Creative Kidstuff050

Since 1982, parents, teachers, daycare providers - and kids, of course - have been enchanted by this bright, welcoming award-winning store.

Every Creative Kidstuff is full of appealing, innovative playthings, and is staffed by nicer-than-all-getout parents, teachers, and people who genuinely like kids. Playmobil, craft kits and art supplies, games and puzzles, wooden trains, infant toys and dress-up clothes, CDs and books - all get a lot of shelf space. And bins around the registers are brimming with fun stuff that's just begging to be tossed into a goody bag. Seasonal offerings change frequently, and summer can't come fast enough to try out the large selection of outdoor toys.

The staff is always ready with gift ideas for every age; the website offers the same, as well as easy ordering, and sale items not available in stores - though shoppers can now order online for pickup at a local store and save shipping fees. That service is not available - yet - for Creative Kidstuff's six-and-counting airport locations around the country. Alas, the fab gift wrapping - with its signature "foof" - is no longer free; pay $1/item in stores, $5.95/item online.

The store offers a few classes, and lots of special events. Drop by most Saturdays to make a free craft project. And trust us, you don't want to miss the annual July Clearance Sale. Those parents lining up outside the store at 6am? They know.