The thought of Toys 'R Us near the holidays makes me a little nauseous--bright lights, big city. Here are some ideas for fun places to pick up unique gifts. Also, put together your own fun for little dough. An apron, a whisk and stainless steel bowl from somewhere like Dollar Tree, and some wooden or cut-out play food would be nice. How about some sheets and wooden clips? Animal figures and wooden cars/trucks?
~Leslie
Sassy Pea Market (Leander)
www.sassypeamarket.com
Store Hours Monday-Friday 7:30 AM-5:30 PM
Fun ideas for kids--stick horses/unicorns, children's purses, handmade wooden tree blocks, children's aprons, hair bows, lip balm.
Kaleidoscope Toys (Round Rock alongside I35)
http://www.kstoy.com/
Store Hours Monday - Saturday: 10am - 7pmSunday: 12pm - 6pm
Terra Toys (North Austin)
http://www.terratoys.com/
Store Hours: 9-8, Sunday 12-6
Toy Joy (Central Austin/UT Area)
http://www.toyjoy.com/
Open 7 days a week, Sunday - Thursday 10 am - 11 pm and Friday and Saturday 10 am- 12 midnight. Extended hours Christmas Eve.
Anna's Toy Depot (South Austin)
http://www.annastoydepot.com/
Store Hours : Mon-Fri 10-6, Sat 10-5
Kid to Kid (Round Rock, Cedar Park--near Lakeline Mall)
http://www.kidtokid.com/index.php
Find details about the closest location. Great kids' consignment shop with new toys, aprons, hair bows plus great used toys and books.
Tiny Bird Organics (Round Rock near 79/I35)
http://www.tinybirdsorganics.com/
Store Hours Tues-Fri 10am-6pm, Sat 12-6pm (central time)
Tuesday Morning (a national franchise, I know, but a great place to find German blocks, wooden doll houses, play kitchens, train sets--lots of wooden toys). The best is off of Burnet Road in Central Austin, but the closest locations would be Round Rock or North Austin)
http://www.tuesdaymorning.com/indexCatalogOff.asp
IKEA (Round Rock--another biggie, but great open-ended toy section. I especially love the play dishes, children's furniture, and train sets. Don't forget the kitchen department for cooking items to stock a play kitchen for very little $.)
http://www.ikea.com/
Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-9pm Sun 11am-7pm
