Photo Credit: Kazimer Family
We only get one shot at childhood. As parents, we hope to be mindful of the many beautiful moments we find along the way. Every Monday, we will honor one of these moments in our series, Moments in Childhood. If you have a Moment in Childhood you would like to share, please email us at blog@amusetoys.com!
Moments in Childhood is sponsored by theWAIREHOUSE
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Games on the Go! by Continuum Games
Packed with its own travel carabiner, Games on the Go! is meant to be taken along for the ride. Leave it in your car for your next road trip or tuck it in your carry-on bag for that flight or winter cruise. The cards are full of word games, memory challenges and much more. With 50 games in 1, Games on the Go! will keep the trip interesting and engaging.
Flapz! by Blue Orange Games
Have we mentioned that we love Blue Orange Games? Flapz! is a change from the company's traditonal wooden games but it's a total success! While it looks like the old fortune tellers or cootie-catchers we used to make, Flapz! has 96 different "Mind-Tickling" challenges inside. Can you rub one knee while patting the other? If you ran a restaurant for witches and goblins, what would the daily specials be? And, Flapz! is made of Tyvek which means you can throw it into your child's sleepover bag knowing it won't be destroyed.
No trips planned this winter? Not a problem! These games can still be played in your own living room.
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Photo Credit: Packer Family
We only get one shot at childhood. As parents, we hope to be mindful of the many beautiful moments we find along the way. Every Monday, we will honor one of these moments in our series, Moments in Childhood. If you have a Moment in Childhood you would like to share, please email us at blog@amusetoys.com!
Moments in Childhood is sponsored by theWAIREHOUSE
Photo Credit: Diamond Family
We only get one shot at childhood. As parents, we hope to be mindful of the many beautiful moments we find along the way. Every Monday, we will honor one of these moments in our series, Moments in Childhood. If you have a Moment in Childhood you would like to share, please email us at blog@amusetoys.com!
Moments in Childhood is sponsored by theWAIREHOUSE
We like to tell customers that Nanoblock pieces are like bonsai LegosTM. Much like the well-known brick building sets, nanoblocks provide hours of entertainment and plenty of opportunities to refine those motor skills while building finger dexterity.
And new this year are the United States themed Nanoblock sets.
The Empire State Building and Statue of Liberty are actually the smaller sets with about 650 pieces only!
The White House and the USS Enterprise Sets have about 900 pieces but don't be intimidated. You know one of these would look good on your desk!
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From npw, comes a really cool way to sketch and draw with these 3-D Drawing Pads!
Just draw, sketch, or jot down some notes on the pad and then put on the 3-D glasses. It's so awesome, we love it!
Here's the science behind 3-D Imaging, also known as Stereoscopy:
The lenses filter out all the red & green or red & blue colors (depending on the glasses) from the image, which means you can't see the entire pattern. The black ink that is used to draw the image can still be seen very clearly and appears to be in the foreground. It looks like it's floating in front of everything, giving the image that 3-Dimensional effect we all know.
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The Perplexus Twist is the latest challenge from the creators of Perplexus.
Just like the original Perplexus, the Perplexus Twist challenges kids (and adults) to maneuver a marble through a spherical, multi-layered maze. But the "Twist" is that the kids have the ability to change the actual path of the maze!
Let's say you've reached a cliff or a deadend, just twist the outer knobs and change the path. It's like a moving M.C. Escher drawing!
And, like all the games in the Perplexus family, the Twist is an exercise in hand-eye coordination, dexterity and visual perception for kids.
We welcome the new challenge!
When we saw Plus-Plus from Geared for Imagination at the 2012 New York Gift Fair, our hearts were all a-flutter. We are always excited to find a new twist on a building toy, and Plus-Plus is just that.
Here's what we love about Plus-Plus:
1. We love its shape. The Danish company's motto is "Simplistic Shape. Endless Possibility!" and that's exactly what we get. We can connect the pieces on all four sides. We can build vertically or horizontally. We can build out and make amazing 3-Dimensional structures.
2. We love its colors. There are two color sets, basic and neon, but don't think you can't mix and match. In fact, don't feel limited by the colors at all. Who says you can't make a car that's purple and orange with neon green headlights?
3. We love its math concepts. Yes, we just used the words "love" and "math" in one sentence, but trust us, you'll love this too. You can introduce pattern making into those designs or just watch as your kids figure out how to connect the pieces to get the angles or structures they want. It's all part of problem solving, but we won't tell them it's math if you don't.
