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Slingshot Flying Monkey Rules At www.MyFavToys.com

2012-01-13T19:20:00.000-08:00

Never has there been such a popular primate at www.MyFavToys.Com or at My Favorite Toys, our brick-and-mortar store at University Mall in carbondale, IL!This monkey is nothing short of outrageous! The monkey can be shot long distances using his elastic arms. Put two fingers in the hand pockets, pull back and let go. The soft, furry monkey is pretty funny with his cape and mask, like some sort of

www.MyFavToys.com Slingshot Flying Monkey Lives On!

2012-01-09T18:33:00.000-08:00

CESL Students Visit My Favorite Toys To Discuss Entrepreneurship

2011-05-02T18:04:00.000-07:00

On Friday, April 29, we hosted a super class of 25 students from the Center For English As a Second Language program at SIU-Carbondale, led by instructor Kamden Summers. The students represented countries from around the world. They are enrolled in a highly-regarded program to learn English. Many of the students will continue on at SIU in undergraduate and graduate programs. Included in the

Green Toys - 15% Off For Earth Day At www.MyFavToys.com And My Favorite Toys

2011-04-15T17:29:00.000-07:00

That's right, 15% off all Green Toys products from now through Earth Day, April 22, either online at www.MyFavToys.com, or at our brick-and-mortar store, My Favorite Toys, University mall in Carbondale, IL. Our line now includes: Blocks, Dish Set, Spoons and Forks, Tea Set, Dump Truck, Recycling Truck, Stacking Cups, Race Cars, and Race Cars On Flatbed Truck, Fire truck, Sand Play Set, Tool Set,

www.MyFavToys.com Is The Web Store For My Favorite Toys in Carbondale

2011-03-27T18:23:00.000-07:00

Periodically we remind our friends who google our online store that we are www.MyFavToys.com. There are several My Favorite Toys brick-and-mortar stores with similiar website domains.Yup, for the web store with thousands of quality toys, games, puzzles and puppets, it's www.MyFavToys.com.Of course anytime you're within driving distance of My Favorite Toys, our flagship store at University Mall in

My Favorite Toys and Colorforms!

2011-03-13T18:52:00.000-07:00

Everyone remembers Colorforms, right? Well, My Favorite Toys at University Mall in Carbondale found several new themes of Colorforms at the International Toy Fair in New York last month, and they've arrived in our store!There's Dora and SpongeBob, Fancy Nancy and Yo Gabba Gabba and several others. Help your children or grandkids re-live the fun you experienced with Colorforms.These items are

My Favorite Toys Is Home From Toy Fair And Preparing For Great New Products!

2011-03-08T18:51:00.000-08:00

It's been nearly a month since we attended the 2011 International Toy Fair in New York City. As always, it was a terrific opportunity to view creative new toys, games, and puzzles!And now some of the items we decided to bring to our store are beginning to arrive! It's an exciting item as our inventory for 2011 takes shape. During the weeks ahead we'll be announcing some great new additions

Lego Minifigures At My Favorite Toys and www.MyFavToys.com

2010-09-06T18:13:00.000-07:00

They're here! Series 2 of the Lego Minifigures has arrived! That's the good news. Bad news is that we only have 120! They're $3.95 each, so get 'em quickly at our store at University Mall in Carbondale, IL or online at www.MyFavToys.com

Twirling Spaghetti Fork Special At www.MyFavToys.com and My Favorite Toys

2010-09-04T18:14:00.001-07:00

Twirling is a better way to eat spaghetti, and eating pasta has never been so much fun! It's the Twirling Spaghetti Fork from Hog Wild Toys! And this week at www.MyFavToys.com and at My Favorite Toys (our brick-and-mortar store at University Mall in Carbondale, IL), it's on special for $8.49!Less mess, more satisfying bites, and 100% twirling fun!

We are www.MyFavToys.com!

2010-09-01T21:01:00.001-07:00

Periodically, we like to remind our readers that our online store is www.MyFavToys.com.There are several websites with similar names, some which spell out some or all of the words of our store.BUT....we are the original www.MyFavToys.com, so when you want to visit "the world's specialty toy store in the Heartland of America," use this domain name: www.MyFavToys.com.Thanks!

Our buds, the Spuds

2010-08-31T21:41:00.000-07:00

What's with Mr. and Mrs Potato Head? Customers were buying every variety of the 'Heads today: the traditionals, the magnetic sets, and the Cardinal and Cub Potato Heads. Maybe the popular Potato couple was spotted at the Emmys?

Lego Games Arrive At My Favorite Toys And (Soon) at www.MyFavToys.com

2010-08-28T16:32:00.000-07:00

It's the Lego series for which everyone has been waiting --- The Lego Games! And they're here, locally at My Favorite Toys at University Mall in Carbondale (now) and at www.MyFavToys.com on Monday, August 30!Pictured above is Minotaurus. Build your game board, then be the first to lead your heroes through the labyrinth to the temple, avoiding the Minotaur. It's an epic game of chance and

Benders Cheerleader Season At My Favorite Toys and www.MyFavToys.com

2010-08-26T17:08:00.001-07:00

If it's football season then it must be time for the Bender Cheerleaders to make their appearance....and they have done so at My Favorite Toys, University Mall, Carbondale and at www.MyFavToys.com, our worldwide online store!There's Hailey, pictured above in all her school-spirited radiance! Other members of her team include Debbi, Ashley, and Will. Each come with pom-poms, a tin megaphone and

Sunny Patch Happy Giddy Tunnel At My Favorite Toys

2010-08-25T16:47:00.001-07:00

Entering My Favorite Toys, University Mall in Carbondale, shoppers are now greeted by an extended Happy Giddy Play Tunnel from the Sunny Patch line by Melissa and Doug.The tunnel is perfect for indoor or outdoor play. It's nearly five feet long with a hide-and-seek door. It's made of durable, wipe-clean material with a padded steel frame. It folds flat for storage and is water resistant.Come

Cardinals Pez (and Cubs) Back At My Favorite Toys!

