Just one town away from my home a new store popped up right next to our A & P. It’s called The Learning Express. As luck would have it it’s also right next door to a Carvel so now when I take my grand children out for ice cream we stop at The Learning Express This store is part of a chain that began in 1987 and now have ove 100 stores nationwide. It is geared away from the junk that so many toy stores carry and geared towards developmental growth and skills.
Yhe Learning Express is a toy oriented store in Allendale , N. J. This is not a large store but it is chock a block full of wonderful items. They carry wonderful wooden puzzles, wooden stools, adorable wooden push toys like a large ladybug ride on toy for $59.99. Think of those little plastic sit on ride on toys. What a difference the same premise made in solid wood makes. This is beautifully painted and will last through dozens of children. It has the potential to become an heirloom.The wheels on this allows it to turn in circles. It’s hand made. They have a gorgeous set of architectural like wooden blocks for children to play with that will last forever. Remember Lincoln Logs? They’re here as well.
The store is easy to navigate with areas divided by crafts, science, games, etc. It’s crammed full of stock so the aisles are tight. I would be very careful pushing a carraige through here and I don’t feel it’s wheelchair friendly just because the aisles are tight and you need to be able to turn a wheelchair around but it is wheelchair accessible.
Walking through this store is like being in FAO Schwartz only not as ovewhelming and much easier to access. It is in teh A & P SHopping center with lots of easy parking. The staff are very friendly and helpful and this store is owned by a local resident so you almost feel like you are just hanging out with a neighbor. The prices cover all ranges so you can pick up a cute little inexpensive “I’m thinking of you” toy or do some heavy Christmas, Holiday or Birthday shopping. The autograph pillow or doorbell are only $12.99 . Factor in their discount coupons and you can do very well shopping here. You should also keep your eyes peeled fo their bright yellow and red “special!” sign for reduced items.
They carry Crocs, Webkinz, Ty Beanie babies, Robeez footwearand teh adorable Waggie & Maggie Taggie toys. The Waggie & Maggie Taggie is a spin off of the oh so popular taggies blankies that were developed by a couple of Moms. They carry Ty, Klutz, Calico Cutters and WIld Planet .They carry the Rubik’s cube ,Cranium games, some Laser games, Rubiks, Mad libs and more. There are Robotics, Microscope set, Globes, illuminated ant farmsand Telescopes . They have a very nice selection for any age child. You can get an electric guitar and a soundmaster system and even the light show to go with all that. They do carry some plastic as well, plastic farms and barnyard, a huge rocket, Polly Pockets and Disney play sets. So, though the toys lean towards the educational they have some that are just plain fun.
There is a craft section, looms, mosaics, stained glass kits, weaving kits where you end up with an actual large purse, easels,clothing design kits, paint sets or spa science kit where you create your own gels, balms and masks. The Beauty kit has a tremendous amount of items , eye make up ,make up charts, shampoosand gels all for only $19.99. Considering what it would cost to buy gels, balms, shampoo and a mask this is a great price since you are also getting hours of fun.The clothing design kit has an actual mannequin, sketch book, sewing supplies and a design manual.
You can get personalized stationery for your child , a stool with your child’s name in letters that pop out and in in a puzzle form. You can have your child’s name hand painted on plastic drink cups and mugs. personalized toy buckets, piggy banks, lap trays or signs for their room. There are autograph pillows, sleep over bags and a that cute little doorbell that can be attached to any door frame. I thought that was so cute. You can certainly find something a child doesn’t have here.
What I also love about this store is their code system. Each toy is coded with signs indicating whether it’s for creative expression, learning skills, visual development, socialization, cognitive or problem solving, fine or gross motor skills and tactile development. This gives you a jump off point when you choose a toy so it will work for the age level of the child.
The other wonderful aspect of this little store is that it provides great service. They will gift wrap for free, you can sign you child up for the Birthday registry so that there is a list on file of what your little one really really wants or needs. They offer a rewards card for frequent shopper. They take credit cards, of course. They usually have a discount coupon in the local flyers. I love that you don’t have to fight the mall crowds, parking is a snap, there’s a huge parking lot outside, the staff is friendly and knowledgable and it’s just so convenient.
