I’m in no way opposed to screen time for kids. Between the educational apps, my kids play with on the iPad to the tradition I’ve carried on from my childhood of Friday pizza & movie nights—screen time can be valuable for education, family bonding, and of course, fun! That being said, our gift & toy buyer Kim and I are having a good time bringing in some new toys, games, and crafts lately.

New Vintage Toys

I found Roy Toy while browsing toy vendors online—think Lincoln Logs, but with squared edges vs. rounded pieces. They’re a 3rd generation family-owned company that produces all of its toys in Maine. They even made us a custom screen-printed bag with an old Oswald’s Pharmacy logo from the 1930s! It’s a Naperville souvenir and a toy. I of course had to bring a set home for the kids to ‘test’. They were big fans and it’s currently a part of their Playmobil/LEGO village.

Speaking of Playmobil & LEGO, we’ve been working with our account reps to bring in many of the new 2023 lines from both brands. This includes an exciting new nature-inspired line from Playmobil called Wiltopia—made from up to 80% recycled plastic. As LEGO continues to branch into adult-friendly kits (though can’t adults build any of them?) they’re coming out with Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark kits soon. I think I may have to get one of those… Are my kids at 5 and 6 old enough to watch the melting face scene? Maybe a little too soon, even if the special effects may be a little ‘camp’ today.

Dress-Up Toy Sets

To inspire playtime, we have some new dress-up kits Kim found from the company Great Pretenders out of Ontario, Canada. They have a ‘princess’ line of dresses featuring Snow White, Cinderella, and Belle. Combine one of those gowns kid’s stethoscope from Little Medical School and you’ve got yourself a doctor princess! Playtime is in full swing. We started carrying Great Pretenders in 2020 when they switched to manufacturing kids’ masks! With vaccines and the continual lowering of COVID-19 cases, we’re grateful, the company can focus on what they do best: creating toys inspiring kids to use their imaginations!

We also just received a large order from Creativity for Kids, which makes a fantastic line of STEAM-oriented activities. New arrivals include rock painting, origami, paper airplanes, clay, friendship bracelet kits, and so many more!

Easter Candy & Toys

With Easter just over a week away, we’ve got you covered for all your last-minute needs! From unique and allergy-friendly candy to your everyday classics like Peeps & Cadbury Eggs. Of course with all this talk of toys—we have no shortage of Easter Basket goodies. We’re also preparing our gift department for all things Mother’s Day. It’s not too soon to start planning for May 14th. Find the Moms in your life the perfect gift at Ozzie’s. Don’t forget to pick up any last-minute prescriptions or Easter items on Saturday the 8th, as we’ll be closed Easter Sunday. We’ll see you soon! ℞