2010-08-24T16:46:00.001-07:00

St. Louis Cardinal and Chicago Cub Pez dispensers filled with candy are back in stock at My Favorite Toys, University Mall, Carbondale!

Super Soft Winnie The Pooh And Friends Arrive At My Favorite Toys and www.MyFavToys.com!

2010-08-23T18:23:00.001-07:00

We've seen many Winnie The Pooh plush sets, but our new favorite is the new Kids Preferred set that just arrived at My Favorite Toys and www.MyFavToys.com. Winnie and friends, Tigger, Eeyore, and Piglet are super soft, and we've discounted the suggested retail price to $13.95 each.So come see our new friends at My Favorite Toys at University Mall in Carbondale, or purchase them online at

$8.95 - My Reusable Bag Makes Me Better Than You At My Favorite Toys and www.MyFavToys.com

2010-08-22T13:00:00.000-07:00

Those zany people at Accoutrements have done it again with their spoof on reusable bags!The green "My Reusable Bag Makes Me Better Than You" tote can be found at My Favorite Toys at University Mall in Carbondale and at our online store, www.MyFavToys.com. So make your own "green" AND humorous statement with this special bag!

Cardinals and Cubs Items At My Favorite Toys!

2010-08-21T10:11:00.000-07:00

Albert is definitely numero uno with St. Louis Cardinal fans, and now you can celebrate that fact by playing our Cardinals-themed Uno card game! We also honor the Chicago Cubs, the Cards' good-natured rivals, with their own Uno game.Our Cardinals and Cubs section includes all sorts of Cards and Cubbies items including Scrabble, Potato Heads, puzzles, books, plush and more. Come see at My

Rack-O At My Favorite Toys and www.MyFavToys.com!

2010-08-18T11:20:00.001-07:00

One of our favorite card games from childhood was RACK-O, and we finally convinced Winning Moves, a primary game distributor, to bring it back this year! RACK-O is played in rounds. Each round ends when a player goes “RACK-O” by getting his or her cards into order, from LOW at the front of the rack to HIGH at the back. Continue play until one player reaches 500 points.The player to

Learn To Dress Emma and Jake At www.MyFavToys.com and My Favorite Toys!

2010-08-16T17:04:00.000-07:00

Two of our favorite toddler items at www.MyFavToys and My Favorite Toys are the Learn To Dress Dolls, Emma and Jake. Distributed by International Playthings, these 15-inch plush dolls feature learn-to-dress activities with hook-and-loop closures, snaps, laces, buckles, ties and more. Each include velcro-like play accessories.Come see Emma and Jake at our University Mall store in Carbondale, IL

My Favorite Toys Welcomes Green Toys!

2010-08-15T19:55:00.001-07:00

This convoy of cute little dump trucks, by Green Toys, USA, has arrived on the shelves of My Favorite Toys and on the pages of www.MyFavToys.com. They join a sanitation truck, a stacker toy, and a tea set now on sale at our brick-and-mortar and online stores.Aside from the great play value in Green Toys products, they meet two of the

Flatwoodsey And Mij At My Favorite Toys!

2010-08-14T16:47:00.001-07:00

Yes! The two newest darlings from Uglydoll arrived at our backdoor yesterday and are on our shelves ready for you today! Mij and Flatwoodsey wish to make your acquaintance!But wait, there's more! Ket and Wippy are also here, and we are completely re-stocked with your favorite Uglydolls! And now we can display more Uglies with our highly attractive new Ugly displayer with a spiffy red and

My Favorite Toys Silly Bandz For Back To School!

2010-08-13T08:09:00.000-07:00

By now you're probably familiar with Silly Bandz, those hard-to-explain but great fun to collect, wear, and trade rubber band bracelets.They're are still very popular! With kids headed back toschool, they're about to get hotter!So when grabbing those back-to-school specials, don't forget the large selection of Silly Bandz at My Favorite Toys, University Mall, Carbondale, and www.MyFavToys.com!

Suggestions For My Favorite Toys Holiday Items?

2010-08-12T16:54:00.000-07:00

"Back in the day," Christmas in July sales were a quirky gimmick for a few retailers brazen enough to mention Christmas during the summer months. Well, no more.Our friends at the big box toy store (you know, the one with the big giraffe) now run a no-kidding holiday promotion during July complete with decor! And we bet that, by Labor Day, it won't be just the hobby and craft stores that will

"Tickle Me Freud" Comes To My Favorite Toys

2010-07-21T17:19:00.000-07:00

We've been looking at products from that zany group, The Unemployed Philosophers Guild, for some time, and now they have joined our My Favorite Toys family at University Mall in Carbondale, IL and at www.MyFavToys.com. We have some great Freud items for Sig fans: the Tickle Me Freud plush, pictured above, Freudian Slipper houseshoes, and Sigmund and his couch as a finger puppet set!But wait,

My Favorite Toys Has Book and Plush Combos!

