Kids & Parents › Toys and Books
The Whole Child
An enthusiastic commitment to early childhood learning is everywhere apparent. You’ll find popular toys like Barbie, Playmobil construction kits, and almost everything emblazoned with the whimsical, pop-eyed image of Caillou: floor puzzles, bath mitts, 10-inch dolls and even an igloo tent ($37.95). But the store’s signature stock consists of hard-to-find brands like Haba and Baufix, and traditional toys that stimulate a child’s imagination and creativity the old-fashioned way, through hands-on play. Kids on a construction binge will enjoy all-wood railway sets from Tumbletree Woods that are compatible with Thomas the Tank Engine toys and are considerably cheaper than the better-known stuff from Brio (110 pieces for $139, versus 50 pieces of Brio for $255). There’s a small book section that stocks lots of durable board books (Dr. Seuss), the classic Little Golden Books series ($5) and hard-to-find nursery rhymes. The store hosts kid-friendly classes in music, drama, sewing and even robotics (ages three and a half and up; approximately $125 for 10 weeks), and there is free storytelling in both French and English.
Where: 2391 Bloor St. W. (at Jane), 416-766-8578.
When: M–Sa 10–6 (later in summer).
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