Kid's Center, Tucson - the Anti-Big-Box

Every time I come to Tucson, which is at least once or twice a year, I discover a new treasure. Sometimes, I re-discover a place I've known about since I was a teenager growing up here. A place I've loved, not since I was young, but since my son was a toddler, is called Kid's Center. This is a magical little toy store where we used to go to get parts for his Brio train set. Now, I guess, you can get them at Target, maybe even Walmart, but they used to be found only at higher-end toy shops because they were high-quality wooden trains and tracks from Sweden; these days, the company seems to have gone mega-corporate.

Anyway, I hesitate to mention those two evil big-box stores, Walmart and Target, because they don't belong anywhere near a sincerity blog. Especially when this particular blog post is about is about one of the most charming, sincere, mom and pop stores I know of in Tucson. I stopped by there today, six days before Christmas, to look for things that were on my niece and nephew's Christmas lists. I remember the year I did go to Target in Queens, NY to find things on their lists, and came out nearly sobbing with frustration and disgust. I've never set foot in one again. What a different experience today! I called ahead to find out if they had Sea-Monkeys and Art Kits, which of course they did, and not only was each item well under twenty bucks, but the art kit was %20 off today only. The lady in the store guided me to the higher quality kits, still only $16, and then I had fun picking out adorable and unique stocking stuffers that you wouldn't find anywhere else.

At Kid's Center they gift wrap for free, their toys are mostly educational or at least well-made, and the ladies who work there know exactly what they have and for which age kids, and are super-friendly. They also have a great selection of children's books. As I breezed by Walmart on my way home from successfully accomplishing my Christmas shopping for the kids, I stuck my tongue out at it and all the suckers slogging their way through that made-in-China, small town-killing nightmare. Do yourselves a favor people, find those sincere, local gems in your own towns and give them a chance again.

Kid's Center
1725 N. Swan Rd.
Tucson, AZ 85712
520-322-KIDS

www.e-KidsCenter.com

Fraser's Trading Post - online

Yes, I admit it! I did swipe the images from their site, and though I looked for a photo of the actual location, I did not find anything verifiable. Nevertheless, this is the place Georgina and I purchased last year's Christmas exchange for one another. So what does everyone need and want more than anything else during cold winter days and nights? Why, warm slippers of course! I have to say, I'm wearing mine right this minute on a brick floor in my office, and my feet are warm and toasty.

Hallelujah!

Their website is not very sophisticated. It shows that they accept PayPal and various credit cards, but there's no shopping cart! You actually have to email or, horror of horrors, call them and talk to a real living human being to place an order. I chose to call, and spoke with a very nice woman who inquired if I would like to have the packages gift wrapped. I said sure and waited for the additional charge... there was none. Both Georgina and I agree: these are the best slippers we've ever had.

If you live on the East Coast, you're buying a locally made product. No sweat shops. No children's fingers in jeopardy. No trendy logos. Just slippers that every one who sees them wants to own.
http://www.frasersfur.com  Now you know.

 Evaluation: Very sincere

Fraser's Trading Post
Toll Free 1-877-746-3938
Phone: (207) 746-3938
E-mail: sales@frasersfur.com

Reward: for the return of the Christmas Lights of 30th Ave - Astoria, NY

Have you seen Steinway Blvd. in Astoria, Queens this year? It's all decked out in a brand new array of glittering orbs, putting throngs of dedicated shoppers into the financially correct Christmas spirit. Music blares from strategically placed speakers, and a world of high end shops warmly welcomes anyone with plenty of cash in their pocket.

Message? Merry Chri$tma$ to one and some?

Am I the only one who remembers last year and the year before when there were other areas of Astoria where pretty light display swags were installed for the wonderment of children and adults, rich and poor alike? Those lights were of the twinkling white variety, and they gracefully lined every other lamp post along opposite sides of the larger streets.

Something has changed this year. Things are different now. There are random nasty ol' lights strung up, looking left over from the Great Depression. What sort of message is being delivered to the citizens of Astoria? If you're not shopping on Steinway you don't need real Christmas lights? Can anybody explain to me exactly what "SEASON6 ylFIdGS" means? Is it a secret code telling everyone if they really want to see lights they'll need to take their chances on Steinway, or wander down into the lower East Side where there are currently displays of light swags strangely similar those used to grace our streets?

Let me just say this: $EA$ON6 ylFIdGS and Merry Chri$tma$ to all. And to all a  good night! 

Evaluation: You need to ask? Really?