2010-06-21T08:54:00.001-07:00

Today we have a baby gift idea! My Favorite Toys at University Mall in Carbondale stocks several book/plush sets parents and child will cherish as the years go by.An example is the delightful Nutbrown Hare book, "Guess How Much I Love You" from Candlewick Press, accompanied by the bunny plush from Kids Preferred.Or who can resist the classic "Tale of Peter Rabbit" combined with the original

www.MyFavToys.com and My Favorite Toys Have Legos For All Ages!

2010-06-19T10:10:00.000-07:00

At www.MyFavToys.com and My Favorite Toys, Lego sales have been on an uptick during the past year, and not just with the kids!Did you know there is a growing community known as Adult Fans Of Lego (AFOL), estimated by Lego to be 40,000 strong worldwide and growing, as children who grew up using the construction toy have become parents themselves.AFOL members hold conventions, organize group

Linky Sprinks Best Prices On The Web!.....www.MyFavToys.com

2010-06-16T17:33:00.000-07:00

It is definitely backyard play-in-the-sprinkler time in southern Illinois and elsewhere! We're having an incredible sale on a great sprinkler set, Linky Sprinks, the thinking, linking, sprinkling toy. There are four 20-piece sets which can be connected/designed by kids. The water flow can be customized, and there's a fun sprinkler head creature for each set including: the Whirly Bird; the

My Favorite Toys' and www.MyFavToys.com Father's Day Sale

2010-06-14T17:42:00.000-07:00

All Franklin Sports sets, including volleyball, croquet, bocce ball and horseshoe sets are 30% off this week! These are the authentic, quality Franklin sets that will impress Dad and provide years of fun for the entire family!

Thomas The Tank Engine At My Favorite Toys....and www.MyFavToys.com

2010-05-29T10:25:00.001-07:00

New toys come and go at My Favorite Toys (University Mall, Carbondale, IL) and www.MyFavToys.com, but Thomas The Tank and his friends keep chugging along. The little guys and gals (as well as many big kids) make a bee-line to the Thomas play table at our store, and our online customers also seek out Thomas Wooden Railway items.So if you're wondering whether Thomas is still active, yes he is, and

My Favorite Toys Releases The Butterflies....and Rosie Makes A Friend!

2010-04-20T10:57:00.000-07:00

Many of you know that My Favorite Toys is carrying The Butterfly Garden Kit from Insect Lore this spring. We've had great fun with a demo kit, growing our own butterflies. Yesterday was freedom day for our first family of butterflies, and when released by Suzanne, they escaped happily!But some paused a few minutes to enjoy the carnations we provided. Above is young shopper, cute-as-a-button,

My Favorite Toys and www.MyFavToys.com Like City Creek Press!

2010-04-19T17:10:00.000-07:00

If you are looking ahead to summer math skill exercises which are fun and lively, check our the three products we've just received from City Creek Press:(1)"Times Tables The Fun Way," pictured above, is a picture book method of learning the multiplication facts. It's conversational, engaging and parents have told us it holds kids attention well.(2) If you have a student who learns best from music

Penguins Are Back At My Favorite Toys

2010-04-16T15:52:00.000-07:00

The Melissa and Doug plush penguin continues to be one of our most popular items at My Favorite Toys at University Mall in Carbondale, IL!And they're back in stock. Get one now, by visiting our store! Mention this post and get 15% off the penguin through April 30 (Regularly $19.95, with the 15% off $16.95!)

Now What? At www.MyFavToys.com and My Favorite Toys

2010-04-10T17:12:00.000-07:00

Now What?, a new game from Patch Products, has arrived at www.MyFavToys.com and is also on the shelf at My Favorite Toys, our brick-and-mortar store at University Mall in Carbondale, IL.Read an outlandish dilemma out loud. Then all players dream up a tall tale to get out of the situation using solution cards they have chosen. Solutions can be totally serious or totally senseless! The goal is

My Favorite Toys Has Cardinals and Cubs Items!

2010-04-05T18:19:00.000-07:00

At My Favorite Toys at University Mall in Carbondale, IL, we've introduced a section for St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Cubs baseball fans which includes a variety of Cards and Cubs-themed games; puzzles and blocks for the little ones; plush items; books; and even pet dishes, collars and leashes.The Major League season is underway so if you're a Cardinals or Cubs fan, show your colors! If you

Silly Bandz Are Also Fun For Big Kids At My Favorite Toys and www.MyFavToys.com!

2010-04-02T17:56:00.000-07:00

We've blogged previously about Silly Bandz, the collectible rubber bands in fun shapes. Kids wear them as bracelets, and when you take them off, they retain their original shape! Silly Bandz are made of silicone and die molded in many different fun shapes. Pick from Zoo Animals, Pets, Alphabet letters, Fun Shapes, Sea Creatures, Western, Princess, Dinosaurs or our newest themes soon to be in

The Little Roadster---A My Favorite Toys and www.MyFavToys.com Favorite!

2010-02-10T18:10:00.000-08:00

Whenever a customer asks for help choosing a gift for a one-year old, we often wind up at International Plaything's Little Roadster, pictured above. What a fun toy! Turn the wheel to steer the car on the screen. This is the perfect driving simulator for your toddler! The steering wheel toy's light-up blinkers are activated by steering left and right. The sounds on this toddler learning toy

Silly Bandz Arrive At My Favorite Toys!

