Top toys selected for 2019 by Youth Advisory Board
Holiday shopping is about to get a little easier thanks to the 2019 Kidoodle Council.
Being a part of our Youth Advisory Board means getting an inside look at what it takes to run the Children’s Museum of South Dakota. And that includes our Museum gift shop, Play Central Toys & Books.
During our October meeting, the Kidoodle Council learned about the process of how items are selected to be sold in our gift shop. They saw the numerous toy catalogs and learned about the strategy involved in finding those perfect toys and books for our shoppers.
Our gift shop is unique in that we focus on displaying items that relate to the exhibits in our space. Prior to the interest in coding and technology toys, the only battery-powered toys found in our gift shop were for a cash register that matches the same one that guests use in the Market Fresh Grocery! Our goal in the gift shop is to provide high-quality items that are unique and fun.
After learning about our process, the council got an opportunity to explore the games and toys in the gift shop and select the ones that interested them the most. Because our gift shop carries items for children ranging from birth to 12 and beyond, our council was split into smaller groups, which were then given the task of finding the top toys for their assigned specific age range. Once the items were discussed and selected, the group presented their findings to the entire council and the Museum staff.
Council members also got hands-on with the games and toys and tested them firsthand. In doing so, we were able to capture quotes, feedback, and expert insight from our favorite shoppers!
If you are looking to get a head start on the holiday shopping season, our Kidoodle Council members have some great suggestions for you.
Still need some ideas for some small, yet fun toys?