more you buy, the more fun you have, as you can mix and match the various parts among sets.

Customers are loving the rainbow of possibilities with Puzzibits, the open ended plastic building toy that works in either 3-D or 2-D, your choice. These are also available as open stock in the Build-a-Bot Bar.

New Groovy Girls and Calico Critters. Who can resist Becky Beaver Visits the Dentist.

Have you seen the new Horse and Dog purses from Douglas? They are loads of fun for Spring!

Many new educational posters, including more laminated ones you've been asking for.

And so much more! Come see! Be sure to check out our fun Ocean World, Pirates, Knights, Fairies, and other displays.

Old Favorites

We also have some great old favorites back that have been out for a while... Spring brings energy, so All American Pogo Sticks in 2 sizes are ready for you, as well as the Folding Trampoline that lets kids hang on while getting their bouncies out.

Favorite craft kits by Creativity for Kids are back in including the Make Your Own Sock Puppets Kit, Butterfly Bedroom, and the beloved Wee Enchanted Fairy Garden.

Erector Sets - yes! This old classic is still a favorite

Tons of arts and crafts - every flavor and color! Something for everyone - either basic supplies or kits - your choice.

Don't forget - when times are tough, you want to make sure that you are getting great value for your money. Cheap toys are not good value - they are a waste. It's more important than ever to make sure that ever penny is well spent. Ask us how you can make an investment in love with toys that will be cherished for generations. Visit PlayFair Toys today, or start shopping now at our online store.

PlayFair in the News - Hot Toys of 2008 Go Back to Basics

2008-12-04T05:20:00.000-08:00

Getting a toy store featured in the news is no easy feat. Unless, of course, that store is "...not your typical toy store." And that was the lead line of a Denver Channel 2 News feature on PlayFair Toys and green toys that came out on December 3rd. That followed a major feature in the Denver Post the day before, entitled "Keep It Simple, Santa." The Post article focused both on green toys and on going back to basics in an economic downturn. Now is the time to make sure that every purchase you make will be worth the money. Remember that Cheap does not equal Value.

Naturally (no pun intended but hey if you want to laugh that's OK!) we are thrilled to see this emphasis on going green in the world of toys. We do have a choice about how we live our lives, and the values we impart to our children. Buying toys that are environmentally friendly, safe, and that teach children how to live a sustainable lifestyle gives them the skills and the values they need to get our planet through a tough time. PlayFair is in the news because we are helping to bring you toys that support these values. We look forward to seeing you soon!

How to Save Money on Your Holiday 2008 Toy Purchases

2008-11-24T14:50:00.000-08:00

With our local schools out all week for Thanksgiving, it's definitely close to "that time of year." For the next 4 weeks, our email frequency will increase as we bring you tips and thoughts to improve your holiday shopping experience.

One thing that appears certain - this will be a different holiday than past years for many families. And another thing that is certain is that every parent and grandparent longs to show their children love through special gifts and toys. I am going to be addressing holiday toy buying in tough economic times in the coming weeks. Read on to hear my tips on how to make the most of your holiday toy experience.

It all started with a friend who read my last newsletter, and responded by telling me that the newsletter was great, well written and interesting, but that I'd missed the mark by not talking directly about the one thing foremost on so many people's minds these days - the economy. He went on to tell me the story of a plumber who had increased his business significantly by educating his customers about how much money they would save if they purchased "on-demand" water heaters. Even though the original purchase price is higher than a regular water heater, the savings over time quickly makes up for the difference, making this an economical choice.

Well, that had me stumped for a while. I kept thinking that no matter how hard I tried, I could not come up with a way that buying toys could actually save a family money! They can save sanity, and they are important, and they are fun. But I just could not think of anything to tell you that is the equivalent of "Buy a chess set and your electric bill will go down by X amount of dollars in the next year!" I can tell you to buy an on-demand water heater, but I can't tell you to buy it from me!