2010-02-05T17:32:00.000-08:00

The craze that started in Birmingham, AL last year has hit the Midwest! Yes, indeed, Silly Bandz are here! They are the hottest fashion jewelry!These colorful rubber band-like guys return to their original shape when you take them off the item they're holding (or off of your wrist). Pick from Zoo Animals, Pets, Fun Shapes, Princesses, Dinos, Sea Creatures or Alphabet Letters. They come in

My Favorite Toys --- Your Trusted Source For Atomic Food Containers!

2010-02-03T14:35:00.000-08:00

Tired of scampering to the refrig to devour last night's chicken and rice leftovers and discovering some other household inhabitant has pirated your snack?Then our Atomic Food Containers from Hog Wild Toys are for you! This set of three plastic bowls in industrial strength colors are FDA approved, dishwasher/microwave safe, sealable air-vented wonders. They absolutely scream "Keep Out! This

My Favorite Toys and www.MyFavToys.com --- A Mom and Pop Operation!

2010-02-01T17:55:00.000-08:00

My Favorite Toys at University Mall in Carbondale, IL is definitely a Mom and Pop store. Oh, we do have other staff, and we carry the latest brands of toys, games, puzzles and games (in fact we stock unique and up-and-coming toys from small manufacturers before the Big Box stores grab them)!And we pride ourselves on customer service, and knowing many customers by name. We delight in watching

What Should My Favorite Toys Bring Back From Toy Fair?

2010-01-31T19:06:00.000-08:00

In two weeks, we'll be galloping through the hundreds of manufacturers' booths at the 2010 International Toy Fair in New York City. Our goal is to find the very best toys, games, puzzles, puppets and books to offer to our customers at My Favorite Toys, our brick and mortar store at University Mall in Carbondale, IL and to our friends who shop at www.MyFavToys.com, our great online store.We

Whoopie! Halloween Is Coming At My Favorite Toys!

2009-10-12T10:34:00.000-07:00

So a young professional was in our store this morning, asking whether we carry whoopie cushions."Of course," we say, and directed him to the Pranks and Magic section.Back he came to the check-out counter in a couple of minutes with two whoopie cushions in hand."Playing some tricks at lunch today?" we asked."No, my daughter has decided to be a giant whoopie cushion for Halloween. Just need some

My Favorite Toys and www.MyFavToys.com Now Have Hiking Joe Bender and Hiking Jane Bender!

2009-10-09T17:01:00.000-07:00

They're here! Hiking Joe and Jane Bender, the latest in the Hogwild series of Benders, arrived today!These new Benders are really cool! Joe and Jane have magnets in theirs hands and feet so they stick to most metal objects, including their own tins with built-in compass. Each comes with a backpack and walking stick so even when you are not enjoying the great outdoors, Joe and Jane can imagine

My Favorite Toys and the "Hot Toy List"

2009-10-07T17:10:00.000-07:00

So it's October and by now the corporate toy chain (we won't mention names but can we say "giraffe") has published its hot toy list for the Holidays. To which we say, "Beware!"To the the corporate toy chain, "hot toy list" primarily means, "items we want to push and we hope we can convince you shoppers to create a frenzy for a few of them." And sadly it usually works....then by January 15 those

Pig E. Bank is back at My Favorite Toys and www.MyFavToys.com!

2009-09-19T16:20:00.000-07:00

Pig E. Bank is back!You may remember this popular item from Christmas, 2008. When you place a coin in the slot on Pig E.'s back, he will tell you what coin you have deposited and keep track of your savings on his LCD screen. The LCD screen also allows you to adjust your balance when making a deposit or withdrawal. "Pink Edition" Pig E Bank (pictured above) is a great tool to teach kids to

My Favorite Toys 's Favorite Wind-Ups

2009-09-17T18:24:00.000-07:00

As we receive wind-up toys from companies such as Toysmith, California Creations and Schylling, our favorites change every few weeks.Our current favorites are the Neverfall Bumpercars (pictured above) nifty little characters in bumper cars that, well, won't run off the edge of a table or counter. They never fail to elicit a customer response such as, "How do they do that?"Come check them out at

My Favorite Toys Says: Deck The Malls With Boughs and Toys!

2009-09-16T11:59:00.001-07:00

Let's face it...regional shopping malls have taken a beating recently from retail analysts who chirp about the recession-caused store vacancies.So it's interesting to see toys on their way back to the mall for the upcoming holiday season. Sears is wading back into the business with toy stores within their mall locations in a few big-city markets. And this week Toys R Us announced 80 temporary

Tearing Up The Wind Ups

2009-09-14T15:25:00.000-07:00

A wide range of customers enjoy the Schylling old-fashioned tin wind-ups at My Favorite Toys and www.MyFavToys.com. But we can't remember the last time someone bought several of them to take apart. That was the plan of a young woman this afternoon, a metals work major at Southern Illinois University - Carbondale. She's planning an exhibit on tin wind-up toys, so she decided she needed to know

Best Pals, Katjan, and My Favorite Toys

2009-09-13T20:18:00.000-07:00

A few days ago we posted a feature on Janet and Kathy Lennon's rag doll line available at My Favorite Toys, our brick-and-mortar store at University Mall in Carbondale, IL and at our online store, www.MyFavToys.com.Since then several customers have asked whether these are the same dolls as the Best Pal dolls and the dolls from Katjan, Inc.The answer is "yes." The Lennons' company is Katjan, and

Here Comes Timmy The Tractor From Local Entrepreneur, Angie Wyatt

2009-09-12T09:59:00.000-07:00

It's always fun when we introduce a new product or line at My Favorite Toys and www.MyFavToys.com. Doubly so when the developer of the item is a local person and someone we know personally.Such is the case with our new Timmy the Tractor line, introduced by Angie Wyatt, known to area TV viewers as the news anchor on WSIL-TV.Angie married into a farm family, and "from raising cattle, to making hay

Spinmasters At Toys R US

2009-09-09T11:10:00.000-07:00

DATELINE - WAYNE, NJ --- "Toys R Us' net earnings more than doubled in the second quarter of 2009, helped by lower spending levels and despite a drop in same-store sales."“We are pleased with our performance for the first half of this year and believe our results clearly demonstrate that we can successfully operate and achieve results in any economic environment,” said Jerry Storch, chairman and

Workin' Joe Bender At My Favorite Toys and www.MyFavToys.com --- A Labor Day Tradition!

