November 12, 2011 is National Neighborhood Toy Stores Day. If you are accustomed to doing most of your toy shopping in big box stores, you may want to take this opportunity to locate a specialty toy retailer in your area. Many independent toy stores are part of ASTRA, or the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association. This nationwide event, held every year on the second Saturday of the month in November, encourages independent toy stores to demonstrate community awareness by bringing special events to shoppers right in their toy stores with activities that might include scavenger hunts, arts and crafts activities, charitable donations and entertainers. Many independent toy stores, part of ASTRA, strive to provide more personalized experiences when shopping for toys and gifts within their smaller, community oriented stores.
To find a participating store in your community, please visit the website www.neighborhoodtoystoreday.com.