At least, at first that's what I thought. But then as I let this idea percolate, I realized that I have plenty to say about how you can save money through buying your holiday and every day toys wisely. And I want to share that with you. Each of my newsletters in the coming weeks, and there will be 2-3 each week, will feature some aspect of this strategy. I will make some recommendations for specific products, but the main point is to give you the information you need to make the best choice for your family.

My premise is this - there are certain decisions that you cannot afford to make right now! In a challenging economy, bad decisions have a larger impact than when things are good. The things that you cannot afford to do right now are: (1) to create waste, either of time or money, (2) to weaken your family, or (3) not do all you can to support your children's health. OK, really, you can't afford to do these things any time! But we all do some of the time. When times are good, it is much easier to coast along and not think hard about the choices we make. But when every penny counts, suddenly we have the opportunity to focus in on the values that matter the most to us.

Tip #1: Consider Toys That Will Become Heirlooms
You can't afford to create waste right now, by purchasing junk that will not last. How many toys are broken within a day? How many times do we devalue gifts by giving too many, overwhelming children and relegating many of them to the trash heap in short order? What values do we impart to our children when we do this?

Instead of quantity, think about selecting toys that are so well made they will become a family heirloom. My "heirloom potential" feature will focus on suggestions that have the potential to span generations. Think wooden railway, wooden dollhouses, rocking horses, and some new toys that have the potential to be passed along to the next generation.

Tip #2: Purchase Toys That Strengthen Family Ties
Next to our own health and our own lives, our families are the most valuable things that we have. We need each other. The hectic times we live in often present challenges for families trying to maintain togetherness. If there are stresses on the family, they impact all members.

Almost any toy can foster family togetherness and bonding if you play with your children. But there are certain types of toys that are outstanding in this area, that most easily cross age groups and generations and that foster social interactions. These include games, puzzles, and many construction toys and sets. Pretend play and drama can also strengthen your family. My "Family togetherness" features will encourage strong families.

Tip #3: Purchase Toys That Keeps Kids Healthy Through Activity
Our health is the precious gift we are all born with. Childhood obesity is now considered epidemic. Depending on how it is defined, somewhere between 1 in 20 and 1 in 5 US children are obese, and about 1 in 3 are somewhat overweight. Childhood obesity is the leading cause of pediatric hypertension, is associated with Type II diabetes, increases the risk of coronary heart disease, increases stress on the weight-bearing joints, lowers self-esteem, and affects relationships with peers. There is one cure for obesity - eating less calories than are burned. This means plenty of physical activity, to start children on a lifetime of health and good habits.

Being active comes naturally to most children, and many of the sedentary habits that they take on are only there because we've made it easy. Television and video games are hard to walk away from. Encourage physical activity all year round, for optimal health. My "Physical Activity" feature will help you find toys that will make TV sound as boring as it really is.

And here's where my argument comes full circle - keeping your children healthy and at a reasonable weight will save money. I happen to think it is even more important that it may actually save their lives, but this will also manifest as saving money. Overweight children have far more health issues than those at a healthy weight. Part of our national economic dilemma is due to our health care crisis. Although that is a complex issue, each of us plays a role in solving it when we make decisions to stay healthy and to keep our family healthy.

So there - go ahead and save money and energy for your home with an on-demand water heater. But when it comes to your kids - let's not try to save their energy! Let's get them to use that energy up, so they grow into healthy, stimulated adults. Save money, time, and sanity by buying well.

Local is Beautiful: Making Conscious Choices to Support Our Communities

2008-10-22T12:58:00.000-07:00

Where and how you spend has direct impacts on the economy, environment, and your quality of life. Our society has been living a throw-away lifestyle, resulting in massive impacts – global warming, wars, and economic strife. We have treated our atmosphere, our water, and our land, as dumps. Chains and big box stores have replaced downtowns and locally-owned businesses across America. Boulder has fared better than most, giving us more opportunity to choose where we spend. This is a critical choice. It’s time to calculate the real cost of where we shop and what we buy.