2009-09-07T09:03:00.000-07:00

Happy Labor Day, 2009 from My Favorite Toys and www.MyFavToys.com!What would the day be without Workin' Joe Bender from Hogwild Toys! This item has been discontinued by Hogwild, but we still have them, and still at $8.95 each!Workin' Joe has always been one of our favorites. As pictured above, Joe comes in a tin "real man's" lunchbox, and includes posable magnetic construction barrier and

Lennon Sisters Rag Dolls at My Favorite Toys and www.MyFavToys.com

2009-09-06T14:07:00.000-07:00

During the 1950s and 1960s, a staple of weekend TV was the Lawrence Welk Show, and a primary feature of that program were the Lennon Sisters. Viewers were treated to the angelic voices and sweet harmonies of Janet, Kathy, Peggy and Dee Dee.Now forty years later, Kathy and Janet have introduced an adorable set of Best Pal rag dolls in beautiful outfits! My Favorite Toys currently stocks all

My Favorite Toys = www.MyFavToys.com

2009-09-05T18:33:00.000-07:00

The Monster Giraffe ....And My Favorite Toys

2009-09-04T14:41:00.000-07:00

So the news comes today that Toys R Us has purchased the KB Toys web site and other KB "intellectual property." With TRU's takeover of FAO Schwartz a few months ago, it seems TRU really is the only national toy store left. What a shame.Fortunately there is a healthy and growing body of locally-owned, independent specialty toy stores throughout the country linked through membership in the

My Favorite Toys Has You Covered!

2009-09-03T15:32:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we mentioned a couple of suggestions for "creative" bandages in our post on college care packages. Well, our staff Director of First Aid wants you to know that My Favorite Toys and www.MyFavToys.com have plenty of other "out of the box" bandages in addition to the BooBoo Kisses and Bacon varieties already suggested.Consider the possibilities for your family's scrapes and skins! As

Time For A College Care Package?

2009-09-02T17:30:00.000-07:00

So the college kid has been out of the house at school for a week or two....and you know she's/he's missing Mom's brownies and laundry facilities.... and you're looking for the appropriate care package to make her/him smile?Along with those edible treats, how about an AV Club Pennant for the dorm wall, or some Stickman In Peril stickers, or Waxed Cupcake Dental Floss, or a tin of BooBoo Kiss

'Tis Our Season To....Start Getting Ready!

2009-08-10T12:31:00.000-07:00

We're back!The www.MyFavToys.com and My Favorite Toys blog has been dormant for a spell, but we've been really busy backstage the past couple of weeks!A month ago we were poking fun at retailers hawking Christmas in July sales. While we're not advertising Christmas, we are placing orders and receiving our first wave of items for the holiday season! The photos above from last week show Kit

Making Friends at My Favorite Toys and www.MyFavToys.com!

2009-07-18T09:05:00.000-07:00

In yesterday's blog posting, we recommended a Wall Street Journal opinion piece on the importance of independently-owned specialty retail shops. Stores such as our family-owned My Favorite Toys at University Mall in the heart of the United States in Carbondale, IL.We also work hard to provide a personal touch at our online store,www.MyFavToys.com. Although it's a bit more difficult to get to

In Praise Of Shopkeepers!

2009-07-17T08:20:00.000-07:00

Happily, more and more consumers are supporting the notion that locally-owned, independent specialty retail shops are important to a community's vitality and future.This perspective is expressed magnificantly in yesterday's Wall Street Journal column, "In Praise Of Shopkeepers," by Joseph Epstein. We highly recommend it to shoppers, store owners, local governmental officials, and well, everyone!

My Favorite Toys Still Has Swimming Pool Benders!

2009-07-16T09:10:00.000-07:00

Oh no, the Swimming Pool Benders by Hogwild Toys are being discontinued! Hogwild has exhausted its inventory and will be shipping no more to suppliers. But wait! My Favorite Toys, our brick-and-mortar store at University Mall in Carbondale (IL) and our online store, www.MyFavToys.com, still have a limited supply in stock. So, quick, while the summer swim season is at its peak, you can be the

"Is It A Bag Or A Backpack?"

2009-07-15T17:17:00.000-07:00

Jake (above) doesn't care what you call it! What's important is that the My Favorite Toys Reusable Bag is large enough to hold the Thomas Wooden Railway Rolling Gantry Crane that Jake purchased today with his birthday money!The bright "green" bags are turning up in lots of places since we introduced them on Earth Day this year. In fact, two southern Illinoisans connected on vacation at Myrtle

It's Getting Easier To Be Green!

