How would you spend 40 bucks at TRU?

[MarisaSF]

I have a gift card that can only be used in store.

Any ideas for "good quality" (wood puzzles, perhaps?) ~12-month toys that I might find there? I don't know the store that well, but I think it has a small Imaginarium section. I've also seen LeapFrog stuff, but I don't know anything about the line except that it is popular. Would prefer non-battery-needing (aka "quiet") toys for 12 months+. We don't need any household things or equipment.

The TRU near us is dirty, disorganized, and generally manic. Maybe that is other TRUs? At any rate, I'd like to get in and out as quickly as possible.

Thanks!

[August Mom]

If you really don't like shopping there, I would probably buy value boxes of diapers and leave. There were $5 off in-store coupons for the boxes of diapers. 2 boxes and your money will be spent.

If you really want toys, you can get M&D wooden items there. I really like the M&D Magnetic Hide 'n Seek Doors, but that is probably a 15-18 month+ toy. It is marked for older than that, though. The M&D Magnetic Books are cool too. We have My First Book of Animals. Again, though, I think this is for older than 12 months. There are various other wooden knob puzzles available that would probably be more suitable for a 12 month old. In my store, this stuff is near the Thomas merchandise in the Imaginarium section.

You should avoid LeapFrog if you want non-battery items. I can't think of any LeapFrog item that doesn't require a battery.

[luvtoshop]

Our TRU has great Melissa & Doug puzzles. Just bought 2 yesterday for gifts--this way I could also give a gift receipt, etc...

[amp]

I would second the recommendation for Melissa & Doug toys. I just saw some puzzles and some of the picnic cutting food at TRU a week or so ago. They also have some books you can choose from. You could also just get diapers or something like that too.

[C99]

My son loves, loves, loves his little doll-sized umbrella stroller, which we bought at TRU. It was $10.

I also agree that if you don't want battery toys, Leapfrog would be a bad choice.

I don't think all TRUs are dirty and disorganized. My local one isn't, although I avoid the store for different reasons. :)

[MarisaSF]

Thanks so much all.
I didn't realize TRU had M&D! I will look... excellent. I guess I can get those older puzzles -- thanks for the specific recs. We're moving soon and I know I will lose the gift card, so I'd like to spend it.

[August Mom]

If you really want to buy ahead, I highy recommend the M&D Jigsaws in a Box. DS could do them around 2 years.

[egoldber]

I got these M&D unit blocks for DD at my TRU:

http://creativebrainsonline.com/melanddougst.html

Their list price at TRU is $40. She loves them. I gave them to her for her third birthday, but depending on the child, they could use them earlier.

Another thought would be Duplos. I recommend the large tub vs the small bucket:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0006H5ML4/qid=1109463708/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/102-9176660-7473727?v=glance&s=toys

Also, if you get the Duplos, I would highly recommend the base plates. They increase the fun immensely.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00000JIVS/ref=pd_sim_toys_4/102-9176660-7473727?v=glance&s=toys

HTH,

[papal]

Maybe somebody will buy the card from you for face value?
I recently traded a $100 gift card for TrU for a $120 gift card for Kinderhaus Toys (saw the listing on craigslist)... Kinderhaus Toys is a great little store in Arlington.. i was able to get a Nilo train table with just $40 out of my pocket. :)

[Momof3Labs]

Colin was playing with Thomas trains at 15 months - you could grab a couple of Thomas the Tank Engine trains or the Figure 8 Thomas set. Or a generic Imaginarium set - the farm one is popular here.

[DebbieJ]

Rashmi is on to something....

Check this out: www.cardavenue.com

~ deb
DS 12/03

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/10029.gif

[lisams]

We have Melissa and Doug Unit blocks that are a favorite. Puzzles are great too! I have to say DD loves her Little People farm. The LeapFrog stuff is okay but I like the way DD plays with the toys I mentioned above better.

Have fun shopping!
Lisa

[zen_bliss]

like the PPs, i'd pick out some melissa and doug items, or i'd get the 'imaginarium exclusive' version of the kidkraft kitchen appliances which are $35.99 each elsewhere. the TRU versions are made by Kidkraft and are each $19.99, but not all TRUs have them in stock.

the blender was a hit right away and is still DDs favorite. i gave it to her at 20 months.

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/22190.jpg http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/22192.jpg http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/22193.jpg http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/22194.jpg

here are the full price kidkraft versions to compare:

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/22195.jpg http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/22196.jpg http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/22197.jpg http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/22198.jpg

the colors are different and no banana with the blender, 2 rather than 4 cookies with the baking set, no bagel with the toaster.