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Photo Credit: Rhodes Family
We only get one shot at childhood. As parents, we hope to be mindful of the many beautiful moments we find along the way. Every Monday, we will honor one of these moments in our series, Moments in Childhood. If you have a Moment in Childhood you would like to share, please email us at blog@amusetoys.com!
Moments in Childhood is sponsored by theWAIREHOUSE
Made from durable BPA & PVC free plastic, Trunki's shell protects all your little one's important toys and games. Don't worry, there's plenty of room for clothing too!
Features include a tow strap, carry handles, secure catches with locks, integrated wheels and stabilizers that prevent toppling over. Trunki weighs just under 4 lbs and holds up to 100 lbs, making it the perfect companion for any little traveler.
Trunki provides children with an entertaining and safe outlet to let out any bottled up energy from waiting in line at the security checkpoint or sitting in the car. It is carry-on luggage approved and fits in overhead compartments as well as under the seat.
So, visit the store and take one for a test drive. We bet your little traveler will have a smile on his face in no time.
*Offer good while supplies last.
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Photo Credit: Fuller Family
We only get one shot at childhood. As parents, we hope to be mindful of the many beautiful moments we find along the way. Every Monday, we will honor one of these moments in our series, Moments in Childhood. If you have a Moment in Childhood you would like to share, please email us at blog@amusetoys.com!
Moments in Childhood is sponsored by theWAIREHOUSE
The Yo-Yo: Did you know that the Yo-Yo (under other names) has been around in Europe and Asia since the late 1700s? It wasn't until Donald F. Duncan popularized the toy in the 1930s that the Yo-Yo became a hit in the states. While most of us just learn to "Walk the Dog," hundreds of others put their skills and talents to the test in the annual worldwide Yo-Yo Competition. We like to think the fun is in the challenge.
Jacks: So many folks have come into the store asking if we have a Jacks set. We just got them back in and we like to think they're here to stay. It's a game that could be played by yourself or with a partner. The concept is simple: Bounce the ball into the air and try to grab as many jacks before the ball comes down again. A quick hand will get you those onesies, twosies...
The Jump Rope: On a playground or in a schoolyard, the group sings, "Cinderella dressed in yella, went upstairs to kiss her fella..." as the boy or girl in the middle keeps up the rhythm of jumping over the rope. And, we're not even talking about the (slightly) more complicated double dutch or chinese jump rope. Kids will spend their whole recess or afternoon counting how many times they can jump over the rope, trying to better themselves.
Scratch 'n Sniff Stickers: "Oh my gosh, I remember these!" we say with happy exclamations full of fond memories. And, what did we use them for? We traded them with our friends or decorated our binders with them. There were some of us who even stuck them onto our notebook paper, to embellish the writing that read, "The future Mrs...." with the curly signature and a dozen hearts.
The Kaleidoscope: A work of art that fits in a child's bookbag or on his nightstand. Colors and shapes that move and dance with just the turn of a wrist. How amazing for a child the first time they take a peek. Best of all, they are in control of how they see it.
Do you have a favorite game or toy that could be considered a classic? Or, is there one that you would love to see make a comeback? Please, let us know in the comments below, on our Facebook page or by tweet.
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Last year's recipient, Casey Cares, received a check for just under one thousand dollars. We hope to top that amount this Saturday.
National Neighborhood Toy Store Day was founded by the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association based in Chicago, with the idea that highlighting independently owned toy stores, their expertise and community commitment would create a greater awarness of their value to our communities.
We invite you to join us in supporting the amazing efforts of the Kennedy Krieger Institute on our third annual National Neighborhood Toy Store Day celebration, Saturday, November 10th from 10am-7pm.
Happy Halloween, from the aMuse Gang!
Can you name any aMuse faces in this blast from the past collection? Visit our Halloween album on Facebook to find out if you're right!
Do you have any favorite Halloween photos from the past (or present)? Share them with us on Facebook or Twitter!
1. Geistes Blitz "Ghost Attack:" Be the first player to grab the correct object that's missing from the picture on the card. But, don't get tricked! The colors of the images don't always match the colors of the actual object. With a steady eye and a quick hand, you can walk away with the treat!
2. ALEX Face Paint Studio: If you're going as a clown, a glitter-faced fairy or a bloody zombie (eww), this kit has got you covered. When you're done with the paints and sponges, just pack everything away in its designated spot for easy storage until next year.
3. Melissa & Doug Role Play Set (Ages 3 to 6): Each set has a multitude of items to add detail and great play to your child's costume. How about a Fire Chief with her own badge and fire helmet or a veterinarian with his own stethoscope and puppy to bandage? Best of all, after Halloween, you can add the costume and accessories to the dress-up trunk for years to come of pretend play.
