Best Toys for Kids 2010 – American Specialty Toy Retail Association list of best toys carried in local store

Learn All About It Toys Carries 2010 Award Winning Toy List

Warwick, RI, October 21, 2010 The 2010 American Specialty Toy Retail Association (ASTRA) Best Toys for Kids Award list is created by neighborhood toy stores and store owners across the country like Learn All About It Toys. The award-winning list is available in the store and can be viewed on the website, www.learnallaboutittoys.com

Jeff Dronzek, owner of Learn All About It explained, “The 2010 Best Toys for Kids Award list features toys that deliver exceptional value by encouraging a child’s imagination and inviting discovery and exploration. There are toys that get kids moving, toys that build creativity, toys that fascinate babies, and even toys that delight hard-to-shop-for pre-teens. Most of the toys are not advertised on television. They are made by small manufacturers and most are only available at independent toy stores. ”
The ASTRA list is unique in that it draws upon the expertise of local toy store owners across the country who understand how kids play. “We like to make sure we can help to broaden a child’s imagination through play. We’d like parents to consider the products’ play value and focus on what the child can do with the toy, rather than what the toy does,” said Jennifer Dronzek, Learn All About It owner and speech-language pathologist.
“Quality play facilitates learning and growth–helping kids practice social skills, build logic and spatial skills, create new understandings, and explore imaginative thinking,” said Kathleen McHugh, President of the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA).
Mr. Dronzek further explained, “We look for toys that motivate kids to unplug and get moving, build and design, investigate and discover…toys that fuel imagination and creativity, that let kids create the play themselves, those are the toys kids will play with over and over again. We believe that parents on a quest for toy value this holiday season want to choose quality over novelty, selecting classic and innovative toys that stretch their gift budget, provide endless opportunities for creative fun, and last for years, even generations, of playtime.”
The store specializes in educational toys, games, puzzles, arts & crafts, science, construction, creative play, and multimedia for all ages. Independent and locally owned, Learn All About It opened in March 2008 and is often noted for its spacious layout and kid-friendly atmosphere. With its front to back view, organized product layout, various products to sample, and weekly activities, play times, and story times, Learn All About It is a great place for the entire family to shop and attend events. Many events are free and sign-up is preferred for craft activities. Upcoming events include Spooky Science Night on Saturday 10/23, a Halloween party on Friday, 10/29, a book reading/signing with Erin Whalen, author of “Charlie’s Head” on Saturday, 10/30 and Neighborhood Toy Store Day on Saturday 11/13 featuring a music performance by Jamie Barrett and a great time to check out the Best Toys for Kids winners! See the website newsletter for further details and times.
TOYS SELECTED FOR BEST TOYS FOR KIDS AWARD LIST 2010.

Early Play
• Stacker by Green Toys
• Block Set by Green Toys
• Henrietta the Pull Along Hen by International Playthings
Pretend Play-Doll Play
• Learn to Dress Kitty by Alex
• Golden Retriever Puppy Puppet by Folkmanis
Pretend Play-Role Play
• Bake & Decorate Cupcake Set by Melissa & Doug
• Furnished School Building by Playmobil
Pretend Play-Fantasy Play
• Calico Critters Country Tree House by International Playthings
Constructive Play
• Magformers Carnival Set by Rainbow Products
Creative Arts Play
• Sticky Mosaics® Heart Box by The Orb Factory Limited
• Bubber by Waba Fun
Scientific Play
• Sustainable Earth Lab by Thames & Kosmos
• Solar Rover by Toysmith/4M
Active Play
• Faux Bow by Marky Sparky
Game Play-Preschool Game
• Zingo 1-2-3 by ThinkFun
Game Play-Family Game
• Spot It! by Blue Orange Games
Game Play-Party Game
• Anomia by Anomia Press
Game Play-Dexterity Game
• Perplexus by Plasmart
Just for Fun
• HEXBUG Nano Habitat Set by Innovation First
• Pumponator Balloon Pumping Station by Pumponator
Classic Play
• Rody Horse by Toymarketing Intl, Inc
• Snap Circuits Jr by Elenco

The store hours are M-Sat 10-7 and Sun 12-5. For additional information, please contact Jeff Dronzek:
Learn All About It
Cowesett Corners Shopping Plaza (with Stop and Shop, Babies R Us, Petco, and Christmas Tree Shops)
300 Quaker Lane
Warwick, RI 02886
401-921-5951
jd@learnallaboutittoys.com
www.learnallaboutittoys.com

About Learn All About It
Learn All About It is a locally owned, private, independent educational toy store specializing in toys, games, puzzles, arts & crafts, science, pretend play, construction, outdoor fun, books, CDs and DVDs for children of all ages and the entire family.

About the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA)
With more than 1000 members, the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA) is the largest association for companies in the toy and children’s products arenas. ASTRA and its member companies promote the growth of the toy industry by delivering products that serve children’s best interests. For more information, visit www.astratoy.org.