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The 5th Annual Neighborhood Toy Store Day is Coming to a Neighborhood Near You!

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(Disclosure: This is a sponsored post, and I received samples of many of the toys featured. I was a part of the team that helped ASTRA create Neighborhood Toy Store Day in 2010, and I have worked with them as a consultant since 2009. However, my opinions are not influenced by my work with ASTRA. […]

Disney Junior Give a Book, Get a Book Helps Kids in Need

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Every mom knows that for children to become strong readers, they need books: new, high-quality books they’re excited to read.  But for children in low-income families, books can be scarce. In some of the lowest income neighborhoods, there is only a single book for every 300 kids. First Book, a nonprofit social enterprise that has […]

Celebrating the 4th Annual Neighborhood Toy Store Day

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Time to celebrate shopping local! As mentioned in more than one of my previous posts, the Amercian Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA) is near and dear to my heart and I love supporting their annual event called Neighborhood Toy Store Day which occurs this year on Saturday, November 9, 2013. I received several quality toys […]

Rosie Hippo Coupon Code (Deal of the Day)

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We just love Rosie Hippo and mom, owner Kim.

An amazing survivor and dedicated mom, Kim left the corporate world to pursue a dream of offering beautiful toys that inspire imaginative exploration.

So, we are delighted to share a Shop Rosie Hippo for Organic, Earth Friendly Toys. Use Rosie Hippo Discount Code MAMA10 for 10% off until end of April 2010.

Shop Local: Support Neighborhood Toy Stores

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Going to the toy store is a magical experience and a real treat for kids. Local toy stores often have impressive displays of stuffed animals, dolls and trains. My son’s favorite spot is the train table at our local store.

While he plays happily with Thomas the Tank Engine and friends, I have the opportunity to discover some high-quality toys unavailable at the big box stores. And I can count on the friendly store owner to provide expert advice on the best gifts for the kids on my holiday list (and free gift wrapping on my purchases).

Another helpful source of shopping advice is the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA) 2009 Best Toys for Kids Award Winners. Over 500 of America’s top independent and neighborhood toy retailers selected the Best Toys for Kids based on their experience and understanding of what kids like.

Go Vroom, Vroom with Natural Pod

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Natural Pod is one of my favorite boutiques for children’s toys.  All of the products are so lovely and I feel good knowing they are made from eco-friendly and child-safe materials, by fair-wage workers or independent craftsmen. My preschooler checked out the Wooden Van (CAD $25; about US $19.50), a charmingly simple wooden toy automobile.  […]

Back to Basics Coupon Codes (Deal of the Day)

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Back to Basics carries open-ended toys that spark the imagination for good, old-fashioned fun, like this Wood Construction Site and this Jumbo Nok Hockey Game, both made in the USA. From now until November 15, 2008, use these Back to Basics discount coupon codes to save–finish your Holiday shopping early! Click to Get 12% Off […]

The opinions expressed on Mamanista.com are based on a single consumer user testing, and are solely those of the author. Any factual claims, including but not limited to safety testing, are based on information from the manufacturer. Mamanista.com receives sample products for testing. Paid placements, such as announcements of sales or sponsored contests are clearly marked. See our disclosure policy.