I admit to a strong personal stake in this argument. Five years ago I gave up a successful career in ecological research to own PlayFair Toys, a long-established Boulder business. One reason behind my decision was a belief that business could be a positive force in a community, a part of the solution to the problems I was studying.

Small changes in spending habits can have big impacts. A recent Michigan study concluded that if the 600,000 residents of Kent County redirected just 10% of their spending to locally-owned businesses, it would create nearly $140 million in new economic activity and 1600 new jobs! A similar study here would not yield precisely the same result, but if we could extrapolate directly it would mean $66 million in new economic activity and 750 new jobs. Even if we’re off by an order of magnitude, that’s an enormous impact. How simple this is – change where you shop just one time in ten – and take a step toward changing the world.

I imagine you thinking, “Yes, but I need to save money by shopping the discount chains.” I understand your concern, but is it accurate? Chains are perceived to be inexpensive due to economy of scale. They frequently license a brand but have it manufactured to a different standard. They keep costs down through questionable business practices that often bypass environmental and human rights standards.

Purchasing products made close to home is one of the most powerful actions we can take to improve the environment and community. Energy is at the core of the economic and environmental mess we are in. Purchasing toys made close to home saves energy through less transportation and helps maintain control over environmental impacts. 80% of toys sold in the US are made in China. People were incredulous when certain large toy manufacturers stated they were not aware lead paint was being used to make their toys, but unfortunately they were probably being truthful. They had probably never set foot in those factories nor even knew their exact location. Ethical toy makers work closely with their factories, wherever they are, to maintain humanitarian and environmental standards. They have a personal relationship with the factory managers and owners.

Large corporations spend many ad dollars to convince us they care deeply about people, communities, and the environment. Target is often cited as a “good” chain store, and they do a better job than some other chains in some areas. Yet Target was fined by the EPA for failing to disclose critical environmental information, has done almost nothing to reduce solid waste despite high profile claims, and was given an “F” by the NAACP for its lack of commitment to people of color.

As you watch your budget, know that toys and games are great values for family entertainment. High quality family games cost less than a trip to the movies, constantly offer new choices, and will provide years of family togetherness. Richard Gottlieb recently wrote in Playthings magazine:

“I think playing games with a parent, siblings, or one's friends leads to social literacy. We learn how to interact with other people using a set of rules about what we can and cannot do. …They provide a way for people to cluster and offer life lessons.”

My investment in PlayFair was an investment in Boulder and in the values of fairness and conscious buying. Founded in 1982 as the first toy store in the US dedicated to offering toys based on fairness to all children, we continue our deep commitment to this core value. In June we were featured as a magazine cover story on Green Retailing, because of our commitment to the environment - from the toys we stock to how we operate.

PlayFair carries many toy and game lines made in the US, from Colorado and elsewhere, that cannot be purchased in chains and big box stores. We can help you with specific information about the toy companies and lines we carry, their safety records and commitment to the environment, wherever their toys are made. Target has an aggressive campaign going to create the image of a specialty toy store within a store. Take a close look at the realities of selection, service, and price before you decide where to spend. I am always available to speak directly with you about any aspect of my business.

PlayFair Toys is here for you, Boulder. We remain 100% locally owned. Our children attend local schools. We donate generously to local schools and family organizations. We know that many of you share our values. I urge you to support locally-owned businesses as one small step toward saving the planet and ourselves.

4 Ways Your Tax Stimulus Check Can Help You and Our Local Economy

2008-05-10T11:25:00.000-07:00

The New Rules Project developed this list and asked that it be freely distributed. I think these are such great ideas that I am passing them along. I urge you to do the same.

4 Ways Your Rebate Check Can Help You and Our Local Economy

Pay Off Credit Card Debt
Americans wasted over $60 billion last year on credit card finance charges—money that could have been put to much more productive use.

Invest In Your Future
Investing doesn't just mean stocks and bonds. You could enroll in a class to improve your skills. Or insulate your home. Or buy a bicycle and save on gas all summer long.

