Well, I’m getting back in the swing of things after 4 exciting days in the Big Apple for New York Toy Fair. Toy Fair is the single biggest event of the year for toy manufacturers and sellers from around the world: Over 1,200 toy manufacturers trying to convince almost 20,000 toy buyers (like me!) that their toy is the newest, hottest, coolest, must-have new product. Totally crazy. Lucky for you, you have me to weed through the junk for you! I was able to eliminate about 90% of the toys right off the bat. Batteries? No thanks. Licensed cartoon characters? Sorry, not even Elmo. Flimsy, almost-disposible plastic junk? Nope. 50th Anniversary Barbie doll with permanently molded high-heel feet, tattooed makeup, and bare midriff? Are you serious?
I did find some new products I can’t wait to bring in to Mom and Pop Place. In the next few weeks, watch for new craft kits, miniature toy animals, fair trade knit balls and dolls, toddler-friendly ball runs, stainless steel drinking bottles, and much more!
It was very exciting to be in New York for the first time. I wanted to see everything. For 4 days in the dead of winter, I think I did pretty good: Ground Zero, Central Park, Chinatown, Brooklyn Bridge, Harlem, Columbia University, Times Square, Rockefeller Center, Empire State Building, Greenwich Village, and all points in between. Throw in walking the 350,000 square feet of aisles at Toy Fair and my feet may never recover. I was solo on this trip. Hubby was home taking care of my boys (and a couple of nieces, but that’s a whole ‘nother story). I can’t wait to go back to NY with the whole family. The whole trip, I kept thinking “Solon would love that!” or “I wish Gage could see that!”. It was nice to get home.
Adria
Lisa said
My husband and I are planning a trip to NYC this summer with the kids (4 & 6). Do you have any recommendations of what we should see and do?
Our son has talked about going to NYC for the last 2.5 years! I don’t know where it came from but its not going away so we figured why not – it’ll be a great experience for all of us.
Thanks for any suggestions.
Lisa
aramos76 said
I loved just exploring the city. You can fill a whole week just wandering and soaking it all in. My first advice is to ride the subway. It’s the cheapest easiest way to get around. My boys would have LOVED it. It’s an adventure, and it’s very safe and easy. Wander around Chinatown and look at all street vendors. They have crazy seafood and produce for sale. It’s the most authentic Chinatown I’ve ever seen. Go to Central Park. There’s a zoo and bridges and playgrounds and lakes. You can walk around and take in the views of the expensive apartments all around the Park. I enjoyed the view from 30 Rockefeller Center. You could also do the Empire State Building, although I was there on Valentine’s Day and I’m not sure I could have handled all the marriage proposals going on all around me. I saw 2 that day without even going to the top of the Empire State. It’s expensive to go to the top ($20), but it was a cool view. Walk around Times Square at night. It’s gaudy and touristy, but the kids will love the lights and the action and the street performers. The Toys R Us in Times Square is huge and it has a Ferris Wheel! Visit the South Street Seaport. It has a cool view of old ships and the Brooklyn Bridge. You can walk across the Bridge too. My boys would have liked that.
My favorite thing was just walking arond an exploring the different neighborhoods. I was only in Manhattan, but I know Brooklyn has lots of kid-freindly stuff too.