toyland, toyland

What better place to start my #bringitdowntown Christmas shopping spree than a toy store?  On Saturday night I headed to ThinkPlay and Endeavours at 412 Queen Street for a private shopping party.  With a ticket to the after-hours event guests got refreshments, a discount on their purchases, gift-wrapping and lots of good cheer!  And who wouldn't want to wander around a locked toy store after hours?
 
"A local real estate agent actually asked us about the idea so we hosted a private shopping party for her and her clients and it was a great success.  So we actually expanded that a few years ago to other groups.  When we were doing our Christmas planning Angela and I said, 'why don't we try this again and why don't we open it up to all of our customers who might be interested?'" explains owner Luke Randall.

When Luke first opened ThinkPlay in 2004 I joked that it was my childhood dream to have a friend who owned a toy store.  The shelves are always stocked with the most creative, silly and unique toys and games.  With new finds arriving regularly, every trip is sure to unearth new surprises guaranteed to make you nostalgic (Fraggles, Smurfs and old school card games) and make you laugh (someone on your list needs instant underpants or an inflatable turkey, admit it.)

 
Bridging the two stores together is the wonderful candy display.  Luke is just back from a major chocolate show in New York so keep an eye out for delicious new additions in the near future!

My dad is an artist so I always try to include something from Endeavours in his Christmas gifts.  And of course one of the many benefits of visiting the local downtown shops is the personal touch - Luke is always good at remembering what materials my dad is using at any given time!

Check out pendeavours.com for their online pen store!

With so much to choose from how did I spend my Downtown Fredericton dollars? I ended up choosing something that would help me bring the love to lots of my friends and family this year.   Luke always has beautifully designed boxed notecards.  So why not pick up my Christmas cards here?  We joke that he stocks Edward Gorey particularly with me in mind. They're nostalgic, quirky and very offbeat - right up my alley!

Check out ThinkPlay and Endeavours on BLACK FRIDAY

As part of Downtown Fredericton's Black Friday events, the shop will be opening bright and early at 6 a.m. with specials changing every two hours. 

6-8 a.m. - 40% off all Winsor Newton Brushes, Calico Critters and 4M Science and Craft Kits

8 a.m. - 10 a..m. - 405 off all Golden Mediums and ALL candy (Yum!)

10 a.m. - 12 p.m. - 40% off all Kroom Toys and Furniture and $25 off all easels over $100

12 p.m. - 2 p.m. - 30% off all Copic sets and Neo Pico sets and 25% off all Curious Chef products

2 p.m. - 4 p.m. - 30% off all Groovy Girls stuff and Winsor Newton Sets

Where to find them:

 the store: 412 queen st.

facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/endeavoursart or search "ThinkPlay Toystore"

twitter: @thinkartstuff