Toy Kingdom launches two new stores in South Africa

Little Miss had a blast on Friday afternoon when we attended the Toy Kingdom launch in Sandton City.

There was much excitement as the pressure was building after the store was opened only an half hour later than the 4 pm time stipulated. The children were peeking through the windows where the papers were being torn down... (It must have been on purpose?? ;-)

Luckily there was lots of characters and a magician to keep the kids entertained and excited.

A photo op with Barbie

The Toad from Toy Kingdom 

The magician "thinking"

Little Miss hiding her chosen colour, but he guessed it right!

Once inside, it was very difficult to focus for a Little Miss, but we finally agreed on a water gun and a special Lights Lego set. I also bought one for a friend's birthday. And some of those magic balloons that fascinates all the children!

A second photo op with Barbie,
 because how many times do you get to meet Barbie in person?

The Cresta Toy Kingdom Store also launched on Saturday.

It's a great place to do birthdays and Christmas shopping, especially since they have many specials going at the moment!

All Toy Kingdom stores nationally, offer toy ranges that are not stocked by other main stream toy retailers, such as HAPE, SYMA, JD Bug, Maui & Sons, Ballipo and Squigz  and of course the firm favourites such as LEGO, Barbie, Hot Wheels and Star Wars figurines are streamlined across the shelves. The Magic Tree is also a much loved meeting point and can be found in most of the stores together with a stack of soft toys and activities close by.  

“What sets us apart from other toys stores is our unrivaled offering of quality toys, beautifully laid out stores designed around the concept of play and friendly and knowledgeable staff,” says David Tredinnick, CEO of Toy Kingdom. “We are extremely excited to now have a footprint in Johannesburg and to be able to bring the unique Toy Kingdom experience to children and families there.” 

Disclaimer: We got a gift bag (see above) with a R200 gift voucher to spend on Friday.

27 Boxes

 

Shipping containers turned into a shopping experience at 27 Boxes in Melville, Johannesburg.

We had only one hour during lunch-time on Friday to check it out!
There is the cutest little shops with gifts, and clothes, and food...

"Stadstal" (city stall)

In a quaint coffee shop

Croissant at the coffee shop which name I did not get

What a lovely edition to Melville, the and I especially like the extra parking that has been created!

I will be back!

Artist Tracy Paul adds some whimsy at Macaroon

The online stationary boutique, Macaroon, launched a new series yesterday. They collaborated with Tracy Paul, well-known for her enchanting and whimsical sketches of African animals.

Tracy Paul for Macaroon - launch in Greenside

Macaroon note books and tags and cards, with Tracy Paul designs

Macaroon specialises in trademark invitations, journals, notepads, stationery sets, gift tag collections, classic bookplate stickers and vinyl products, which can all be personalized.

There is nothing as swoon-worthy as a stationary store, and you cannot walk out of this store without buying something for yourself, or as a gift to someone...

THIS is how I imagine Heaven to be!

Bloggers and journalists at the launch 

Tracy Paul thanking Macaroon for making one of her dreams come true!

Champagne, cake and strawberries

The giraffe with the beautiful quote by Roald Dahl:

"And above all
watch with glittering eyes
the whole world around you
because the greatest secrets
are always hidden
in the most unlikely places"

(I am going back for this!)

A box labelled "special delivery" with
"whimsical wishes" note cards
(For a present! Not for me!
Next time...)

Thanks Macaroon!

Warning: 
It is expensive! And you will buy something!

Wordless Wednesday #124 - The Bear shop? Hands behind back

Things to consider when shopping with a toddler

Arnia and I set off with the toddler last Friday evening to do a bit of sale shopping. Bad idea!
Things to consider when shopping with a toddler:
- The toddler is not happy strapped in a stroller;
- The toddler wants to walk around, not necessarily in your vicinity;
- You can’t look at sale things when you have to check where the toddler is;
- The toddler love to unpack sale things. It takes you much longer to put it back again;
- The toddler gets hungry and thirsty within half an hour after arriving at the shops;
- The toddler picks up things, and if you don’t spot it immediately, it finds its way into her mouth;
- The toddler is not eye level height, and other sale shoppers tend to fall over her;
- You get the “Oh, cute” comments, but also frowns from other shoppers;
- Bags can’t be hooked on the stroller when the toddler is not in it – it topples and breaks and spills (bath oil in our case) all over the floor;
- You have to take turns to look at the sale and to go and fit clothes;
- The toddler does not want to stand/sit in the queue with you;
- You can’t take your time looking at the sale.

Next time we will take her dad with us to keep an eye on her, or better, leave her with her dad!
The things you learn the hard way... (Grin!)