Help Your Neighbors
By donating to a local food bank or nonprofit, you can put your rebate to work helping neighborhood families put food on the table and meet other basic expenses.

Buy From Locally Owned Businesses
Every $100 you choose to spend at a locally owned, independent business generates more than $50 in additional economic activity in our region. That same $100 spent at a big-box store creates only $14 in benefit for the local economy. Much of the difference is due to the fact
that local businesses buy more goods and services from other local businesses, while chains siphon money out of the state.*

* This flyer was published by the Institute for Local Self-Reliance and may be
freely copied, distributed, and published. To read the studies and learn more, visit the
institute's web site at www.newrules.org/retail.

PlayFair Toys is an independent, locally-owned business located in Boulder, Colorado. We are proud to provide healthy educational toys and jobs to our community.

Top 5 Ways to Save Money on Toys

2008-05-06T17:21:00.000-07:00

Is it that I've gained, or did someone put the economy in the dryer on high? It's feeling a bit tight!

Whatever is going on in the world, we all understand that childhood comes but once. We want our children to have rich and happy childhoods, no matter what. We want to be able to offer them great toys, we want them to attend birthday parties, and we want them to have fun. So what can you do when money is tight? Whether you are shopping for birthday gifts, something to make a trip go a bit better, or just planning ways to keep the kids busy this summer, we've got ideas that we will help you save money on your toy purchases.

Consider a group present for birthday parties - It's true that all children are different, but I can't count how many times I've attended a birthday party only to watch the birthday girl or boy quickly become overwhelmed by the number of new things they were presented with, each gift needing and deserving hours of attention. Although it might take a bit more planning on your part, having multiple guests give one present that will be truly appreciated can not only save money but will also make for a less overwhelming and less stressful party experience.

Make a budget and stick to it - Decide what you can afford, and then take only that much in cash with you when you shop. That sounds obvious, but how many times are we swayed by kids who want that next better one? Paying with cash can help them understand the finality of it. Money isn't magical - I have a $20 bill, and that's all I have. We have to find something that fits what we have. So you save money while imbuing a habit for a lifetime - living within our means. Now there's a gift that your children can use!

Consider organizing a toy club - This works mainly for babies and toddlers, but it can work wonders for them. This takes about 4-8 families with similarly aged children to work well, although if you have good organizational skills it could be bigger. Each family has an agreed upon number of toys that they contribute to the club, while they are participating in it (your toys remain your property). It works best if that number is equal to the number of families in the club, so that, for example, in a 4 family club everyone puts in 4 toys. About each 4 weeks, clean and sanitize the toys, get together, and swap, so that the sets of toys rotate among the families. When you get your own toys back, you might consider rotating a new set in. Toy rotation can also be practiced in your own home, but what a cost savings to do it this way! Make it a play date and everyone will look forward to this special day.

Take your time to find the right toy - Take the time to pick out toys that are durable, open-ended, and age appropriate. I emphasize that last point because often we are influenced by what our children may have seen on television or at a friend's house, etc, but if that toy is not developmentally appropriate for our child at this point in time, then it may well end up being a complete waste of money. Once a toy is relegated to a corner because it's either too complex to figure out or too simple to hold interest, it's unlikely to come back out, even when the child is ready for it.

Shop your local, independently-owned toy dealer - This tip really brings all the others together, and it is ultimately the one that makes them all possible. Where else will you find someone who can find the right gift at the right time at the right price? They will spend the time necessary to shop with you. Rather than pointing you to one section of a giant store, "Toys", instead you will be presented with nothing but toys, each carefully selected by an expert in toys and child development. Compare prices, and I suspect you'll be pleasantly surprised at how affordable your local toy store is.

So yes, the economy is very tight, if not downright recessive. But we buy toys because we love our children, plain and simple. Keep your toy buying plain and simple, too, and you'll still be able to help your children have great playthings without breaking the bank.