Thrifty Thurston Shops for Toys Across Thurston County

olympia toy shopping
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By Alyssa Ramsfield

olympia pediatricsLines, crowds, and blaring holiday music plague holiday shopping at the big box stores this time of year. The stress of finding the perfect gift can really take the fun out of the holidays. Where can you go to find unique, quality children’s toys without the holiday hassle? Look no further than a few independent stores in the Thurston County area.

The Toy Box Collectables (5868 Pacific Ave SE in Lacey)

shopping toys olympia
The Toy Box Collectables carries a variety of toys from the childhood of many generations.

This Lacey store offers toys of the past, present, and future. “It all started with my collection and now it’s grown into a business,” explains owner, Ryan McConkey. “I will buy and sell just about any toy that is in decent shape.” The store boasts a wide variety of toys. In one corner of the store you will find a wall full of collectable figurines while across from that there are sets of Legos. Rare video games still in their boxes are protected behind the glass cases just waiting to be played. Dolls, comics, cards, games, and more! If it’s meant to be played with, they’ve got it! As I watched my 30-year-old husband begin his wish list of The Toy Box’s inventory, it is obvious that this store will please any child, or child at heart, on your list this year.

Wind Up Here (121 Fifth Ave SE in Olympia)

Downtown Olympia has many unique shops, but Wind Up Here takes the cake! The front window displays bring out the curiosity in every kid. When you open up the door, it’s hard to know where to start. As soon as I step inside, I’m quickly greeted by an employee and given advice on where to begin. Their employees are well versed in the products and with just a little background information, they can assist in finding the perfect gift. Puppets, puzzles, books, dolls, and a glow-in-the-dark room are just a few of the highlights. The thing that really sets this store apart from all of the others is their willingness to let customers play with the toys. That’s right! The toys aren’t just sitting on a cataloged shelf ready for purchase; many are open and ready to play with right there in the store. It’s a try it before you buy it mentality with every kid in the store taking advantage of the opportunity.

Simple Cloth (210 – 1/2 4th Avenue West in Olympia)

olympia toy shopping
Simple Cloth has everything a baby and their parents need for the holidays.

Being the mother of a newborn, I realize my little girl will not remember this holiday season, but I still want to begin some of my favorite gift giving traditions. While this store is best known for their knowledge in cloth diapering, they are the perfect place to find a gift for baby’s first holiday. Teethers, rattles, bottles, cloth diapers, and pacifiers are all readily available in the downtown Olympia shop. They even offer baby carriers and slings which make a great gift for baby and their parents! Most of the available items are organic and highly rated.  The staff is knowledgeable and readily available to help find the perfect product for your holiday shopping.

Poppet (1007 Capitol Way South in Olympia)

Previously known as The Chifferobe, this children’s store has clothing and toys that are both new and gently used. It’s hard to tell which items are new and used as it is all in excellent condition. Most of their products are for ages ranging from newborn – 6 years of age. If you have a child on your list their creative toys and animal backpacks are just too adorable to pass up!

Do yourself a favor and avoid the pushing and shoving at the stores this year. Instead, get into the holiday spirit by enjoying what Thurston County has to offer at local toy stores!

Thrifty Thurston highlights inexpensive family fun in Thurston County.  The weekly series focuses on family-friendly activities throughout our community.  If you have a suggestion for a post, send us a note at submit@thurstontalk.com.  For more events and to learn what’s happening in Olympia and the surrounding area, click here.

 

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