2009-07-09T12:25:00.000-07:00

Kermit the Frog will be happy to hear the news --- it's getting easier to be green!At My Favorite Toys, our brick and mortar store at University Mall in Carbondale, IL, and at www.MyFavToys.com, we're working with manufacturers to offer "green" products to our customers.In fact, Playthings Magazine reports this week that an environmental labeling group, EcoLogo, is developing a program for

Playing With Your Kids When (Shhh!) You'd Rather Not

2009-07-08T16:48:00.000-07:00

Parents want to be more than just parents. We want to be good parents—and by “good”, we mean exemplary. That’s why we try so hard to get it right. We cuddle up with the kids as often as possible to read a bedtime story. We work to strike a balance between predictable family routines that anchor our children and unstructured time that gives them space to test their creativity. For us, parenting

More Sales, More Friends For www.MyFavToys.com and My Favorite Toys!

2009-07-02T11:26:00.000-07:00

So yesterday's Wall Street Journal reports continued handwringing by major retailers about upcoming back-to-school sales and prospects for the remainder of 2009. The article reports that "Some chains have cut inventory as much as 20%, compared to previous years' levels."Not so at My Favorite Toys and www.MyFavToys.com! Our sales are up in excess of 7% for the first six months of 2009, and

2009-06-30T17:43:00.001-07:00

Who would have thunk it? Metallica and Pink Floyd as lullabies, soothing your newborn to sleep?Yup, www.MyFavToys.com, our online store and My Favorite Toys, our brick-and-mortar store at University Mall in Carbondale, IL, have teamed up with New Sounds, Inc. to offer the Rockabye Baby! series. These CDs transform timeless rock songs into beautiful instrumental lullabies. The soothing sounds of

More Zaniness From My Favorite Toys And Hogwild Toys!

2009-06-29T11:37:00.000-07:00

If you've visited My Favorite Toys, our brick-and-mortar store at University Mall in Carbondale, Il, or www.MyFavToys.com, you know we're nuts about the Benders and other goofy products from Hogwild Toys!So perhaps you can understand our happy dance over today's news that six new Hogwild products are coming later this year, including two new Benders. (If you are not yet a Bender zealot, they are

(More than) Halfway To You Know What!

2009-06-27T18:02:00.000-07:00

We know, we know, this may be the last thing you want to hear (depending on your age!), but, yup, we're halfway to Christmas and Hanukkah! Good old St. Nick made his first pass for the year through My Favorite Toys the other day to talk to us about his upcoming plans.He left town qucikly however, inasmuch the heat index in southern Illinois was somewhere past 105-degrees! Santa said he'd be

Jigsaw Puzzles Are Great Developmental Projects (And They're On Sale!)

2009-06-27T11:28:00.000-07:00

Many educators today agree that the skills needed to complete a jigsaw puzzle are fundamental. The humble jigsaw puzzle can help stimulate your child's concentration and logical thinking processes. Jigsaw puzzles can teach reasoning and problem solving skills as well as hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness.At My Favorite Toys and www.MyFavToys.com, we're partnering with Melissa and Doug

My Favorite Toys and www.MyFavToys.com Partner With Melissa and Doug

2009-06-25T16:57:00.000-07:00

My Favorite Toys, our brick and mortar store at University Mall in Carbondale, IL, and www.MyFavToys.com, our online store, enjoy a strong partnership with Melissa and Doug. Offering quality wooden toys, puzzles, puppets, train sets, arts and crafts, dollhouses, and much more, Melissa and Doug is clearly a leader in the specialty toys market. Among the most popular Melissa and Doug products at

It's Bikini Bender Time At My Favorite Toys!

2009-06-09T18:17:00.000-07:00

If it's June it must be Bikini Bender season! Yup, My Favorite Toys, our bricks and mortar store at University Mall in Carbondale , IL, and www.MyFavToys.com, our online store, have teamed up again with Hogwild Toys, those goofy, creative folks from Portland, to offer a series of four Bikini Benders, each with a folding beach chair PLUS a personal accessory. Britney, pictured above, has a boom

Bananagrams For You!

2009-06-04T17:43:00.000-07:00

If you like Scrabble, but get dragged down by Slow Jack (who takes 15-20 minutes for each turn) or Johnny Dictionary (who has to look up just one more word) then you will love Bananagrams. Bananagrams gets its name from the banana-shaped bag that holds the tiles and makes it so easy to take wherever you go. This easy, on-the-go feature can fill your children's time in the car, while waiting in

What A Child Learns By Giving.....and Receiving

2009-06-01T10:13:00.000-07:00

One of best parts of owning a specialty toy store like My Favorite Toys at University Mall in Carbondale (IL) is the role we play in birthday gifts --- families rushing in on the way to a birthday party looking for help in selecting a present; grandparents needing a gift to ship to the grandkids on the other side of the country; parents selecting small items for the birthday party goody bags, etc

Does Your Ice Cream Cone Have a Motor?

2009-05-30T15:40:00.000-07:00

It's time for ice cream! Nothing like scooping up a double-dip cone of mint chocolate chip, heading outside, then working the cone frantically (and usually unsuccessfully) to catch the drips. It's terrible! Why, you can get carpal tunnel from twisting your wrist every which way turning that cone!Well, dear blog reader, fear no more! The My Favorite Toys Morotized Ice Cream Cone is here. It

.......And Then There Was One

2009-05-29T07:16:00.000-07:00

Upon entering FAO Schwarz's Manhattan store, the iconic wonderland of specialty toys, you are greeted by a 3-story clock tower singing "Welcome to Our World of Toys. The adventure is about to begin."Well, maybe now you'll have to fight your way past the goofy-looking Geoffrey the giraffe, because the magical adventure of the oldest toy retailer in the country is about to change for the worse.

