In the absence of in-person shoppers, some local retailers are finding resourceful ways to stay afloat. Kidstructive Fun, a toy store with branches at the University Mall in South Burlington and in Plattsburgh, N.Y., is offering customized treasure boxes for kids. Parents can select a theme, age range and size for the box online. Then, the store’s personal shoppers will pack it with an array of items, from craft kits to Matchbox cars. Easter basket-themed boxes are also available. The new offering is “an effort to help parents provide fun activities for their kids to do while everyone is staying at home,” said store owner Mary Raiche. “It’s always exciting to receive something new, and we try to pack every box with lots of play value for many hours of fun.” Other local stores — including Turner Toys & Hobbies in Essex Junction, Phoenix Books in Essex Junction and Burlington, Homeport and Common Deer in Burlington, Jamie Two Coats’ Toy Shop in Shelburne, and Woodbury Mountain Toys in Montpelier — are also offering online or phone ordering and curbside pickup or delivery. It’s a good thing, too; families will be looking for puzzles, games and outdoor toys to provide both amusement and distraction in the days ahead.
Find Kidstructive Fun’s treasure boxes at kidstructivefuntoys.com. Delivery in Chittenden County is available for $5, or pick up curbside at the South Burlington store. Contact Mary Raiche at mary@kidstructivefun.com or 495-5916 for more information.
This article was originally published in Seven Days’ monthly parenting magazine, Kids VT.
This article appears in Kids VT, April 2020.
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