In November ASTRA members celebrate an entire month of play advocacy by committing to participate in ASTRA’s Neighborhood Toy Store Month. This initiative is designed to provide great specials, in-store activities, and PR to drive traffic to our retail members and share the brilliant benefits of toys with the communities they serve.

Fall is for Neighborhood Toy Store Month!

It’s officially fall, and Neighborhood Toy Store Month (NTSM), one of our favorite ways to Engage, Elevate, and Promote our members, is nearly upon us! While parents prep for the gift-giving season, specialty stores are gearing up to provide the best service and products for the holiday rush. Despite big-box stores and online shopping still dominating the market, parents today look to support small businesses as much as possible, seeking out stores that align with their personal values. NTSM exists to celebrate these vibrant and essential small businesses as they play a crucial role in shaping our childhood, one memory at a time. Specialty toy stores offer a unique opportunity for parents and children alike to learn and grow through the power of play while shopping locally and contributing to their communities. Local toy stores aren't just places where families shop; they are centers of creativity, imagination, and learning.

This year we have over 200 ASTRA Member locations celebrating NTSM across the nation. From Seattle, WA to Ogunquit, ME, specialty toy stores have embodied this year’s Play Education theme, preparing to host inspirational and engaging in-store events that encourage their guests to embrace the educational power of play! This year’s theme highlights principles from both the ASTRA Certified Play Expert (CPE) program and the M.E.S.H. (Mental, Social, and Emotional Health) school of thought. Throughout November, participating stores will host events like puzzle activities, game days, scavenger hunts, or even story-telling time to uplift these principles and highlight the importance of play, no matter your age.

The celebration begins this NOVEMBER! Keep an eye on ASTRA’s social media channels to see all the exciting events and interactions our members will have during this year’s Neighborhood Toy Store Month.