4. Glisten Up! Brush On Glitter Tattoos: From nPw, these easy to apply tattoos add that extra "oooh" to your Halloween night. There is orange and black glitter to make that snake crawling up your arm or that spider hanging off your shoulder really pop. Your kids are gonna freak (in a good way)!
5. Spot It! Halloween: Blue Orange has joined in the spirit and made a spook-tacular edition of everyone's favorite party game, Spot It! The play is the same but now you have to keep an eye out for brains, coffins, magic potions and more. Sure to entertain kids and adults alike at your Halloween party.
We hope we've given you some hair-raising ideas for this year's Halloween. Whether you like your night to be creepy or silly, these items are sure to make it fun!
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Photo Credit: Mirra Family
We only get one shot at childhood. As parents, we hope to be mindful of the many beautiful moments we find along the way. Every Monday, we will honor one of these moments in our series, Moments in Childhood. If you have a Moment in Childhood you would like to share, please email us at blog@amusetoys.com!
Moments in Childhood is sponsored by theWAIREHOUSE
Kids tend to fully engage in complex concepts when exposed to hands-on learning experiences and opportunities to interact with their surroundings. The Potato Clock Kit allows children to create their own electrochemical battery to power a digital clock. This kit places emphasis on the transfer of chemical energy into electrical energy. How cool is that?
Kids' faces will light up as they explore stars in their own bedrooms. In the Night Sky Kit children can assemble a cardboard star projector and gaze at the constellations on the walls and ceiling.
These kits are recommended for ages 8 and up. A helpful adult may be required if your child is just under 8.
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Photo Credit: (cool) progeny
We only get one shot at childhood. As parents, we hope to be mindful of the many beautiful moments we find along the way. Every Monday, we will honor one of these moments in our series, Moments in Childhood. If you have a Moment in Childhood you would like to share, please email us at blog@amusetoys.com!
Moments in Childhood is sponsored by theWAIREHOUSE
You and your children can learn about the science, literature and daily life of another time in this detailed and interactive exhibit . Weave a loom like the Goddess Athena, test your knowledge with the philosopher Aristotle or dress up in togas and sing like the mythical Sirens. You can even climb into a 13 foot tall Trojan Horse!
And right now, we've partnered with Port Discovery to offer four lucky aMuse families the chance to explore for free! You could win a Family Fun Pack which includes Port Discovery tickets for the whole family and two pairs of Shwings, the wings that make your shoes fly like the Gods, from us!
To enter for a chance to win, just "Like" aMuse Toys' and Port Discovery's Facebook pages and leave a comment on our page letting us know. The winners will be drawn at random and contacted by us, aMuse Toys, via Facebook on October 17th.
Take a trip to Port Discovery and travel to Greece. No passports required! The exhibit is open now until January 14, 2013.
Photo Credit: Waire Family
We only get one shot at childhood. As parents, we hope to be mindful of the many beautiful moments we find along the way. Every Monday, we will honor one of these moments in our series, Moments in Childhood. If you have a Moment in Childhood you would like to share, please email us at blog@amusetoys.com!
Moments in Childhood is sponsored by theWAIREHOUSE
For 75 years the Kennedy Krieger Institute with its dedicated staff has worked to enrich the lives of children and adolescents with developmental disabilities and provide support and education to the families of these individuals. The institute's food drive will give the donated items to local, low-income families of special-needs children in the Baltimore community.
If you wish to drop off an item in person, visit us at our Fells Point or Quarry Lake locations where we have collection boxes decorated by some of Kennedy Krieger's own inspiring individuals.
Every "Like" counts so if you're already a fan, please share with those who aren't. We can't do this without you, so don't underestimate your Facebook sharing power!
Photo Credit: Sand Family
We only get one shot at childhood. As parents, we hope to be mindful of the many beautiful moments we find along the way. Every Monday, we will honor one of these moments in our series, Moments in Childhood. If you have a Moment in Childhood you would like to share, please email us at blog@amusetoys.com!
Moments in Childhood is sponsored by theWAIREHOUSE
They have interactive antennae, ears, horns (depending on the creature) which are all sturdy enough to resist curious hands trying to pull them off!
The multi-directional wheels work best on flat, even surfaces like wood, linoleum and tile. Little ones at the verge of walking and those past toddler age will work their gross motor skills as they propel themselves forward, backward, and round and round.
But seriously, how cute would one of these guys look in the corner of the play room? Available at both locations in two sizes and perfect for ages one to five.
