LEWES, Del.- There are toys. And then, there are the right toys.
The American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA) is a national non-profit organization who focuses on assisting local toy stores with their operations. Each year on the second Saturday in November, they encourage people to visit their local toy stores when making holiday gift purchases.
As much as we are fixated on online services like Amazon or big box stores like Walmart or Target, ASTRA Interim President Sue Warfield says there are benefits of buying toys from a local toy store instead.
"Making sure to go to some place that can help you with your toy selections as well as people that curate," Warfield said. "These are people who own toy stores that give back to their communities and they pay close attention to the products they bring in. And so, they know what is safe. They know what is age appropriate."
To celebrate Neighborhood Toy Store Day this year, Kids' Ketch in Lewes is giving twenty percent of proceeds to Marine Toys for Tots in Sussex County. They are also showcasing the best toys for kids of 2020 voted by ASTRA.
Kids' Ketch has been serving the city for thirty years. Owner Lori Smyth and her team are excited to be a part of the experience that visitors enjoy.
"It really just is more of a destination when you come in the store and we want to share with you the knowledge we have about the toys," Smyth said. "There is something for everyone here. So, we can help you find just what you are looking for.
Making kids’ days extra special by finding the best toys for them.