Teaching Your Little "Free Spirits"

2009-05-28T13:48:00.000-07:00

To paraphrase Neil Sedaka, "Growing Up Is Hard To Do!" My Favorite Toys, our brick and mortar store at University Mall in Carbondale (IL) and www.MyFavToys.com, our online store, have teamed up with Free Spirit Publishing to offer books from the Toddler Tools Series.As parents of toddlers in years gone by, we've always respected the Free Spirit folks as a leading publisher of learning tools that

Zing! New Summer Fun At www.MyFavToys.com and My Favorite Toys!

2009-05-27T13:45:00.000-07:00

Zing Toys has arrived at My Favorite Toys, our University Mall store in Carbondale, IL and at www.MyFavToys.com, our online store. Try the Zartz Fun Pack --- an "Urban Dart" with two hand darts for two-person play. It's pictured above.Or how about the Sporteez, a sports version of the original Zeebeez pop ups. Check it out in this video:

The Flingshot Monkeys Are Back!

2009-05-24T11:14:00.000-07:00

One of our most fun and popular items the past year has been the amazing, screaming Flingshot Monkey. Kids and adults alike have furiously bought up these guys. You place your fingers in the monkey's paws as shown above, pull on his tail, and the monkey goes flying across the room, emiting an attention-getting screeching scream!After a dry spell of no available inventory, the monkeys are back!.

Melissa and Doug Floor Puzzle Sale at www.MyFavToys.com and My Favorite Toys at University Mall!

2009-05-23T17:56:00.000-07:00

That's Right! Even though our everyday price on Melissa and Doug's award-winning line of floor puzzles is discounted from the manufacturer's suggested retail price, during June we are running a "Buy Two, Get One Free" Sale on ALL Melissa and Doug floor puzzles!We've stocked up on these great puzzles, such as the two below, in anticipation of this sale, but they won't last long. So come visit us

It's VBS Season!

2009-05-23T17:01:00.000-07:00

Directors and teachers throughout southern Illinois and across the country are gathering supplies for Vacation Bible/Church School!Several VBS themes offered by the church-related publishing houses this year focus on camping, hiking, safaris, crocodiles and boomerangs! Group's "Crocodile Dock" screams for crocodile puppets, figures, and plush animals to augment the theme. We have Folkmanis

My Favorite Toy's New Spring Line ----Sunny Patch From Melissa and Doug!

2009-04-18T16:55:00.000-07:00

My Favorite Toys at University Mall in Carbondale, IL, is pleased to announce the new Melissa and Doug line, Sunny Patch Products. This is a delightful, colorful series of spring gardening tools, boots, raincoats, umbrellas, playground balls, and sprinklers.The items just hit our shelves today, so they are not yet on the http://www.myfavtoys.com/ website, but if you're in southern Illinois, we

Earth Day (Earth Week, even) At My Favorite Toys!

2009-04-15T17:13:00.001-07:00

April 22 is Earth Day, and we at My Favorite Toys and www.MyFavToys.com do celebrate our earth! We use recyclable paper and plastic bags for our brick and mortar store customers, and we re-use the cardboard boxes shipped to us by manufacturers for our on-line customers. Of course, we recycle all other paper and cardboard through our local community recycling program. Now we are offering our

Kite Day At Giant City School!

2009-04-08T07:12:00.000-07:00

The winds of April were certainly blowing in Carbondale last week! Perfect for kite flying! Pam Lindsey's second grade class at Giant City School took advantage of the brisk winds for its annual Kite Day. Mrs. Lindsey's class has been studying kite dynamics, and the Kite Day was the culmination of their study. As you can see above, it was a great success!So what are some hints for successful

Fea Bea Is Here!

2009-04-06T10:07:00.000-07:00

Fea Bea, the newest Uglydoll, has arrived at http://www.myfavtoys.com/ and My Favorite Toys, our brick and mortar store at University Mall in Carbondale, IL! Actually Fea Bea is an Ugly Stick, the perfect sidekick to have with you at all times in the Uglyverse. Fea Bea is the ultimate good luck charm and comes in either yellow or blue. If you are one of our zealous Uglydoll fans, Fea Bea is a "

My Name Piggy Banks Are At My Favorite Toys!

2009-03-25T18:16:00.000-07:00

At the very top of our best seller list at My Favorite Toys at University Mall in Carbondale IL have been the "My Name" products from the John Hinde Company. First the personalized mugs and then the sippy cups...... ....and today we welcome the My Name Piggy Banks! You can choose from 104 popular names and eight other images or phrases. Here's a great way to give your young saver a motivation for

Uglydoll Trunko - Freaking Out For Spring!

2009-03-21T08:22:00.000-07:00

At our online store, www.MyFavToys.com/ and at My Favorite Toys, our brick and mortar store at University Mall in Carbondale, IL, the Uglydolls plush characters are a big deal. One of the newest in the Uglydoll line is Trunko, who boasts a fairly calm-looking, spring-like hue. But all Uglydolls have their own unique persoanlity, and Trunko is anything but calm! Plainly speaking, Trunko is over

Some Comments About Toy Safety

2009-03-19T18:11:00.000-07:00

Much, much, much has been written and discussed about toy safety during the past year. On February 10, new federal legislation went into effect regarding lead and phthalates in toy products intended for children under the age of twelve. In August, even tougher standards kick in. As independent businesses, http://www.myfavtoys.com/ and My Favorite Toys at University Mall in Carbondale, IL strongly

MyFavToys.com - Your Best Benders Site!

