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What's Selling: Outdoor and More

Pamela Brill -- Gifts and Dec, 1/12/2011 6:14:34 AM

Trunkis Trunkis from Melissa & Doug. Accessories sold separately. 203.762.4500. www.melissaanddoug.com.

LITTLE MONSTERS, Lake Orion, MI

Before the cold weather sets in, outdoor active toys are still tops at this Midwestern specialty toy shop. Coowner Chris McKenna shares her customers' favorites as of late:

Yo Baby Kick Flippers from Yo Baby
OgoDisk from Ogosport
Myachi from Myachi
Magformers from Rainbow Products
Citiblocs from Citiblocs
Migoga Marble Run from Querzetti

OgoDisk, an easy item to ship, is recommended to grandparents with out-ofstate grandchildren. "This item is also popular with occupational therapists," says McKenna. For the holidays, impulse buys mean big business at this neighborhood toy store. "A lot of people come in for stocking stuffers," she observes, noting the latest "anything bacon" craze - from bandages to gumballs.

LB TOYS, Media, PA
Owner Jamie Burdette reveals board games and crafts kits as her current top-selling toys in various categories. Among her customers' favorites are:

Trunkis from Melissa & Doug
Pocket Yamslam from Blue Orange Games
Magformers from Rainbow Products
Assorted craft kits from Melissa & Doug
Clue Classic from Winning Moves

A ride-on toy and suitcase in one, Trunkis are a hit with kids whose families are traveling during the holidays. Speaking of the fourth quarter, Burdette says shoppers seem to be keeping a low profile this year. "Overall, this holiday season does not appear to be strong this year, or consumers are waiting much longer than in years past to start their shopping," she reports.

THE MAGIC BOX, New Orleans, LA
Ride-ons are also all the rage at this toy store nestled in the heart of The Big Easy. Manager James Dello Stritto reveals his current customer favorites:

Bubber from Delta N.A.
Entire 4M line from Toysmith
Rody Horse from Rody Toy
Wahoo from Marky Sparky
Chomp & Clack Alligator Push Toy from
Melissa & Doug
Perplexus from PlaSmart

The perplexing 3D marble maze featured in a clear globe really catches customers' eyes, says Dello Stritto of his clientele, which is largely comprised of locals. As his store gears up for Christmas, he expects the season to resemble last year: "quiet, but in the last two weeks, things should really take off."

THE ARK, Berkeley, CA
Classic Clue from Winning Moves. 800.664.7788. www.winning-moves.com. This high-end specialty toy store is known for classic wooden toys. Among the shop's best sellers are:

Waldorf Wooden Pirate Ships from Estia
Assorted wooden figurines from Ostheimer
Wooden rattles from Haba
Cuboro marble run from Cuboro
Tea set, cooking sets, fire truck vehicle from Green Toys
Assorted vehicles from Bruder Toys

"Nativity figures are especially popular this time of year," says manager Ash Webb, as are fairy figurines. While she notices that shoppers remain mindful of their dollar this year, she emphasizes the continuing trend toward buying quality toys. "People are buying things that last and last, instead of choosing things that only last a short time," Webb reports.

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