Tacoma Christmas - Think of the Kids Dec. 13th
What about the kids? We’ve been showing you all these adult oriented shopping experiences in Tacoma that get you things like jewelry or furniture. Maybe you need something for your little ones, young cousin, niece, nephew, those kids you babysit… you get the idea. And maybe you want to be a good influence and get them something that is good for them (gasp!) and possibly educational (gasp! gasp!). Where would you go? To us, the first choice has to be the Learning Sprout.
It’s a cool store on Pacific Ave specializing in those toys, games, and books that will engage kids—enough you might even be able to pull them away from Halo 3. Really, how many places in town carry Anti-Monopoly, the game of fair rents and spirited (but well regulated) competition. If only we had that game as a kid…
We get lost in there. Childhood memories flood back. Trains on wood tracks. Chemistry sets. Puzzles that intrigued me when I was six and intrigue me still. Ahhh… toys. I don’t want to grow up!
(If you know an elementary school teacher, this might be a good place to check out as well.)
Learning Sprout
809 Pacific Avenue
(253) 274-0136
Monday – Friday 10am – 5pm
Saturday 10am – 5pm
7 comments
D Dave L. December 13, 2007
They have a great staff, and you can sign up for their once or twice-a-month Saturday Play-Days upstairs, where they have free activities for the parents to do with their kids, often centered around a holiday theme. And your child gets a birthday postcard which can be redeemed for a free toy from the treasure chest. (Teaching supplies upstairs, as you mentioned.) Who says downtown isn’t for kids and families? Don’t forget to check out the “Chihuly Paint Set” upstairs, haha!
J Jen December 13, 2007
I was just there yesterday picking out a present for a niece. Toys that I get for relatives at stores like this are always a favorite because they are different from your usual department store choices.
L Laura Hanan December 14, 2007
They have really cool stocking stuffers too. I always find great stuff for my kid and she’s 22 now!
Shop owner Rose is really a wonderful person and is a business owner that has hung tough through thick and thin – and always adapted her business to make it a success.
L Linda Gresham December 14, 2007
So glad that you have given this shop some recognition. We never fail to find the “favorite toy” for our grandchildren here. There are even some classic favorites—pull toys! games, and Curious George, for example. Plus gift wrap.
K KCS Properties December 14, 2007
I agree that this store is great. However, don’t go there with a child that is in diapers. My 8 1/2 month pregnant wife and our 22 month old son were shopping there yesterday. When he needed his diaper changed there was no changing table in the bathroom. How does a store like this not have a changing table? She had to take him out in the rain to change his diaper in the back of our Jeep. Like I said, good store but that seems like it would be a no brainer…
H heather December 15, 2007
I shopped Learning Sprout last weekend for my neice and ended up buying fun play toys for our fully grown friends. There is something for every budget. What a wonderful selection of toys you had, and toys you want!
D drizell December 16, 2007
Your mention must have spurred some interest. I shopped there yesterday (no, I am not a parent nor am I buying presents for anyone under the age of 15!) and the place was packed. The line for one of the two cash registers was about 10 minutes long.