2009-03-18T17:50:00.000-07:00

Those charming wire, magnetic goofy characters known as the Benders seem to be taking over http://www.myfavtoys.com/ and My Favorite Toys, our brick and mortar store at University Mall in Carbondale, IL! We've blogged about these guys before and many of our customers know them well, including the newer introductions such as the Bender Cheerleaders --- Hailey, Ashley, Debbi and Will --- and the

My Favorite Toys In Carbondale Welcomes School Zone Publications

2009-03-10T15:47:00.000-07:00

One of our "finds" during our annual trek to the International Toy Fair in New York during February was the School Zone Publishing Company. A goal during 2009 is to expand further our selections of educational toys and other materials. Learning Zone offers activity books for pre-schoolers through early elementary students in math, reading, manuscript writing, and pre-school basics, as well as

Goodbye Hello Kitty At My Favorite Toys - Final Clearance!

2009-03-07T09:56:00.000-08:00

We've decided to discontinue the Hello Kitty section at My Favorite Toys. A very popular line of products will take its place this spring, but for now it's Hello Kitty Clearance time. All Hello Kitty item are 60% off while it lasts!So if you are a Hello Kitty fan, come see us...because it's Goodbye Kitty soon!

New Birthday Registry Program At My Favorite Toys In Carbondale

2009-03-03T10:49:00.000-08:00

Our new Birthday Registry Program at My Favorite Toys in Carbondale makes birthday party shopping easier! With busy schedules we know that gift shopping for the weekend birthday party sometimes gets delayed until the last minute! So help your guests by letting your child visit our store in advance, complete a "birthday wish list," and leave it with us. Then note on the party invitation that

Easter Items Are Here....and it's "Good Living In Southern Illinois!"

2009-02-27T12:40:00.000-08:00

Yup, February is almost history, Mardi Gras is gone.....and Easter items have hopped onto the shelves at My Favorite Toys and onto the pages of http://www.myfavtoys.com/. We have a wonderful selection of bunny puppets from Folkmanis and lots of goodies for Easter baskets.The above advertisement appears in the spring edition of a new magazine, Good Living In Southern Illinois, which we're happy

New Folkmanis Puppets Have Arrived!

2009-02-26T07:04:00.000-08:00

Yes, it's true. At our Carbondale My Favorite Toys store and at our online store, www.MyFavToys.com, you can still kiss a frog and get a prince! Here's one of our 2009 puppets from those creative puppet designers at Folkmanis, the world's best puppet manufacturers. The puppet starts out as a frog, then after a smackaroo on the cheek, can be reversed into the charming (and very cute, don't you

OK, We're Back!

2009-02-22T19:53:00.000-08:00

Our colleagues advised us when we set up our blog last August, "Make sure you have time to post often enough to make your blog effective. A very large percentage of well-intentioned newbies fall off the face of blogsphere before they really get started."Oops.So here we are, committed to try again.Actually great things are happening in the My Favorite Toys (and www.MyFavToys.com) world, such as:

And Now Meet "Big Mac" McCain and "BamBam" Obama!

2008-10-03T18:13:00.000-07:00

Need a little stress relief from all the flip flopping promises? Then go a few rounds with our Presidential hopefuls. It's a Bop-O-Rama for the ages, or at least for the new four weeks! Our guys take the punch but never stay down!These bop-ables are waiting for you at My Favorite Toys in University Mall, Carbondale IL, or online at http://www.myfavtoys.com/.

Presidentialelectionitis? We've Got The Cure!

2008-09-17T20:43:00.000-07:00

Enter the My Favorite Toys Obama and McCain Paper Dolls. Yes, we think it's time to turn off the TV talking heads and have a little fun with Election '08! That would be Barrack on the left (naturally) and John appropriately on the right. The books feature cut-out dolls of the Senators and their families, with both formal and casual dress, including the outfits worn by the Obamas on the day

Stocking Up For The Holidays

2008-09-16T20:14:00.000-07:00

We know, most likely you don't want to hear that there are 97 shopping days left until you-know-what. But as toy retailers, now begins our crazy busy time! Yesterday morning, we were excited to get our first Holiday season shipment, this one from the Toysmith Company, which supplies many of our stocking stuffers, pretend cooking sets, trucks, and bouncy balls.Trouble was, the ambitious packing

Play --- An Important Part Of Learning

2008-09-09T18:00:00.001-07:00

As the kids settle in to a new school year, it's good to remember that play is an important part of the educational process! There are fun, even exciting, ways to help our children exercise their brains and support classroom objectives. Fortunately, specialty toy manufacturers are introducing delightful toys, games and activity sets that help students have fun, acquire

The Cheerleader Benders Are Finally Here!

2008-09-06T08:06:00.000-07:00

For our Hogwild Benders fans across the country, and just in time for football season, the Bender Cheerleaders have hit the field!That's Ashley on the right, and she's joined by Debbi (left), Hailey and, in a nod to the guys, Will! These high-spirited Benders carry a megaphone or pom-poms, and come in a megaphone tin (where they rest at night after a day of jumps and yells).They sell on http://

More Important Than Toys?

2008-09-04T13:38:00.000-07:00

As much as we live and breathe our toys, games and puzzles, yes, there are some things in life a bit more urgent....and this week one if those things has been the weather.Today, our friends in New Orleans are heading back home, even as the southeastern part of the U. S. prepares for the next storm, As always in a time of need, we are impressed with the outpouring of volunteerism and monetary aid