Feb 04, 2009

The Bobby Bucket Show!

The Bobby Bucket ShowCheck out the "Bobby Bucket Show!

A love for children's books seems to run in the G.Willikers! family... Story telling and reading has always been a central part of our lives. Children's books give us the opportunity to laugh, cry, wonder and wander through life's journey...Here is a great link for those who love children's books and all they have to offer both young and old.

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Aug 16, 2008

Smart Gear Wood Training Bike!

Smart Gear Bike Training bikes from Smart Gear are zooming off the shelves and out our door!

Our customers are loving this new product, and so are we! These wooden training bikes give new bike riders (suitable for ages 2-5) a safe, effective and fun way to learn how to ride!

No pedals! No training wheels!

Children learn to balance and ride while boosting their confidence! Just $89.00!

Stop by G.Willikers! and take a test drive!

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Jul 22, 2008

Kidzsacks! Backpacks colored by your kids' imaginations!

kidzacsk After being in and around the toy business since 1978, I have had the opportunity over the years to see many, many unique products that are designed for kids.

While we have and always will carry toys and products from the bigger, well-known manufacturers, it is often the products from the smaller companies and individuals that are most inspiring to me.

I'm always impressed when I meet someone who has an idea and actually follows it through, and I'm even more impressed when that someone is a mom! As a mother myself, I know how all-consuming parenting can be, and it amazes me how some parents are able to manage it all, still have the energy to think of a great idea, and pursue the hard work that it takes to actually make that idea a reality!

Tina Hill has done just that with her Kidzsacks, and she continues to move forward, fine-tuning her product and her approach as she learns hands-on what it takes to develop and market a product.

Kidsacks: A fun idea!

Tina started off with all the right elements: A fun idea, a commitment to quality and thoughtful materials, and a great design sense.

Kidzsacks have been a wonderful addition to our store, especially as we grow our inventory of locally and USA made products. They not only are a great art activity for kids of all ages, but they are fun and practical, and won't get discarded after use like so many products these days.

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May 28, 2008

Harrisville Designs

One of our very favorite lines is Harrisville Designs from Harrisville, NH. They make the highest quality weaving looms available in the educational toy market and have been in the weaving business since 1971. In fact, in 1977, the U.S. Department of Interior designated the town of Harrisville a National Historic Landmark because of the historical importance of this mill town. The owners philosophy is summed up on their website:

"We are a small, family owned and operated business, and we believe that quality should not be compromised for even the smallest product. There is a great tradition of textiles in our community and in our culture, and we are happy to share that tradition of quality by designing and marketing our yarns and tools."

They began making products for children back in the late 1980's and G.Willikers! has carried a variety of them our Portsmouth, NH toy store ever since that time. We have been consistently pleased with the design, the use of high quality materials and especially the customer response. Many people who have purchased one of these looms for their own family have gone on to choose them as birthday gifts for their friends.

As always, G.Willikers! is also thrilled to support a local toy manufacturer.

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May 23, 2008

Larry Lobster - A G.Willikers! Tradition

For nearly 20 years, Larry Lobster has been one of the most popular toys we sell in our Portsmouth, NH toy store. Larry is expertly crafted by Larry Eastman & family in downeast Maine (aka, Sangerville). This heirloom pull-toy is made of durable pine and is hand painted a bright red. Larry is a favorite of toddlers and travels behind them clicking his claws all over the store. Next time you’re in downtown Portsmouth, stop by and give him a pull!

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Apr 22, 2008

My Father's Dragon - An Epic Adventure

My Father's Dragon is the first book in a trilogy written by Ruth Stiles Gannett back in the late 1940's and early 1950's. It tells the tale of Elmer Elevator, a smart and sensitive boy, and his quest to help rescue a young dragon on Wild Island. Elmer is first visited by an old alley cat who tells him of the dragon's plight and convinces him to use logic and creativity to help free the dragon from slavery. Elmer is told to pack some very specific things such as... " chewing gum, two dozen pink lollipops, a package of rubber bands, black rubber boots, a compass, a tooth brush and a tube of tooth paste..." as well as several other items that will help him along the way.

Children will really be surprised to discover the creative ways that Elmer uses the items in his knapsack to get out of some tricky situations!

With its richly descriptive text, engaging drawings and humor these stories are truly hard to put down. Detailed maps allow the reader to follow Elmer to his many destinations (Tangerina, Popsicornia & Nevergreen City).

Despite being written over 50 years ago, these stories are fresh, exciting and just one or two chapters are a perfect bedtime treat.

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