Photo Credit: Hall Family
We only get one shot at childhood. As parents, we hope to be mindful of the many beautiful moments we find along the way. Every Monday, we will honor one of these moments in our series, Moments in Childhood. If you have a Moment in Childhood you would like to share, please email us at blog@amusetoys.com!
Moments in Childhood is sponsored by theWAIREHOUSE
But, you don’t really need to have a party to break out these glitter accessories! Show your spirit at picnics, festivals, sleepovers, or any day of dress-up.
They are super easy to apply as well. Just place one of the transfer designs where you want and brush on the glitter. That’s it!
And, we can’t forget Halloween. For a day devoted to dress up and pretend, grab a packet and add a little something extra to your costume. You and your little ones are sure to stand out!
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It all started with a twelve-year-old boy’s desire to turn his basement wall into an extreme marble run. After weeks of experimenting and several trips to the hardware store, the Wall Coaster was born. We love that the same trial and error used in the development of the product along with an understanding of cause and effect carries over to every child that sets up their own track!
The setup is simple. Using the materials provided, affix coaster putty to the back of each piece of track or tube and let your imagination roll (no pun intended)! Don’t worry parents, the putty won’t ruin the paint on your walls! This reusable poster putty is teacher approved.
You can build larger and more complex marble runs with the Wall Coaster Extreme Stunt Kit that incorporates circles and zigzags into the mix.
In a commendable effort to minimize environmental impact, over 90% of the product and packaging is made from recycled materials. Wall coaster track is designed with lightweight ABS plastic that is incredibly durable and impact resistant. And get this-it’s made in the USA!
Build them high. Build them low. On your bedroom wall or the back of a door. Any track creation that you dream up can be a reality, you are limited only by your imagination [and wall space]!
As simple to learn as Checkers, this latest 2 player game from University Games engages both the casual player and the board game enthusiast.
Enjoy this game that combines the strategy and fun of Checkers and Connect Four with the surprising behavior of magnets! Stop by one of our two Baltimore area locations to play.
Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook for the latest information on new arrivals and exclusive offers!
Photo Credit: Altschuler Family (Miranda Makes)
We only get one shot at childhood. As parents, we hope to be mindful of the many beautiful moments we find along the way. Every Monday, we will honor one of these moments in our series, Moments in Childhood. If you have a Moment in Childhood you would like to share, please email us at blog@amusetoys.com!
Moments in Childhood is sponsored by theWAIREHOUSE
In honor of the Grand Prix this weekend, we thought we would get into the racing spirit with not one, but two racing themed games from HABA. Whether you are car enthusiasts or not, these colorful and detailed games will amuse your entire family and have your kids cheering the whole night!
Monza
It may be named after the city that hosts Italy’s own Grand Prix but you don’t have to be a professional behind the wheel to enjoy this game. With a bit of luck and a bit of strategy, you can send your race car straight to the finish line and claim the trophy.
Players take turns advancing their cars along the three-lane colorful race track. In order to advance, each player rolls the six colored dice and moves his car to any corresponding colored square.Depending on the combination, a player may be able to move his car ahead six squares in just one turn.
But, players can only move to an adjacent square and never backwards! That means if the player doesn’t roll a color that’s needed, she’ll have to wait until her next turn. This clever and speedy game is great for 2 to 6 players and all ages 5 and up.
Hit the Throttle
HABA’s “zippy circuit competition” is full of fun for the whole family. To start, each player draws an assignment card showing two cars. In order to win, players try to be the first to drive their assigned cars over the finish line. Three colored dice are rolled and the corresponding cars are moved along the racetrack.
But, watch out! Players are allowed to move any of the six cars during their turns and no one knows which cars their opponents are actually trying to race to the finish. 2 to 5 players, ages 4 and up can enjoy this game of suspense and luck. Happy racing!
Fresh from the printers in New York, Postcards from the Insect World A to Z from The MU are twenty-six cards full of color, story, friendship, and scientific fun!
We love The MU and their Magnetic Comic Strips, so we were thrilled to discover their latest creation at the 2012 New York Gift Fair. These sturdy cards are made in the U.S. and their high quality semi-gloss print has a soy ink base.
The postcards are perfect as alphabet learning cards, starting points for conversations about nature, or even items to find in a backyard scavenger hunt.
There are so many fun ways to read the cards! You can read them in alphabetical order like any great ABC book. Read them in chronological order and follow the travelling friends as they relate their discoveries of anatomies, life cycles, and behaviors of nature’s tiniest creatures.
Flutter with the butterflies, hop with the grasshoppers, crawl with the caterpillars and dig deeper into what nature and science have to offer: Exploration, discovery and fun!