All About Angry Birds!

Earth Explorer Toys in Zionsville, INAlmost any parent with a smart phone has done it … downloaded the game Angry Birds. And chances are you have played this game very little, but your kids have mastered every level!

If you haven’t heard about it, this addictive and hilarious touch-screen game involves using a slingshot to launch birds (because they don’t have wings) at pigs that are sitting on or within various structures made of wood or ice. Aim the bird and send it flying. Earn points when the birds knock over the pigs and structures. Earn blank stares from the pigs when you don’t.

As you advance through the levels, different birds and pigs appear. There are red, blue, black and white birds. There are pigs wearing armor, pigs wearing helmets and of course, pigs wearing crowns.

Much to your kids’ delight, we have started carrying the plush toys featured in the Angry Birds game. They’re quite a hit with the kids!

We have several of the birds including the red Angry Bird and Angry Bird Big Bro. Plenty of the pigs are hanging out in our store too, like green pigs, including Grandpa Pig! All of the characters are plush and cuddly and make authentic sounds from the game.

We also have collectible erasers, which make great stocking stuffers.

Come on down and pick out a few of the Angry Birds plush toys while supplies last! Slingshot not included. :)

 

 

‘Elf-Made’ Holiday Traditions

Earth Explorers toy store in Zionsville, INThe holidays are a special time of year for kids and grown-ups alike and Elf Magic Elves make them even more so. How can your family not get into a festive spirit when an elf appointed by Santa himself “magically arrives” in your home after Thanksgiving? Upon arrival, an Elf Magic Elf will quickly become part of your family and unlike some visitors, bring everything they need with them to help enrich the holiday season. We like to think of Elf Magic Elves as a more interactive version of the popular “Elf on the Shelf”.

To get things started, children will need to write a letter to Santa asking him to reserve a special elf to visit and spend Christmas in your home. When the elf arrives, he or she will bring a poem that explains his or her visit. The elf also brings Magic North Pole Snowflakes, which your child will sprinkle on the elf each night to bring him or her to life. The snowflakes match the snowflake that’s been embroidered on the elf’s heart, which lets you know this is a true Elf Magic Elf.

While your child is sleeping, the elf will get into all kinds of “elfcapades” and will find a new place to hide each night so your child can play hide and seek the next morning.

Parents should not underestimate the power of elf magic. Elf Magic Elves not only help reinforce the true meaning of Christmas and family values, they also can report back to Santa so he can keep tabs on who’s been naughty and who’s been nice. :)

Come on down to Earth Explorer Toys to get your Elf Magic Elves. We’ll help you choose an elf, outfit them with accessories (including clothes and a reindeer!), and give you suggestions for ways an Elf Magic Elf can be part of your “elf-made” family traditions. We’re also happy to “ship” the elves for long distance customers. Have an a very “magical” Christmas!

 

Make a Plan for Your Holiday Shopping and Spending

Earth Explorer Toy store in Zionsville, INThe radio stations aren’t yet playing our holiday favorites ‘round the clock, but it’s just around the corner. Christmas shopping season is here!

If you haven’t done it already, it’s time to create a plan of attack so that you can: a.) Get (most) everything on your list; and b.) Snag some major deals.

Where to begin?

The List. Take the time to sit down and make a list of items you want to get for family and friends. It’s helpful to ask them what they like/need so you can spend your hard-earned money on something that they will actually use. Plus, you’ll save time if you shop for specific items, rather than waste precious time guessing what they might want and getting it wrong. If you’re shopping for kiddos, have them browse through our handy online Holiday Catalog. We also offer a gift registry to make gift giving easy.

The Budget. Some of you may have been socking away money all year and good for you! It’s not too late to put a little money in a savings account to pay for holiday expenses. Most banks and credit unions offer a Christmas Club account, and some retailers do, too.

You’ll need to determine what your total budget is and what you’ll spend per child or per person. Here’s the hard part: Stick to it. It may help you stick to the budget if you track your purchases and subtract the dollar amount from your budget.

Some experts recommend making purchases with cash. Take into the store only the dollar amount you planned to spend on a certain person/people. When that amount runs out, shopping is over. Along the same lines, you should use your debit card rather than a credit card.

Tricks of the Trade. A few other tricks of the trade include shopping early to avoid crowds, find the best selection and escape the stress of last minute shopping. You should also search your local paper or the Internet for coupons and sales. Check store calendars for special offers, too. For example, Nov. 18 Earth Explorer Toys is hosting an “Evening with the Elves” where the whole store is 20% off from 5-10 p.m.

Many stores also offer gift wrapping services (we do!). This is helpful in many ways. You not only won’t have to wrap the gift when you get home, you also won’t have bags of unwrapped gifts in the trunk of your car for your little Christmas darlings to see.

We hope these tips help you get started on your holiday shopping adventure and we hope to see you soon!