Aunt Jean's To Host A Day Of Holiday Happenings On Saturday

Aunt Jean's Toys & Treats will hold a special day of events on Saturday—including a "hot line to Santa" and free hot chocolate—to celebrate national Neighborhood Toy Store Day and to help call attention to independent toy retailers.

As a member of the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA), Aunt Jean's also will be promoting a 2010 Best Toys for Kids list.

(Get a sneak peek at a few of the winners below.)

"When you shop at an independent toy store, you are entering a universe of play possibilities," explains Kathleen McHugh, president of ASTRA. "Neighborhood Toy Store Day is about celebrating the role the local store plays in the community. We are highlighting the expertise your local store has in selecting just the right toy to help your child grow and learn through play."

Jeanette Lauture, owner of Aunt Jean's, said, "with our expert understanding of how kids play, ASTRA members have selected the toys that deliver the highest value, while also inviting imaginative discovery and encouraging creative thinking."

Referring to the drive to encourage more people to shop locally, she said consumers can be confident that more of the dollars spent in independently owned stores will stay in the community—25 percent more in contrast with national chains.

"Of course we'd rather people not go to Toys 'R' Us," she said. 

As part of Saturday's festivities, Lauture said Aunt Jean's will offer a "hot line to Santa."

"Kids of all ages will be able to call Santa in the North Pole and share their thoughts and Christmas list with him," she said. "We will also have giveaways, games, balloons, hot chocolate, and some goodies."

Although the summer was slow, Lauture said business picked up this past weekend, with lots of people already shopping for Hanukkah and Christmas gifts.

Founded in 1992, ASTRA has grown into the largest association for companies in the toy and children's products arenas.

Over 500 of America's independent and neighborhood toy retailers selected the Best Toys for Kids and here are a few of the winners:

Best Family Game:

Spot It! There is always one, and only one, matching symbol between any two cards in this party game. Spot it and you win! A sharp eye and a little bit of speed is all it takes to become a Spot it! master. 

Best Party Game:

Anomia Game, when players face off against each other when they have matching game cards, forcing them to give an example of a person, place, or thing based on their matching cards. The first player to blurt out a correct answer wins the other player's card and continues to draw cards.

Best For Constructive Play:

Magformers—Carnival Set, which is a set of magnetic pieces that you can mix and match, and use to build three-dimensional shapes.

Best For Fantasy Play:

Calico Critters Country Tree House, complete with four spacious rooms, hot tub, pagoda, patio, and water slide.

Best For Early Play:

Henrietta the Pull Along Hen, a fun pull toy that makes realistic chicken sounds.

To look at the complete list, go here.